PLAB 2 Revision 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 2 assesses clinical skills, communication, and professionalism through a series of OSCE stations. These stations simulate real-life scenarios encountered in clinical practice, covering various medical specialties and patient presentations. The OSCE stations assess candidates' ability to gather information, make diagnoses, formulate management plans, and communicate effectively with patients and colleagues. The skills tested in PLAB 2 align with the competencies expected of doctors practicing in the UK healthcare system.

As with PLAB 1, the content of PLAB 2 also aligns with the expectations of the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA), which aims to ensure all doctors, including IMGs, meet the required standards for safe medical practice in the UK. PLAB 2 exams taking place on or after 17 May 2024 will be mapped against the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) content map, replacing the PLAB blueprint.

PLAB 2 is conducted in the form of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). These OSCE stations assess candidates' clinical skills, communication abilities, and professionalism. Each station presents a scenario or a task that the candidate must complete within a specified time. The scenarios cover various medical specialties and clinical situations commonly encountered in UK healthcare settings. Candidates rotate through multiple stations, facing different scenarios at each station which reflect common scenarios faced by a Foundation Year 2 Doctor.

There are 16 stations, lasting eight minutes each with two rest stations. Before starting each station, you have 1 minute and 30 seconds to travel to the next room and to read the instructions.

Each scenario is marked against three main domains:

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  Data gathering, technical and assessment skills e.g. history taking, examination of an organ system, practical procedures

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  Clinical management skills e.g. coming up with a management plan, explaining a procedure/treatment to a patient

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  Interpersonal skills e.g. establishing rapport with a patient, asking open/closed questions, demonstrating your understanding of ethical principles

In tandem with the domains, you will be assessed against the following areas: clinical examination, practical skills and again interpersonal skills.

More information can be found on the GMC website

Preparing for PLAB 2 requires a combination of clinical knowledge, communication skills, and practical experience. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:

Practice clinical scenarios:

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  Familiarise yourself with a wide range of clinical scenarios commonly encountered in UK healthcare settings. Practice history taking, physical examinations, and clinical reasoning.

Develop communication skills:

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  Effective communication is crucial in PLAB 2. Practice active listening, empathy, and clear communication with patients, relatives, and colleagues.

Attend preparation courses:

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  Consider enrolling in PLAB 2 preparation courses offered by reputable institutions. These courses provide structured guidance, simulated OSCE scenarios, and feedback to help you improve your performance.

Utilise online resources:

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  Take advantage of online resources, such as practice OSCE stations, study materials, and forums where you can interact with other candidates and share experiences.

Mock OSCEs:

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  Arrange mock OSCE sessions with peers or mentors to simulate exam conditions and receive constructive feedback on your performance.

Time management:

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  Practice managing your time efficiently during OSCE stations to ensure you complete tasks within the allocated time frame.

To apply for PLAB 2, you must first pass PLAB 1. Once you have successfully passed PLAB 1, you can apply for PLAB 2 through the GMC website. The application process involves submitting an online application form, along with the required documents and payment of the exam fee. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria and application deadlines before applying. Upon successful application, you will receive confirmation of your exam date, venue, and other important details.