When and where can I take PLAB 1?
- Summary
- What is the PLAB 1 exam?
- When and where can I take PLAB 1?
- Information on booking a PLAB 1 place
- Cancelling or amending your booking, and our approach to other exam disruptions
- What resources should you use to prepare for PLAB 1?
- Sample questions for PLAB 1
- Do you have a health need that may require adjustments or support on your exam day?
- 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 1 and the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) requirements
When can you take the exam?
We run the exam four times a year. There are sittings in February, May, August and November. We hold the test in the UK and in a number of overseas locations.
Details of scheduled PLAB 1 exam and results dates are available to view in ‘Your results’ section.
Eligible candidates can view our current availability by registering for a GMC Online account and log into our PLAB booking service.
Exam places are limited where demand is high, you may experience a wait for a test date.
If you have a UK job offer in the NHS that requires GMC registration or hold UK refugee status, please contact us at plab@gmc-uk.org and we will try and offer you a test place as soon as we can.
The number of places available for the PLAB exams is not linked to the number of jobs available and we recommend you read our advice to doctors thinking of applying.
Changes to PLAB 1 in 2027
We’re updating the number of PLAB 1 places and locations we offer. Read more about the changes to PLAB 1 in 2027.
Where can you take the exam?
The UK exams currently take place in:
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Cardiff
- Edinburgh
- London
- Manchester
The exam can also be taken in two EU locations:
- Dublin
- Madrid.
If you’ve secured a booking at a UK or EU location, you’ll receive confirmation of your venue address within seven days of your exam. This information will be sent to you by the GMC approved supplier VICTVS, who are responsible for delivering and invigilating UK and EU based PLAB 1 exams on behalf of the GMC.
If your booking is for an exam taking place outside of the UK and EU, you’ll receive venue address details directly from the British Council.
Once you have booked online, please only contact VICTVS or the relevant British Council office if you have not received details of the venue at least one week before the exam. Contact details for all exam locations are listed below.
