More time

With effect from June 2018, the PLAB part 1 question paper will now contain 180 questions instead of 200 questions. You will still have 3 hours to complete the test.

For full details, visit: https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/plab/plab-1-guide/what-is-plab-1

The PLAB test changes

Since September 2016 changes have been made to the PLAB test.

The format of PLAB part 1 will remain the same. But there are additional questions which will assess your understanding of ethics as well as your clinical knowledge.

Example question from Part 1 (from September 2016):

A 14 year old girl comes requesting the oral contraceptive pill (OCP). She says she is sexually active. Her boyfriend is in the year above her at school. What is the SINGLE most appropriate action?

A) Advise her about safe sex and prescribe OCP

B) Contact her parents

C) Contact the local safeguarding officer

D) Contact the police

E) Explain it is illegal to prescribe the pill for her

Answer: A) Advise her about safe sex and prescribe OCP. 

For full details, visit: http://www.gmc-uk.org/PLAB_changes_Q_A___DC8692.pdf_65027597.pdf

Medical Licensing Assessment

In future, international medical graduates from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) would be required to sit for the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) instead of the PLAB test.

If you need to take MLA, there will be a two-part assessment. The first part is an applied knowledge test. The second part is an assessment of clinical skills.

For full details, visit: https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/29000.asp

GMC strengthens tests for overseas doctor

Improvements are being made to PLAB. In the future, doctors will be required to undergo a broader knowledge test and a more thorough practical assessment, which reflect real life consultations in the UK health system.

For full details, visit: http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/28961.asp

GMC council approves development of UK medical licensing assessment

GMC is developing a new form of assessment which will replace PLAB. This is likely to be in the year 2019. It has been given a working title of the United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA). So if you are still planning to work in the UK, may we suggest coming to sit for PLAB before 2019 after which the entire structure of the exam may change.

For full details, visit: http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/26549.asp