About PLAB/UKMLA

What is PLAB/UKMLA?

PLAB stands for Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board. UKMLA stands for United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment. During 2024 the PLAB test will become compliant with the requirements for UKMLA. The transition from PLAB to UKMLA as the assessment to test to practise in the UK will not affect candidates.

 

The PLAB test is an assessment of knowledge and competencies related to safe medical practice in the UK. All international medical graduates (IMGs) who wish to work as doctors in the UK need to take PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 exams.

 

Candidates graduating from medical school outside of the UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, need to take the PLAB test

PLAB 1 is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam that assesses the theoretical knowledge of medical candidates. It consists of 180 MCQs

 

PLAB 2 is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) that evaluates clinical skills, communication, and practical abilities in a clinical setting.

 

General Medical Council (GMC)

 

Yes, candidates need to pass both parts before applying for registration with a licence to practise medicine in the UK

 

No, travelling to the UK for PLAB1 is not required. Exams are conducted in centres across the world.

 

You can appear for PLAB 1 only after graduating MBBS (After final year exam results)