How long are the exam scores valid for the medical entrance exams like PLAB and USMLE in UK?

Your PLAB and USMLE scores follow completely different validity rules. If you are pursuing PLAB for UK registration, your full GMC registration must be approved within 2 years of passing PLAB Part 2. If you are on the USMLE path, you get a longer 7-year window from your first passed Step to complete every remaining Step.

Score Validity at a Glance

Other Details That Affect Your Timeline

• For PLAB, your English language scores such as IELTS or OET must generally be less than 3 years old when you apply to join the GMC register.
• For USMLE, the 7-year clock starts on the date you pass either Step 1 or Step 2 CK, whichever comes first, and includes Step 3 in that same window.
• Exceeding either limit usually means providing fresh evidence of your skills or, for USMLE, retaking earlier Steps.

My Advice

Mark your exact 2-year or 7-year deadline on your calendar the day you get your results, and start your GMC registration or your next USMLE Step well within that window. Do not let a gap year or job search push you close to either limit, since retaking exams or gathering fresh clinical evidence will cost you far more time than planning ahead.