Assessing the equivalence of PLAB graduates to UK graduates
What were the key findings?
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The evidence suggests that international medical graduates who passed the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test had substantially lower knowledge and skills than UK graduates at the point they sat the same postgraduate examinations.
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This conclusion is based on a comparison of performance in both the written and clinical components of the MRCP(UK) and the MRCGP. PLAB candidates were compared directly with UK graduates taking the same exams.
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A simple comparison of overall mean scores showed strong evidence that PLAB graduates performed at a lower level than UK graduates and progressed more slowly.
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The researchers suggested several possible reasons for this difference in performance. These included potential issues with the standard‑setting process for the PLAB test.
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The researchers also identified the PLAB scores that would be needed to achieve equivalent attainment at MRCP level. This would require increasing current pass marks by around 25 to 30 marks for Part 1 and 16 marks for Part 2.
Why did we commission this research?
This research was commissioned as part of a wider review of the PLAB test. PLAB is the main route through which international medical graduates demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills needed to practise medicine in the UK.
The aim of the wider review was to ensure that the PLAB test remains an objective, fair, non‑discriminatory, and fit for purpose way of assessing the knowledge and skills of international medical graduates applying for registration with us.
What did the research involve?
Data relating to doctors performance on the PLAB test was linked to data relating to the same doctors’ performance on the MRCP(UK) or the MRCGP exams. This was compared with the performance on the same exams by UK graduates.
