PLAB 1 Question Bank

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Examination is a test designed for international medical graduates (IMGs) who wish to practice medicine in the United Kingdom (UK). It assesses the medical knowledge and skills of candidates to ensure they meet the required standards for working in the UK healthcare system.

The PLAB exam comprises two parts: PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. PLAB 1 primarily assesses the medical knowledge and understanding of international medical graduates, while PLAB 2 evaluates clinical skills and competencies. PLAB 1 focuses on basic medical sciences and clinical applications relevant to practicing medicine in the UK, whereas PLAB 2 assesses clinical skills, communication, and professionalism through objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).

Additionally, it's important to note that the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) is set to replace PLAB in the future as the standard assessment for all doctors, including IMGs, seeking to practice in the UK.

PLAB 1 assesses your knowledge and understanding of basic medical sciences and their clinical applications relevant to the practice of medicine in the UK. It covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, and clinical skills.

The PLAB blueprint sets out the knowledge, behaviours and skills candidates are expected to demonstrate in the exam.

Exams taken after 8th August 2024 will have their questions mapped against the UKMLA content map.

PLAB 1 is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam consisting of 180 single best answer questions. These questions are divided into two papers, each containing 90 questions. The exam duration is three hours for each paper, making a total of six hours for both papers.

Preparing for the PLAB 1 requires a solid study plan focusing on the breadth of medical knowledge.

Here are some detailed tips:

Practice Questions:

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  Engage with a significant number of practice questions to test your knowledge and understanding of various topics. This will also familiarise you with the MRCP Part 1 format and question style.

Targeted Reading:

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  Engage with online knowledge resources and guidelines covering the core subjects that will come up in Part 1. Focus on understanding concepts as well as high yield testable facts.

Mock Exams:

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  Attempt mock exams or question quizzes under timed conditions to simulate the real exam environment. This helps in building your confidence and time management skills.

To apply for PLAB 1, you need to register with the General Medical Council (GMC), which oversees the PLAB examination process. You can apply online through the GMC website and follow the instructions provided. Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and required documents before submitting your application. Once your application is approved, you will receive confirmation along with details about the exam date, venue, and other relevant information.