PLAB demand has stayed strong in recent years, with nearly 20,000 candidates sitting the exam in 2024 alone, though the GMC has noted a 40% drop in overseas bookings between 2023 and 2025, which is reshaping where the exam is offered (more on this below).
PLAB stands for the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board. It assesses the international medical graduates who want to work in the UK. This exam is the path to getting registered with the General Medical Council of the UK. Only after getting registered with the GMC can you practice medicine in the UK.
This blog details the 2026 PLAB exam schedule. Learn about the registration deadlines, booking strategies, and priority access.Let’s get into this and start your preparation in a timely and strategic manner.
What is the PLAB Exam?
The PLAB exam is conducted for IMGs who have not graduated from the UK, Switzerland, or the European Economic Area. It ensures that the IMGs have the required knowledge and skills to work as doctors in the UK.
The PLAB exam consists of two parts:
- PLAB 1: A written multiple-choice exam offered quarterly.
- PLAB 2: A clinical OSCE held year-round in Manchester.
Is PLAB Now Called UKMLA?
Short answer: no, not for IMGs. This is a common mix-up, so here’s what’s actually true per the GMC’s own guidance:
• The exam you book is still called PLAB. The GMC has not renamed it to UKMLA for international candidates.
• What’s changed is that PLAB is now compliant with the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA), the same national standard UK medical students are assessed against.
• PLAB 1 satisfies the MLA’s Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) requirement. PLAB 2 satisfies the MLA’s Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA) requirement.
• UK medical students sit their own version of the AKT and CPSA as part of their degree, that’s the “UKMLA” people usually mean. IMGs don’t take a separate UKMLA exam; they take PLAB, which has been built to meet the same content map and standard.
• Your PLAB 1 pass remains valid for progressing to PLAB 2 under the usual validity window, and eligibility requirements haven’t changed because of this alignment.
What this means for preparation: make sure your study material is mapped to the current MLA content map rather than the old PLAB blueprint, older question banks may not reflect the expanded content introduced from August 2024 onward.
PLAB Exam Dates
PLAB 1 2026 Dates
The PLAB 1 exam is held four times annually:
- February
- May
- August
- November
PLAB 1 dates for 2026 are as follows:
| PLAB 1 Exam date | Result Date |
| 12th February, 2026 | 26th March 2026 |
| 22nd May, 2025 | 2nd July, 2026 |
| 6th August 2026 | 17th September 2026 |
| 5th November, 2026 | 17th December, 2026 |
Booking Windows
Since the seats are limited for each centre, you have to book for the exam well in advance. Normally, you would book your exam center at least 8 to 10 months prior.
The PLAB Exam 1 booking window at the exam dates for the centers closes 2 to 6 weeks before the exam, depending on the location.
- UK centers: Booking closes two weeks before exam day.
- Overseas centers: Booking closes six weeks before exam day.
Booking Prerequisites
To register for the exam and book your centers, you need to have the following things aligned:
- A verified GMC Online account.
- Verified English language proficiency certificate
IELTS- 7.5 overall, ≥7.0 in each band
OET- B in all modules
- Verification of your primary medical qualification.
Once registered, you can register for the exam. You can select from the list of centres released by the GMC.
Academically has for you a comprehensive, easy-to-understand, and customisable PLAB Exam preparation course. From live sessions to mock exams and group study, we cover every avenue for you.
Register in our PLAB Preparation Course and begin your journey towards a medical career in the UK.
PLAB 2 2026 Dates
The PLAB 2 exam has a continuous booking schedule. It is held year-round at the GMC Clinical Assessment Centre in Manchester. Results for the exam typically return within 4 to 6 weeks
Booking Window
The demand for the PLAB 2 exam is high. The slots are released frequently but unpredictably. Candidates are recommended to check multiple times a day to secure early-month slots.
You can book your slot for the PLAB 2 exam as soon as you get your PLAB 1 results.
It is recommended to book your slot 6-8 months in advance.
Booking Prerequisites
Only those who’ve passed PLAB 1 can access PLAB 2 booking via the GMC Online account.
The PLAB exam dates for overseas centers as well as the UK centers remain the same.
Exam Centers for the PLAB Exams
PLAB 1 Exam Centers
The PLAB 1 exam is held worldwide. We have made a list of selected centers in the UK and around the world.
Test centers in the UK:
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Cardiff
- Edinburgh
- London
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Oxford
- Sheffield
PLAB 1 Exam Overseas Centers:
Booking these centers depends on availability. You might encounter a wait time for your desired center.
| 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 |
PLAB 2 Exam Centers
The PLAB 2 exam is held in the UK, in Manchester. There are two centers for the exam:
- GMC Clinical Assessment Centre
3 Hardman Square
Manchester
M3 3EB - GMC Clinical Assessment Centre
3 Hardman Street
Manchester
M3 3AW
The center names are similar. Ensure you confirm the address thoroughly.
Since the PLAB 2 exam requires travelling to the UK, ensure you have your Visa and travel arrangements planned ahead of time. Last-minute confusion and delays can result in missing the exam.
Our support group at Academically can help you with the visa application and guide you through the process of passing the PLAB exam.
Tips for Securing a Slot
- Daily monitoring of the GMC booking portal.
- Set alerts for exam date notifications and to know when slots open.
- If needed, contact the official site of GMC for help. Especially if you have a UK NHS job offer or refugee status.
Booking Strategies & Best Practices
- Early account setup: Ensure GMC Online account, language evidence, and qualification documents are verified well in advance.
- Understand booking windows. It is important to know the PLAB exam deadline. Book dates early to leave more time for preparation.
- UK PLAB 1: Closes 2 weeks prior
- Overseas PLAB 1: Closes 6 weeks prior
- For the PLAB 2 exam, seats may open in batches.
- Monitor daily for PLAB 2 slots
- PLAB 2 alerts: Join forums for real-time updates.
- Contact GMC directly (plab@gmc-uk.org) if prioritized by UKFP or NHS.
- Backup dates: Have alternative exam windows ready in case slots fill fast.
- Alternative locations: Willingness to travel can broaden options.
Summary Table
| Exam Part | Testing Mode | Locations | Booking Window | 2026 Exam Dates |
| PLAB 1 | Written MCQ | UK & 15+ international cities | UK: 2 weeks / Overseas: 6 weeks | 20 Feb, 22 May, 6 Aug, 5 Nov |
| PLAB 2 | Clinical OSCE | Manchester only | Year-round, up to March 2026 | Rolling |
Final Word
Booking your exam slot is a crucial step in the PLAB exams. It decides not only your centers, but also the time you have for preparation. You need to be quick, persistent, and up-to-date to get the slot of your choice.
It is also good to have alternatives in hand, for exam dates and centers. The GMC allows you to change your centers and date, albeit with a fee.
By understanding booking processes, deadlines, and priority rules, you can align your PLAB journey with your career goals.
If you’re still confused about whether taking the PLAB exam is the best choice or about the process, feel free to reach out to us. Our mentors with years of experience are here to help you through all of your doubts.
