What is PLAB ?
PLAB is also known as Professional and Linguistic assessments Board Test (PLAB).
The PLAB test is relevant for international medical graduates. Those who wish to take up a period of limited registration (which you can do only if you are in supervised employment) and who need evidence that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to practise medicine in the UK. The PLAB test is designed to test ones ability to work safely in a first appointment as a senior house officer in a UK hospital in the National Health Service (NHS).
Why do you need to give PLAB test?
Passing the PLAB test is one of the ways in which an individual can satisfy the General Medical Council ( GMC ) that they have the knowledge and skills which are necessary to practise medicine in the UK.
The General Medical Council must assure itself that the particular individual should have suitable qualifications and abilities before it could grant an individual limited registration. Limited registration will allow the individual to practise in the UK in supervised employment in the National Health Service. For further information
Click Here What are the required qualification?
A primary medical qualification (PMQ) for limited registration. Please check the GMC website to see if your qualification is acceptable.
Allowed qualifications are those listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools published by the World Health Organization.
Relevant scores in the IELTS test (academic module): a minimum of 7 as an overall score and in the speaking section, and 6 in each of the other sections – listening, academic reading, academic writing.
At least 12 months’ postgraduate clinical experience in a teaching hospital, or another hospital approved by the medical registration authorities in the appropriate country. (The test can be taken without this experience, but the candidate will only be granted limited registration at the grade of House Officer - the grade occupied by new medical graduates).
Please Note : - Those students who have passed the IELTS test more than two years back at the time of initial registration , will have to prove that they have maintained their English language skills once again.
- Limited registration will not be granted without the offer of a job. But passing PLAB does not guarantee a job. Before taking the PLAB test, one should make sure that they are well informed about opportunities for work in the UK.
What are the things you need to know before applying for PLAB?- Are there jobs available in the specialty of your choice?
- Do you need to take the PLAB test to obtain limited registration?
- Are you eligible to take the PLAB test?
- Have you considered living expenses while you are taking the Examination?
What are the job opportunities after PLAB test?
Before being granted limited registration the candidate must have the offer of a job, so it is important that one finds out about the opportunities for work in the UK.Passing the PLAB test will not guarantee the offer of a job and one should be aware that there are fewer vacancies in some specialties than others. One can look for jobs in the
BMJ Classified Section.
Where are the PLAB examination centers?
The UK – London
Australia – Sydney
Bulgaria – Sofia
Egypt – Cairo
India - Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi
New Zealand – Wellington
Nigeria – Lagos
Pakistan - Islamabad and Karachi
Russia - Moscow
South Africa - Cape Town, Johannesburg
Sri Lanka – Colombo
UAE *– Dubai
West Indies - Kingston, Jamaica
Please Note : Part 2 can only be taken in the UK. India and Pakistan are the best places for Nepalese candidates for PLAB 1 usually most of the candidates prefer India.
How to apply for PLAB Examination?
On deciding which route of registration applies to the candidate, he/she should obtain the relevant application form. The application form can be downloaded from
GMC, UK or will be sent to you on payment by a debit or credit card.
The application form should be completed giving all the information required. Failure to do so will delay the processing of the application for registration. Please follow the instructions in the application form carefully. The candidate will be duly intimated incase further information is required for the application. This may include certificates and other documents.
Before submission of the application form please check that all details have been provided and all the information and documents asked for are enclosed.
The application form can be submitted by post or in person to:
General Medical Council,
North Entrance,
178 Great Portland Street,
London W1W 5JE. , U K
Once the application forms have been received it will be checked for the details that have been provided.
In some cases applications will need to be referred to the Registration Committee for a decision on the candidates eligibility for registration , the candidate will however be informed regards the same.
Once the application has been processed a certificate of registration will be sent to the candidates registered address.
However one should not assume that they are registered until they have received the registration certificate or confirmation via telephone helpline that registration has been granted. Please note that registration will be granted on the date that it is processed.
What type of exam is PLAB?
The test is in two parts:
Part 1 is a single paper marked by computer to a standard set by the government of UK
Part 2 is a 14-station objective structure clinical examination (OSCE) which tests the candidates clinical and communication skills.
One cannot enter Part 2 until they have passed Part 1. Part 2 must be taken within three years of passing Part 1. Because there is a high demand for places. Hence the candidate must make sure he / she applies in time.
Since November 2002 there has been a time limit for the validity of a pass in the PLAB test. Meaning an individuals pass in Part 2 will be valid for EITHER
Three years from 1 November 2002 OR
Three years from the date you passed
whichever is later. The candidate will have to work under limited registration within three years of passing the test if not they will have to take both parts of the test again.
At last, what is latest news and update who have given PLAB?
For Nepalese candidate PLAB is not the choice at the moment. Although few young doctors trying its because they have family based in UK but they are also frustrating the way they lead their lives because of lack of limited job opportunity. Many are returning and few have heding towards US.
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For more detail on PLAB
CLICK HERE
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