Comparisons

PLAB vs MRCP

Before we talk about MRCP and PLAB in detail, it is important to understand the training structure in the UK, as explained here. Please keep in mind that Core Medical Training (CMT) has now been replaced by Internal Medicine Training (IMT). CMT was a two-year programme, while IMT is a three-year programme. You can read about it here.

PLAB

PLAB is the licensing exam for international medical graduates. Candidates, who have passed PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, are eligible to apply for GMC registration. Once they’re registered with the GMC, they are allowed to work in the UK as a doctor.

IELTS is a prerequisite for PLAB.

Entry Into the System After Passing PLAB:

Candidates who pass PLAB 2 and acquire GMC registration, can be divided into two categories:

1. Candidates who have NOT completed an acceptable pattern of internship from their home country

These candidates are at the level of freshly graduated doctors, with no experience.

Therefore, the next step for them would be Foundation Program; they can only apply for F1 posts.

It is very difficult to find F1 posts for IMGs. So it is always advisable to start working in the UK only after completion of an internship back home.

2. Candidates who have completed an acceptable pattern of internship from their home country

These candidates are at the level of doctors who have completed their F1.

Therefore, the next step for them would be F2. However, getting a training F2 post is very difficult, since most people who enter F1, complete their F2 training in the UK; there are almost no vacancies for F2 training for IMGs.

So the best option would be to apply for different non-training posts, which can be found very easily. After working for 3 months at a non-training post, they can get their F2 competencies signed. Getting their F2 Competencies signed would make them eligible to apply for Core Training.

The following flowchart might make the journey easier to understand.

PLAB vs MRCP

MRCP

MRCP is a specialty exam, which a candidate needs to pass, before they can enter specialty training in the UK. Once they have passed MRCP 1, MRCP 2 and PACES they’re eligible to apply for GMC registration. Once they’re registered with the GMC, they are allowed to work in the UK as a doctor.

Entry Into the System After Passing MRCP

After passing PACES and getting GMC registration, these candidates are at the level of doctors who have completed their Core Training.

Therefore, the next step for them would be Specialty Training. However, it might not be possible to start their ST right away.

The best route for these doctors is to take a non-training job at first. After working for a certain amount of time, they can get their Core Training competency signed and after meeting other eligibility requirements of Specialty Training, these candidates can apply for Specialty Training.

The following flowchart might make the journey easier to understand.

MRCP vs PLAB

PLAB vs MRCP

If you want to become a consultant, you have to go through Specialty Training, for which you would need MRCP. So even after passing PLAB, you will have to take MRCP at a later point. However, if you pass MRCP first, you do not have to take the PLAB exam.

OVERVIEW OF BOTH EXAMS

PLAB vs MRC.png

If all of the above is a bit confusing, I’ll try to make it a bit simple.

MRCP vs PLAB 2

Conclusion

MRCP will allow you to jumpstart your UK career, as you won’t have to go for PLAB or for Core Training. However, jumping is never easy. Therefore, if you take MRCP without going for PLAB, it won’t be an easy journey.

You might pass MRCP 1 and 2 by studying theory. But passing the PACES, which is an OSCE exam, will be difficult, without sufficient clinical experience in the UK.

Therefore, it might be better to take PLAB 1 first, as it an easier exam. Plus, the earlier that you enter the system, the easier it will be.

Pyramid

Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I pass MRCP 1 and MRCP 2, do I still need to pass PLAB?

Yes, you still need to pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. PLAB is only exempted if you pass all three parts of MRCP.

2. If I pass all three parts of MRCP, do I still need to pass PLAB?

No.

3. If I pass PLAB, do I still need to pass MRCP?

If you want to go into Specialty Training for Medicine, then, yes, you have to pass all three parts of MRCP before you start your Specialty Training.

4. If I pass MRCP, I don't have to pass PLAB. And even after passing PLAB, I have to pass MRCP. So why shouldn't I take MRCP instead of PLAB?

It is still better to take PLAB first. Because it is easier to climb the stairs instead of jumping them. I will tell you what I mean by that.

  1. If you take PLAB first, you would be taking one step at a time. And the difficulty level would increase gradually. The best example for this would be: when you start playing FIFA for the first time, you start with Amateur mode and after sufficient practice, you move on to Semi-Pro. You don’t start playing the game in Legendary mode from day one.
  2. MRCP is a very difficult exam and without sufficient clinical exposure in the UK, it will be very difficult to pass.
  3. If you take your Core Training in the UK, the clinical exposure would help you in preparing for MRCP and also in becoming a better doctor.

5. Do I have to pass MRCP 1, MRCP 2 and PACES - all three parts of MRCP, before I start Specialty Training in Medicine in the UK?

Yes.

6. What are non-training jobs?

These are the jobs that IMGs with an acceptable pattern of internship can and should apply for. There can be many different titles to these jobs, but the jobs are nearly the same. These can include:

Foundation Year 2 (FY2)
Senior House Officer (SHO)
Core Training 1 (CT1)
Core Training 2 (CT2)
Specialty Training 1 (ST1)
Specialty Training (ST2)
Clinical Fellow (CF)
Junior Clinical Fellow (JCF)
Senior Clinical Fellow (SCF)
Junior Doctor
Trust Grade Doctor

It might confuse you seeing FY, CT and ST posts among non-training jobs. These jobs arise when a hospital needs FY, CT or ST Doctors, but it is not possible for them to recruit training doctors. So they hire non-training doctors for the same posts.

Working at these jobs will not count towards your training experience. However, the job description and the salary is the same as training jobs.

7. What is the difference between a training and a non-training job?

A training job is one in which there is career progression. In a non-training job, there is no career progression. Our internship (also known as House Job in Pakistan) and specialty training jobs (also knows as Residency in Pakistan) are training jobs.

8. What is F2 Competency?

Since IMGs do not go through UK’s Foundation training, they are required to get an F2 competency form signed by their consultant. This form can be signed by any consultant, in the UK or in their home country, under whom they have worked for at least 3 months, during the last 3 years.

This form would not make them equivalent to candidates who have completed their Foundation training from the UK, but it would make them eligible to apply for Core Training program in the second round (First round is for British and EU citizens).

9. What is an Acceptable Pattern of Internship?

At least 12 months of internship with at least 3 months in medicine and at least 3 months in surgery is considered to be an acceptable pattern of internship. Medical and surgical sub-specialties count in medicine and surgery, respectively. For example, pediatrics and OBGYN are counted as medicine and surgery, respectively.

You must also check the official link from the GMC’s website to find out the acceptable patterns of internship. You can click here to check the official GMC link.

Published by Dr. Naseer Khan

Dr Naseer Khan works as a GP in Liverpool. He has been guiding medical students and doctors since 2014. His aim is to make the UK journey as easy as possible for everyone else.

367 thoughts on “PLAB vs MRCP”

  1. Hye
    Hope u at best of health,
    Actually I wana ask about UKMLE,
    When that system will gona start??
    Thanks

    Sent from my iPhone

    Reply

    1. Hey! I’m doing great. Thank you! 🙂 I hope you’re doing good as well. 🙂

      The GMC is planning to replace the PLAB exam by the UKMLA exam between 2019 and 2022. On GMC’s website, it was stated in 2015 that the UKMLA would go live for IMGs in 2019. However, if you email GMC or if you check the latest news on their website, you will find out that the process is under consultation until 30th April 2017. And until then, they will not comment on a possible timescale or a tentative starting date for the UKMLA.

      Thank you for visiting the blog! 🙂

      Reply

  3. After completion of 1 year of h.j we can do a non training job for 3 months and get our competencies signed and move on to CT 1? Or is there a specific period of we have to complete before getting them signed?

    Reply

    1. We have to work for at least for 3 months to get competencies signed. However, you can work for as long as you like. And it is advised to work for at least 6-12 months at a non-training post, to gain sufficient clinical experience in the UK, which you will need for Core Training. Otherwise, you might feel slightly unprepared for Core Training when your job starts.

      Reply

  4. Ok,If I do get my foundation competencies signed off and don’t get into a core medical training post,rather get my core medical competencies signed off in a non-training SHO post,is that acceptable?

    Reply

    1. Unless you have passed MRCP 1, MRCP 2 and PACES, what you’re suggesting might not be possible. Because you would be at the level of an F2 doctor, not a doctor who has completed his Core Training.

      Reply

  5. Hi Dr Naseer! I hope you’re doing will. Thanks for such an informative article!
    You stated that its difficult for IMGs to get FY1 posts. Could you explain what you meant by the difficulty in entering the system? As in why is it so difficult for IMGs to get training via FY1. I have been told it varies from county to county. Is that true? I’d be grateful if you could shed some light on this matter

    Reply

    1. Because they prefer to give F1 training to British doctors first. So there are no vacancies left for IMGs. That’s what I know.

      Thank you for visiting the blog and for your kind words! 🙂

      Reply

  6. Thx Naseer for putting it altogether so comprehensively n concisely, really appreciate your input.

    Reply

  8. Please guide me how to apply for MRCS and who all can apply for the exam and when and what IELTS score is required

    Reply

  9. Hi,I am a first yr resident in ophthalmology,done with FRCOphth 1 ,would I still go for F2 after PLAB for getting permanent GMC registration?

    Reply

  10. Salam.. Hor r u sir?
    I m dr Tariq from quetta.. It is a very helpful artical for me. Sir i want to do mrcs and frcs from england. So what is the procedure for it and should i aplly for plab or not.

    Reply

  11. i am a freshly graduated cardiologist, from certain posts i’ve come to the conclusion that the only way to stay a cardiologist once in UK is to go through the MRCP, is it correct

    Reply

    1. That is correct. But Cardiology usually does not open in Round 2. Which means that IMGs usually do not get a chance to enter Cardiology training in the UK.

      Reply

  13. Dear Sir ,
    Greetings. I’m Nitish . I did my UG from People’s republic of China. My nationality is Indian . I want to know what are the possibilities to get a post graduate course in National University of Singapore . I you have any idea guide me pls .

    Reply

  16. Hi there, I got my MD degree from Kyrgyzstan. I do not have any house job experience and can not have one with out passing PMDC exam. If I go for Plab and pass both Plab 1 and Plab 2 what will be my future?

    Reply

    1. If you try to find a job in the UK, without completing your internship overseas, you will find a very hard time in finding a job. The best advice for you would be to pass your PMDC and complete your internship. You can take your PLAB exams in the meanwhile, even during your internship.

      Reply

      1. thank you. Since by 2019 the pattern of plab is changing, I was thinking to pass plab 1 and 2 this year and comeback to Pakistan and pass PMDC test and continue with house job and go back to Uk after completing it. Because it will take minimum 3 years to pass and complete my house job because PMDC has three steps, so minimum by 2020 I will be able to complete my house job and by then I fear the pattern will change. So is it possible to clear Plab 1 and 2 and leave it as it is and go back to Pakistan and come back after completing house job?

      2. Yes, that might not a bad idea. But there might be a small issue in this.

        After passing PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, you can apply for provisional GMC registration (since you have not completed your internship).

        You’ll go back and complete your internship. Then you will apply for full registration, based on your complete internship. But there are two issues with this

        1) You need to register with GMC within two years of passing PLAB 2. This might be manageable.

        2) By this time, PLAB might’ve been replaced by UKMLA. So I’m not sure if you’ll get your registration based on PLAB.

        Despite everything, this is your best shot, in my opinion. I can be wrong.

  17. Such a detailed blog..cleared everything.
    One question, it might be out if context but plz can you tell if plab exempts the amc?
    As m confused btw uk and aus.
    Meanwhike due to the a years gap in practice, m giving mrcp.
    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Thank you for visiting the blog and for your kind words! 🙂

      Unfortunately, I do not know if passing the PLAB exam results in exemption of the AMC. You can email the regulatory body conducting the AMC to confirm this.

      If you find out anything, please do let me know. Thank you! 🙂

      Reply

      1. Sir, What is the validity of FCPS degree of pakistan in Uk

      2. These are the training and speciality pathways to the UK. So going through the following three links will answer your questions. If you still have any questions, I will be here. 🙂

        Training pathway:
        https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/education-practice/advice/medical-training-initiative

        Pathway for consultants, known as CESR or Article 14:
        http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/CESR.asp

        These are the acceptable post-graduation qualifications in the UK:
        http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/registration_applications/acceptable_postgraduate_qualifications.asp

  18. hi naseer..great blog and very informative…can you please tell me whether i can do a locum job in UK after completing my MRCP?i have completed my mbbs and md in india..and completed mrcp 1 and 2..now i am preparing for PACES..i have no intention to settle down in uk and can also do non training jobs..many of my seniors are doing that kind of intermittent locum jobs from india…also can you please shed a light about the new MTS scheme in UK?a lot of imgs from india are going to UK through this MTS scheme..sorry for the long post..thank you

    Reply

  20. hi ,i read it somewhere that its necessary to pass mrcp part 1 atleast in order to get core training ,could u please clarify on this or we dont need mrcp part 1 for entering in core training post and we can directly enter into core training posts after we complete fy2 .Another question is that for example i have done plab (1 and 2 both ) and also cleared mrcp part 1, can i directly get a core training post on the basis of passing mrcp part 1 and ofcourse plab or fy2 is compulsory in any case ?.thankyou

    Reply

    1. MRCP 1 does help in find a Core Training post, however, MRCP 1 is not mandatory for entering Core Training.

      If you have passed PLAB 1, PLAB 2 and MRCP 1, you still need to get your F2 competencies signed, before you can apply for Core Training.

      Reply

  21. Hello Dr Naseer,
    Thanks a million for your informative article. Much appreciated.
    I have a question .
    I’m a SHO and I was planning to take PLAB and I have already passed IELTS test with the required score but now after I had decided that I’ll take Surgery as my speciality, So many collegues advised me to take MRCS instead. I’m really puzzled whether I should take PLAB or MRCS ?
    Are there MRCS registrar jobs available? And what about training jobs for IMGs?
    Or should I take PLAB?

    Reply

    1. Thank you for visiting the blog and thank you for your kind words of appreciation! 🙂

      Congratulations for passing your IELTS! 🙂 (Y)

      First of all, you need to decide, if you want to pursue Medicine or Surgery. If you want to pursue Surgery, you should make sure that there are openings in Surgery in the UK. I have not come across any IMGs who have entered Surgery training in the UK.

      Training jobs for Medicine are available.

      I am sorry, but I have no information regarding MRCS. 😦 If you find anything, please let me know. 🙂

      However, common sense tells me that MRCS would be just as hard, if not harder than MRCP. So it would be easier to take PLAB first. But then again, I do not know a lot about the Surgery pathway. So I am not your best guide in this. 🙁

      Reply

  23. Hello Sir,
    Firstly I want to Thank you for the excellent blog. I completed my mbbs and internship 6 yrs ago and currently working as SHO, my question is do I have to give the plab if I clear the 3 parts of mrcp (part 1,2 and paces) in order for me to move to uk to find a job or is the IELTS and plab mandatory.

    Reply

  24. Dr naseer im a british citizen but am currently a med student in pakistan will i get the any preference in the entire process or is the road just as hard for everyone

    Reply

    1. I am not sure if you will get any preference. You can email GMC, Foundation Program, CT1 Recruitment program and Specialty Training program to get the answer to your questions. 🙂

      But honestly, the road is not hard for anyone. 🙂 As long as you have your 12 months of internship, you will easily get a job in the UK. And the PLAB exams are easier than our class tests from medical school. 🙂

      Reply

  25. After MRCP , how tough is it for IMGs to get Registar level job in Uk?

    Reply

  26. Hello Naseer, thank you for your informative post. I have two questions….. 1)What are the chances for an IMG to get into Pulmonology speciality training program after completing MRCP? 2)In which specialities in medicine do they allow an IMG to take speciality training?

    Reply

    1. Thank you for visiting the blog and thank you for your kind words! 🙂

      You can visit the official ST3 recruitment website to check the number of openings for your preferred field. Go to the bottom of the page and click on your choice of sub-specialty. A new page will open. Click on Data. Check the number of openings for that field in round 2 (First round is for British and EU citizens). This will give you an idea of your chances of making it to your choice of field.

      http://www.st3recruitment.org.uk/specialties/overview/

      Reply

      1. Thank you very much ,, these are very helpful information that you are provide
        Kindly , i want to ask you a Q

        if i get the MRCP exam do I sill have to had an acceptable internship ????

  27. Thank you for the great post
    I am a EU citizen but finished medschool in Egypt. And currently ECFMG certified “usmle step 1 & 2ck & cs done ” . But I wanted to practice in the U.k or Europe. Is it better to do residency in the US then do MRCP or should i take MRCP or Plab at the moment and try to look for residency in U.K.

    Reply

    1. Hey! Congratulations for your achievements! 🙂

      I don’t think it’s practice to go for Residency in the US and then going for MRCP.

      I think you need to choose between the US and UK. And of course, you know what’s best for you, based on your personal circumstances. 🙂

      Reply

  28. This is quite informative sir and a guide for us.. i am confused about few things here , so i wanna ask..if u can elaborate that to me.. it will be a big help.. sir i just gave my final year exams few days ago.. now i wanna go either for usmle or plab.. i read it all you wrote for us.. there are still some points that i couldn’t get..
    What does it mean when u say ‘ an acceptable pattern of internship from their home country’? Whats that mean?
    Whats registration with GMC? whats it?
    Whats F1and F2?
    Once we done with PLAB1 and 2, what does it mean when you say ‘core training’? I mean what do we start there after PLAB1 and 2 and getting our registration?
    And those ‘non training jobs’ you mentioned, if these are necessary , do we get them easily?or does it take much time for these too to get one?

    Reply

    1. I have answered all of your questions in my post. But I will answer them again.

      You can find out acceptable patterns of internship by logging into GMC’s official website from here:
      http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/before_you_apply/imgs.asp

      Registration with GMC is when you register yourself with the General Medical Council. GMC is the local medical authority in the UK.

      F1 and F2 are Foundation Year 1 and 2. You should read my post Training in the UK to understand this better. You’ll get all of your other answers from there. 🙂
      https://naseersjourney.wordpress.com/2017/03/12/training-in-the-uk/

      Non-Training jobs can be found easily.

      Reply

  29. Hi Nasser, thank you so much for simplifying the UK system for us IMGs! I just wanted to know if we can go straight into specialty exams/training e.g. frcem without doing the mrcp? Ie. Go from FY2 to Specialty training post directly without core training?

    Thank you so much in advance!

    Reply

    1. Thank you for visiting the blog, Emily, and for your kind words! 🙂

      I don’t think it’s possible to skip CT/ST 1 and CT/ST2. 🙁

      Reply

  30. Dr Naseer Khan, Thank you very much for that detailed informations regarding working in UK.
    I highly appreciate it.
    I would like ask you for a piece of advice.
    I have completed AMC exams, therefore have the license to practice in Australia and also completed part 1 of MRCP Exam. But in Australia it’s very hard to get a job in the hospital for IMGs. I had 2 job offers after successful interviews in Australia. But here I can’t have a registration before having a job offer and I applied for registration but it took so much time that the term for the job is over. This is really frustrating.
    Anyways, I wanted to know if I complete 3 parts of MRCP then would I be able to get the registration with GMC without a job offer in UK?
    Thanks a ton.
    May God bless you for your kindness.

    Kind Regards
    Rahi.

    Reply

    1. Hello,

      Thank you for visiting the blog and thank you for your kind words! 🙂

      Congratulations on passing AMC and MRCP 1 ! 🙂

      You can get GMC registration without having a job in the U.K. 🙂

      In fact, most employers don’t give jobs in the U.K. to doctors without GMC registration.

      I hope my response helps. 🙂

      Reply

  31. Thank you for the great post!
    I passed my USMLE step 1 and step 2 from US, I has some difficulties to pass my CS clinical skills exam in US,
    I want to change my plan to do my training in UK, So do I get any credit for my step 1 and step 2 exams in UK.
    Do you suggest anything in my case, I am a US citizen for now. Thanks a lot in advance!

    Reply

    1. Thank you for visiting the blog! 🙂

      Unfortunately, Step 1 and Step 2 don’t count in the U.K. 🙁

      You’ve gone through the difficult part of Step 1 already. I would encourage you to work hard and clear the Clinical Skills exam as well. 🙂

      If you do decide to go for PLAB, after going through my blog, if you have any unanswered questions, you’re welcome to ask them. 🙂

      Reply

  32. Aoa as there are many international centres for mrcp exam part 1 and 2 is it possible to give paces in any international centre??or do u have to go uk to pass the exam plus how much time do u have to train to give part 2 as i ve heard that any training can be counted in mrcp under any supervisor.. plx respond thanku

    Reply

    1. Walekum Salam!

      You can take PACES in any international center.

      MRCP 2 does not require any clinical experience.

      Only MRCP 1 requires clinical experience of 12 months.

      You can confirm all this from their official website or by emailing them.

      Reply

      1. If one gives PACES in another international test center other then UK like Sri Lanka, which is closer to home so flight and VISA costs are less then half, like u pointed out it’s valid. But mrcpuk.org website says Remaining spaces will be allocated by random lottery from all other applicants who have applied throughout the whole application period.
        Can u clarify what this means? Does it encourage or discourage from appplying to non-UK test centers since a lot of them say the same thing

  34. Thanks for your insightful article. It was very helpful. Could you please tell me how much time GMC takes to issue certificate of registration after clearing PLAB? Can I apply for jobs soon after clearing PLAB 2 or do I need to wait until I receive certificate of registration? Can’t I start applying for jobs by showing PLAB 2 result and keeping GMC certificate awaited?
    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Q1. Could you please tell me how much time GMC takes to issue the certificate of registration after clearing PLAB?
      A: The GMC takes roughly 4 weeks to issue a registration. However, it depends on your personal circumstances and documents. There is no general rule regarding this.

      Q2. Can I apply for jobs soon after clearing PLAB 2 or do I need to wait until I receive the certificate of registration?
      A: You don’t have to wait. 🙂

      Q3. Can’t I start applying for jobs by showing PLAB 2 result and keeping GMC certificate awaited?
      A: Yes, you can. That’s what I did. I even got a job offer today. And I still don’t have GMC registration. 🙂

      Thank you for visiting the blog and for your kind words! 🙂

      Reply

  35. Hello! Wonderful blog, instant fan!
    Pls guide me abt something
    Will it be better if I work for a year in Ireland while saving money to pay for PLAB 1 and PLAB2 even MRCP1?
    Would that time count as experience in the UK? Or give PLAB1 and PLAB2 and try for a job in UK? The thing is it costs equally to apply for PLABs or to apply for registering with Irish medical council. So I was confused which one should I go for.
    I think Ireland because we’ll get a job and salary quicker? Im not sure.
    Some financial troubles, so I’ll need to save money while supporting myself to give these expensive exams while not wasting time. If u have any info regarding this it would help immensly!
    Your advice is greatly appreciated if any 🙂

    Reply

    1. I think PLAB is your best option. I am not sure about the job situation in Ireland. PLAB doesn’t cost much, to be honest. You can work for a few months in Pakistan to save enough money for PLAB. MRCP is harder than people realize. So I wouldn’t advise going for MRCP before PLAB.

      Reply

  36. Also on the GMC website Im not sure which fees will we(as pakistanis who clear PLAB2) will have to pay, the £425? Or any else?
    Also will we need to pay the £425 annual retention fees as well at time of application or after starting work there?

    Reply

  37. Hi,
    First of all this is excellent work Dr.Naseer
    I am from lahore Pakistan..i appeared for plab 1 exam this march..hopefully inshAllah i will clear it.My housejob at CMH lahore ends on 15th may 2017..i want to pursue medicine and specifically cardiology.Is there any chance of i work hard enough that i might worm my way into specialist training for cardio in uk?

    Reply

    1. Cardiology usually does not open in Round 2. You can be in the waiting list. But then again, there’s no guarantee that you might get called. If you are really passionate about it, you can wait for 6 years, until you become a national, and then apply for it in Round 1.

      There might or might not be other ways too, that I am unaware of.

      Reply

  38. Hello Dr naseer.
    I have completed my MBBS in Jan 2017.My house job will start from June 2017 .I am really interested to work in UK .I was thinking to start preparing for ielts .
    If i’ll be lucky enough to pass ielts with the required score ,can I register my self for plab 1 during my house job ? Or one needs to complete the whole internship year in order to take plab ?
    The other thing I want to know is what if my ielts would expire before I take my plab 2 ,will I then need to go through this ielts thing again?
    Jazak Allah khair in advance !

    Reply

    1. You can register for PLAB 1 during your House Job.

      You do not need IELTS for PLAB 2. But you do need it for GMC registration. So, yes, if your IELTS expires, you will need to take it again. But don’t worry. I am sure you will complete everything in time and you won’t need a second IELTS.

      Reply

  39. A.a how to prepare for PLAB? which books are useful and can we take ILETS exam after passing PLAB and is one year of house job a compulsion for taking PLAB test?

    Reply

  40. thanks Naseer for sharing much needed information.could you please tell that after graduation and one year internship,are we eligible to take MRCP exam? is experience a pre-requisite for taking this exam?and also after passing all parts of MRCP,how can we get into their necessary training system before ST?

    Reply

  41. Hello Naseer.
    I have contacted you before regarding my issue. I am from Albania and here we have only three months internship. So i can not go for pattern 1 for GMC registartion. Also in pattern 2 they say you should have two years postgraduate experience in at least two branches of medicine and at least to branches of surgery. This way is also impossible because after we graduate here we can only work in general medicine and not in surgery. Im not sure if im missing something. It can not be this impossible for me to come and work there for these techincal issues. I am also considering mrcp way because i read that to go for it you only need 12 month medical experience an no surgery is mentioned in that. Do you think this could be a possible way?

    Reply

    1. Of course, I remember talking to you. 🙂

      You fall under the first category, “Candidates who have NOT completed an acceptable pattern of internship from their home country”. Therefore, you can apply for FY1.

      You probably would qualify for MRCP. But that road is difficult to go through.

      Reply

  42. But i will still sit for plab and apply for fy1 while i gain my 1 year work experience. If this wont work i will go for mrcp. Of other people took it, i can take it too. :-).
    While going to the foundation programme page i found something that confused me” the candidate must obtain full registration with the gmc at thw time the foundation programme starts”. Whats that? Because the reason why i will go to foundation years is to get that. Confused!*_*

    Reply

  43. Hi

    In my country its hard to get medici e and surgery training..so whats ur advise on this?

    Reply

    1. You mean during your internship or after that? Unfortunately, I don’t know much about the training system in other countries.

      Reply

  44. Hello
    Thanks for the informative article. Do you have any idea regarding prospects after PLAB for old graduates (grad of 2006)? How easy or difficult it would be to land a non training position after clearing PLAB. Is it worth the investment. I have finished FCPS, however it is in a non clinical subject (Community Medicine) and I wish to do train in Internal Medicine now.
    Thank you

    Reply

    1. Hello,

      1. Being an old graduate does not make a difference.

      2. If you’ve been working without gaps, it’ll help a lot. If not, even if you start working now, it’ll help.

      3. Your chances of finding a non-training job depend on your clinical experience after graduating.

      Reply

  45. Hello there! Very informative ..Am a newly graduate (april 2016) ..just started my internship and at the same time am doing my MSC in physiology..am asking about the steps I should take starting right now..and through which post should I enter the system (am interested in neurology) ..as for my CV i think its pretty much good ..another thing is that I need a quick path to gain money being the only support my family do have ..so the whole fees and costs thing is really important for me..I would really appreciate if u elaborate on this and the whole salary thing

    Reply

    1. I’ve mentioned the expenditure and the pay scale in dedicated posts in my blog. Kindly check them out. You will also find posts about road maps and line of actions. 🙂

      Reply

  46. Hello Naseer
    Thanks a lot ..you are really doing great work here…
    Do IMG need to take the MRCP for all specializations or just internal medicine?
    I want to specialize in radiology..how are the Chance for IMG ?

    Reply

    1. Hello,

      Thank you for your kind words! And thank you for visiting the blog! 🙂

      MRCP is only for Medicine.

      I’m sorry! But I’m not sure about the likelihood of entering radiology training. You can post on the PLAB Facebook group and someone might be able to guide you.

      Reply

  47. Assalamuwaykum,
    IMG in uk do not get training post ( st3 level )maximum time. So what will be the value of non training post in uk and outside.Is they get certificate for non training post . Can they become consultant by non training post.

    Reply

    1. It is possible to become a consultant through the non-training pathway (it is known as the CESR pathway – you can check this on Google). IMGs do find ST3 spots, depending on which specialty they apply for.

      Reply

  48. Hello ,
    My questions is about MRCP , who can take the MRCP ? do I have to have a certain time of training in that particular field that I’m applying for ? I mean in my case, If I have done 2 years of internal medicine residency in my home country or even if I have no training in that particular specialty ?

    Reply

    1. You can check their eligibility criteria on their website. You only need 12 months of experience (which can be your internship or house job).

      Reply

  49. Hello,
    if one has finished MRCPs and PACES by the end of FY2, can they still apply for Core training instead of jumping to ST? as you said i don’t want to start FIFA at legendary level

    Reply

    1. It’s kind of nearly impossible to pass PACES by the end of FY2. So your scenario is slightly unrealistic. But if this does happen, then you can enter ST3 if you get your competencies signed. You can also apply for CT at this point, but you’d be overqualified for it.

      Reply

  50. Thanks for your posts doctor, they’re really helpful. I’ve passed MRCP part 1 on January, 2017. Though I planned to sit for Part 2 this June, I was not able to for some reasons. Now I think I should go for IELTS & Plab. What do you recommend?

    Reply

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