PLAB
PLAB is the licencing exam for International Medical Graduates wishing to practice in the UK. PLAB has two parts, PLAB 1 and PLAB 2.
House Job
House Job is not a part of the roadmap for PLAB or a prerequisite at any stage of your journey to the UK. But I thought it was worth mentioning here that it’s best to not skip your house job for the following two reasons.
- It will give you an employment or employment history, which is very important for your PLAB 2 visa.
- If you have not done your House Job, then you can only enter through the Foundation Year 1 route. And it’s not impossible, but difficult to enter through this route.
Road Map For PLAB
1. Visa Homework
Since PLAB 2 is only held in Manchester. You might need a visa to go to the UK for PLAB 2. It is important to get your things in order for your visa application well before you apply for your visa.
2. ECFMG Verification
In order to apply for GMC registration, you will need to get your primary medical qualifications (MBBS degree) verified by ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates). So technically, you will need this step after PLAB 2 and before GMC registration. However, this process can take time. This is why it is ideal to start this process as soon as you graduate. You can get more guidance about this here.
3. IELTS
IELTS is an English language test. To qualify for PLAB 1, You need IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI Academic with 7.0 in each of the four areas and an overall score of 7.5 bands. IELTS is valid for two years.
However, IELTS does not need to be valid in order to sit in PLAB 2.
4. PLAB 1
PLAB 1 is a knowledge test comprising of 200 questions that have to be answered in 3 hours. It only tests your clinical knowledge and not your basic science.
It is conducted in the UK in March, June, September and November. It is conducted overseas in March and November only.
5. Visa for PLAB 2
Depending on where you live, you might need a visa to go to the UK for PLAB 2.
6. PLAB 2
PLAB 2 is an OSCE examination, comprising of 18 stations. It takes 3 hours and 20 minutes.
It is conducted twice a month, but only in Manchester, UK. It is not conducted in any other city or country.
7. GMC Registration
After passing, PLAB 2, you can apply for GMC registration.
8. Employment
Once you’re registered with the GMC, you’re eligible to work in the UK.