Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB)

Alternative evidence of English language requirements changed on 1 February 2011

Our requirements for the provision of additional or alternative evidence of knowledge of English changed on 1 February 2011.

Read more about how these changes may affect international medical graduates.

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 with a licence to practise in the UK.

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

• You are a national of a country outside the UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland who graduated from a medical school outside the UK

OR

• You are a UK national who has graduated from a medical school outside the UK, EEA or Switzerland

AND

• You do not have EC rights (opens in a new window)

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 with a licence to practise without passing the PLAB test. Please see our 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 (opens in a new window) before you apply.

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

• Before you apply
• PART 1 (How to apply; What is involved; On the day; After the examination)
• PART 2 (How to apply; What is involved; On the day; After the examination)
• Examination Regulations

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.