PLAB exam

The PLAB exam is the main route by which International Medical Graduates (IMGs) demonstrate their necessary skills and knowledge to practise medicine in the UK.

The Professional and Linguistics Assessments Board (PLAB) test is the most common route by which International Medical Graduates (IMGs) demonstrate their necessary skills and knowledge to practise medicine in the UK. You can take a PLAB test at the British Council; simply follow the registration steps below.

You will need to pass the PLAB test before you can apply for registration with a licence to practise medicine in the UK. To obtain a license you must:

• Be a national of a country outside the UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland who graduated from a medical school outside the UK OR a UK national who has graduated from a medical school outside the UK, EEA or Switzerland.
• AND not have Enforceable Community (EC) rights
• AND not have one of the following:
  -  a sponsorship under an arrangement approved by us
  - an approved postgraduate qualification
  - eligibility to enter the GP or specialist register

How to register

You must apply online to make a booking for your test. The closing date for applications is eight weeks before the test date.

• Part one is held at centres in the United Kingdom and in certain other countries: e.g. Sri Lanka, Egypt, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Dubai and India.
• Part two can only be taken in the United Kingdom.

Find out more about the process in the General Medical Council website.

Test dates

Test day schedule

• Candidate’s reporting time - 14.30

Test venue

The candidate will be notified via email prior to the exam.