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PLAB Guide 2024

PLAB Guide 2024

Are you a medical student or doctor seeking opportunities in the UK? The Professional and Linguistics Assessment Board, PLAB, is your ticket to making that dream come true. By taking the PLAB exams, you prove that you have the medical and communication skills required for a doctor hoping to practice medicine in the UK.

PLAB consists of two parts: PLAB 1, a written exam, and PLAB 2, a more practical assessment of your medical knowledge. Just like every medical exam, PLAB can appear daunting, and it doesn’t help that there is so much to know about the exam and so much to prepare for. However, in this article, we’ll be offering a comprehensive guide that will provide you with all the information you need.

Is PLAB Being Replaced With MLA?

For years now, aspiring doctors within and outside the UK have been required to take PLAB before obtaining a medical license. However, the General Medical Council, GMC, introduced a new assessment program, the Medical Licensing Assessment, MLA or UKMLA. With this new assessment in place, all medical students graduating from UK universities are required to take MLA as part of their degree before they can join the medical register. The case is slightly different for international doctors or medical students who hope to practice in the UK.

For foreigners, instead of changing the entire assessment program from PLAB to MLA, the GMC proposed that the PLAB syllabus and requirements become compliant with MLA. So, international applicants will not take MLA but will continue with PLAB, with just a few modifications. This way, both international and UK-trained doctors are assessed based on the same topics and requirements.

So, starting in 2024, the PLAB blueprint will be replaced by the MLA content map. All PLAB 1 tests sat for on and after August 8th, 2024, will be based on the MLA content map, as will all the PLAB 2 tests taken on and after May 17th, 2024.

Click here to find out more about the MLA content map.

What is the PLAB Exam Pattern?

As mentioned above, the PLAB exam is divided into two categories. PLAB 1 is a written multiple-choice exam that consists of 180 questions. The time allotted to this section is 3 hours, and for each question, a short scenario will be painted, followed by a question and five possible options, of which you’ll be required to pick the best answer.

The questions are centered around a wide range of medical topics related to current best practices in the UK. This part of the exam is designed to assess your ability to apply your knowledge to the care of patients. You can see a more detailed breakdown of the questions in our PLAB 1 question bank.

Overall, you’d find that these questions test you under the following domains:

  • Knowledge, skills, and performance
  • Safety and Quality
  • Communication, partnership, and teamwork
  • Maintenance of trust with the patient

PLAB 1 also tests your medical knowledge under the following categories:

  • Basic Sciences – i.e., human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, and pathology.
  • Clinical Sciences – i.e., communication skills, medical ethics, and medical law.
  • Applied Clinical Sciences – i.e., general practice, specialized medicine, etc. This section assesses your theoretical ability to diagnose, manage, and treat patients in various clinical settings.

PLAB 2 is slightly different. It is a practical objective structured clinical examination, OSCE, which is meant to assess your ability to offer quality medical care in a real-life scenario. You will be presented with 16 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes. These scenarios may be presented in an acute ward or mock consultation. Check out our PLAB 2 question bank to get familiar with past questions.

Both exams are taken separately on different dates, but you need to pass both before being eligible to join the UK medical register.

What are the Requirements for PLAB?

To register for PLAB, there are some conditions you must satisfy. Before you can apply to take any of the PLAB tests, you must provide the GMC with evidence of your medical knowledge, such as a medical degree from a recognized medical school or proof of being a student of a recognized medical school. You must also provide the GMC with evidence of your knowledge of English, specifically for foreign applicants.

These requirements are explained in more detail on the GMC website.

What are the Dates for the PLAB Exam?

There are scheduled dates for both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 throughout the year, and the GMC holds these exams in several locations across the UK and at some overseas locations.

Here are the scheduled dates for PLAB 1 in 2024:

  • 15th of February 2024
  • 23rd of May 2024
  • 8th of August 2024
  • 7th of November 2024

Find more about the exam locations here.

PLAB 2 exams are held throughout the year, so you can schedule a date once you’ve gotten your PLAB 1 results. You are advised to schedule a date as early as possible because the demand for PLAB 2 is higher, and the exam is held in only 2 locations, both in Manchester. Click here to find out more about the location of the two clinical assessment centers.

How Much Do Both PLAB Exams Cost?

Registering for PLAB can be pretty pricey. For PLAB 1, all bookings from the 1st of April cost £268. For PLAB 2, all bookings from the 1st of April cost £981. Cancellation fees vary depending on when you cancel the schedule. For PLAB 1, cancellation over 42 days before the exam costs 10% of your exam fee, i.e., £26.8, while cancellations less than 42 days before the exam cost 100%, i.e., £268, which means you don’t get your money back.

For PLAB 2, cancellations over 42 days before the exam cost 10% as well, i.e. £98.1. Cancellations between 42 and 28 days before the exam cost 50% of the exam fee, i.e., £490.5, while cancellations after 28 days cost 100% of the exam fee, meaning that you don’t get your money back.

Conclusion.

As daunting as it may seem, passing the PLAB exam is 100% achievable. At CanadaQBank, we have compiled many resources to help you pass your PLAB exam on your first try. Good luck!

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What To Do If You Fail PLAB 2

The PLAB 2 is the second part of the PLAB exam for international medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in the UK. Therefore, we understand how devastating it can be to fail it. You might believe that you’ve let down those who believed in you and feel a sense of shame. It’s completely normal to feel this way when faced with failure, but it’s important to remember that failing an exam doesn’t make you a failure as a person. Remember that it’s not the end of the world.

So, here’s what to do if you fail PLAB 2.

  1. Take a Break: Allow yourself some time to heal and recover from the disappointment. Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it’s binge-watching your favourite TV shows, travelling, or simply spending quality time with your loved ones. Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you and can offer support during this tough time.
  2. Avoid Comparison: It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others who may have passed the exam. Remember, everyone has their journey, and comparing yourself to others will only make you feel worse. Focus on your path and progress.
  3. Don’t Give Up: Understandably, you might feel like abandoning your dream altogether. However, remind yourself of the reasons why you embarked on this journey in the first place. You’re so close to achieving your GMC registration, and with perseverance, you can reach your goal.
  4. Stay Positive: It’s crucial not to lose faith in yourself and your abilities. Failing an exam does not define your worth as a doctor. Sometimes, circumstances play a role in the outcome, but it’s important to keep believing in yourself.
  5. Seek Support: Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Reach out to others for help and guidance. Whether it’s seeking advice from mentors, connecting with fellow medical students, or reaching out to support organizations like CanadaQBank, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

At this point, you have to start thinking of the next steps.

Considering a Recheck or Remark

If you narrowly missed passing the exam, you might consider requesting a recheck of your results. However, it’s essential to note that the General Medical Council (GMC) may only agree to this if you can provide evidence of an issue with the exam stations. It’s generally advised to retake the exam rather than opting for a recheck.

Understanding Failure

Failing an exam like PLAB 2 does not make you a bad clinician, nor does it diminish your prospects when applying for future job opportunities. You still have the option to work in your home country, reapply for a visa, and retake the exam. Although it may entail additional time and financial investment, remember that this setback does not define your capabilities. Stay focused on your initial motivations for embarking on this journey and persevere.

Bouncing Back Stronger

Once you’ve processed your emotions, take the time to analyze the feedback provided by the GMC. Identify areas where you scored poorly and try to understand why. Learn from your previous attempt and seek guidance from someone who can provide insights and help rebuild your confidence.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, PLAB 2 waiting times have increased significantly, meaning you may have to wait several months before retaking the exam. However, view this as an opportunity to dedicate more time to your preparation and return stronger than ever.

If your visa, IELTS/OET, or PLAB 1 is expiring, it’s worth discussing priority exam dates with the GMC. They might be able to accommodate you for an earlier slot, but keep in mind that this is solely at their discretion.

Remember, failing PLAB 2 is not the end of your journey. Stay resilient, stay focused, and with perseverance, you will achieve your goal of becoming a licensed medical professional.

Taking the PLAB 2 Again

Retaking the PLAB 2 exam won’t have any negative impact on your career because no one will know how many attempts you’ve made. It’s important to remember that the PLAB exam is a registration exam, not a degree. Once you pass, you’ll be registered, and that’s the end of the story, regardless of whether you pass with a score of 180+ or just barely above the passing mark.

To improve your performance in the retake, you should analyze your previous PLAB 2 results to identify your weak areas. The quantitative and qualitative feedback provided in your results will give you an idea of where you need improvement. Each station in the exam is assessed based on three domains: data gathering, clinical management skills, and interpersonal skills. You can focus on the specific domain in which you fell short in your previous attempt.

Here are a few personal pointers for your preparation:

  1. Maintain a proper format of history taking and avoid asking a memorized list of questions. Use your logic and understanding to gather data and assess the patient. Remember, you’re a doctor!
  2. Management skills involve more than just prescribing medications and doses. As a junior doctor in most stations, your role is to manage the patient. Take the patient’s ideas, concerns, and expectations into account. Treat the patient, not just the disease.
  3. Interpersonal skills are often an area where international medical graduates struggle. Patients in the UK may have different expectations compared to those in your home country. Practice expressing empathy and understanding with colleagues or even in front of a mirror. Adapt to the communication style expected in the UK.

Whether you decide to retake your PLAB 2 course is up to you. Both options of continuing with the same academy or switching to a different one have proven successful for many people. Ultimately, it depends on your hard work and understanding of the PLAB 2 exam. That’s what CanadaQBank is here for. To guide you and provide you with all the necessary resources to pass.

If you do choose to redo a course, make sure you allocate enough time for practicing again and plan your preparation accordingly.

Do I need to retake PLAB 1 if I failed PLAB 2?

If you have failed PLAB 2, you don’t technically need to retake PLAB 1 as long as your PLAB 1 remains valid (validity lasts for two years from the date you appeared for the PLAB 1 exam). So, if you are retaking PLAB 2 and your PLAB 1 is still within its validity period, you don’t have to take PLAB 1 again.

Remember, it’s your preparation, hard work, and understanding that will make the difference in your results.

Conclusion

If you fail, you can try again. So dust yourself up, pick up those books, find out why you failed, work towards fixing it, and start your journey again. CanadaQBank is always here to make it easier.

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PLAB vs AMC Exams: A Comprehensive Comparison

For medical practitioners considering relocation choosing the right county is so important. However, this choice involves careful consideration of several factors. Among these factors is the qualification exam and process that allows you to practice medicine in your chosen destination legally.

That’s why in this article, we will comprehensively compare the PLAB and AMC exams, two prominent assessments that facilitate medical practice in different countries— Canada and Australia.

We will explore both exams under the following headings

  • Eligibility Criteria
  • Format and Content
  • Fees
  • Assessment Process
  • Passing Rates
  • Recognition and Licensure
  • Challenges and Considerations

But before we proceed, let’s explain what the PLAB & AMC are.

What is PLAB?

PLAB is an acronym for the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board test, and it is conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC). The United Kingdom uses it to assess if immigrant doctors seeking to practice have the proper knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective medical care to their citizens.

What is AMC?

AMC stands for the Australian Medical Council, a body that assesses and accredits medical practitioners in Australia. The AMC conducts a series of examinations designed to evaluate the knowledge, clinical skills, and professionalism of candidates seeking registration to practice medicine.

Eligibility Criteria

First on our list are the pre-requirements needed to be eligible to take the exams in these countries.

The AMC requires,

  1. Proof of identity includes a valid passport and a government I.D. This is to verify that you are who you say you are and that you are a registered citizen of that country
  2. You must present your degree and the official transcript from your university.
  3. Immigrating doctors are usually required to have some years of experience working in a hospital or clinic. A letter of recommendation and experience letter would be required.
  4. Medical Registration Certificate. This will prove that you are eligible to practice medicine in your home country.

 

However, to qualify for the PLAB, requires,

  1. You must have completed and obtained your medical degree from an institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
  2. You must have taken an English proficiency test (IELTS or OET) and passed with the necessary scores.
  3. You must be eligible to practice medicine in your home country.
  4. It is required that you have completed 12 months of internship at a teaching or approved hospital to obtain complete registration,

Format and Content

The next thing to discuss is the format of both exams. Both exams are divided into parts. PLAB is divided into two,

PLAB 1 is a written test comprising 180 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within 3 hours. Each question starts with a scenario followed by a question and assesses your understanding of basic medical sciences, clinical medicine, and ethics.

PLAB 2 is a practical review that evaluates your clinical skills, including communication, history-taking, physical examination, and clinical management. The idea here is to reflect real life and comprises 18 clinical scenarios that last 8 minutes each.

On the other hand, the AMC exams are divided into two

  • CAT mcq questions
  • Clinical examination.

The Computer Adaptive test is an MCQ numbering 150, and it tests your knowledge in general practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology.

The clinical examination is a practical assessment that evaluates your clinical skills in patient care and communication, review, and diagnosis. It has 20 stations and takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. The clinical exam has a choice called the workplace-based assessment pathway (WBA); it has a cactusmeraviglietina.it limited spot and is open to doctors employed at one of ten sites accredited by the AMC for this purpose in Australia.

Remember, you can always rely on CanadaQBank to help you pass your PLAB or AMC.

Fees

Of the two examinations, PLAB is the less expensive option. PLAB 1 costs about AUD 492 (£ 255), while the AMC MCQ costs AUD2,920(£ 1,515). PLAB 2 costs AUD 1,799 (£ 934), and the AMC Clinical examination is about AUD 3,730(£ 1,934).

Assessment Process

PLAB 1 exams are run four times a year in the UK and abroad. You can take the test 4 times but must undergo an extra 12 months of clinical training to be allowed a 5th and final try. PLAB 2 is held only in the U.K., and the venues available will be shown when you register online. Also, PLAB 2 must be done within two years of passing PLAB1.

AMC CAT exam is held on multiple dates every month worldwide, and you have an unlimited amount of trials. However, the clinical exam can only be taken after completing the CAT exam. Note that it can also be taken online. This format was been developed to account for health restrictions especially following the pandemic.

Passing Rates

The pass rate for both exams paints an interesting picture, but you must remember that the AMC is geared towards new medical practitioners while PLAB is aimed at the more experienced.

Over the last five years, PLAB has maintained a 65% pass average for PLAB1, and PLAB 2’s pass average is 69%. The AMC, on the other hand, has an average pass rate of 63% for the MCQ, but it drops for the clinical exam to an average of 28%. However, the workplace based assessment (WBA) of the has a pass rate of 99%.

Recognition and Licensure

Passing your PLAB exam allows you to apply for complete registration and grants you a license to practice, and this should be done within two years of passing PLAB 2. With this, you can begin working as a doctor once the GMC gives you approval.

Australia is a bit different in that you must first get an employment offer before being granted a provisional license that will allow you to complete a 12-month internship where you prove your competence. This can be done after passing your AMC CAT exam, helping you reduce your time. Once you have completed both parts of the exam plus your trial year, you are eligible to work in Australia.

Challenges and Considerations

Both exams come with their challenges. The AMC is quite expensive, and as its pass rate has shown, it may require multiple attempts. To avoid overspending, past successful AMC test takers recommend preparing for three months – 1 year.

PLAB allows a max of 5 attempts, so it is prudent that you pass. Experts recommend spending 1.5-4 months preparing for the exams, as seen in the previous pass rates.

Conclusion

The AMC and PLAB are crucial exams for anyone who wants to study in Australia or Canada, respectively. This is because you need to pass these exams to get your medical license and get a job in these countries. So, we know how important these exams are. And that’s why at CanadaQBank, we offer some of the best simulated AMC CAT MCQs you will ever get! It is gotten from the actual exams and updates regularly to go with changes in the curriculum.

For PLAB, we also have over 3400 of some of the best MCQs tailored to help you pass your PLAB 1. These simulated questions give you a feel of how the exams will be and make your medical dreams come true.

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How To Prepare For PLAB 2 Exam?

The PLAB 2 exam is the clinical component of the PLAB examination, required for international medical graduates who want to practice in the UK. It’s taken after PLAB 1 and is necessary to start your GMC application. It assesses the candidate’s clinical skills and decision-making process through a structured clinical exam with simulated patients. It also evaluates the candidate’s interpersonal skills, clinical management skills, data gathering, and technical and analytical skills. Each candidate is assessed with about 16 case scenarios involving simulated patients, each lasting about 8 minutes.

Entry Criteria For PLAB 2

To be eligible for PLAB 2, you must have passed PLAB 1 within three months of registering for PLAB 2. If it has been longer than that, you must provide additional evidence showcasing your clinical knowledge and skills. You also need a validated medical degree from a recognized medical school to take any of the exams.

Eligibility For GMC Registration

After passing the PLAB examinations, you can apply for GMC registration. However, you must still meet the eligibility criteria set by the General Medical Council to practice in the UK.

Structure of PLAB 2

Your competence is usually vetted in areas such as:

  • Communicating with relatives and other healthcare professionals
  • Seeking consent for an invasive procedure or postmortem
  • Providing lifestyle advice
  • Dealing with nervous patients or relatives
  • Breaking bad news
  • Performing venipuncture
  • Drug dosage calculations
  • Checking blood pressure
  • Suturing of wounds
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation on adults, children and babies
  • Interpreting a diagnostic investigation
  • Urinary catheterization
  • Performing a cervical smear.

PLAB 2 is usually conducted in the UK and its surroundings, and passing it is necessary to obtain a license to work in the UK as a doctor. The second part of any exam is often more challenging than the first, and this exam is no exception. The stakes are higher due to the hard work involved in preparing for the exam and the arrangements for travel, accommodation, and visas. If unsuccessful, the doctor’s career can be delayed or even jeopardized. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be like that. In this article, we’ll highlight several effective ways to prepare for this exam to increase the likelihood of passing it on the first try.

1.  Focus On The Specific Aspect Of The Examination

Time is of the essence for an exam with 8-minute stations. You’ll always be asked for a specific history or examination; don’t veer off track. Performing a head-to-toe examination might indicate that you don’t know what you are looking for and are trying to cover all bases. Pay attention to the clinical findings to avoid repetition. That will save you more time and bolster your confidence. Do not show off your knowledge by listing medications irrelevant to the specialty. This can be off-putting and convey that you don’t know what to do.

2.  Don’t Forget The Task At Hand

It takes about 90 seconds to read the question. However, don’t use this time just to read the question; use it to understand the question and plan your next steps logically. The exam is not only about getting a diagnosis but also about your stepwise methodology for reaching that diagnosis and your capacity for risk assessment. You won’t receive full marks if you miss the methodology and jump straight to your diagnosis.

3.  Don’t Be Too Rehearsed

Although the exam is simulated, it’s imperative not to sound too rehearsed. Be yourself and remember that you are dealing with another human being—a little empathy can go a long way. A nod of the head, a gentle reassuring “uh-huh” can be comforting, as well as other kind words. However, be wary of using stock phrases that can sound rehearsed or unauthentic. Repetition of these phrases can also take valuable time away from asking beneficial clinical questions. It can also frustrate patients seeking urgent care. In essence, empathy and effective communication shouldn’t be overdone.

4.  Time Management Is Of The Essence

Many people prepare for PLAB 2 with questions like “Will I be able to complete a physical examination or a practical procedure in eight minutes?” Time and again, it has proven to be feasible. Eight minutes is enough to interact with the simulator as if they were a real patient. Practicing beforehand can help you effectively manage your time.

5.  Be Confident In Your Decisions

While there are stations where calling your senior colleagues for help is vital (you can even be given marks for that), doing so at every station shows that you aren’t confident in your decisions and lack the skills to function as an F2 doctor. Before you call on any senior, evaluate your decisions and check if they’ve resolved the issue.

6.  Don’t Rush

It’s easy to rush things when you are under extreme pressure, but this should be avoided wherever possible. When you rush through an examination or procedure, you cannot communicate effectively with the patient and might miss key steps. Try to maintain a steady pace so that you can perform the appropriate tasks within the allotted time while communicating properly with the patient.

7.  Adapt Adequately To The Location Of Your Simulation

Whether you are in a GP clinic or the A&E, adapting adequately to your consultation can help pace your examination, so keep this in mind.

8.  Practice More Physical Examination

You might think, “Isn’t this an ironic tip?” considering that doctors should have a great grasp of physical examination. However, the style of the PLAB examination can be very different from what you are used to, as you have to perform a physical examination and communicate with the patient simultaneously.

Conclusion

Finally, try to think of PLAB 2 as just another day at the clinic. This will help you build rapport with patients and be yourself as you communicate naturally with them. Constantly remind yourself that you are a doctor, you know what you are doing, and you are doing great.

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What Is the Professional and Linguistics Assessment Board?

QBank for the Plab Part 1

The Professional and Linguistics Assessment Board, also known as the PLAB, is an examination in the United Kingdom that is used to measure foreign medical students’ competency and knowledge before providing them with licensure to practice medicine in the UK. Learning more about the PLAB can help students feel more at ease before testing.

Sign up to our PLAB Part 1 Question Bank

Who Needs to Take the PLAB?

If you are a medical school graduate, but you graduated from a school that is outside of the UK, EEA (European Economic Area), or Switzerland, you will need to sit for the PLAB in order to prove that you have the right level of education and knowledge to practice medicine according to UK laws and standards. You will need to pass both parts of this examination before you can register with your license to practice medicine.

Scheduling Your PLAB

To schedule your PLAB examination, you will need to visit the General Medical Council’s licensing and registration section that is dedicated to this exam. Here, you can gain some vital information about how the exam is set up, create your online account through the GMC, and book your test in any number of countries. Beforehand, you should consider downloading the PLAB blueprint which is offered directly through the GMC to help you better understand the knowledge and skills you should possess in order to pass.

A Two-Part Test

The PLAB is administered in two separate parts.

  • PLAB Part 1 – This part of the exam consists of 180 multiple choice questions that you must answer within a total of three hours. In each question, you are given a scenario to analyze, and you must select the best possible answer to fit that scenario out of a total of five. You can take the first part of the PLAB in various countries worldwide, including the UK.
  • PLAB Part 2 – This part of the exam takes place in a clinical setting. You will be given 18 different mock scenarios to analyze, and you will have eight minutes per scenario to provide the required information. These scenarios are just like consultations or acute wards that doctors in the UK must perform each day, and these only take place at the Clinical Assessment Centre located in Manchester, England in the UK.

After Passing the PLAB

Once you have successfully passed both parts of the PLAB examination, you can apply for your license to practice medicine in the United Kingdom. It is important that you submit your application within a reasonable timeframe because you will only have two years after taking the PLAB Part 2 to obtain licensure approval. After your application is approved and you have been registered, you can rightfully and legally work as a doctor in the UK.

Simply put, the PLAB exam is much like an equivalency examination that ensures you have the expected level of knowledge and education to work as a physician in the UK while upholding that country’s medical standards. It is a requirement among students in Canada and the United States, among other countries, who wish to work as doctors in the United Kingdom.