Information on booking a PLAB 2 place

  1. Summary
  2. What is the PLAB 2 exam?
  3. How will you be tested?
  4. Information on booking a PLAB 2 place
  5. When and where can you take PLAB 2?
  6. Cancelling or amending your booking, and our approach to other disruptions
  7. What resources should you use to prepare for PLAB 2?
  8. A sample OSCE station
  9. Do you have a health need that may require adjustments or support on your exam day?
  10. What can you expect on the day?
  1. How do you get your PLAB 2 results?
  2. Understanding your results
  3. What do you do after you get your results
  4. Are you eligible for an additional PLAB 2 attempt?
  5. How do you appeal your PLAB 2 result?
  6. Misconduct procedure
  7. Case study of candidate misconduct at the PLAB exam
  8. Anti-bribery policy
  9. PLAB 2 and the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) requirements

Before you book a PLAB exam

Doctors with an overseas medical qualification who are interested in joining the UK register should read our guidance on working as a doctor in the UK before deciding whether to book PLAB. Job vacancies for doctors vary by specialty, geographic location and change over time.

The number of PLAB places is not directly linked to the number of job vacancies offered by employers, such as the NHS.

Before making a booking, you should also consider factors such as visa processing times or travel/accommodation requirements.

Am I eligible to book a PLAB 2 exam?

To book PLAB 2 you must have an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification and a valid PLAB 1 pass.

You must pass PLAB 2 within two years of passing PLAB 1.

Please note that your pass date is the date you took the test, and not the date your results were issued.

You are limited to four attempts to pass the exam. If you would like to take the exam again following your fourth failed attempt, you must apply for an additional attempt.

If you fail this fifth and final attempt, you’ll no longer be eligible to take the exam. 

How do I book a PLAB 2 place?

You can view available dates and book in our PLAB booking service in GMC Online.

How much does it cost?

Please visit our Fees page for price listings. 

Can I book a PLAB place through anyone else other than the GMC?

No. Candidates can only book a PLAB place through their GMC Online account, and only the account holder must access the account.

Candidates must not share their information with any third party or attempt to book a place anywhere other than through GMC Online.

Sharing your account details with any third party is misconduct and may impact your PLAB booking or any future registration application. Doing so can also put your personal, financial and other online account information at risk.

Are there any concessions for refugees?

If you are a refugee doctor living in the UK, the fee for part 2 will be reduced by 50% for your first two attempts. To process your booking, please contact us on 0161 923 6602.

If you are having trouble booking a test date, please email PLAB@gmc-uk.org for help.

Read our information for refugee doctors living in the UK.

Previous How will you be tested? Next When and where can you take PLAB 2?

Related content

PLAB 2 preparation resources Find resources that you can use to prepare for your PLAB 2 test.
PLAB 2 overview video Watch our video which shows what you can expect when you take PLAB 2.
PLAB pass rates See recent pass rates for PLAB 2.
PLAB reports See published reports about the PLAB test.