PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, explained

Fees, English-test scores and dates were last checked against official sources on 24 October 2026.

1. What is PLAB?The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board test: two exams, one purpose.
2. Are you eligible? Primary medical qualification and internshipCheck your degree, your medical school and your internship before spending a penny.
3. English-language requirements: IELTS, OET and alternativesThe scores the GMC accepts, how long they last, and the exemptions.
4. Your GMC Online account and verifying your documentsIdentity, qualifications, certificates and the order to do them in.
5. PLAB 1 in detailFormat, content, booking, centres and the day itself.
6. PLAB 2 in detailThe OSCE in Manchester: stations, skills, booking and preparation.
7. What PLAB really costsExam fees, English tests, verification, travel and registration.
8. After PLAB: registration, licence and GMC numberThe steps from a PLAB 2 pass to a doctor’s ID, and what “licence to practise” means.
9. Visas and sponsorshipVisitor visas for exams and the Health and Care Worker visa for jobs.
10. Finding your first UK jobNHS Jobs, trust grade posts, clinical attachments and the new competition for training places.
11. Other routes to GMC registrationSponsorship, approved postgraduate qualifications, the MTI and CESR.
12. Important: the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026UK graduates are now prioritised for Foundation and specialty training. What it means for you.
13. A 12-week PLAB 1 study planA realistic weekly plan you can adapt to full-time work or study.