The PLAB 1 exam is an essential step for international medical graduates (IMGs) aiming to practice medicine in the UK. Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about PLAB 1, from preparation to results, including the exam format and expectations.

What is the PLAB 1 Exam?

PLAB 1 is an Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) designed to assess your ability to apply medical knowledge in patient care scenarios. Unlike tests that focus on rote memorization, PLAB 1 evaluates how well you can apply knowledge in clinical practice, aligned with the current best practices in the UK healthcare system.

Key features of the PLAB 1 exam include:

• Focus on real-world clinical application: Questions relate to scenarios encountered in UK hospitals.
• Evidence-based approach: Answers should align with published guidelines, not local practices.

When and Where Can You Take PLAB 1?

PLAB 1 is conducted multiple times a year at various international locations, including countries such as:

• Australia, Canada, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the UK, among others.

Specific exam dates and locations can be accessed through the General Medical Council (GMC) website.

Booking Your PLAB 1 Exam

To book your PLAB 1 exam:

1. Set up a GMC Online account.
2. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including proof of medical qualifications and English language proficiency.
3. Select your preferred location and date for the test.

Cancelling Your Booking

If you need to cancel your booking:

• Notify the GMC well in advance.
• Be aware of refund policies and potential rescheduling fees.
• Exam disruptions caused by unforeseen events are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Preparing for PLAB 1

Recommended Resources

• GMC’s official PLAB blueprint.
• Medical textbooks and online preparation courses.
• Mock tests and sample questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.

Sample Questions

Each question starts with a scenario followed by five possible answers. You’ll need to choose the single best answer based on UK clinical guidelines.

Special Accommodations

If you have health-related needs, the GMC allows reasonable adjustments to the exam. You must apply for accommodations well before your exam date, providing relevant documentation.

Exam Day: What to Expect

• Arrive at the exam venue early with the required identification documents.
• The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in three hours.
• Each question presents a clinical scenario, followed by five answer options.

Exam Results and Next Steps

Results

• Results are usually released within six weeks of the exam.
• Your score report will indicate whether you’ve passed and provide feedback on performance.

After Receiving Results

• If you pass, proceed to PLAB 2, the clinical exam stage.
• If you don’t pass, review your feedback and prepare for a retake.

Additional PLAB 1 Attempts and Appeals

Eligibility for Extra Attempts

If you fail the exam multiple times, you may be eligible for an additional attempt under specific circumstances. Contact the GMC for detailed guidance.

Appealing Your Results

If you believe your result is incorrect:

• Submit an appeal with supporting evidence.
• Appeals are subject to a thorough review process.

Misconduct and Anti-Bribery Policies

Misconduct

Any form of misconduct, including cheating or falsification of documents, is taken seriously. Penalties include bans and potential legal action.

Anti-Bribery Policy

The GMC enforces strict anti-bribery policies to maintain the integrity of the PLAB process. Attempted bribery can lead to disqualification and legal consequences.

PLAB 1 and Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA)

PLAB 1 aligns with the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) requirements, ensuring consistency with the standards expected of doctors in UK healthcare settings.

What Does the PLAB 1 Exam Cover?

• Common, important, or acute conditions: Often seen in emergency departments.
• Management of long-term conditions: Encountered in primary care settings.
• Scope: The exam reflects the responsibilities of a Foundation Year 2 (F2) doctor, excluding advanced duties of a general practitioner (GP).

Case Study: Candidate Misconduct

The GMC has reported cases of candidate misconduct during PLAB exams. For example:

• A candidate caught using unauthorized materials faced immediate disqualification and was barred from retaking the exam.

When and Where Can You Take the PLAB 1 Exam?

When Can You Take the Exam?

The PLAB 1 exam is conducted four times a year, in February, May, August, and November. Candidates can choose to sit the exam in the UK or at various international locations.

To check current availability:

• Create a GMC Online account and log into the PLAB booking service.
• Availability is updated regularly and is in high demand. Exam places are limited, but the GMC ensures that availability is evenly and fairly distributed throughout the year.

If you have a UK job offer within the NHS requiring GMC registration or hold UK refugee status, you may contact plab@gmc-uk.org for assistance in securing a test place.

💡 Note: The availability of PLAB exam places is not related to the number of available jobs.

Where Can You Take the Exam?

UK Locations:

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

EU Locations:

• Dublin
• Madrid

International Locations:

• Australia: Sydney
• Bangladesh: Dhaka
• Canada: Toronto
• Egypt: Alexandria, Cairo
• Ghana: Accra
• India: Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi
• Kenya: Nairobi
• Nigeria: Abuja, Lagos
• Pakistan: Islamabad, Karachi
• Saudi Arabia: Riyadh
• South Africa: Johannesburg
• Sri Lanka: Colombo
• UAE: Dubai

Exam Booking Confirmation

• For UK and EU locations, you’ll receive your venue details from VICTVS within 7 days of your exam booking.
  Contact:
  • Email: support@victvsglobal.com
  • Phone: +44 1135397056
• For non-UK and EU locations, venue details will be sent by the British Council.

Contact Details for Exam Locations

For questions or if you don’t receive venue details a week before your exam, contact VICTVS or the British Council office directly.

Here’s the summarized information on booking a PLAB 1 exam:

Eligibility to Book PLAB 1

1. Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ):
   
   
   • You need an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification.
   • If not yet graduated, proof of passing final exams and meeting requirements is needed.
2. English Language Proficiency:
   
   
   • Provide evidence of necessary English language skills:
     • IELTS: Verified via GMC Online (results processed within two working days).
     • OET: Includes OET@Home service.
   • Strongly recommended to take IELTS or OET to improve chances of passing PLAB 1.
3. Account Requirements:
   
   
   • Create a GMC Online account to access the booking service.
   • Update your account if not logged in since August 2021.
4. Attempt Limits:
   
   
   • Maximum of four attempts allowed.
   • For a fifth attempt, special application required.
   • No eligibility to take the exam after failing the fifth attempt.

Booking Process

1. Log in to GMC Online to:
   • View available dates.
   • Book or cancel a place.
2. New places are added regularly, and details on future openings are visible on the booking service.

Costs

• Fees are listed under the “PLAB Fees” section on the GMC website.

Booking Adjustments

• To change your exam date:
  • Cancel your existing booking.
  • Rebook a new date through GMC Online.
  • Note: A PLAB cancellation fee will apply.

Authorized Booking Channel

• Only book directly through GMC Online.
• Sharing account details with third parties or using unauthorized booking methods is prohibited and may lead to consequences.

Refugee Concessions

• Refugee doctors living in the UK:
  • First two attempts are free of charge.
  • Book online, then contact GMC for a refund.

Contact for Assistance

• Email the PLAB team if you face booking issues.

Would you like further help with understanding eligibility, the booking process, or any other aspect?

Cancelling Your PLAB Exam Booking

Steps to Cancel:

1. Log in to your GMC Online account.
2. Access the PLAB booking service to cancel your booking.
3. If you plan to rebook, cancel your current booking first and then select a new date.

Cancellation Fee:

• A PLAB cancellation fee will be deducted.
• If exceptional circumstances prevent you from attending, you may be eligible for a refund of the cancellation fee.

Eligibility for Cancellation Fee Refund:

Refunds may be considered if:

1. Your visa is refused.
2. Travel restrictions are introduced.
3. You experience ill health or bereavement.

Steps to Request a Refund:

1. Cancel your booking.
2. Email evidence of the exceptional circumstance to GMC.
3. GMC will review and decide on the refund.

Unwell During the Exam:

• If you feel unwell during the exam:
  1. Inform a GMC staff member immediately.
  2. Provide evidence of illness for a refund of the exam fee.
  3. The result will be annulled and won’t count as an attempt.

If GMC Cancels the Exam:

• GMC will notify candidates of cancellations as early as possible.
• Refunds for exam fees will be automatically processed.
• Reimbursement of expenses (e.g., travel, visa, accommodation) is not provided.

Disruptions During the Exam:

If the exam is disrupted by events beyond your control (e.g., power cuts), GMC may:

• Annul the failed attempt.
• Offer an additional attempt.
• Arrange for a rescheduled sitting.
• Extend your eligibility period.

Exceptional Circumstances Affecting Eligibility Period:

If exceptional situations prevent you from completing the exam within the eligibility period (e.g., war, ongoing health issues, pregnancy, travel restrictions, or mandatory service):

• Contact GMC immediately to discuss support options.
• Possible solutions include an earlier sitting or an extended eligibility period.