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PLAB 1

How PLAB 1 works, when and where you can sit it, how it is marked and what happens if you need another attempt.

Can I sit PLAB 1 outside the UK?Yes. PLAB 1 runs in UK cities, in Dublin and Madrid, and at overseas venues, four times a year. Some overseas venues close from February 2027, so check GMC Online before you plan travel.
Do I have to book PLAB 1 before I start studying?No. You cannot book PLAB 1 until the GMC has verified your English, so the sensible order is to start studying early and book once you can name a realistic sitting.
How many times can I take PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, and how long does a pass last?You can sit each part until you have failed it four times, then apply for one final attempt. PLAB 2 must be passed within two years of PLAB 1, and registration approved within two years of PLAB 2.
What is the PLAB 1 pass mark, and how is it set?There is no fixed percentage. The GMC sets a pass mark for each sitting, at the standard of a doctor entering the second Foundation year, so the target is breadth, not a number.
When do PLAB 1 results come out, and how will I get them?Six weeks after the exam, by 4pm, in the My Tests section of GMC Online. Here is what the result shows and what you can do next.