What is the PLAB 1 exam?

  1. Summary
  2. What is PLAB 1?
  3. When and where can you take PLAB 1?
  4. Get ready to book a PLAB 1 place
  5. Our plans for releasing PLAB 1 places
  6. Cancel a PLAB 1 place
  7. What resources should you use to prepare?
  8. Sample questions
  9. What reasonable adjustments can we make?
  1. What can you expect on the day?
  2. Your results
  3. What do you do after the exam?
  4. Are you eligible for an additional attempt?
  5. How do you appeal your result?
  6. Misconduct procedures
  7. Case study of a candidate misconduct at the PLAB exam
  8. Anti-bribery policy
  9. Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA)

The exam tests your ability to apply your knowledge for the care of patients. It doesn't test 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.

What does the exam cover?

The exam covers the common, important or acute conditions (those common in emergency departments) seen by trainees entering the second year of the Foundation Programme (F2), 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.

The MCQ answer sheet
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PLAB exam sheet example
An example of the double-sided answer sheet given at the PLAB exam with instructions on how to complete it.

The PLAB blueprint sets out the scope and content of the test. It covers the topics, skills and procedures that a doctor who passes the test would need to know and be able to do, and the professional qualities expected of a doctor working in the UK.

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Related content

PLAB blueprint The blueprint sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of candidates.
Acceptable overseas qualifications Check your primary medical qualification is acceptable to sit the PLAB test.
Evidence of your knowledge of English Do you have the necessary knowledge of English to sit PLAB?
PLAB pass rates See recent pass rates for PLAB 1.
PLAB reports See published reports about the PLAB test.