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Recent Update: Previously PLAB 2 was held only in Manchester. However, due to the recent demand, the GMC is now opening PLAB 2 test centres in London and Cambridge. Source: the official GMC link.
PLAB 2 is an objective structured clinical examination, or ‘OSCE’.
To Qualify for PLAB 2
You only need a passing score in PLAB 1 to qualify for PLAB 2.
You don’t need IELTS or House Job to qualify for PLAB 2.
PLAB 2 Fee
£840
Format of PLAB 2
PLAB 2 consists of 18 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes. You will be given two minutes between scenarios to read the instructions and patient information for the next scenario.
The whole exam will take around three hours and 20 minutes. There will be a minimum of two rest stations, allowing candidates a 10-minute break each time.
Scoring
Each station has 12 marks.
Score Distribution
4 marks for Data gathering
4 marks for Interpersonal skills
4 marks for Management
Passing Score
Passing score in PLAB 2 is generally around 105-115 out of 216.
You also need to pass at least 11 out of 18 stations.
Scores Don’t Matter
As long as you’ve passed the exam, scores don’t matter. So someone with 170 out of 216 and someone with 115 out of 216 are equally eligible to apply for the same job.
PLAB 2 Schedule
PLAB 2 is usually held throughout the year.
PLAB 2 Venue
Previously it was only held in Manchester. However, due to the recent demand, the GMC is now opening PLAB 2 test centres in London and Cambridge.
When to Book the Exam
Places are usually open to book about four to six months before the examination date. The places are generally filled up very quickly.
Joining the Academy
Since the exam is completely based on clinical scenarios, it is very important to join an academy. The academy course usually lasts for two to three weeks.
I will never advise anyone to not join an academy. However, if it’s not possible for you to join an academy, you can still pass the exam. There are examples of students passing PLAB 2 without joining an academy.
Time Required for Preparation
It is ideal to have 4-6 weeks after your course ends, to practice the scenarios.
However, even if you have less time, you can make it. Do not be discouraged if you have less time. I’ve seen people pass by taking the exam 4 days after their course. But to give yourself a decent chance, you should have at the very least, four weeks after the course.
Some Encouragement
Most people who attempt PLAB 2, do pass the exam in their first attempt. According to GMC’s official website, pass rate in 2017 was 79%.
Is it possible to take plab 2 exam after 2 years of passing plab 1? Is there any time limitations? Or there is less chances of passing in plab 2 when given after 2years . After 2years ielts may not be validated, then do i have to retake ielts for getting job?
Is it possible to take plab 2 exam after 2 years of passing plab 1?
PLAB 1 is valid for 2 years.
Or there is less chances of passing in plab 2 when given after 2years?
It doesn’t matter.
After 2years ielts may not be validated, then do i have to retake ielts for getting job?
You will need IELTS for GMC registration, not for jobs.
Nasser bro, in your experience do a lot of last minute plab 2 slots open up due to cancellations? because it seems like everything is booked for months in advance. thanks bro.
No, I’m afraid that does not happen. However, a few slots can open up due to visa refusals, but you can’t count on them.
Nasser my friend. I have questions regarding PLAB 2. In hypothetical question supposeing i pass plab 1 can I scedhule my PLAB 2 test the next day if there is a vacancy due to cancellation? I see closing date posted on plab website next to test and thata is what confusing me. TY friend.
Unfortunately, that will not be possible because there is a closing date, a few days or weeks before the exam, like you mentioned.
So after closing date even if there are vacancies one cannot apply for test?
Yes, that is right. Once the closing date goes by, you can not book the exam.
Because on gmc website closing dates for plab 2 is one month before the actual test.
Brother Naseer. Few questions I had regarding booking plab 2 exam test. I written plab 1 in June and will receive result on August 3rd. I am currently attending plab 2 academy in Manchester. My Q’s are
1) There is PLAB 2 date on August 24th. However closing date is written as 27th July. I receive my result on august 3rd. If by coincidence someone cancels his test on August 3rd will I be able to booking that date even though closing date is passed?
2) Please explain how swap works. If someone has booked test and I pay him that money I have heard he can call GMC and change name of test from his to mine. Please clarify.
Thank you brother. May Allah bless us all on this difficult journey
1. I am not sure. It would be best to ask the GMC. When the GMC answer this question for you, please let me know what their response was. Thank you! 🙂
2. This is not true. This link might help you: https://naseersjourney.com/2017/02/25/changing-your-plab-date/
Hello Naseer, do you know any cheap hotels near the PLAB 2 center? I am also going for the common stations training program.
Kindly send me a message on my Facebook page and I will guide you about this.
https://www.facebook.com/NaseersJourney/
Hey naseer, will I be able to book my plab 2 exam right after i finish my plab 1 or do i have to wait 4 weeks until my results are out first then I am able to book my plab 2 ? thank you
You can only book your PLAB 2 once PLAB 1 results are out.
Remember that PLAB 2 is currently booked for the next 4 to 6 months. So finding an immediate date for the exam isn’t likely.
Hello Dr Naseer.. What is ielts expires after plab 1? Do we need to write ielts again and then book plab 2.? Or is ielts not required for plab 2?
IELTS is not needed for PLAB 2. But we do need IELTS for GMC registration and Tier 2 visa.
This might help:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/02/11/about-ielts/
Thanks a lot Dr Naseer.
No problem! You’re welcome! 😊
Hi. When is the earliest u can write part 2. Can u write it before Internship is over ? Can u write Part 1 during Internship and Part 2 immediately on passing ? Please provide the best earliest scenario possible.
1. Yes, you can.
2. Yes.
There is no requirement for taking PLAB 2. But getting a visa is a task and can take time and proper planning. It is not advisable to rush it.
Can I write PLAB 1 during pre graduation internship after MBBS course completion?
Aoa, dr. Naseer my question is that can we change dates of our plab 2 exam once we have already booked our seat?
Yes.
This might help:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/02/25/changing-your-plab-date/
is plab 2 gonna change with plab 1? Meaning soon plab 1 will be replaced by UKMLE. Is there any changes regarding plab 2 ?
And if there will be changes. Wt will happen if i take plab 1 before it’s changed and then plab 2 has changed before i took it ? Do i have to retake the first exam?
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. That isn’t clear yet.
4. That isn’t clear yet.
Are we allowed bathroom breaks in these two rest stations ?
Yes, we are. But the bathrooms are far away. So taking a bathroom break might be risky.
Hi, if u cancel your plab 2 booking (after paying cancellation fee of course), do you get your original fee back?
How long is PLAB 2 valid for ? If i’m going to do the PLAB 2 test and hopefully i pass it, does it have exact date to be invalid if i’m going to register for GMC lately maybe after 2.5 years ?
2 years.
But rules keep changing. So it’s not worth taking a risk. It is ideal to get GMC registration right away.
Hey there.
So i have a question regarding plab 2. I could see dates for may like 1 day ago and now all dates are gone. Is there a way i can book those dates if somone cancels their exam?
Also if giving plab 2 in june is too late? As in when do the jobs for fy2 open? Till when should i be done with plab 2 and gmc registration so i have enough job opportunities? Also how much will it take for gmc registration so i dont miss out on applying on all the seats?
Your reply will be really appreciated. Thankyou.
How much time* for gmc registration
is the plab 2 conducted in december??
Yes, it is.