What is the PLAB 1 exam?
- Summary
- What is the PLAB 1 exam?
- When and where can I take PLAB 1?
- Information on booking a PLAB 1 place
- How to cancel your booking, and our approach to other exam disruptions
- What resources should you use to prepare?
- Sample questions
- Do you require adjustments to your exam due to a health need?
- What can you expect on the day?
- Your results
- What do you do after you get your results?
- Are you eligible for an additional PLAB 1 attempt?
- How do you appeal your PLAB 1 result?
- Misconduct procedures
- Case study of a candidate misconduct at the PLAB exam
- Anti-bribery policy
- PLAB and the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) requirements
PLAB 1 is an applied knowledge test (AKT). It tests your ability to apply your knowledge for the care of patients, and not how well you can remember and recite facts. Questions relate to current best practice in the UK, and equipment routinely available in UK hospitals. You’ll need to answer the questions in relation to published evidence and not according to your local arrangements.
PLAB 1 is compliant with the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) requirements.
What does the exam cover?
The exam could cover any of the common, important or acute conditions (those common in emergency departments) seen by doctors appointed to a Foundation Programme Year 2 (F2) role, and the management of long-term conditions seen in primary care. It excludes the advanced duties of a general practitioner (GP).
How do you answer the questions?
PLAB 1 is a written exam made up of 180 multiple choice questions which you must answer within three hours. Each starts with a short scenario followed by a question. You need to choose the right answer out of the five possible answers given.
