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Who Should Take the PLAB and MRCP Exams?
The PLAB and MRCP exams cater primarily to international medical graduates and doctors aiming to practice in the UK. The PLAB is designed for overseas doctors to demonstrate they have the necessary skills to practice medicine in the UK. Meanwhile, the MRCP is for postgraduate doctors seeking to specialize in internal medicine.
Both exams target professionals aiming for career advancement, higher qualifications, and recognition within the UK medical system, ensuring global standards in healthcare.
PLAB Exam
The PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) exam is a test that international medical graduates must pass to work as doctors in the United Kingdom. It assesses whether these doctors have the knowledge and skills equivalent to those of a UK-trained doctor starting their second year of the Foundation Program (FY2).
The exam is divided into two parts: PLAB 1, a written multiple-choice test, and PLAB 2, a practical exam that evaluates clinical and communication skills through real-world scenarios. Passing the PLAB is a key step toward UK medical practice.
PLAB Test: Who Qualifies and When to Apply
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must have completed an acceptable medical qualification from a recognized institution. Additionally, candidates need to pass the IELTS or OET to demonstrate proficiency in English with the required scores.
Application Overview
You can take the PLAB 1 exam four times a year, typically in February, May, August, and November. The exam is offered both in the UK and in several international locations. To check current exam availability, eligible candidates must register for a GMC Online account and log into the PLAB booking service.
Since exam places are limited and in high demand, it’s important to plan ahead and book early to secure a spot. Keep an eye on the available dates to ensure you don’t miss your opportunity to apply.
Source: GMC
PLAB Exam Structure
The exam is divided into two parts: PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, each testing different medical knowledge and skills areas.
PLAB 1:
- Format: Computer-based multiple-choice exam
- Duration: 3 hours
- Content Covers: Clinical medicine, Public health, Preventive medicine, Ethics, Law, Medical Education and Research
- Number of questions: 180
- Passing score: 70%
PLAB 2:
- Format: Practical assessment that evaluates clinical skills and communication abilities
- Duration: Approximately 10 minutes per patient encounter
- Content Involves: General practice, Hospital wards, Emergency department
- Number of patients: 8-10
- Assessment criteria: Communication skills, clinical examination, history-taking, diagnosis, and management.
Key Points:
- PLAB 1 is typically held in multiple countries, while PLAB 2 must be taken in the UK.
- Passing both parts is necessary to obtain General Medical Council (GMC) registration to work as a doctor in the UK.
Exam Results:
PLAB exam results become available six weeks after the exam. An email with a link directs candidates to the 'My Tests' section of GMC Online to access their results. Results remain confidential and secure, and there is no option to provide them over the phone or in person.
MRCP Exam
The Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is a postgraduate qualification focused on internal medicine. This prestigious qualification is widely recognised in the UK and is frequently pursued by International Medical Graduates (IMGs) aiming to specialise in internal medicine.
Key Requirements and Application
- Medical Qualification: You must hold a recognized medical degree from an accredited institution.
- Experience: Typically, candidates should have at least 12 months of postgraduate clinical experience before attempting the MRCP Part 1.
The MRCP exam structure has changed in recent years.
Here's the current structure:
Part 1: Held four times a year (January, April, July, October).
Part 2: Written: Held three times a year (February, June, October).
PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills): Held three times a year (March, July, November).
Please note that the exact dates for each exam session can vary, so it's always best to check the official Royal College of Physicians (RCP) website for the most up-to-date information.
Difference Between PLAB and MRCP
Criteria | PLAB | MRCP |
Purpose | Assess general medical knowledge for UK practice. | Assess internal medicine specialization. |
Eligibility | Medical graduates from outside the UK. | Postgraduate doctors with 12 months clinical experience. |
Exam Parts | 2 Parts: PLAB 1 (MCQ), PLAB 2 (OSCE). | 3 Parts: Part 1 (MCQ), Part 2 (MCQ), PACES (OSCE). |
Focus | General medical practice. | Specialization in internal medicine. |
GMC Registration | Required for UK work. | Not needed for exam. |
Exam Location | PLAB 1: Global, PLAB 2: UK only. | Global centers, PACES mostly in the UK. |
Recognition | General practice in the UK. | Internal medicine specialization worldwide. |
PLAB exam fees
Exam Fees vary depending on various factors. However, you can generally expect the fees to be around:
- PLAB 1: Approximately £170
- PLAB 2: Approximately £340
It's important to note that these are approximate figures, and the actual fees may be slightly higher or lower. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with things like travel, accommodation, and English language proficiency tests.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on PLAB exam fees, please visit the official General Medical Council (GMC) website.
MRCP Exam Fees
The exact exam fees can vary depending on various factors, including the specific part of the exam you are taking and any additional services you may require. However, you can generally expect the fees to be around:
- Part 1: £300
- Part 2 (Written): £300
- Part 2 (PACES): £400
Please note that these are approximate figures, and the actual fees may be slightly higher or lower.
Which exam is easier to pass, PLAB or MRCP?
The PLAB exam is generally considered easier to pass compared to the MRCP, as PLAB assesses basic clinical knowledge for general practice, while MRCP requires in-depth knowledge and specialization in internal medicine. It also involves multiple parts and a more rigorous assessment process, making it more challenging overall.
Your Pathways to Advancing Your Medical Career!
Whether you're aiming for general medical practice or specialized expertise in internal medicine, both PLAB and MRCP are key to unlocking your UK medical career. Choose your path and take the next step toward professional growth!