In 2024, nearly 20,000 candidates sat for the PLAB 2 exam. PLAB 2 is the gateway to practice medicine in the UK. The enrollments are rising every year and so is the demand of pharmacists and healthcare professionals in the UK.
To work in the UK, International Medical Graduates are assessed by the Professional and Linguistic Assessment ̆Board or PLAB. The board conducts the PLAB exam. The PLAB exam is two-fold: PLAB 1 and PLAB 2.
Once candidates pass the first exam, they are eligible to take the PLAB 2 exam.
This blog will take you through the preparation tips for a successful attempt at the PLAB 2 exam.
Let’s dive right into it.
What is the PLAB Exam?
The PLAB exam is conducted by the General Medical Council of the UK. The exams assess the practical and clinical skills of the candidates. Passing the exam ensures that your qualifications match the standard of medical practice in the UK.
The PLAB exams are for all international medical graduates, apart from those who have received their primary medical degree from:
- The UK
- Switzerland, or
- The European Economic Area
The exam can be attempted a total of 4 times. The request for a 5th attempt is considered only under special conditions.
There should be a minimum of a 12-month gap between the 4th attempt and the request for the 5th attempt.
PLAB 2 Exam: Eligibility and Requirements
Candidates who want to take the PLAB 2 exam must pass certain eligibility criteria:
- A primary medical qualification from a GMC and World Directory recognized institute.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- IELTS- 7.5 overall, 7 in each
- OET- B grade in all subtests
- Pass the PLAB 1 exam.
Note that you need to attempt the PLAB 2 exam within 2 years of passing the PLAB 1 exam.
PLAB 2 Exam 2025 Dates
The PLAB 2 exam can be booked throughout the year. The exam is held in the clinical assessment centers in the UK. There are 5 centers, and they need to be booked in advance.
London | Manchester | Belfast | Cardiff | Edinburgh
PLAB 2 Exam Structure
The PLAB 2 exam is a clinical and professional skills assessment, or CPSA, that takes place in a clinical setting. The objective of the PLAB 2 exam is to assess the competency of the candidate in applying medical knowledge to real-life scenarios.
- Format: Objective Structured Clinical Examination or OSCE
- Stations: 18 Stations
- Duration: 3 Hours- Each station is 8 minutes long
- Focus Areas:
- Communication
- Ethics
- Clinical skills
- Decision-making in a simulated setting
There will also be two break stations for rest.
PLAB 2 Exam 2025 Syllabus
The PLAB 2 exam syllabus is designed to assess the practical and application skills of the candidate. Apart from this, soft skills like interpersonal skills are also assessed. The main domains against which you will be assessed are:
| Domain | Assessment |
Data Gathering | History taking |
Technical and Assessment Skills | Physical examination |
Clinical Management Skills | Diagnosis |
Interpersonal Skills | Communication with patient and nurses |
The questions should be answered as per the current best practice.
Pass Rates for PLAB 2
In 2024, out of the 19,594 candidates who took the test, 12,900 cleared it. The pass rate was 65%. In the past 5 years, the average pass rate for the PLAB 2 exam has been 65%.
As for the licensing exam, the pass rate is high.
With the correct preparation strategy, proper counselling, and reliable study resources, you can also join the ranks of successful candidates.
Preparation Plan for PLAB 2 2025
The PLAB 2 exam is a practical-based approach to assessment.. This means, apart from the subject knowledge, you need to learn people interaction and time management.
The timeline for PLAB 2 preparation should start at least 4-6 months before you take the exam.
Let us see what the Clinical stations are in the PLAB 2 exam.
PLAB 2 Clinical Stations
Stations are assessment situations for candidates in the PLAB 2 exam.
- These stations represent real-life scenarios, and you would have to act accordingly.
- Stations may also have telephonic consultations, where you will be required to gather information and assess the situation remotely.
- You may also be required to do basic physical examinations and use appropriate tools.
- In most cases, you will be assessed either by someone present or remotely.
It is important to remember that these simulated conditions are there to check your response to the situation. It does not require you to provide an in-depth definition of the situation. Rather, you will be dealing with it as you would with an actual patient.
PLAB 2 Study Materials and Resources
Preparing for a clinical exam is different than preparing for a theory exam.
Apart from having the clinical knowledge, it is essential to know when and where to apply it. We have listed some of the study materials and mock test resources that can be used in the exam preparation.
- The Foundation Program Curriculum will give you an idea of what subjects to cover.
- Go through the Good Medical Practices, which are at the core of the exam.
- Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine
- NICE Guidelines
- PLAB 2 Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Manual
- Oxford Handbook of Clinical Specialties
The preparation for a practical-based exam requires practice in simulated clinical settings. Group studies and mock exams are excellent ways to achieve this.
You can get this and more: expert guidance, peer study groups, and detailed courses.
Check out our course now to get a head start on your PLAB Exam preparation.
Preparation Strategy
The preparation plan for PLAB 2 has to be strategic and time-bound. You are learning about how to make decisions in a real real-life clinical setting and how to manage your time.
- Study core communication frameworks: empathy, shared decision-making.
- Observe online OSCE videos to refine the technique.
- Focus on common station types: history, neurological exam, emergencies, ethics, counselling.
- Learn about the clinical knowledge required in UK medical practice.
- Take full sessions of mock exams under exam conditions to improve time management skills.
- Practice with friends and family to improve communication.
- Record yourself and review the video to assess where you can improve.
- Use a timer when addressing any mock clinical setting.
- Study in groups; it will help in practicing history taking and patient counselling.
You can join coaching groups to practice and simulate real exam scenarios with peers or mentors. Practicing exam simulations is the best way to prepare for the PLAB 2 exam.
Errors to Avoid in the PLAB 2 Exam
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid during the PLAB 2 assessment.
- Avoid the use of medical jargon or long sentences while explaining.
- Use direct, closed-ended questions while taking patient history.
- Use correct terminology while addressing or talking about the patient.
- Do not create a fake scenario not relevant to the case.
- Avoid being overly enthusiastic or emotional while counselling a patient.
- While suggesting a treatment plan, give proper reasoning.
- Do not overstay at the station once the time is up.
Remember, you have to behave as you would in an actual clinical setting. The way you behave, talk, and act should all represent your professionalism.
Post-Exam Steps
After passing PLAB 2, apply for GMC registration with a licence to practise. This is valid for two years.
The PLAB 2 exam is the final step in your journey to becoming a licensed medical practitioner in the UK.
This crucial assessment needs the best guidance and the most effective preparation resources to clear.
With teachers having 10+ years of experience, experts, and successful alumni, Academically is the best place for you to begin your preparation journey.
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