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PLAB Exam Dates 2026: Complete 2026 Schedule for PLAB 1 & PLAB 2

PLAB Exam Dates 2026: Complete 2026 Schedule for PLAB 1 & PLAB 2

For international medical graduates dreaming of practising medicine in the United Kingdom, the PLAB route continues to be one of the most recognized pathways. While the UKMLA is gradually becoming the new national licensing assessment, many IMGs are still eligible to sit the PLAB exams in 2026. This makes it essential to understand the exact PLAB exam dates, booking deadlines, and preparation timelines for 2026 so you can plan your journey with confidence.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about PLAB exam dates in 2026, including confirmed dates, predicted exam windows, booking advice, and how to prepare strategically—especially as exam demand is rising and schedule availability is tightening.

Understanding the PLAB Exams in 2026

The PLAB pathway consists of two major components:

PLAB 1

A written, multiple-choice paper with 180 single-best-answer questions. It evaluates your ability to apply medical knowledge in a UK-based clinical context.

PLAB 2

A practical OSCE-style assessment held only in Manchester, UK. It tests communication, hands-on clinical skills, professionalism, and safe patient care.

Your goal is to demonstrate readiness to practise at an FY2 level under supervision.

Even with the introduction of the UKMLA, PLAB remains available for many IMGs throughout 2026—so planning early is vital.

PLAB 1 Exam Dates for 2026

The GMC releases some dates well in advance, while others become available closer to the exam year. So far, we have both confirmed and projected exam windows.

Confirmed PLAB 1 Dates (2026)

According to the GMC:

  • 12 February 2026
  • 21 May 2026

These are the official, scheduled dates, and results usually take around 4–6 weeks to be released.

Expected PLAB 1 Dates for 2026 (Based on Historical Patterns)

Traditionally, PLAB 1 is offered four times a year. Based on multi-year exam cycles, candidates can expect additional sittings around:

  • March 2026
  • June 2026
  • September 2026
  • November 2026

These are not yet officially confirmed, but they closely follow the GMC’s typical yearly scheduling pattern.

PLAB 1 Booking Rules for 2026

Booking eligibility requires:

  • A GMC Online account
  • Verified medical degree (or EPIC verification if applicable)
  • Valid IELTS/OET results
  • Approved identity documents

Seats fill rapidly—especially in high-demand regions like Pakistan, India, Egypt, UAE, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia.

Booking Deadlines

  • Overseas centers: close 6 weeks before the exam
  • UK centers: close 2 weeks before the exam

If you rely on overseas centers and book late, it’s common to lose your preferred city, so early action is important.

PLAB 2 Exam Dates for 2026

PLAB 2 operates differently from PLAB 1. Instead of fixed global exam days, PLAB 2:

  • Runs throughout the year
  • Is held only in Manchester
  • Is bookable only after passing PLAB 1
  • Offers rolling exam dates, sometimes months in advance

Many candidates underestimate how competitive PLAB 2 booking can be, especially during UKMLA transition years like 2026.

Expected PLAB 2 Slot Release Timeline in 2026

While official dates are visible only after logging into your GMC account, the release pattern usually follows this rhythm:

PLAB 2 Exam PeriodTypical Release Window
March–April 2026Nov–Dec 2025
June 2026Feb–Apr 2026
September 2026May–Jul 2026
November 2026Jul–Aug 2026

Because slots can disappear within minutes, preparation and fast booking are essential.

Priority Booking for UKFP 2026 Applicants

If you’re applying to the UK Foundation Programme 2026, the GMC may grant priority access to early PLAB 2 slots—as long as you apply before their specified deadline (often mid-January).

This ensures you have enough time to:

  • Sit PLAB 2
  • Receive results
  • Complete GMC registration
  • Begin Foundation training

Not all candidates qualify for priority booking, so always verify through your GMC Online account.

How to Plan Your PLAB Journey in 2026

With limited exam availability and increased demand, your strategy matters more than ever.

1. Finalize Documentation Early

The most common reason candidates miss exam dates is incomplete paperwork. Begin early and confirm:

  • Passport validity
  • Completion of EPIC verification
  • IELTS/OET scores
  • Medical degree approval
  • Updated GMC account information

2. Target Early-Year PLAB 1 Dates

Sitting the February or May exams provides several advantages:

  • Faster progression to PLAB 2
  • Better access to earlier PLAB 2 exam slots
  • More flexibility if retakes are needed
  • A comfortable timeline for UKFP or job applications

3. Use High-Yield, Exam-Focused Preparation Tools

General reading alone rarely prepares you effectively for PLAB. To excel, you need exam-style MCQs, scenario-focused learning, mock exams, and guideline-based explanations.

The most successful IMGs typically study using:

  • Large PLAB 1 question banks, like CanadaQBank – practice thousands of high-yield, exam-focused questions.
  • Timed practice exams – simulate real test conditions and improve time management.
  • Topic-based clinical reasoning practice – strengthen your understanding of key clinical scenarios.
  • Updated NICE guideline review – ensure your knowledge aligns with UK clinical standards.

With CanadaQBank, you get a complete, structured, and high-yield preparation experience, designed to boost your confidence and maximize your chances of passing PLAB on your first attempt. Start today and study smarter, not harder!

4. Book PLAB 2 Immediately Once Eligible

PLAB 2 seats are in high demand. Booking early gives you:

  • More date choices
  • More time to prepare
  • Lower travel costs
  • A smoother transition to GMC registration

5. Start OSCE-Style Preparation Early

PLAB 2 evaluates:

  • Communication
  • Clinical procedures
  • Ethical awareness
  • Decision-making in real-time
  • Safe patient interaction

OSCE practice—preferably through repeated case simulations—is the most reliable way to succeed.

Is 2026 a Good Year to Take PLAB?

In many ways, yes.

Although the UKMLA is taking over gradually, PLAB remains available through 2026. Many IMGs will still qualify for the PLAB route, making it a valuable opportunity.

Advantages of taking PLAB in 2026 include:

  • Established exam structure
  • Predictable scheduling patterns
  • Abundant preparation materials
  • Strong demand for IMGs in the NHS
  • Flexibility before complete UKMLA adoption

If you plan early, you can complete both exams and apply for GMC registration within the same year.

How CanadaQBank Helps You Succeed in PLAB 2026

Preparing for PLAB requires far more than reading notes or watching a few videos. Success depends on mastering exam-style questions, building accurate clinical reasoning, and being fully familiar with UK-based guidelines.

CanadaQBank is one of the leading platforms used by IMGs around the world for PLAB preparation.

CanadaQBank Helps You With:

✔ High-quality PLAB 1 MCQs written to match real exam difficulty
✔ Timed mock exams simulating the actual test environment
✔ PLAB 2 OSCE scenarios modeled on real clinical stations
✔ Detailed explanations that strengthen your clinical reasoning
✔ Performance analytics to track improvement
✔ Regular updates following GMC standards and UK guidelines

Thousands of IMGs have passed PLAB using CanadaQBank — and with proper preparation, you can be among them.

Start preparing today at CanadaQBank.com and take control of your PLAB 2026 journey.

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Ultimate Guide to the PLAB 1 Exam

The UK beckons—its hospitals alive with opportunity, diversity, and world-class clinical training. But before you can don your stethoscope and step into the NHS as an international medical graduate (IMG), one critical milestone stands in your way: PLAB 1.

PLAB 1 is not just an exam—it is your gateway into the UK medical system. Designed to assess whether you possess the knowledge and judgment expected of a doctor entering UK Foundation Training, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in your medical career.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about PLAB 1 in 2026, including exam format, eligibility, scoring, UK MLA alignment, and proven preparation strategies to help you succeed with confidence.

What Is PLAB 1? A Clear Overview

PLAB Part 1 is a computer-based written examination that tests your ability to apply medical knowledge to real-life clinical scenarios at the level of a UK Foundation Year 2 (FY2) doctor.

PLAB 1 Exam Format (2026)

  • 180 Best-of-Five MCQs
  • Single paper
  • 3 hours duration
  • Computer-based
  • Administered by the General Medical Council (GMC)

Important Update:
PLAB 1 no longer includes EMIs (Extended Matching Items). The exam consists entirely of best-of-five MCQs.

Each question presents a realistic clinical vignette requiring you to choose the most appropriate diagnosis, investigation, or management step.

Understanding the Question Style

PLAB 1 questions are clinically driven, not theory-heavy. Each vignette includes:

  • Patient demographics
  • Presenting complaint
  • Relevant medical and social history
  • Examination findings or investigation results

Your task is to make safe, practical, UK-appropriate clinical decisions. The exam rewards clarity, prioritisation, and adherence to NHS best practices—not obscure facts or specialist knowledge.

PLAB 1 Syllabus: What You’re Tested On

The PLAB 1 syllabus aligns with the UK Foundation Programme Curriculum and the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UK MLA) content map.

Core areas include:

  • General Medicine
  • General Surgery
  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology
  • Paediatrics
  • Psychiatry
  • General Practice
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Medical Ethics & Law
  • Patient Safety and Communication

The exam intentionally avoids specialist-level content. Focus on common, high-yield conditions and safe first-line management.

Eligibility for PLAB 1 (2026)

You are eligible for PLAB 1 if you:

  • Hold an acceptable Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
  • Meet the GMC’s good character and fitness to practise requirements
  • Have evidence of English language proficiency
  • Create and maintain a GMC Online account

Applications, document uploads, and exam bookings are all managed through GMC Online. Because verification can take several months, early preparation is strongly advised.

English Language Requirements

You must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:

  • IELTS Academic:
    • Overall score 5
    • Minimum 0 in each band
  • OET Medicine:
    • Minimum Grade B in all sections

If your medical degree was taught and examined entirely in English, limited exemptions may apply—always confirm directly with the GMC.

Booking the PLAB 1 Exam

Once your English language evidence is approved, you can book PLAB 1 through GMC Online.

  • PLAB 1 fee (2026): £255
  • Payment via international debit or credit card

PLAB 1 Exam Dates & Locations

PLAB 1 is held four times a year in the UK and internationally.

UK Test Centres Include:

  • London
  • Manchester
  • Birmingham
  • Edinburgh
  • Cardiff
  • Sheffield
  • Oxford
  • Belfast
  • Newcastle

International Test Centres:

  • Available in over 20 locations across 15+ countries

Booking windows usually open months in advance, and seats fill quickly—early booking is essential.

PLAB 1 Results & Passing Standard

  • Results are released approximately 6 weeks after the exam
  • Accessible via GMC Online
  • Each question carries 1 mark
  • The pass mark is set using the Angoff method

There is no fixed pass score, but candidates should generally aim for 60–65% accuracy to remain safely above the threshold.

PLAB 1 Pass Rate

PLAB 1 pass rates vary by sitting and candidate demographics. Historically, the average pass rate ranges between 65–70%.

Since the introduction of the UK MLA framework, quality assurance has increased, making structured preparation more important than ever.

Proven Strategies to Pass PLAB 1

1. Targeted Revision

Identify weak areas early using practice questions and revise strategically. Don’t abandon strengths—refine them.

2. Master Time Management

Plan a realistic study schedule. Learn to answer questions efficiently and avoid overthinking.

3. Practice Under Exam Conditions

Regular mock exams are essential. Platforms like CanadaQBank offer timed tests, analytics, and real exam-style questions.

4. Develop Mental Resilience

PLAB 1 preparation can be stressful. Build stress-management habits—exercise, breathing techniques, and adequate rest matter.

5. Use Multiple Learning Resources

Combine textbooks, question banks, videos, and notes to match your learning style.

6. Read Questions Carefully

Look for keywords, safety cues, and UK-specific management preferences.

7. Never Leave a Question Blank

Educated guesses improve your odds—there is no negative marking.

Tips for PLAB 1 Question Types

Best-of-Five MCQs

  • Read all options before choosing
  • Eliminate unsafe or irrelevant answers
  • Select the most appropriate option, not just a correct one

PLAB 1 in the UK MLA Era (2026)

The UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UK MLA) is now fully implemented. PLAB 1 continues to serve as the licensing route for International Medical Graduates, with its content and standard aligned to the MLA framework.

This means:

  • No major structural changes
  • Greater emphasis on patient safety and applied clinical reasoning
  • Your current PLAB-focused preparation remains fully valid

Final Words: Your Journey Beyond PLAB 1

Passing PLAB 1 is more than clearing an exam—it is the first step toward a fulfilling medical career in the UK. With structured preparation, smart resources, and disciplined practice, success is entirely achievable.

Stay updated, stay consistent, and approach the exam with confidence.

PLAB 1 Preparation with CanadaQBank

CanadaQBank supports PLAB aspirants with:

  • High-quality PLAB-style MCQs
  • Detailed explanations aligned with UK guidelines
  • Timed mock exams
  • Performance tracking and analytics
  • Updated content reflecting UK MLA standards

Prepare with confidence. Prepare with CanadaQBank.

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What to Do If You Fail the PLAB 1 Exam

PLAB 1 is an exam that must be taken before you can become a licensed doctor in the UK. So, it’s unsurprising that the exam is challenging, and sometimes people fail it. But just because you fail the exam doesn’t mean it’s over.

However, we know that experiencing failure, especially when it comes to an exam that is part of your goal and dream, can be really painful. You’ll probably hear comforting phrases like “You’ll be okay” or “Try hard next time” countless times. But it’s important to move beyond those words and explore your options after failing the PLAB exam.

That’s why in this article, we’ll delve into what you should do if you fail the PLAB Exam.

Allow yourself to grieve the failure

Give yourself a break and take a few days off to release the sadness. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether binge-watching your favourite TV series, sleeping, travelling, playing games, or spending time with loved ones who genuinely care about you.

You should avoid comparing yourself to others, as everyone has unique battles and follows a different path in life. Comparisons will only increase your negative feelings and hinder your progress.

Sometimes, you may contemplate giving up on this journey entirely, but we urge you not to. You are so close to achieving your GMC registration. Remember the reasons that motivated you to embark on this journey in the first place.

Remember that help is always available to you. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for support when you need it. CanadaQBank has the right resources to help you pass that exam.

Once you’ve given yourself enough time to come to terms with the results, shift your focus toward the next steps.

Reassess your skills

Since you failed the exam, there’s probably something you didn’t do right. There’s no reason to feel bad about it; instead, try and find out why.

It’s possible that during your first attempt, you may have rushed into booking the exam without considering the amount of preparation time you would need. For your next attempt, it’s important to establish a structured and well-thought-out study plan that you can diligently follow. Give yourself ample time to study, and don’t underestimate the importance of thorough preparation.

Many people mistakenly believe that memorizing past questions alone will guarantee a passing score. However, smart studying goes beyond memorization. It’s crucial to not only understand the questions in the question banks but also comprehend the provided answers. Take the time to grasp why the correct answer is correct and why the incorrect answers are incorrect. This deeper understanding will greatly benefit you during the actual exam.

Also, effective time management is extremely vital. Practice under simulated exam conditions, using the resources on CanadaQBank, to create an ideal test environment. This will help you develop efficient work habits and ensure you can manage your time effectively during the exam.

Study and prepare better

Studying better means different things to different people. So, it’s best to find a study style that works well for you. This is because each person has their unique study method, so stick to the best approach for you. However, ensure you thoroughly understand the concepts and review your materials multiple times. Instead of relying on memorization, strive to comprehend the explanations and guidelines provided.

Practice solving multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on CanadaQBank to reinforce your understanding. As you practice and revise, pay attention to the topics where you feel less confident and create notes to improve your grasp on them.

Mock tests play a crucial role in your preparation. Once you have completed sufficient revisions and practiced MCQs, take timed mock tests. These tests will help you manage your time effectively, which is essential for the exam. Then print out OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheets and simulate the exam environment. While practicing, set a goal to read each question thoroughly, deduce your answer, and mark it within a minute. Remember that every second counts!

Effective time management is the key to succeeding in this exam. Since there is no negative marking, it is important to attempt all the questions within the given time frame. With 180 questions to answer in 180 minutes, the task can be challenging, especially when the questions are lengthy. Your practice with OMR sheets will prove beneficial in this regard. Exam centers are equipped with clocks to help you keep track of time, or you can request periodic updates from the examiners.

A week before the exam, you will receive the exact location of the exam center. You should plan your trip in advance, especially if you are unfamiliar with the city. Also, carefully read the instructions provided in the email and remember to bring HB pencils, an eraser, printouts of necessary documents, and your ID proof.

Finally, before the exam, ensure that you eat a nutritious meal, drink enough water and, most importantly, remain calm. If this is your second attempt, leave any lingering disappointment from your previous result. You must trust in yourself and your preparation, knowing that you have what it takes to excel in this attempt.

Take the exam again

Obviously, this should be your first line of thought when you fail the exam. You may not want to take it immediately, but once you see the failure, reassess what you must do to pass.

In the event of failing PLAB Part 1, you have the option to schedule a retake of the exam, as long as you still meet all the necessary requirements, such as having a valid IELTS score. Note that you are allowed a maximum of four attempts to pass the exam.

If you have already attempted the exam four times and were unsuccessful, there is still a final opportunity available. You can apply for one last attempt by providing evidence of additional learning over a period of 12 months and submitting an application to the General Medical Council (GMC).

Conclusion

Understand the questions and answers thoroughly, avoiding memorization. Create a timeline for daily question practice and allocate time for review. Use reference books for clarification. Prioritize time management and conduct mock exams in realistic settings. Stay focused and positive throughout your preparation.

To learn more about PLAB take a trip down to CanadaQBank.

At CanadaQBank there are several educational resources you can make use of to prepare for your PLAB Part 1. There are over 3,000 MCQs you can choose from. What’s even better is that these MCQs cover different parts of medicine like Pediatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and General Surgery.

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How CanadaQBank Helps You Pass the PLAB Exam

The PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) is an exam written by Doctors or Medical practitioners who did not get their medical degree in the UK and intend to practice in the United Kingdom. You are only exempted from taking this exam if you have a postgraduate degree approved by the General Medical Council.

This examination will check if you have the necessary skills and knowledge to become a medical doctor. Also, you should know that the PLAB exam is split into two parts; PLAB part 1 and PLAB part 2.

You can take the PLAB in many locations overseas, such as South Africa, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, The United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Canada, Spain, India, Ghana, Australia, and Egypt.

The Requirement to Take the PLAB Exam

To take the PLAB Exam, there are some requirements you will need.

  • An overseas Medical Degree/qualification
  • IELTS score of at least 7.5, Or a grade B on the Occupational English Test (OET) to grade your understanding of the English Language.
  • Have an account in GMC.

What does the PLAB exam entail?

The PLAB exam is split into Part 1 and Part 2. The exam won’t depend on your ability to memorize facts. Instead, it will be based on the current medical practices in the United Kingdom.

 

Part 1

Part 1 of the exam will take 3 hours, with you answering 180 multiple-choice questions. These questions would be based on the current medical practices in the UK and the important cases a second-year medical trainee of the Foundation Programme should know and experience.

For more information and guidelines on the PLAB tests, go through the (NICE) known as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

You can take this exam in an overseas country hosted by the British Council. For example, you can take this part of the exam in South Africa, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, The United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Canada, Spain, India, Ghana, Australia, and Egypt.

 

Part 2

Part 2 of the PLAB exam consists of 18 scenarios, each lasting 8 minutes. Again, this exam tests your ability to apply your knowledge to care for a patient and covers everything a second-year trainee of the Foundation Programme should know and experience.

Unlike part 1, which can be done overseas, you can only do part 2 in Manchester, UK.

How to Schedule your PLAB Exam

 The first thing you have to do is to create a GMC account, as this is one of the requirements to take the PLAB exam. Once you are done creating the account, you will book a date. After booking, you will get a verification email.

There are several locations to write your PLAB 1 exam if you are outside the UK. All you have to do is to contact the British Council in your country, and they will give you more details about the venue.

You can only take the PLAB 2 exam if you pass PLAB 1. Unlike part 1, which can be done overseas, part 2 can only be done in Manchester, UK.

Pass your PLAB Exam with CanadaQBank!

Writing the PLAB exam can be difficult, especially if you are self-studying. Therefore, studying for at least four months is advisable before you write your exam. This is where CanadaQBank’s question bank for PLAB comes in.

With over 3,400 of one of the best and most simulated questions to help you ace your exam, each multiple-choice question covers different topics in part one. In addition, you get answers and detailed explanations for each question to know where you’ve gone wrong in your answers.

CanadaQBank also allows you to review a detailed analysis of your test and your performance by subject category. You can also compare your scores with other users and get an upgraded exam interference for accurate simulation with normal lab values.

You can also generate tests by subject category and with our three modes that allow you to take tests in timed, untimed, and tutor modes. Also, you get to choose how many questions you want to answer in each block.

CanadaQBank updates its questions and explanations continuously to keep you updated with the latest information. Not only that, but you also get revised feedback from the most recent exams.

What is best about this is that you can access it 24/7 from anywhere in the world, and you are guaranteed to pass the PLAB-Part 1.

 

Subject Covered in the PLAB Exam by CanadaQBank

 

Anesthesia/Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, X-RAY & ECG, Haematology, Respiratory Medicine, Toxicology, Cardiology, Pharmacology, Endocrinology, Ophthalmology, Nephrology, Ear, Nose, and Throat, Neurology, Infectious Diseases, Genetics, Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Trauma, and Orthopedics, Dermatology, Anatomy, Oncology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Surgery, Psychiatry, Epidemiology.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about PLAB.

What is PLAB?

PLAB is a short form for (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) and is an exam that has to be written by doctors who studied overseas and would like to practice medicine in the UK.

What does the PLAB test involve?

The PLAB test has two parts. The first test is 180 multiple choice questions, and the second test is a practical objective structured clinical exam. Writing this test can be pretty difficult, especially if you are self-studying. So let CanadaQBank help you ace this test.

Who can take the PLAB test?

If you graduated from a medical school overseas and want to practice medicine in the UK, you must take the PLAB test. You will also need to pass the English Language test (IELTS) and (OET) to show that your English language knowledge is acceptable.

What happens after you’ve passed the PLAB test?

After you’ve passed the PLAB test, you can apply for registration with a license to practice as a doctor in the UK.

Conclusion

If you would love to practice Medicine in the UK but got your medical degree overseas, you know you have to take the PLAB exam but need to know where to start and how to go about it.

Don’t worry; you’re on the right page if you’re here right now. CanadaQBank can help you out. Preparing for your examination is the most crucial part of passing; it is best to prepare for some months before the exam. With over 3000 multiple choice questions that get updated continuously and detailed explanations for each question, nothing can prepare you for the PLAB examination more than CanadaQBank.

 

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What is the PLAB exam all about?

If you studied outside the United Kingdom or European Economic Area (EEA) and are looking for a way to practice medicine in the United Kingdom, this article is for you. We are here to give you all the details about PLAB, what it is, what it entails, and the requirements.

Firstly, PLAB stands for Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board. PLAB ensures that you have at least the same level of knowledge and ability as a UK doctor in their second-year foundational program. This exam is for anyone who did not get their medical degree in the UK, EEA, or Switzerland. You will have to pass the exam before you can practice medicine in the UK, regardless of whether you are a UK citizen or not. However, if you have a postgraduate degree that the General Medical Council approved, you can be exempted from the PLABs.

Requirements for the exam

So, now that you have a general overview of what the PLAB entails, it is essential to know the requirements that candidates will need before writing the exams.

  1. A medical qualification/degree from your country
  2. An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 7.5 or grade B in the OET (Occupational English Test). The test is to check your level of understanding of English.

Where Can the Exam Be Taken?

You can take the PLAB in many locations overseas and in the United Kingdom. These locations include Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Sudan, Australia, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Egypt.

What Does the PLAB Exam Entail? 

The exam has two parts – PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. Both facets of the exam are not just dependent on your ability to remember medical facts; instead, the questions will come from your understanding of the current UK medical practice.

Part 1

This part of the test contains 180 multiple-choice questions. These questions will focus on the current best practices in the UK regarding their provision of service and available equipment in the hospitals. The questions will also cover all the cases that a second-year medical trainee of the Foundational Program should know and have experienced. You will be given one mark for any answer you get correctly and zero for each incorrect one. There is no fixed pass mark, but it is usually from 120-126 and varies year to year.

One of the best ways to make sure that you ace this part is to go through the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines. These guidelines give you the best possible evidence-based recommendation for health care in England. Thus, it would be best if you had them at your fingertips.

You can take this part of the exam in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Sri Lanka.

Part 2

This part is a three-hour test divided into at least ten stations, and each of these stations carries simulated patients and scenarios. You would be expected to apply your real-life knowledge of care and clinical judgments in these stations. It is an objective structured examination used to access clinical skills, such as communication, evaluation, and interpretation of results. All the stations will be at least 8 minutes long, and just like part 1, the test will be structured at the level of a second-year medical trainee in the Foundational Programme. You have to make sure that you pass at least ten stations to complete this part successfully.

It is essential to note that unlike Part 1, which can be done in several countries, Part 2 can only be done in Manchester, United Kingdom.

How to Schedule Your Exam

Before you can book a PLAB exam, you must have a relevant overseas medical qualification. Also, you should have an IELTS score of at least 7.5 or a grade B for the OET (this can be done in the My Tests sections of your GMC (General Medical Council) online account).

To schedule your exam, you must have a  GMC account. When you get it, go to your GMC account and check all the available dates to write the exam to book a date. Booking Part 1 costs £240. After booking, you will get a verification email. Exam dates and venues are in high demand and limited, so be sure to follow instructions carefully to avoid anything falling through the tracks.

If you are outside the UK, there are several oversea locations where you can write Part 1 of PLAB, such as Egypt, Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Australia, Sri Lanka, Canada, Sudan, Ghana, UAE, Nigeria, and South Africa. After you have booked online, contact the British Council in the area that you choose to receive more details about the venue.

After you have passed PLAB 1, you will be eligible for PLAB 2, held in Manchester in the UK. Just like Part 1, you will have to book online, and then you will receive a confirmation that shows you the exact place you will be accessed.

Note that the cost of both parts of the test is around £1114.

Preparing For the PLAB

It is advisable to prepare for about 4-8 months before the date you are scheduled to write the exam. This is where CanadaQBank question bank for the PLAB 1 comes in.

The CanadaQBank has over 3400 of some of the best MCQs you would need to prepare for the exam. Each of these MCQs would cover a different part of a Part 1 topic from the tested areas and provide detailed explanations for each of the topics. What is best about this is that it is accessible 24/7. The subjects covered range from Anesthesia, Emergency Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Dermatology, Oncology, General Surgery, Infectious Disease, and a host of others.

It is an efficient and affordable way to practice the questions easily under simulated exam conditions. There are different subscription prices tailored to whatever your need is. The prices are:

  • $95 – 1 month
  • $135 – 2 months
  • $ 175 – 3 months
  • $250 – 6 months
  • $335 – 9 months
  • $395 – 12 months

Do not be left behind; take advantage of the services of CanadaQBank.