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Can you tell me the full form of the PLAB exam?

15 Oct 2026 · Answered by Premlata Shandilya · 1 min read
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PLAB stands for Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board. The General Medical Council of the UK (GMC UK) conducts it to test the skills and knowledge of foreign-qualified doctors who want to practise in the UK. It is aligned with the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) standards.

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The full form of the PLAB exam is Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board. It is conducted by the General Medical Council of the UK (GMC UK) to test the skills and knowledge of foreign-qualified doctors.

PLAB at a Glance

ItemDetail
Full formProfessional and Linguistic Assessments Board
Conducted byGeneral Medical Council of the UK (GMC UK)
Who it is forForeign-qualified doctors who want to practise in the UK

How PLAB Relates to the MLA

  • The exam aligns with the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA), which tests the knowledge, behaviour and skills of doctors joining the UK medical system.
  • Its questions and stations are based on the MLA Content Map.
  • PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 meet the requirements of the MLA AKT and MLA CPSA exams, respectively.
  • International candidates continue to take the modernised version under the existing PLAB name.

My Advice

Learn the exam structure early and use the official GMC material as your main guide. Check the GMC website for the latest format and rules.

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