The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam is a critical step for international medical graduates seeking to practice in the UK. This article will provide a detailed guide on the prerequisites and planning strategies for the PLAB exam, specifically focusing on PLAB 1.
Table of Contents
Understanding the PLAB 1 Requirements
Before you can sit for the PLAB 1 exam, there are several requirements you must meet:
- Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ): This is the degree that qualifies you to practice medicine. The title of this degree varies across countries. For instance, in some regions, it’s known as MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery). To be eligible for the PLAB 1 exam, you must have passed the final exam that awards you this degree. You don’t necessarily need to possess the physical diploma; having your final exam results is sufficient. To verify if your PMQ is approved by the General Medical Council (GMC), you can refer to this article: How to get your Medical Qualification (PMQ) recognized by GMC.
- Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ): This is the degree that qualifies you to practice medicine. The title of this degree varies across countries. For instance, in some regions, it’s known as MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery). To be eligible for the PLAB 1 exam, you must have passed the final exam that awards you this degree. You don’t necessarily need to possess the physical diploma; having your final exam results is sufficient. To verify if your PMQ is approved by the General Medical Council (GMC), you can refer to this article: IELTS/OET for PLAB, GMC & Skilled Worker Visa
The Future of Medical Licensing: The UKMLA AKT
Starting from 2024, the GMC will introduce a new assessment known as the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) Applied Knowledge Test (AKT). This test will replace the PLAB 1 and will be a requirement for all doctors wishing to practice in the UK, including those who have graduated from UK medical schools. The UKMLA AKT will assess the same skills and knowledge as the PLAB 1, ensuring that all doctors practicing in the UK meet the same high standards. Watch the following video for latest information on this:
Planning Your PLAB 1 Exam
After fulfilling the prerequisites, the subsequent stage involves scheduling your exam dates. The PLAB 1 exam used to follow a set schedule, typically held in March and November at overseas centers, with some centers also conducting the exam in June and September. In the UK, the exam was conducted four times a year: March, June, September, and November.
However, the General Medical Council (GMC) now has full control over the scheduling of the PLAB 1 exam. The GMC frequently opens up additional exam seats and announces these opportunities exclusively on their social media platforms. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow the GMC on their social media channels to stay updated on the latest exam schedules.
Your preparation for the IELTS/OET should be aligned with these dynamically changing exam dates. Remember, staying informed and adaptable is key to successfully navigating your PLAB journey.
Achieving the required scores in IELTS/OET on the first attempt may seem challenging, but it’s not impossible. However, if you’re not confident in your English language proficiency, it’s advisable to start preparing for these exams earlier.
Booking Your PLAB 1 Exam
The results for the IELTS are typically released within a 13-day window, while the OET results are usually available within 12 business days. Previously, overseas booking for the PLAB 1 exam would close one month prior to the exam date. However, with the GMC now controlling the scheduling, the booking timelines can vary.
To stay ahead of these changes, it’s recommended to prepare for potential exam dates well in advance. Ideally, you should be ready to book your exam as soon as the GMC announces new dates on their social media platforms. This could mean being prepared to book your exam more than two months in advance.
Remember, to book the PLAB 1 exam, you must have a GMC Online account. Staying informed and prepared will help you navigate this dynamic process successfully.
Booking Your IELTS/OET Exam
Previously, you might have targeted a specific month, like November. However, with the GMC now controlling the scheduling, the exact month may be less predictable. Therefore, it’s crucial to have your IELTS/OET scores ready well in advance to be prepared for any exam dates that the GMC might announce.
If you’re uncertain about your English proficiency, it’s advisable to start preparing for the IELTS/OET as early as possible. For instance, if you were targeting a November exam date under the old system, you might have started preparing in June and attempted the IELTS/OET in August. By mid-August, you would typically receive your results. If you achieved the required score, fantastic! If not, you could retake the exam within two weeks.
Under the new system, you should aim to have your IELTS/OET results ready by mid-September. This way, you’re prepared to book your PLAB 1 exam as soon as the GMC announces new dates. Remember, the key to success in this dynamic scheduling environment is to stay prepared and flexible.
A Sample Timeline for PLAB 1
Here’s an example timeline for someone planning to take the PLAB 1 exam in November and who is not confident in their English language skills:
- May: Start IELTS or OET preparation
- July: Take the first attempt of IELTS or OET and start preparing for PLAB 1
- Mid-August: Receive IELTS/OET results
- September: Retake IELTS/OET if necessary and book the PLAB 1 exam
- November: Sit for the PLAB 1 exam
You may also wish to attempt the PLAB 1 in the UK itself if you’re in between the overseas dates. So check out PLAB 1 & 2 in 6 months if you’re keen to complete your PLAB exams in one visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take IELTS/OET when I’m a medical student?
You can take them whenever you want. But, as IELTS/OET stays valid for 2 years, it is logical to take IELTS/OET after finishing medical school.
Can I take PLAB 1 during medical school?
No, you can’t. PLAB 1 requires you to have your primary medical qualification, which you obtain after passing medical school. It doesn’t mean you have to have the main decorative diploma. I will suggest keeping a provisional one with you until you get the main one.
Can I take PLAB 1 while I’m doing my internship/house job?
Yes, you can. And, I think if you decide to be a doctor in the UK, an internship/house job is the best time to start your journey.
Will I be able to book a PLAB 1 seat without IELTS/OET?
Unfortunately, it is a prerequisite to clear IELTS/OET with the required scores before you can book PLAB 1.
When should I start the EPIC verification process?
I would say it’s better to start the process after you get your PLAB 1 results. Find the details about the process—’EPIC’ for GMC Registration.
How often does the GMC update their social media with new PLAB 1 exam dates?
The frequency of updates can vary, so it’s recommended to check the GMC’s social media platforms regularly to stay informed about new exam dates.
What is the UKMLA AKT and how does it affect my PLAB journey?
Starting from 2024, the GMC will introduce the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) Applied Knowledge Test (AKT). This test will replace the PLAB 1 and will be a requirement for all doctors wishing to practice in the UK. The UKMLA AKT will assess the same skills and knowledge as the PLAB 1, ensuring that all doctors practicing in the UK meet the same high standards. More information about the UKMLA AKT will be available closer to its implementation.
Planning your financial support for the PLAB journey is as crucial as planning when to take the exam. For more information on how to fund your PLAB journey and an overall look at the entire path, please refer to these articles: Planning to Fund Your PLAB Journey and Planning your PLAB Journey.
Best of luck with your PLAB journey! With the right preparation and planning, you’re well on your way to achieving your goal of practicing medicine in the UK.
