PLAB Exam Syllabus
Every exam goal has a set of plans through which it can be achieved successfully. To give the PLAB Exam, understanding the syllabus is important.
This is underpinned by three themes:
- Readiness for safe practice
- Managing uncertainty
- Delivering person-centered care
And six sections, called domains:
- Areas of clinical practice, e.g., mental health & surgery
- Areas of professional knowledge, e.g., biomedical sciences and medical ethics & law.
- Clinical and professional capabilities, e.g., assessing and managing risk and safeguarding vulnerable patients.
- Practical skills and procedures
- Patient presentations e.g., chronic rash or breast lump
- Conditions e.g., asthma and eating disorders
PLAB Exam Pattern
The examination contains various tests and scenarios that a doctor trained in the United Kingdom would relate to the current best practices in the UK healthcare system.
This PLAB exam is not about memorising medical facts; it tests whether you can use your medical knowledge to care for patients. They’re looking to see how well you apply knowledge in real-life situations, not just theoretical knowledge.
Note: PLAB 1 is now called the AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) and PLAB 2 as the CPSA (Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment). Both are part of the UKMLA system now.
| PLAB Component | UKMLA Equivalent | What It Tests |
| PLAB 1 | AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) | Clinical knowledge applied in real-world scenarios |
| PLAB 2 | CPSA (Clinical & Professional Skills Assessment) | Practical skills, communication, professionalism |
PLAB 1
PLAB 1 is a written exam with up to 200 multiple-choice questions — all to be done in 3 hours. Each question gives you a short scenario, and you have to pick the best answer from five options.
It covers a wide mix of medical topics, so you’ll need to show not just what you know, but how you’d handle real situations. It’s all about making the right decisions under time pressure.
PLAB 2
The PLAB 2 test will be held at the clinical assessment centre in Manchester. The test consists of a series of clinical scenarios; these will test you in a mock consultation setting to reflect how you would apply your knowledge and skills in real life.
The exam format goes like this:
You’ll get 90 seconds to read the instructions before each station starts. Then you move on — and that cycle continues until you’ve been through them all.
The whole exam takes around three hours. You’ll be talking to role-players acting as patients or healthcare staff — sometimes face-to-face, sometimes over the phone.
Transition Rules (2024–2025 Candidates)
If you started the PLAB process before the full rollout of the MLA-aligned structure, here’s how it works for you:
| Your Status | Next Step |
| Passed PLAB 1 before August 2024 | Take the CPSA (not PLAB 2) |
| Attempted but didn’t pass PLAB 1 | You must now take the AKT |
| Passed both PLAB 1 & 2 | No changes – proceed to GMC registration |
| Passed PLAB 1 and attempted PLAB 2 (failed) | Take the CPSA within the PLAB 1 validity period (3 years) |
English Language Requirements
The update to MLA-aligned PLAB does not affect English language requirements. You’ll still need to pass either:
- IELTS (7.5 overall, 7.0 minimum in each band)
- OET (B in each subtest)
Both must be achieved in one sitting and within 2 years of application.
Conclusion
The PLAB exam isn’t just about book knowledge anymore — it’s really about showing that you can practise safely and confidently in a UK hospital or clinic.
Since it’s now aligned with the UKMLA, everyone — no matter where they trained — has to meet the same standards when it comes to skills, judgement, and professionalism.
With the Academically PLAB preparation course, we follow the latest UK guidelines well, and with hands-on practice, we make sure you clear the exam in your first attempt.
Like they say, “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.” — Albert Schweitzer
