Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Test (PLAB)

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board test (PLAB) helps to ensure that doctors who qualified abroad have the right knowledge and skills to practice medicine in the UK.

If you graduated from a medical school outside of the UK, European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you’ll probably need to take the PLAB test. The PLAB test will check that you know and can do the same as a doctor starting the second year of their Foundation Program training in the UK.

Parts of the PLAB Test:

PLAB Part 1:

PLAB 1 is a written exam made up of 180 multiple-choice questions which you must answer within three hours. Each question starts with a short scenario followed by a question. You need to choose the right answer out of the five possible answers given.

PLAB Part 2:

PLAB 2 is an objective structured clinical exam. It consists of 16 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes, and aims to reflect real-life settings, including a mock consultation or an acute ward.

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 your application is approved and you gain registration, you can work as a doctor in the UK.

UK Visa Application for Skilled Workers, Students, and Dependants

Skilled Worker Visa:

A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:

• Work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office.
• Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK.
• Do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations.
• Be paid a minimum salary – how much depends on the type of work you do.

The specific eligibility depends on your job. You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.

Student Visa:

You can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

• Have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
• Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – the amount will vary depending on your circumstances.
• Can speak, read, write, and understand English.
• Have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 – you’ll need evidence of this when you apply.