- Check your eligibility: Before applying for the PLAB exam, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, which include holding a primary medical qualification, having the necessary English language skills, and meeting the postgraduate clinical experience requirements.
- Register with the GMC: If you are not already registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), you will need to register before you can apply for the PLAB exam. You can register online on the GMC website.
- Apply for PLAB 1: To apply for PLAB 1, you must complete an online application form and pay the exam fee. You can find the application form on the GMC website. Once your application is approved, you will be sent an email with information about the date, time, and location of your exam.
- Prepare for PLAB 1: You should prepare for PLAB 1 by studying the relevant textbooks and materials, as well as by practicing sample questions and past papers.
- Take PLAB 1: On the day of your PLAB 1 exam, you will need to bring your ID, such as your passport or UK driving license. The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions and lasts for three hours.
- Apply for PLAB 2: If you pass PLAB 1, you can apply for PLAB 2. To apply for PLAB 2, you must complete an online application form and pay the exam fee. You can find the application form on the GMC website. Once your application is approved, you will be sent an email with information about the date, time, and location of your exam.
- Prepare for PLAB 2: You should prepare for PLAB 2 by studying the relevant textbooks and materials, as well as by practicing sample scenarios and role-plays.
- Take PLAB 2: On the day of your PLAB 2 exam, you will need to bring your ID, as well as any equipment or materials specified in the exam instructions. The exam consists of 18 scenarios, each lasting for eight minutes, and lasts for one day.
- Receive your results: You will receive your PLAB exam results by email within two weeks of the exam. If you pass both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, you can apply for registration with the GMC and start practicing as a doctor in the UK.
How to Apply PLAB Exam
- Register with the General Medical Council (GMC) if you are not already registered. You can do this on the GMC website.
- Go to the GMC website and click on the “My Account” button. Sign in with your GMC registered email address and password.
- Click on the “Apply for exams” link on the left-hand side of the page.
- Select the PLAB exam that you want to apply for. If you are applying for PLAB 1, click on the “Apply for PLAB 1” button, and if you are applying for PLAB 2, click on the “Apply for PLAB 2” button.
- Fill out the application form. This will include your personal details, your medical qualifications, your postgraduate clinical experience, and your English language skills.
- Upload any supporting documents that are required, such as a copy of your passport or evidence of your English language skills.
- Pay the exam fee using a credit or debit card.
- Submit your application.
- Once your application is approved, you will receive an email from the GMC confirming your exam date, time, and location.
What is the PLAB Application Cost?
The application cost for the PLAB exam varies depending on the exam you are taking and your location. As of April 2023, the current application fees are:
- PLAB 1: £230 (₹23,900) (for UK and international test centers)
- PLAB 2: £875 (₹91,000) (for UK test centers) or £1,210 (₹1,26,000) (for international test centers)
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- The fee for the PLAB exam is payable online by credit or debit card when you submit your application.
- The fee is non-refundable, so you should ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and are able to attend the exam before you apply.
- The fee covers the cost of administering the exam, including the cost of developing and marking the exam, as well as the cost of providing test centers and invigilators.
- If you need to change your exam date or location after you have applied, you may be charged an additional fee. The amount of the fee will depend on how close you are to the exam date and the availability of spaces at the test center.
- If you fail the PLAB exam and need to retake it, you will need to pay the application fee again. There is no discount for retaking the exam.
- The application fee may be different for different test centers, so it’s important to check the fee for the specific test center you want to attend before applying.
- The application fee may be subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest fee on the General Medical Council (GMC) website before applying.