What can you expect on the day?

You’ll have eight minutes to complete each station. Before starting each scenario, you’ll have time to travel to the next room and to read the instructions.

This time will vary based on which venue you take your test, due to the differences in venue size and layout:

3 Hardman Street - 1 minute 45 seconds
3 Hardman Square - 1 minute 30 seconds

This is to ensure that candidates receive a consistent amount of reading time across both venues.

Our test venues operate independently, so candidates sitting the test on the same day at different venues will not take the same exam.

You can't talk to other candidates or write down or copy any details about the exam while you’re taking it.

You can't bring books, any electronic devices or watches into the exam.

Identification

Bring proof of identification with you. We accept any one of the following*:

• Passport

• UK driving licence

• EU identity card

*Those with refugee status may also provide a biometric residence permit

If you don't have one of the above, you can take the exam but you'll need to provide your identification document or evidence of change of name later in the process.

If the name on your identification document is different from that on the booking confirmation from the GMC, you must bring original evidence that you are the person named in that letter. We will accept:

• marriage certificate

• a declaration from the awarding body which granted your primary medical qualification, stating that both names relate to you.

If you do not provide satisfactory evidence of your identity, you will need to attend a further ID check at the point you apply for registration.

Personal Belongings

You’ll be allocated a small locker only so please only bring essential items with you. Once you’ve locked your belongings away you will not be able to revisit your locker until your exam has finished

• Dress as you would to work in a UK hospital ward or other clinical setting, as described in the NHS guidance on uniforms and workwear.

• Your attire should therefore meet the requirements of patient safety and public confidence, and as far as possible you should feel comfortable in what you wear, including being able to dress in line with your cultural practices and beliefs.

• It is good practice to be bare to the elbow with no watches, bracelets or rings. We can provide sleeve covers for you to wear if you require them.

• Sections 5.3 to 5.6 of the NHS guidance advise on other specific areas such as the wearing of ties, long hair, and any headwear.

• Due to the coronavirus pandemic, you will be required to wear a mask throughout the exam and in some other areas of the GMC building. For the PLAB 2 examination, you must wear a surgical style, three-layer mask, and we can provide one if you require it.

• You may also need to wear a GMC lanyard while you are in the GMC building, and we will provide this on the day