The PLAB test
How we assess international doctors
Our job is to make sure international medical graduates have the necessary knowledge and skills to be granted full registration and a licence to practise medicine in the UK. The majority of international medical graduates demonstrate they can meet our requirements by taking the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test.
International doctors must also show us they have the necessary knowledge of English before we allow them to take the PLAB test. Most do this by obtaining our minimum scores requirements in the IELTS test or the OET (medicine version).
The PLAB test is designed to assess what we expect a doctor to know and do so they can work safely upon appointment in a Foundation Programme year 2 training role without additional support (beyond what is typically expected). This includes the professional values and behaviours required of doctors, which are fundamental to delivering excellent care for patients.
The test has two parts and candidates must pass both parts of the test within a maximum of four attempts at each. Part 1 is an applied knowledge test (AKT). This is a written exam and is held at various locations around the world. Part 2 is a clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA). You may know this style of test as an Objective Structure Clinical Examination (OSCE). The CPSA is held at our clinical assessment centre.
Passing the PLAB test means a doctor can apply for full registration with a licence to practise.
What the PLAB test covers
The PLAB test is compliant with the Medical Licensing Assessment requirements and the content of the test derives from the MLA content map.
The MLA content map sets out the core knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for UK practice.
Help and support for employers
Employers have a vital role to play in carrying out pre-employment checks on doctors, making sure those they employ, have the relevant qualifications, skills and experience required for the role.
Our Employer Liaison Service gives help and support to employers and healthcare providers. To find out more about their work, please visit the Employer Liaison Service page.
To check a doctor’s registration status, find general information about registration and licensing and our guidance on pre and post-employment checks, please visit our Employing a doctor guide.
