Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB)

  1. Do you need to take it ?
  2. Guidance for PLAB test candidates

The PLAB test is the main route by which International Medical Graduates (IMGs) demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to practise medicine in the UK.

Notice about PLAB test dates

You may not hold a place in more than one examination.

A significant number of candidates have expressed concern about rumours circulating about the PLAB test on other websites and in chat rooms.

We always advertise any changes to the test in advance and we strongly advise candidates to be guided by the information on the GMC website and in our Guidance for PLAB Test Candidates rather than from other sources.

1. Do you need to take it ?

There are various different routes to registration in the UK.

You will need to pass the PLAB test before you can apply for registration if you meet the following criteria:

  • Your primary medical qualification (PMQ) is from a country outside the UK or EEA

AND

  • You are a national of a country from outside the EEA or you are a national of the UK

AND

    • You are not sponsored under an arrangement approved by us

OR

    • You do not hold an approved postgraduate qualification

OR

    • You are not a trained GP or specialist

If you do not meet the above criteria, you may be eligible to apply for registration without passing the PLAB test. Please see our registration applications section to find the guidance that is relevant to you.

2. Guidance for PLAB test candidates

This is a comprehensive guide containing everything you need to know about the PLAB test, which all prospective candidates should read. In particular you should read the information about job prospects for IMGs before you apply.

Click on the headings below or on the left menu to read each section separately.

If you require a printed version of the entire Guidance (45 pages), click on the PDF icon to the right. You may find that you have to print some of the documents linked to the guidance separately.

This information was updated in November 2007. If we make any changes you will always find the details here on the GMC website, which we keep under regular review. These notes are designed to help you, but remember – they are only guidelines, and do not have legal force. If you have any comments on the guidance we provide, please let us know.