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Tips to Aid Your PLAB 2 Journey

Tips to Aid Your PLAB 2 Journey

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Part 2 is the next step in your journey to becoming a licensed medical practitioner in the United Kingdom. The exam is costly, and many people have to save for months or take out loans to pay for it. This adds to the pressure candidates feel, along with the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) format of the exam.

The OSCE format simply means you will go through a series of stations (16) where you interact with a simulated patient after reading their folder. You are given a total of nine minutes and thirty seconds per station (1.5 minutes to read the task and 8 minutes for the consultation). PLAB 2 is designed to cover everything a doctor appointed to a year 2 Foundation Program (FY2) might see at work. It demands thorough preparation and a calm, adaptable approach when interacting with each station. Each station requires you to interact with live actors acting as patients, and it tests your practical and interpersonal skills.

Many candidates travel from overseas to take the PLAB 2 exam, meaning they will have to spend a lot of money on accommodations, food, and other expenses. With the high stakes and financial investment made, many candidates hope to pass on their first attempt.

Exam Taking Tips

Avoid Memorizing Scripts

While it may be tempting to memorize a script for talking to a patient, it is not advisable, as relying on a script will make you sound robotic and detached. If necessary, you can use scripts as a reference, but they shouldn’t be relied upon, and you must understand that each person you see that day will be unique and may not react as the script dictates. Approach each station naturally and think of it as a real interaction with a patient. You’ve done it before during your training.

Remember to “Be a Doctor”

If you get overwhelmed, try to fall back on your experiences in the hospital or clinic you are coming from. Rely on your clinical instincts and ask yourself how you would handle the scenario in a real-life setting. This approach should keep your focus on providing patient-centered care and help you avoid overthinking.

Stay Calm and Centered

During the exam, it is easy to get distracted by past stations or worry about upcoming ones. Worrying about whether you did a good job or how you could have done better will distract you from the present station you are on. So, it is essential that you stay present and calm when you approach a new station; focus on each station individually and approach it as an isolated case rather than worrying about the whole exam.

Use Rest Stations Wisely

PLAB 2 includes at least two rest stations that allow you to pause and reset between active scenarios. A lot of people spend the time worrying about things they cannot change rather than relaxing and recharging. This, however, is a waste of the rest of the station, as instead of recharging and gathering your strength for the remaining stations, you are spending energy worrying.

Speak Simply and Clearly

Communication is one of the vital areas tested in PLAB Part 2. Avoid using overly complex or unfamiliar language when meeting the patients; you’re being tested on how effectively you convey information, not your vocabulary. Stick to your natural speaking style and avoid attempting to sound “more British” or using colloquialisms that may feel awkward or forced. Also, do not skimp on gathering and giving details to your patients and ensure they understand what they can expect from the proposed treatments (side effects). Do not lie to or withhold information from your patients.

Practice with Peers and Online Communities

Some people prefer to practice alone, but working with others will build your confidence in interactive scenarios. Study groups and online communities can be found on Facebook or Reddit for those who do not have anybody around them taking the exam with them. Platforms like Zoom allow you to conduct role-play sessions with other candidates from around the world.

Understand What is Being Tested

PLAB Part 2 assesses three core competencies:

  • Data Gathering: Can you collect relevant and comprehensive patient information in a structured way? “How did this problem start? What remedy did the patient try before coming to see you? What kind of symptoms did she have? Which doctors did she see?” Questions like this are what you need to consider to earn the 4 points this section has.
  • Diagnosis and Management Skills: Here, you are tested on whether you can make appropriate treatment decisions and effectively communicate management plans. This section also has four earnable points.
  • Interpersonal Skills: You are judged on your ability to demonstrate empathy, show respect for patient autonomy, and how well you can work on a collaborative team, especially when faced with challenging interactions. This section also gives four points.

Key Strategies During the Exam

Listen and Give Space to the Patient

It is important to let the patient speak without them feeling rushed or interrupted. The GMC values active listening and strong communication skills, so it is essential that you validate your patients’ concerns and, despite your concerns about time, avoid interrupting them. Rushing will come across as you being impatient, so give your patients time to explain their symptoms or worries.

Adapt to the Setting of Each Station

Understand the context of each station and adjust your behavior accordingly. For instance, in an Accident & Emergency (A&E) scenario, you may need to demonstrate a sense of urgency, while a General Practice (GP) setting might require a more systematic approach. Knowing the context will help you manage your time better and adopt an appropriate mindset.

Respect Patient Comfort and Consent

Before you perform any action on your patient, always check that the patient is comfortable with what you propose and obtain verbal consent before you begin any examination or procedure. This shows respect for patient autonomy, which is a central value of the UK healthcare system. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities that may pop up and ensure patients feel respected and reassured.

Recognise Cultural Sensitivity

With the diversity of the UK population, it is crucial that you understand cultural factors that can influence your patient. An older Indian woman will likely have different sensibilities from a middle-aged Caucasian man. A culturally sensitive approach will help you build trust and communicate effectively, especially when discussing personal topics or asking for consent for physical examinations.

Focus on Professionalism in Ethical Situations

PLAB Part 2 will likely include scenarios aimed at testing your ethical judgment. Be prepared to handle these cases with professionalism and respect for patient autonomy and confidentiality. Ethical dilemmas require you to prioritize patient welfare above all else, so demonstrate a compassionate, fair approach.

Adapt to Uncertainty and Limitations

You’re not expected to know everything. Part of PLAB Part 2 is recognizing when you’re out of your depth and showing humility by seeking guidance. Admitting gaps in knowledge, when necessary, demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to patient safety (Non-Maleficence). Remember to reassure patients when you are unsure and let them know you’ll seek additional support as needed.

Pass Mark and Scoring

The passing mark for PLAB Part 2 is determined by the overall performance of candidates on each exam day rather than a fixed score. The GMC assigns the pass or fail grade based on the average performance of the day’s candidates.

Practical Preparation

Get Familiar with the Venue

If possible, visit the exam center beforehand to familiarize yourself with the location and all the peculiarities that you will encounter on your journey there. Familiarising yourself with the surroundings will allow you to arrive at the exam location on time.

Embrace a Realistic Practice Schedule

One of the first things you need to do while planning for your exam is to create a study schedule that is well-detailed and planned. The schedule should be personalized to you and made to suit your idiosyncrasies. Dedicate regular time to practicing a variety of cases with different scenarios. Real-time practice in eight-minute intervals prepares you for the pacing and pressures of the actual exam.

Don’t Forget Self-Care

Preparing for the PLAB Part 2 exam can be exhausting, so it is necessary that you do your best to maintain a balanced routine. Ensure you sleep well, eat healthy meals, and take regular breaks while practicing, as it will help improve memory retention and concentration and reduce overall stress.

Use High-Quality Resources

Resources like the GMC Good Medical Practice and CanadaQBank will come in handy during your preparation. Reviewing the GMC Good Medical Practice guidelines helps you understand the ethical and professional standards expected in UK practice. Online resources like CanadaQBank provide scenario-based practice that closely mirrors PLAB Part 2. The QBank will teach you the time-tested approaches to the cases that have been tried by thousands of candidates in the past who successfully passed the PLAB 2. Luckily, the QBank contains 384 classic simulated cases inspired by the recent PLAB 2 exams. You also get possible questions and answers that the examiners and patients could ask during each clinical scenario. What makes it even better is that this is updated very frequently.

Consider a PLAB 2 Prep Course

If possible, join a structured PLAB 2 course to gain firsthand experience with mock stations and simulated patient interactions. Courses like this are led by experienced instructors who offer personalized feedback and targeted practice, making it a valuable investment, especially for candidates unfamiliar with OSCE-style exams.

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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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List of Countries Accepting PLAB

PLAB stands for the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board, and it is a test administered by the General Medical Council (GMC) of Great Britain to determine if you have the clinical knowledge and skills to treat and communicate with their citizens.

The PLAB can be a strenuous exam, but it has its perks, and people who pass it are well on their way to being granted a medical license. A big advantage of passing your PLAB is that it is also accepted in other countries, especially those that are part of the Commonwealth.

So, in this article, we’ll look at the different stages of PLAB in some of these countries and how you can use your PLAB results to immigrate, as well as some of the processes to do so.

PLAB

PLAB is a two-step exam separated into PLAB 1 and PLAB 2.

PLAB 1 consists of 180 multiple-choice questions where you have to select the best answer under a time limit of 3 hours. PLAB 1 tests your ability to apply clinical knowledge based on proper patient care. A clinical scenario is described briefly before the question is given. The topics covered in the multiple-choice questions include basic medical sciences, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, and general clinical medicine. The pass mark for PLAB 1 varies but lies in the range of 120-126.

PLAB 2 is an objective structured clinical examination that lasts for about three hours. The exam will have you moving around 18 stations, spending 8 minutes at each unit. The goal is to test your information-gathering skills, how you interpret the information and draw differential diagnoses; PLAB 2 also tests your interpersonal skills.

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

Countries Accepting PLAB

According to the GMC, here are some of the countries that accept PLAB:

  1. New Zealand
  2. Australia
  3. Ireland
  4. Qatar
  5. Sri Lanka

New Zealand

In addition to having your PLAB result, New Zealand requires you to pass their English Language requirements, hold a primary medical qualification from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, and your PLAB result must not be older than five years. Finally, you must also write and pass the New Zealand Registration Exam (NZREX) clinical. It is an exam similar to PLAB 2, which assesses history taking, clinical examination, investigation, management, and clinical research.

Passing the NZREX clinical allows you to be registered by the Medical Council of New Zealand, which is required for every doctor who wants to practice in Aotearoa, New Zealand. You should also have at least one year of postgraduate experience, as it will help you with the exam. If you don’t do it before the exam, you must undergo one year of clinical supervision.

Ireland

The Pre-registration examination system(PRES) is Ireland’s test to see if Immigrant Medical Graduates(IMG) can practice medicine there. People with a pass result for PLAB 1 dated within three years of applying can submit their result as an alternative to the PRES level 2 exam, which assesses a doctor’s clinical knowledge. They will be eligible to advance to the PRES level 3 exam, which evaluates communication, interpretation, and clinical skills through an Objective Structured Clinical Examination.

Australia

Australia has a Competent Authority Pathway that allows immigrating doctors provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia. This means that there are some foreign authorities that the Board trusts to assess the clinical skill and knowledge of IMGs, so if you have a primary medical qualification awarded by a university recognized by both the World Directory of Medical Schools and the Australian Medical Board and have completed a minimum of 12 months of post-training experience either in Australia or in a country with a trusted system.

Other countries that accept PLAB include:

  • Saudi Arabia
  • Dubai
  • United Kingdom
  • Scotland
  • Canada

Working Abroad After Acing PLAB

Here’s a deep dive into the processes of getting work in different countries after passing your PLAB.

  1. United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia: For the dazzling realms of UAE and Saudi Arabia, having passed the PLAB exam, obtaining GMC registration, and practicing medicine in the UK for a year or more opens doors to potential practice in these nations.

 

  1. United Kingdom (UK): After passing the PLAB exam, your journey continues with a two-year Foundation Programme, followed by specialized training. Upon completing your training, you become eligible to apply for a medical license to practice in the UK.

 

  1. Canada: The Great White North allures medical practitioners with PLAB success, GMC registration, completion of General Practitioner training, and 3-5 years of relevant UK experience. Meeting these prerequisites might grant you eligibility for licensure through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). However, like other destinations, additional criteria such as the MCC Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) or an approved residency program may apply.

 

  1. Australia: Aiming to practice medicine in Australia? Having passed the PLAB exam and obtained GMC registration while gaining a year’s experience in the UK, you may qualify for registration with the Medical Board of Australia. Nonetheless, keep in mind that additional criteria, such as the Australian Medical Council (AMC) examination or an approved internship, might also be necessary.

 

  1. New Zealand: If New Zealand beckons, having passed the PLAB exam, obtained GMC registration, and garnered over three years of experience in the UK opens up the possibility to apply for medical practice in this stunning country. Interestingly, if you’ve only tackled PLAB 1 and are eyeing New Zealand, you can skip part 1 of their qualifying exam and directly proceed to part 2. Success in part 2 leads to a year of supervised practice, allowing you to register as a practitioner in New Zealand.

Conclusion

As you set your sights on global horizons, remember that each country’s medical licensing process is different, with each presenting unique opportunities and challenges. So, to ensure a smooth journey, you need to do meticulous research and understand the specific requirements set by your destination country. That’s why we’re here at CanadaQBank.

At CanadaQBank, there are numerous educational resources you can use 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, Emergency Medical, Respiratory Medicine, and General Surgery.

So, seize the chance to spread your wings and let your medical knowledge shine on the international stage. The world awaits your healing hands!

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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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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.