Plab Test & IELTS

Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB)

 

** What is the PLAB test?

PLAB stands for ‘The Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board’. The PLAB test is for doctors who have qualified overseas and who wish to practice medicine in the UK under limited registration. The test assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely in a first appointment as a senior house officer (SHO) in a UK NHS hospital.

** How many parts are there in the PLAB test?

There are two parts:
• Part 1 contains 200 questions. It consists of extended matching questions (EMQ) and single best answer (SBA) questions. It lasts three hours.
• Part 2 is a 14-station objective structured clinical examination. It lasts approximately one hour and 40 minutes.

** For how long are the results valid?

You must pass Part 2 within three years of passing Part 1. Your result is valid for three years.

** What are the entry requirements for the PLAB test?

Before taking the test, you must have:

1- A primary medical qualification accepted for limited registration as listed in the WHO (World Health Organisation) Directory of Medical Schools.
2- Taken IELTS (Academic modules) and attained at least 7.0 as an overall score and minimum scores of 7.0 in the speaking section and 6.0 in each of the other sections (listening, reading and writing).
3- Twelve months postgraduate clinical experience from teaching hospitals.

** Where can I sit the test?

Part 1 may be taken in the UK and at the following overseas locations:
Egypt (Cairo), Bulgaria, Dubai, India, Nigeria, Pakistan.

Part 2 may be taken in the UK only.

** What are the fees for Part 1 and how can I pay them?

Part 1 is £ 145 must be paid by credit card online. Please visit the General Medical Council website.

Part 2 is £ 430. Please contact the General Medical Council in the UK for more details

** Who is exempted from the IELTS?

The following groups do not have to provide an IELTS Test Result Form:

• Those qualified in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA).
• UK citizens who have worked as doctors elsewhere in the EEA and who are exercising their right of free movement under European law.
• UK and non-EEA nationals whose EEA-national spouses are exercising their right of free movement by coming to work in the UK.

These exceptions are a matter of European law and are not areas in which the GMC has any discretion. The fact of UK citizenship alone does not entitle you to claim exemption from IELTS.

** How many times can I attempt the test?

There is no limit on the number of attempts at Part 1. You may only take Part 2 of the test 4 times. If you fail at the fourth attempt you will have to take Part 1 again.

** Do you provide any training for the test or recommend courses?

No. We suggest you refer to the standard medical textbooks used in the UK medical schools. You should also refer to the GMC booklets Advice to Candidates. There are separate booklets for Part 1 and Part 2.

** What should I bring with me on the day of the exam?

You must bring your passport, your admission letter, a pencil, an eraser and a pencil sharpener.

** When will I receive my results?

Part 1 – results are usually available four weeks after the test.

Part 2 – results are usually available two weeks after the test.

The exact date for the release of the results is announced at the test date. Results are available on the GMC website the day after the results has been sent out by post. Candidates from Egypt as example collect their results from the British Council Cairo. The GMC will post the results directly to candidates from outside Egypt to the address mentioned on their application form on the date of result release.

We do not give results over the phone, by email or by fax.

** Can I apply for a remark?

No. There is no appeal against the marks you receive.

** What is the GMC website and their contact details?

Website: www.gmc-uk.org
Email: registrationhelp@gmc-uk.org
Phone: +44 (0) 16 1923 6602

http://www.aippg.com/plab-uk/plab_information.htm