PLAB Exam in 2024 Latest Updates

The PLAB Exam aims to assess the skills and knowledge of international healthcare professionals seeking to work in the UK. This exam is the ultimate path to practice as a Doctor in the UK, although it does not provide permission to settle permanently, unlike the USA's USMLE exam. Passing the PLAB exam helps you obtain GMC registration and start your medical internship in the UK.

It is crucial for students to attain the ultimate knowledge before pursuing the "PLAB exam in 2024". The number of candidates taking this exam has increased by an unprecedented 25% since 2021.

We provide comprehensive details on:

• PLAB exam eligibility
• PLAB exam syllabus
• PLAB exam for Indian students
• PLAB exam fees
• PLAB exam requirements
• Overview of the PLAB exam

"PLAB" stands for Professional Linguistic Assessment Board, and it is a two-part exam that assesses the clinical knowledge and language skills of international medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in the UK.

How To Appear For The PLAB Exam

1. A candidate should have the Primary Medical Degree, such as MBBS.
2. Pass the IELTS or OET exam to demonstrate English language proficiency.
3. Once you have passed the IELTS or OET exam, you are eligible to take the PLAB 1 exam.
4. The "Epic-Test" Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials is the next step to gain an internship permit in the UK.
5. In the fifth step, you are required to take the "PLAB-2" exam and then get clearance on your GMC registration.

Attaining GMC registration is not equivalent to gaining permanent residency in the UK but allows you to practice medicine in the UK.

Eligibility for the PLAB Exam in 2024

Medical graduates must meet the following eligibility criteria to appear for the PLAB 1 exam:

• Primary medical qualification: The candidate's primary medical qualification must be accepted for limited registration by an institution listed in the World Health Organization Directory of Medical Schools.
• English language proficiency: The candidate must have passed the IELTS exam with a minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four language modules.
• Postgraduate clinical experience: The candidate must have completed a minimum of 12 months of postgraduate clinical experience at a teaching hospital.

PLAB Exam Pattern

The PLAB exam is designed into two parts to assess aspirants' clinical and health knowledge:

PLAB Part 1: A written exam with 180 multiple-choice questions that test your medical knowledge and understanding.

PLAB Part 2: A practical exam that assesses your clinical skills through a series of simulated patient encounters.

The PLAB syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, therapeutics, surgery, obstetrics, and gynecology, among others.

PLAB Part 1 Exam Pattern

• The PLAB Part 1 MCQ section is a three-hour exam with 180 questions, split into three sections of 60 questions each.
• The exam solely focuses on clinical medical content.
• It is a 3-hour long exam.

PLAB Part 2 Exam Pattern

• The PLAB Part 2 is not a MCQ exam; it is a descriptive exam that aims to test clinical skill.
• It is an OSCE exam (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), where you personally visit patients and examine them.
• There are 18 scenarios in this exam that last for a total of 3 hours.
• PLAB 2 can only be taken in the UK, whereas PLAB 1 can be taken in the home country of the students.

USMLE vs. PLAB for Indian Students

Both USMLE and PLAB offer opportunities to settle in developed nations:

USMLE:

• Tougher and more challenging.
• Score matters, with attempts shown on your CV.
• Preparation time is longer.
• Guarantee citizenship in the USA.
• Time-consuming, with each step taking 4 to 6 months.

PLAB:

• Easier and less challenging.
• Score does not matter, and attempts are not counted.
• Preparation time is shorter.
• PLAB duration is shorter, with each step taking 2 to 3 months.

USMLE has a higher standard and is generally considered more difficult than PLAB. The US residency match process is also more competitive.

PLAB Exam Syllabus

The PLAB Exam Syllabus is divided into two parts:

PLAB Part 1 Syllabus

The PLAB Part 1 MCQ section is a three-hour exam with 180 questions, split into three sections:

• Section 1: Foundation sciences - Tests knowledge of basic scientific principles relevant to medicine.
• Section 2: Clinical sciences - Tests the ability to apply knowledge to real-life clinical scenarios.
• Section 3: Applied clinical sciences - Tests the ability to diagnose, manage, and treat patients in various clinical settings.

PLAB Part 2 Syllabus

The PLAB Part 2 Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a practical exam that assesses your clinical skills. It consists of 16 stations, each lasting 8 minutes, and you will have 2 hours to complete the exam. The stations cover a wide range of clinical topics.

How to Register for the PLAB Exam in India

Now, anyone can easily apply for the PLAB exam online via the GMC website. The PLAB Part 1 exam costs £240 (INR 24,548.45), and the PLAB Part 2 exam costs £840 (INR 85,939.79).

Passing Score for the PLAB

The passing score for the PLAB 1 exam is generally between 115 and 120. This score is determined using the Angoff Method, ensuring that candidates have demonstrated the required level of knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom offers opportunities for Indian medical students to settle and practice in a highly developed country. The PLAB exam provides a straightforward path to settle in the UK, although it does not guarantee permanent citizenship like the USMLE. Consider your career goals and preferences when choosing between USMLE and PLAB.