You about the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) for overseas qualified or
qualification not recognized in the UK doctors who want to practice medicine in the UK must register
with the General Medical Council (GMC) Before coming to the UK, they must pass a pre-assessment
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. This is designed to find out if the
doctor has a reasonable command of the English language before they can sit the PLAB test. IELTS
tests can be taken in various countries, including the UK.
If the doctor passes the different stages of the test, they can sit the PLAB test in the UK. Doctors
must take the PLAB test to demonstrate their knowledge of medical English and their medical skills
and knowledge. The PLAB test consists of two separate assessments, part 1 and part 2. The GMC
requires doctors to pass part 1 before they can take part 2 of the test. If a candidate fails part 1
by a wide margin, the GMC does not allow them to reset part 1 for a period of at least four months
from the date of the failed test.
Part 1 is a computer-marked written examination consisting of single best answer (SBA) questions.
The paper contains 200 questions and may contain images. It lasts three hours. You can have an
unlimited number of attempts but you must pass Part 1 within two years of the date of your IELTS
certificate or the date we specify when accepting alterative evidence of your proficiency in
English.
14 clinical scenarios or 'stations'
a rest station
One or more pilot stations run for statistical purposes, where the marks do not count towards your
result.
ELIGIBILITYCRITERIA
Be a graduate from a medical school and intend to take the PLAB testd
Provide documentary evidence of a confirmed test date or of their eligibility to take the PLAB
test by way of a letter or email from the General Medical Council or a test admission card
Not intend to take employment in the UK
Not intend to produce goods or provide services within the UK, including the selling of goods
or services direct to members of the public
Not intend to do a course of study
Maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants adequately without using public funds
Be able to meet the cost of their onward journey
Intend to leave the UK when their leave in this category expires unless they pass the PLAB test
and are granted leave to do a clinical attachment
Not spend more than 18 months in the UK in this category
Already have leave in this category, if they are applying for an extension of stay in this
category
