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As an international medical graduate, if you want to become a medical professional in the United Kingdom, passing the PLAB 1 exam is a decisive step in your medical career. The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board, more commonly referred to as ‘PLAB,’ is a series of tests constituted and conducted by the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom.
What Is PLAB 1?
PLAB 1 which is sometimes called the first part of the PLAB test – is a written closed-book exam with multiple-choice questions which tests your basic clinical knowledge and problem-solving skills characteristic of a UK medical environment. It is a part of the GMC licensing requirements for internationally qualified doctors and one of the most critical steps before you can register to practice in the UK.
Unlike other basic science examinations, PLAB 1 is based on practical scenarios. The goal is to assess your thought process and application of knowledge, not your recall. Such a pattern in PLAB 1 prep work is quite distinct and rewarding.
PLAB 1 Exam Format & Structure
Understanding the structure of the plab 1 test is key to effective preparation. Here’s what you need to know:
- Exam Type: Computer-based Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Total Questions: 180 single-best-answer questions
- Duration: 3 hours
- Question Style: Clinical vignettes followed by one correct answer from five options
- Marking: One mark per correct answer; no negative marking
The exam content aligns with clinical practice relevant to UK foundation year doctors (FY2 level), covering general medicine, surgery, obstetrics & gynaecology, psychiatry, general practice, ethics, and more.
When Are the PLAB 1 Exam Dates?
One benefit of taking the PLAB 1 is that it is a series of examinations conducted a number of times in a year. In 2026, the likely PLAB 1 exam dates and result timelines are:
PLAB 1 Exam Dates
| Exam Date | Result Declaration |
| March 2026 | TBA |
| June 2026 | TBA |
| September 2026 | TBA |
| November 2026 | TBA |
The GMC publishes these dates far in advance through GMC Online, and registration for each test closes approximately 6-8 weeks before each sitting.
You can sit the exam in several UK cities (including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast and more) and some international locations.
Eligibility & Booking Your PLAB 1 Test
Before you book your PLAB 1 test, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the GMC:
- Medical Degree Recognition: Your primary medical qualification must be recognised by the GMC.
- English Language Proficiency: Proof of English competence (IELTS or OET) must be submitted and verified.
- GMC Online Account: Create and verify your account, where you can see available PLAB 1 dates and book your slot.
After fulfilling these conditions, you can access and book available candidate positions in the exams using the GMC Online website.
How to Prepare for PLAB 1 Preparation
Preparations for PLAB 1 need a systematic process and awareness of clinical reasoning and UK guidelines. Some important tips to assist you in succeeding are given below:
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Know the Exam Content
Start with the official GMC resources and the MLA (Medical Licensing Assessment) content map to understand the topics and competencies assessed.
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Practice With High-Yield Questions
Make use of question banks and simulated tests. Exposure to this type of questioning will boost confidence and speed, which are important in the 180-question format. Some successful applicants advise attempting question banks a minimum of two times and working towards high scores in simulated tests.
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Time Management
A simulation of an exam setting during practice can very effectively help with time management on all 180 questions. Time management is important in order to not be pressed for time during the last hour of an exam.
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Focus on High-Yield Topics
Clinical medicine topics, especially internal medicine, tend to feature more prominently. Prioritise common and high-impact content areas during revision.
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Revise Smartly
Make a study timetable that balances reading, MCQ practice, and revision cycles. Starting preparation 3–6 months in advance is typical for many aspirants.
Choosing the Best PLAB 1 Online Course
With thousands of candidates preparing for PLAB 1 each year, many find that enrolling in a PLAB online course accelerates their growth and strengthens weak areas.
StudyPLAB offers you some of the best PLAB 1 online course in the industry. With expert-led coaching and comprehensive study materials, we’ll help you become fully exam-ready. You can even check out our high-quality study materials, curated by a team of expert mentors, for free on the StudyMEDIC LMS 3.0 before enrolling in the course.
Scoring and Passing PLAB 1
GMC does not have an absolute cut-off mark to pass. The cut-off mark is calculated using the Angoff technique where minimal competent performance is evaluated based on subject matter specialists estimating difficulty levels of each question.
Pass marks are approximately 60-70%, depending on the sitting, according to non-official sources. The results are usually published about 4–6 weeks after the exam.
Realistic Outlook & Success Rates
The PLAB 1 exam has become more challenging for IMGs, with a current passing rate of approximately 70%.
This reinforces the need for targeted preparation, practice exams, and exposure to case vignettes. Students who can dedicate time to targeted learning utilizing quality study aids have a greatly increased level of chance for passing.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for PLAB 1 might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right strategy, resources, and dedication, you can confidently walk into the exam room and ace it. Focus on building a strong foundation in clinical medicine, grasp the exam format, and use practice tests to sharpen your time management and reasoning skills.
By : patrick
