PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE that tests whether you can manage patients safely and communicate well in UK clinical situations. It is held only in Manchester, at the GMC’s clinical assessment centre on Hardman Street (3 Hardman Street, M3 3AW is the GMC’s published address; your booking confirmation tells you exactly where to attend).
| Item | Detail (confirm on the GMC site) |
|---|---|
| Format | A circuit of stations of about 8 minutes each with simulated patients, simulated clinical scenarios and examiners |
| Skills | History taking, examination, practical procedures, data interpretation, communication, breaking bad news, consent and ethics |
| Fee from 1 April 2026 | £1,036 |
| Validity | You must pass PLAB 2 within two years of passing PLAB 1 |
| Booking | Opens after you pass PLAB 1; demand for PLAB 2 is high, so check available dates promptly |
| Travel | You are responsible for visa, travel and accommodation. A Standard Visitor visa may allow you to attend if you meet the rules. |
How to prepare
- Practise with a partner or group: PLAB 2 is a performance, not a knowledge test.
- Learn UK-style structures: a clear introduction, consent, a structured history, empathy statements, safety-netting and a summary.
- Study the GMC’s published PLAB 2 skills and domains: data gathering, clinical management and communication.
- Rehearse in English with realistic timing. Eight minutes passes quickly.
Your checklist
- Booked PLAB 2 within two years of PLAB 1
- Arranged travel and accommodation
- Passed PLAB 2
Fees, English-test scores and dates were last checked against official sources on 24 October 2026.
This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.