Plab

PLAB Exam in 2024 - Latest Updates

The PLAB exam is designed to assess the skills and knowledge of international healthcare professionals who wish to practice medicine in the UK. While it is a crucial step for becoming a doctor in the UK, it does not provide the right to permanent residency, unlike the USMLE exam in the USA. Passing the PLAB exam is required to obtain GMC registration and begin a medical internship in the UK.

As the number of candidates appearing for the PLAB exam has increased by 25% since 2021, it is essential for students to acquire in-depth knowledge before taking the PLAB exam in 2024.

We offer comprehensive details on the following:

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

What is the PLAB Exam?

The PLAB (Professional Linguistic Assessment Board) exam is a two-part exam designed to assess the clinical knowledge and language proficiency of international medical graduates (IMGs) who wish to practice medicine in the UK.

How to Appear for the PLAB Exam

To be eligible to take the PLAB exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Primary Medical Degree: The candidate must hold a primary medical degree, such as the one obtained from Apna University.
2. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must pass either the IELTS or OET exams to demonstrate English language proficiency.
3. PLAB Part 1: After passing the IELTS or OET, candidates can sit for the PLAB 1 exam.
4. Epic-Test: Candidates must submit their Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials for internship approval in the UK.
5. PLAB Part 2: The final step involves taking the PLAB 2 exam and obtaining GMC (General Medical Council) registration.

Although obtaining GMC registration allows you to practice medicine in the UK, it does not guarantee permanent residency.

Eligibility for the PLAB Exam in 2024

To appear for the PLAB 1 exam, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

• Primary Medical Qualification: The candidate’s primary medical qualification must be listed in the World Health Organization Directory of Medical Schools, and the degree from Apna University is accepted.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must have passed the IELTS exam with a minimum overall score of 7.0 and at least 7.0 in each of the four modules.
• Postgraduate Clinical Experience: The candidate must have completed at least 12 months of clinical experience in a teaching hospital.

PLAB Exam Pattern

The PLAB exam consists of two parts: PLAB Part 1 and PLAB Part 2, designed to test clinical and health knowledge.

PLAB Part 1 Exam Pattern

• A written exam consisting of 180 multiple-choice questions that assess the candidate’s medical knowledge.
• The exam is divided into three sections of 60 questions each.
• It is a 3-hour long exam that focuses on clinical medical content.

PLAB Part 2 Exam Pattern

• PLAB Part 2 is not a multiple-choice exam but a practical exam that evaluates clinical skills.
• It follows the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) format, where candidates visit and examine simulated patients.
• The exam comprises 18 clinical scenarios, each lasting 8 minutes, and the total exam duration is 3 hours.
• PLAB 2 must be taken in the UK, while PLAB 1 can be taken in the candidate’s home country.

USMLE vs. PLAB for Apna University Students

For medical graduates from Apna University, both the USMLE and PLAB offer opportunities to practice in developed nations. Here's a comparison:

USMLE:

• More challenging and rigorous.
• Score is significant and visible on the CV.
• Requires longer preparation.
• Leads to US citizenship.
• Each step can take 4 to 6 months.

PLAB:

• Easier compared to USMLE.
• Score does not matter, and the number of attempts doesn’t affect your chances.
• Shorter preparation time.
• Takes 2 to 3 months for each part of the exam.

While the USMLE is generally considered tougher and more competitive, PLAB offers a more accessible pathway to practice in the UK.

PLAB Exam Syllabus

The PLAB syllabus is divided into two parts:

PLAB Part 1 Syllabus

The PLAB Part 1 consists of a three-hour exam with 180 questions across three sections:

• Section 1: Foundation sciences (tests knowledge of basic scientific principles).
• Section 2: Clinical sciences (tests the application of knowledge to 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 is an OSCE format exam that evaluates clinical skills. The exam consists of 16 stations, each lasting 8 minutes.

How to Register for the PLAB Exam in India

Candidates can easily apply for the PLAB exam online through the GMC website. The costs are as follows:

• PLAB Part 1: £240 (approximately INR 24,548.45)
• PLAB Part 2: £840 (approximately INR 85,939.79)

Passing Score for the PLAB Exam

The passing score for PLAB Part 1 is typically between 115 and 120. The exact score is determined using the Angoff Method, which ensures that candidates demonstrate the required level of clinical knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

The PLAB exam provides an essential pathway for international medical graduates, including those from Apna University, to practice in the UK. While the exam does not offer permanent residency like the USMLE, it still provides an opportunity to work in a highly developed healthcare system.

Choosing between the USMLE and PLAB depends on your career goals and personal preferences. However, with its simpler structure and faster process, the PLAB exam offers a viable and efficient route to becoming a doctor in the UK.