PLAB Exam 2023-24

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (or simply PLAB) test is meant for doctors from other countries who want to practice medicine in the UK. It is a two-part test (PLAB 1 & PLAB 2) that looks at a doctor's language skills, clinical skills, and knowledge.

A practical assessment that tests a doctor's clinical skills is in the PLAB 2 test. The assessment entails performing a clinical examination, taking a history, and explaining a diagnosis and treatment plan to simulated patients. Communication skills, clinical knowledge, and decision-making abilities are evaluated by the examiners. Part 2 is held in Manchester at the Clinical Assessment Centre of the General Medical Council.

Candidates must possess an acceptable medical degree and have passed an English language proficiency test, such as the Occupational English Test (OET) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), in order to be eligible to take the PLAB exam. Candidates who are selected will be granted provisional registration with the General Medical Council and will be eligible to apply for a license to practice in the United Kingdom.

Exam Pattern of PLAB

The PLAB test is an assessment for international medical graduates who want to work as a doctor in the UK. The exam pattern and syllabus are as follows:

• The PLAB test consists of two parts: PLAB 1 and PLAB 2.
• PLAB 1 is a computer-based multiple-choice exam that consists of 180 questions to be completed in 3-hours.
• PLAB 2 is a practical exam that tests clinical skills and is conducted in the UK.

Syllabus for PLAB

It is important to note that the PLAB exam syllabus is based on the GMC's (General Medical Council) guidelines and UK medical practice. Candidates should refer to the GMC's website for the latest updates and guidelines.

The PLAB exam assesses the candidate's knowledge and skills in the areas cited below:

PLAB 1:

• Basic medical sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and immunology)
• Clinical sciences (medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and emergency medicine)
• Professional skills (ethics, communication, and legal aspects)

PLAB 2:

• Communication skills (history-taking, physical examination, and explanation of management plans)
• Practical skills (clinical examination, practical procedures, and clinical judgment)
• Professional skills (ethics, communication, and legal aspects)

PLAB Exam Requirements

• World Health Organisation Directory of Medical Schools- candidate’s medical education’s institution must be listed here.
• Minimum 7 band in PLAB test.
• 1-year of clinical experience at the teaching hospital during PG.
• A minimum of 7.0 band of score in the the four language modules.

Exam Fee of PLAB

Exam Centres for PLAB 2023-24

All metros of India organize PLAB Tests for instance New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai.

Dates for PLAB 2023-24

The following dates are important for those who want to appear for the PLAB-1 test.

PLAB 1 Test and PLAB 2 Test, how are they different?

Test Duration Breakup (Section-wise) for PLAB

The syllabus has 4 domains which will be included in the exam:

• Knowledge, skills and performance
• Safety and quality
• Communication, partnership and teamwork
• Maintaining trust

PLAB Results

PLAB test results are divided under three domains, they are as cited below:

• Applying knowledge and experience to clinical practice
• Good clinical care: Assessment
• Good clinical care: management

Each correct answer results in 1 mark. The passing score usually remains 115-120. Results are available in the portal after 6-weeks of appearing in the exam.

Subject Test Score Calculation of PLAB

GMC employs the Angoff method and includes one standard error of measurement. This means that the passing grade varies from exam to exam because of the difficulty of the questions, as it affects how many points are awarded.

How to Get PLAB Exam Results?

• The outcomes will be accessible a month and a half after appearing in the test.
• The board will send the applicant an email to get to the outcomes in the 'My Tests' section of GMC Online.
• Results can't be given by phone, fax, or in person by the board.

PLAB Preparation Tips

• Join Groups. Group studies is the key.
• Download the 1700 QBank and related materials.
• Attempt as many mock tests as possible.
• Make a routine and create a section-wise preparation.

PLAB Updates

GMC opened PLAB 1 reservations for the following dates across all locations on March 18, 2023, at 10 a.m. (GMT):

• February 15, 2024.
• 23 May 2024.

If there are available locations where they can arrange exams, they will also open reservations for the date of November 2, 2023.

Is PTE Accepted for PLAB?

If you're applying to take the PLAB test, you can only use your IELTS certificate, OET certificate or primary medical qualification as evidence of your knowledge of English. you must demonstrate your knowledge of English using either an acceptable IELTS or Occupational English Test (OET) certificate awarded within the last two years.