Get the Support You Need for the Career You Want
The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test is designed for doctors who wish
to practice in the UK. The test assesses healthcare professionals' knowledge and skills to
ensure they are equipped to work in the UK healthcare system.
The test has two parts:
PLAB 1: A written multiple-choice exam with 180 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions.
PLAB 2: A practical Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
Passing both parts is required before applying for registration with a licence to practise
medicine in the UK. AEUK provides comprehensive support and preparation to help you succeed.
PLAB 1 Pathway Programme (2025 Edition)
For International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
Overview of PLAB 1
PLAB 1 is a written exam conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC), UK. It tests your ability to apply medical knowledge to real-world patient care situations, aligned with UK clinical guidelines and ethics.
180 SBA
Questions
180 single best answers exam
3-hour
Exam
3 hours time duration
UK Clinical Guidelines & Ethics Focus
Focused assessment on key clinical guidelines and ethical practices
PLAB 1 Preparation Roadmap
PHASE 1: Foundation (Weeks 1–2)
Understand the exam, build your study routine, gather resources.
PHASE 2: Core Study (Weeks 3–10)
Master system-wise topics, daily MCQs, and practice recall.
PHASE 3: Revision & Mocks (Weeks 11–16)
Full revisions, timed mocks, and focused practice on ethics & management.
PHASE 4: Final Week Prep (Weeks 17–18)
Exam-mode mindset, final mocks, light revision, rest.
Top Recommended Resources (2025)
| Category | Resource | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| QBank | PLABABLE (Core) | Most accurate + updated for 2025 |
| Recall | PLABKEYS (PDF) | For quick revision |
| Notes | PLABABLE Notes / Dr. Khalid Notes | Concept clarity |
| Videos | PLABABLE YouTube / Dr. Mo / Naseer Videos | Use to understand difficult concepts |
| Ethics | GMC Good Medical Practice + PLAB 1 Ethics Qs | Must read 2–3 times |
| Guidelines | NICE / SIGN / BNF / Green Book | Management and vaccination protocols |
| Support | Telegram Group: “PLAB 1 2025” | Ask doubts, share questions |
High-Yield Systems to Focus On
- Cardiology
- Respiratory
- Endocrinology
(Diabetes, Thyroid) - Gastroenterology
- Obs & Gyn
- Paediatrics
- Psychiatry (Ethics, Capacity)
- Emergency & Trauma
Weekly Study Hours Estimate
Phase 1: 15–20 hrs/week
Phase 2: 25–35 hrs/week
Phase 3: 35–40 hrs/week
Final Weeks: 25–30 hrs/week
Exam Day Checklist
Success Strategy
- Consistency over cramming
- Active practice beats passive reading
- Mock tests are essential
- Ethics & management are your lifelines
- Join groups, clear doubts & stay motivated
After PLAB 1 – What’s Next?
Prepare for PLAB 2
(OSCE-style exam)
Apply for GMC
Registration
Secure your UK
healthcare job
Benefits and Advantages of OSCE
Community
Impact
Expands access to qualified doctors across the UK.
Skill
Validation
It validates that healthcare professionals possess the clinical knowledge and skills required in the UK.
Patient
Safety
Ensures competent, safe, and effective care delivery by international medical graduates.
License to
Practice
PLAB is your pathway to obtaining a UK medical licence and practicing legally.
Quality
Assurance
Keeps the standards of healthcare high through rigorous and consistent evaluation.
Professional
Development
Prepares you for the expectations and clinical challenges in the UK healthcare system.
Explore Healthcare
Career Opportunities in the UK
or Reach us at deepthi@apollohealthsciences.co.uk