PLAB 1 & PLAB 2

What is the UKMLA AKT (PLAB 1) Exam?

UKMLA AKT (PLAB 1) is the first part of the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test, designed for international medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in the UK. It evaluates whether their medical knowledge and skills meet the standards required to work as a doctor in the UK. While UKMLA AKT (PLAB 1) is a written multiple-choice exam, UKMLA CPSA (PLAB 2) involves a practical assessment (OSCE). You can find more information about UKMLA CPSA (PLAB 2) on the GMC website A guide to the PLAB test – GMC. 

There are two parts to the test. Part 1 is a written multiple choice exam, with 180 single best answer questions. Part 2 is a practical objective structured clinical exam, known as an OSCE. You’ll need to pass both parts before you can apply for registration with a licence to practise medicine in the UK. 

UKMLA AKT (PLAB 1) is offered in multiple locations globally, including both the UK and several international cities. To check where the exam is available, visit the General Medical Council (GMC) website. 

The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, each requiring you to choose the single best answer from five options. Although more than one answer might seem correct, your task is to select the most appropriate one. The test duration is 180 minutes.

Is UKMLA AKT (PLAB 1) Difficult?

With proper preparation, PLAB 1 is very achievable. The exam does not focus on memorizing lists or rare details—for example, it won’t test how many causes of right-sided heart failure you know. Instead, it assesses how well you can apply your medical knowledge in clinical scenarios.

It assumes that you already possess the foundational medical knowledge (e.g., from an MBBS degree) and now aims to assess your ability to apply that knowledge in a UK healthcare setting. Therefore, it is essential to base your preparation on UK best practices and guidelines, which may differ from protocols in other countries.

All our UKMLA AKT (PLAB 1) courses and materials at London Centre for Innovation Ltd are aligned with the most current UK clinical standards and guidance.

The exam typically focuses on two main types of cases:

1. Acute presentations – commonly seen in emergency or urgent care settings.

2. Chronic conditions – usually managed in primary care or general practice.

Questions may involve identifying the most likely diagnosis from a set of symptoms, determining the most appropriate investigations or treatments, or interpreting clinical data such as blood test results or imaging reports. You might also encounter basic statistical questions, all designed to assess your clinical reasoning and decision-making abilities in a UK context.

When can you take the exam?

PLAB 1 is held four times a year — in February, May, August, and November. The exam is conducted in the UK and at selected international locations.

To view available exam dates and results, log in to your GMC Online account and visit the
‘Your results’ section.

Once eligible, you can check and book available dates via the GMC PLAB Booking
Service.

Please note:
1. Overseas bookings close six weeks before the exam date

2. UK-based bookings close two weeks before the exam date

3. All exam places are limited and in very high demand

We encourage candidates to plan early. The GMC closely monitors bookings to ensure fair access throughout the year.

If you have a confirmed job offer in the NHS requiring GMC registration, or you hold UK refugee status, you may be eligible for priority access. Please contact the GMC directly at plab@gmc-uk.org.

Keep in mind: The number of UKMLA AKT (PLAB 1) exam seats is not connected to the number of available jobs in the UK healthcare system.

Where can you take the exam?

The UK exams currently take place in: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Oxford and Sheffield.

The exam can also be taken in two EU locations: Dublin and Madrid. If you’ve secured a booking at a UK or EU location, you’ll receive confirmation of your venue address within 7 days of your exam.

This information will be sent to you by the GMC approved supplier VICTVS, who are responsible for delivering and invigilating UK and EU based PLAB 1 exams on behalf of the GMC. If your booking is for an exam taking place outside of the UK and EU, you’ll receive venue address details directly from the British Council.

Once you have booked online, please only contact VICTVS or the relevant British Council office if you have not received details of the venue at least one week before the exam. Contact details for all exam locations are listed below.

What happens after you’ve passed UKMLA AKT (PLAB 1) and UKMLA CPSA (PLAB 2)?

Once you’ve passed both parts, you can apply for registration with a licence to practise. Your application must be approved within two years of passing part 2 of the test. Once we approve your application and you gain registration you can work as a doctor in the UK.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is sourced directly from the General Medical Council (GMC) and is mandatory to follow. London Centre for Innovation Ltd shares this as guidance only and is not responsible for setting PLAB exam rules or procedures.