STAGE B · ROUTE B · OVERSEAS GRADUATES (PLAB)

The PLAB route for overseas-qualified doctors

Route B: from your overseas medical degree to GMC registration. Typical time: 6–24 months, depending on preparation and appointment availability.

STEP 1 OF 13

What is PLAB?

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board test: two exams, one purpose.

6 min read →

STEP 2 OF 13

Are you eligible? Primary medical qualification and internship

Check your degree, your medical school and your internship before spending a penny.

6 min read →

STEP 3 OF 13

English-language requirements: IELTS, OET and alternatives

The scores the GMC accepts, how long they last, and the exemptions.

6 min read →

STEP 4 OF 13

Your GMC Online account and verifying your documents

Identity, qualifications, certificates and the order to do them in.

6 min read →

STEP 5 OF 13

PLAB 1 in detail

Format, content, booking, centres and the day itself.

9 min read →

STEP 6 OF 13

PLAB 2 in detail

The OSCE in Manchester: stations, skills, booking and preparation.

9 min read →

STEP 7 OF 13

What PLAB really costs

Exam fees, English tests, verification, travel and registration.

5 min read →

STEP 8 OF 13

After PLAB: registration, licence and GMC number

The steps from a PLAB 2 pass to a doctor’s ID, and what “licence to practise” means.

6 min read →

STEP 9 OF 13

Visas and sponsorship

Visitor visas for exams and the Health and Care Worker visa for jobs.

7 min read →

STEP 10 OF 13

Finding your first UK job

NHS Jobs, trust grade posts, clinical attachments and the new competition for training places.

7 min read →

STEP 11 OF 13

Other routes to GMC registration

Sponsorship, approved postgraduate qualifications, the MTI and CESR.

7 min read →

STEP 12 OF 13

Important: the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026

UK graduates are now prioritised for Foundation and specialty training. What it means for you.

8 min read →

STEP 13 OF 13

A 12-week PLAB 1 study plan

A realistic weekly plan you can adapt to full-time work or study.

6 min read →