(Only doctors are required to undertake the PLAB Test, not dentists).

Doctors who qualified overseas and hold a qualification which is not recognised by the UK must pass the PLAB test in order to register with the GMC.  Before coming to the UK they must pass a pre-assessment test the “International English Language Testing System” (IELTS) assessment test. 

(i) The IELTS is designed to ascertain whether the doctor has a reasonable command of the English language in order to sit The PLAB test. 

(ii) The IELTS tests are held both overseas in various countries and in the United Kingdom.

(iii) If the doctor passes the different stages of the test he will be allowed to sit the PLAB test in the United Kingdom.

(iv) Doctors are required to take the PLAB test to demonstrate their knowledge of medical English and their medical skills and knowledge. 

(v) The PLAB test is divided into two separate assessments, Part 1 and Part 2.

(vi) The GMC stipulates that doctors must pass Part 1 before they can be admitted to Part 2 of the test. 

(vii)  Where a candidate severely fails Part 1, the GMC will not allow him to re-sit Part 1 until a period of at least four months has elapsed from the date of the failed test.