PLAB 1 is an Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) designed to assess your ability to apply medical knowledge in patient care rather than simply recalling facts. The questions reflect current best practices in the UK and are based on the equipment and protocols commonly used in UK hospitals. Answers should be selected based on published evidence rather than local clinical practices. PLAB 1 meets the standards set by the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA). Exam Content The test covers a wide range of common, important, and acute conditions—including those frequently encountered in emergency departments—as well as the management of long-term conditions in primary care. It focuses on the responsibilities of a Foundation Year 2 (F2) doctor, excluding the advanced duties of a general practitioner (GP). Exam Format PLAB 1 consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in three hours. Each question presents a clinical scenario, followed by a question with five possible answers, from which you must select the most appropriate one.

When Can You Take the Exam? PLAB 1 is held four times a year, with sittings in February, May, August, and November. The exam is conducted in the UK and various international locations. You can check available exam dates and results in the ‘Your results’ section of your GMC Online account. Overseas exam bookings close six weeks before the exam date. UK exam bookings close two weeks before the exam date. Exam places are limited and in high demand, with availability managed to ensure fair access throughout the year. If you have a UK NHS job offer requiring GMC registration or hold UK refugee status, you can contact plab@gmc-uk.org, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Note: The number of PLAB 1 exam places is not linked to job availability in the UK. Where Can You Take the Exam? PLAB 1 is conducted in multiple UK cities, including: 📍 Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford, and Sheffield. Additionally, the exam is available in Dublin (Ireland) and Madrid (Spain) within the EU. If you book a UK or EU exam, you will receive venue details within 7 days from VICTVS, the GMC-approved supplier responsible for delivering and invigilating the exam. For non-UK and non-EU locations, venue details will be provided by the British Council. If you do not receive venue confirmation at least one week before the exam, please contact VICTVS or the British Council office handling your location.

Am I Eligible to Book the PLAB 1 Exam? To sit PLAB 1, you must meet the following requirements: ✅ Primary Medical Qualification – You need an acceptable overseas medical degree. If you haven’t graduated yet, you must provide proof that you have passed your final exams and met all other qualification requirements. ✅ English Language Proficiency – You must demonstrate sufficient English skills by submitting one of the following: IELTS (International English Language Testing System) OET (Occupational English Test), including OET@Home Upload your test results to the 'My Tests' section in GMC Online. We aim to verify them within two working days, after which you can book your exam. 📌 Why is English proficiency important? According to our PLAB 1 pass rate analysis (2022), candidates who pass IELTS or OET have a higher success rate on their first attempt. We strongly recommend these exams, even if you have alternative evidence of English proficiency. Exam Attempts Limit You may attempt PLAB 1 up to four times. If you fail all four attempts, you must apply for an additional attempt. If you fail the fifth and final attempt, you will no longer be eligible to sit PLAB 1. How to Book a PLAB 1 Exam Log in to GMC Online and access the PLAB booking service to view available exam dates. We regularly update availability based on demand. Check the PLAB booking service for new openings. Exam Fees Visit the Fees page on our website for the latest PLAB 1 exam costs. Changing Your Exam Date You can check alternative exam dates in GMC Online. If you wish to switch, you must cancel your existing booking before securing a new one. A cancellation fee will apply. Can I Book Through a Third Party? 🚫 No. PLAB bookings can only be made through your GMC Online account. Sharing your account details with a third party is considered misconduct and may affect your PLAB booking and future GMC registration. Concessions for Refugee Doctors If you are a refugee doctor living in the UK, your first two PLAB 1 attempts are free. Book your exam online and then contact us for a refund. If you encounter any booking difficulties, please email the PLAB team for assistance. More details are available in our guidance for refugee doctors.

Cancelling Your PLAB 1 Exam Booking How to Cancel Your Exam Booking You can cancel your exam through the PLAB booking service by logging into your GMC Online account. If you wish to book an alternative date, you must cancel your current booking first before securing a new exam slot. ⚠ A cancellation fee applies when you cancel your booking. Can You Get a Refund of the Cancellation Fee? We may consider a full refund in exceptional circumstances that prevent you from attending your exam, such as: Visa refusal Travel restrictions Illness Bereavement If you believe you are eligible for a refund: Cancel your booking first in GMC Online. Email supporting evidence of your circumstances. We will review your request and confirm if a refund can be issued. 📌 Read our guidance on what to do if you are sick or absent on the exam day. What If You Become Unwell During the Exam? By starting the exam, you confirm that you are fit to be assessed. However, if you become unwell during the exam and cannot continue: Notify a GMC staff member immediately. Provide medical evidence after the exam. We will refund your exam fee and annul your result, meaning it will not count as an attempt. What If GMC Cancels the Exam? We strive to run PLAB 1 exams as scheduled at multiple venues. However, in rare cases, we may need to cancel an exam. If this happens: Affected candidates will be notified as soon as possible. All booking fees will be refunded automatically. Where possible, we will offer alternative exam dates. 📌 Note: The GMC is not responsible for any additional costs incurred, such as visa, travel, or accommodation expenses, and we cannot provide reimbursement or compensation. What If Your Exam Sitting Is Disrupted? If an unexpected event (e.g., a power outage) disrupts your exam, we will assess the situation and may offer: Annulling a failed attempt. An additional exam attempt. A chance to retake the exam. An extension of your eligibility period. What If Your Eligibility to Take PLAB Expires Due to Exceptional Circumstances? We allow ample time for candidates to attempt PLAB 1. However, if you face extraordinary circumstances such as: War or conflict Severe and ongoing health issues Pregnancy/maternity-related challenges Prolonged travel restrictions Mandatory military service 📌 Contact as soon as possible, and we will assess whether we can: Offer an earlier exam date. Extend your eligibility period to sit the exam.