The Professional Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) exams are administered by the British Council on behalf of UK’s General Medical Council (GMC).
The PLAB exam is the main route by which International Medical Graduates demonstrate they have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice medicine in the UK. For more information on the PLAB exam, please visit the GMC website.
How to register
Before you book the PLAB exam you must have the necessary registration requirements to book the exam.
To register for the PLAB test, you must set up a online account and book your test on the GMC website.
For more information on how to apply for the PLAB exam please visit the “What is the PLAB exam” section of the GMC website.
Test dates
Check available PLAB exam test dates.
Test venue
The candidate will be notified via email prior to the exam.
Important information for candidates
While you are getting ready for your exam, we would like to share the measures we have taken to ensure your safety on the day of your exam.
What to expect before the exam:
- Hand hygiene - We are providing hand sanitisers at each exam venue.
- Temperature checks - Your temperature will be checked with a no-contact thermometer prior to entering the exam venue. If your temperature exceeds 37oC, we will carry out a second temperature check after 15 minutes. If your temperature exceeds 37oC again, our staff at the venue will decide and let you know if you could be allowed to take the exam.
- If you are under 18 and not under the collection status, you will be asked to leave the premises by contacting the parents.
- If you are under 18 and have a collection status, then you will be asked to wait in a separate area till your parents come to collect you.
- If you pass through the temperature check but in the opinion of the Supervisor have flu-like symptoms or after entering you declare that you are sick the Supervisor can follow the same guidelines as above and request you to leave the exam premises.
- No baggage will be allowed to be brought into the exam venue. You could bring in a small transparent case carrying stationery required for the exams, approved identity document and a water bottle. You could bring in a small personal effects bag as well.
- Bring your own stationery. British Council will not be providing stationery for exams due to the prevailing situation and as an extra Health and Safety measure.
- No visitors - Only the candidate will be allowed to enter the premises.
- No parking - There will be no parking facilities at the exam venue.
- Facemask - Please don’t forget to wear a facemask when you come for the exam
Test day declaration prior to entry:
We will not allow candidates to sit for the exams under the following conditions, if they:
- Are under self-quarantine according to local guidelines;
- Have a high temperature, persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms
- Have an immediate family member or close contact who has been reported Covid19 positive or in quarantine or self-isolation
You are expected to sign a declaration form to confirm that you do not fall into any of the above categories before entering the venue.
We would accept PCR test results under the below conditions:
A household member is positive and the PCR tests have been done for all the others in the household and the candidate submits all the test results at least 24 hours prior to the exam.
What to expect during the exam:
- Social distancing - We will be maintaining at least 1.25 metres social distancing between you and your fellow candidates outside of test room and 2 metres while you are seated in the test room
- Disinfection - All exam room touchpoints will be fully cleaned and sanitised before every test
- Restroom cleaning - Restroom touchpoints will be cleaned on use.
- Identity checks – You must remove your facemask and turn it inside out for visual inspection to be performed at a distance. For identity check during the exam, you should raise your ID towards the Invigilator as they approach your desk.
- Staff hygiene - The invigilators will sanitise their hands prior to distribution and collection of exams materials
We do not encourage or practice separated delivery of exams in other rooms as we have a duty of care towards our Venue Staff or any other probable contact.
What to expect after the exam:
- Safer exit - You will be allowed to exit the exam venue maintaining social distance.
- No gathering will be allowed inside the premises.
- Wherever applicable the safer collection policy for child protection will apply.
- Wherever applicable the safer collection policy for child protection will apply.
For the safety of others, we recommend that you refrain from reporting to the exam venue if you have been tested positive for Covid-19 within the last 30 days or currently having symptoms of fever, cough and cold, and sore throat.
If you are travelling to Sri Lanka to sit for your exam, before finalising your travel arrangements, please refer to the latest updates on applicable government regulations related to quarantine measures available at:
Please note, these regulations are subject to change without prior notice.
We are always here to help, so if you have any queries please get in touch with us at info.lk@britishcouncil.org or 0117521521 Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.