PLAB examination

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) examination, commonly known as the PLAB test, enables the General Medical Council (GMC) to verify that International Medical Graduate (IMG) doctors who obtained their qualifications outside the UK possess the requisite knowledge and skills equivalent to UK standards for practicing medicine. To learn more about AmvivaIndia's PLAB courses, please visit our website.

PLAB 1: PLAB 1 is a pen-and-paper-based examination comprising 180 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), as per GMC guidelines. Candidates are allotted 3 hours to complete the test. Typically, each question begins with a brief clinical scenario followed by a query and its corresponding answer choices. Candidates must select the correct response. Part 1 of the exam is available in numerous countries in addition to the UK. A comprehensive list of available locations and dates can be found on GMC Online.

This written examination evaluates candidates' clinical knowledge across various categories, including Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology/ Obstetrics, Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Urology, and Basic Sciences.
Duration: Three hours.
Number of Questions: 180.
Answer Format: Best of five.
The assessment results focus on three primary domains: (Each correct answer earns one mark, with no negative marking):
1. Application of knowledge and experience in clinical practice
2. Assessment of good clinical care
3. Management of good clinical care

PLAB 2: PLAB 2 is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) designed to evaluate clinical knowledge and skills within simulated real-life scenarios. It consists of 18 stations, each lasting eight minutes, with the objective of replicating authentic clinical settings, such as simulated consultations, procedural tasks, or acute care scenarios. Part 2 assessments are conducted year-round at the GMC's clinical assessment center.

For further information about PLAB 2 visit the GMC PLAB2 Guide.

For latest information and impact of the global pandemic, please visit the PLAB GMC website.PLAB test comprises of 2 parts:

An Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) evaluates doctors according to current best practices in the UK. It is undertaken upon successful completion of the PLAB part 1 test.
The exam assesses candidates' clinical knowledge across various station categories, including Ethical, Pediatrics, Medicine, Gynecology/Obstetrics, Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Counseling, Dealing with Angry Patients, Delivering Bad News, Addressing Medical Errors, Teaching, and Prescription Writing.
Total Exam Duration: Three hours and ten minutes.
Number of Stations: 18 stations (including two rest stations).
Station Duration: Eight minutes (with a 90-second gap between stations). Each station/scenario is evaluated in three main areas, totaling 12 marks:
1. Data gathering, technical, and assessment skills (4 marks).
2. Clinical management skills (4 marks).
3. Interpersonal skills (4 marks).
To pass the exam successfully, candidates must achieve the pass mark for that day and pass at least 11 out of 18 stations.

The courses are structured to exemplify the standards for each PLAB part 1 category. This is achieved through online and virtual classroom mock tests, meticulously crafted to replicate the conditions of the actual exam. Such an approach facilitates learning and enhances recall of crucial information, thereby aiding in effective exam preparation.

Simulated Virtual Classroom:
The dates are predetermined and can be booked through our website. You can register when the dates become available. Typically, the session begins with a brief introduction, followed by a live virtual mock conducted in your comfortable setting (such as your home or workplace) with our faculty. Afterward, you'll receive your score along with concise explanations and a comprehensive discussion of all encountered questions. Finally, we address common pitfalls and offer essential tips for passing the exam.

Sets of Online mocks:
These practice resources are accessible at your convenience, enabling you to hone your skills and receive immediate feedback. Upon completion, you'll receive a scoresheet, followed by access to the correct answers and explanations for a limited duration, maximizing your preparation for the actual exam.

These practice sets include:

Single set: A complete mock test with access to answers and explanations available for 24 hours.
Sets of five: Five complete mock tests with access to answers and explanations available for 5 days.
Sets of ten: Ten complete mock tests with access to answers and explanations available for 10 days.

Should you have any feedback, suggestions, or specific requests for preparatory materials, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@amvivaindia.com.

Mock Tests:

Subject to a minimum class size

All dates and times are in the London Timezone

NOTE: Following payment, please email info@amvivaindiacom specifying the session you wish to book. Kindly refrain from making payment until the date and time of your selected course have been confirmed. The online mock test can be taken at any point during the exam period. Test results, along with automated feedback, will be accessible after the exam. Faculty-led feedback sessions will be conducted on specified dates and times as indicated in the table above. While attendance at these feedback sessions is optional, they present an opportunity to gain insights, explanations, and tips from our experienced faculty on challenging questions. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions directly to the faculty.