Article

GMC PLAB – Frequently Asked Questions

Topic: Health EducationPublished November 29, 2011
No ratings yet1,951 viewsSign in to rate
GMC PLAB – What is It?rnThe full form of PLAB is Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board. This test is conducted by General Medical Council or GMC of UK. Objective of -PLAB- test is to check suitability of the overseas doctors and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) as senior house officers in British hospitals. rnGMC PLAB Test - Who Need to Take this Test?rnIf you are an overseas doctor or IMG and want limited registration to practice medicine in United Kingdom then you would require passing this test. rnGeneral Medical Council or GMC is a statutory body that is responsible for maintaining standard and regulating medical profession in UK. If you, an IMG (International Medical Graduate) or overseas doctor, want to take up any training related to medicine and medical field then the first thing you would require to do is to obtain registration with General Medical Council. rnWhat Type of Test is GMC PLAB?rnThe primary aim of the test is to assess the capabilities of an IMG or overseas doctor, whether he or she is employable as a senior house officer in a hospital of United Kingdom. The concerned examination examines the following aspects of the candidate:rna) Medical knowledgernb) Clinical skillsrnc) Communication skillsrnSimply memorizing the questions of previous years will not help your pass the test. There have been certain changes in the style of questions. You have to identify your weaknesses and work on them so that you can qualify the exam with flying colours. Can You Give an Overview of the GMC PLAB Test Syllabus?rnThis examination has two parts. The two parts are given below:rn1. Part 1 rnFirst part of the test is not only conducted in United Kingdom but also in other overseas countries. In this part, single best answer format as well as Extended Matching Questions is asked and the total number of questions asked stands at 200. In these questions, around 30% of them are of the type Single Best Answer format. The format of answering is single best answer. The total allotted time of this exam is 3 hours. Part 1 of -GMC PLAB- test emphasises on clinical management.rn2. Part 2rnThis part of the GMC PLAB test is not available in overseas countries. It should be given in UK itself. The form of testing is of the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) form. Part 2 of this test assesses communication as well as clinical skills of the candidate. The most important information regarding this Part 2 test is that the candidate needs to pass this part within 3 years of passing the first part. rnCan a Candidate Appear for Part 2 of PLAB Test before Passing Part 1?rnNo, a candidate cannot appear for Part 2 until and unless they pass the Part 1 test. If you have passed the Part 1 of GMC PLAB test then you have to appear for Part 2 within 3 years. rnThese are some of the frequently asked questions regarding GMC PLAB test.rnFor more info: http://samsonplab.co.uk/

Article author

About the Author

Derick Branson is an experienced writer, who has exposure in medical writing. He has started to share his knowledge on PLAB test through his articles. If you want to know more on -PLAB 1 course- in London and PLAB 2 Course in London then read his articles.

Further reading

Further Reading

4 total

Article

When you’re trying to stay on top of your health, it can feel like you’re juggling multiple appointments at different locations—one for your family doctor, another for dental work, and maybe a separate trip to the pharmacy. That constant back-and-forth can be tiring, especially when all you really want is convenient and reliable care in one place. That’s where integrated medical centers come in. They bring several healthcare services together under one roof, helping y

November 12, 2025

Article

Rumah Zakat Yogyakarta is the regional face of a nationwide philanthropic movement that seeks to turn faith-driven giving into long-term social transformation. More than a charity that distributes aid, Rumah Zakat in Yogyakarta integrates zakat, infak, and sedekah into targeted programs across education, health, livelihoods, and the environment — all designed to lift vulnerable families out of dependency and toward sustainable self-reliance. This article explores who they a

November 3, 2025

Article

When most people think about root canals, the image that comes to mind is far from pleasant. Long appointments, discomfort, and outdated tools are common fears—but that’s quickly becoming a thing of the past. Thanks to modern endodontics, root canal therapy is now faster, more precise, and significantly more comfortable than ever before. A Quick Look at Endodontics Endodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on treating problems inside the tooth—specifically the dent

August 27, 2025

Article

Image source: Unsplash Running is more than just putting one foot in front of the other—it’s a blend of mechanics, mindset, and consistency that shapes long-term progress. Understanding how your body moves and how your mind responds to challenges can transform your performance and reduce the risk of injury. By focusing on technique and building mental toughness, Quentin Geczy showcases how runners can train smarter rather than harder. Small adjustments in form, paired wit

August 14, 2025