Over 15,000 international doctors take the PLAB 1 exam every year. All with one goal: to work as a doctor in the UK.
And it’s no surprise. The NHS mostly needs international medical graduates (IMGs), with more than 30% of its doctor workforce trained overseas. But getting there isn’t just about booking an exam, there’s an important checklist of eligibility, paperwork, finances, and planning involved.
If you’re thinking about taking the PLAB route, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know before you even register, from who’s eligible to where the exams are held, how much it all costs, and what to expect.
Eligibility Criteria
The first thing to know before you register or take the exam is whether you are eligible for the PLAB. So, here’s what you need to be eligible for the PLAB.
| Requirement | Details |
| Medical Degree | |
| Graduation confirmation | You must provide confirmation of passing final exams and completing all requirements. |
| English Proficiency | IELTS (minimum 7.5 with 7.0 in each band) or OET (minimum grade B in all four sub-tests). |
Want to know if you are eligible for the PLAB?
Registration Process
To register for PLAB, follow these steps carefully:
Step-by-Step PLAB Preparation Timeline
| Timeline | What You Should Do |
| 8–10 months before | Decide on UK as your destination. Check if your degree is GMC-recognised. |
| 6–8 months before | Prepare and appear for IELTS/OET. Start PLAB 1 preparation. |
| 5–6 months before | Open GMC Online account, verify your documents. |
| 4–5 months before | Book your PLAB 1 slot. Stick to a study schedule. |
| 2–3 months before | Take mock tests, revise weak topics. |
| 1 month before | Final revision, rest well before exam day. |
| Post PLAB 1 | Start PLAB 2 prep, arrange documents for UK visa |
| Book PLAB 2 | As soon as results are out, book PLAB 2 date in the UK. |
Test Centers and Dates
PLAB can be taken in the UK in the following locations:
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Cardiff
- Edinburgh
- London
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Oxford
- Sheffield
Additionally, the exam is accessible in the following international locations:
| Country | City |
| Australia | Sydney |
| Bangladesh | Dhaka |
| Canada | Toronto |
| Egypt | Alexandria Cario |
| Ghana | Accra |
| India | Bangalore Chennai Hyderabad Kolkata Mumbai New Delhi |
| Kenya | Nairobi |
| Nigeria | Abuja Enugu Lagos |
| Pakistan | Islamabad Karachi |
| Republic of Ireland | Dublin |
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh |
| South Africa | Johannesburg |
| Spain | Madrid |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo |
| UAE | Dubai |
The PLAB 1 exam dates for the year 2025 are mentioned below.
| Exam Date | Result Date | Booking Deadline |
| 20 February 2025 | 3 April 2025 | UK: ~2 weeks before Overseas: ~6 weeks before |
| 22 May 2025 | 3 July 2025 | |
| 7 August 2025 | 18 September 2025 | |
| 6 November 2025 | 18 December 2025 |
The PLAB 2 exam dates are not listed so far. But you can book the PLAB 2 throughout the year in UK clinical assessment centers.
Financial Planning for PLAB
PLAB is not just about exams, it’s a financial investment too. Here’s a breakdown:
1. PLAB Exam Fees
- PLAB 1: £273
- PLAB 2: £998
2. Study Materials
- Books, MCQ banks, online courses, and mock tests.
- Free resources exist, hence utilise them throughout your preparation timeline
3. Coaching Classes
An exam of this gravity should be treated with utmost seriousness. A structured coaching class provides live and recorded lectures, study materials, mock tests, practice questions, personalised guidance and much more. One example is Academically’s PLAB Preparation Course. By joining their programme, you can successfully pass the PLAB on the first attempt. Also, this is one of the most affordable courses.
4. Travel And Accommodation
- For the PLAB 2, you will have to fly to the UK. So, keep flights, hotels, local transport costs into account, beforehand.
- Book early to save money.
- Also, keep in mind, short-term stays in the UK can cost £40–£100/day, depending on city and lifestyle.
5. Visa and Immigration
- Before going to the UK for PLAB 2, you have to apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa.
- Budget for visa fees, documentation, and interviews.
6. Emergency Fund
- There might be some extra money saved for emergency purposes. You might never know when what will happen, so a bit of extra money should be kept handy.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a doctor in the UK starts with passing the PLAB exam. But success begins even earlier, with understanding the requirements.
From checking your eligibility and planning finances to knowing where to take the test and how to register, each step brings you closer to your goal.
Take it one step at a time. With proper planning, the PLAB journey is absolutely doable.
If you are still having doubts or questions about PLAB, reach out to our experts at Academically.
