Should I plan for different licensing exams to practise as a doctor in India, the US, the UK or Canada after MBBS in China?
After an MBBS in China, practice typically needs NExT (formerly FMGE) for India, USMLE for the US, PLAB for the UK, and MCCQE plus NAC for Canada. Your outcome depends on which licensing exam you clear, so check each regulator's official page for current rules.
Your career after an MBBS in China depends far more on the licensing exam you clear than on the degree alone. Typically, India requires NExT (formerly FMGE), the US requires USMLE, the UK requires PLAB, and Canada requires MCCQE plus NAC.
Licensing Exam by Country
| Where you practise | Exam typically required |
|---|---|
| India | NExT (formerly FMGE) |
| United States | USMLE |
| United Kingdom | PLAB |
| Canada | MCCQE and NAC |
Career Paths That Follow
| Job role | Where it applies |
|---|---|
| Resident doctor or clinical practitioner | India, after clearing NExT (formerly FMGE) |
| Postgraduate specialist (MD/MS equivalent) | India or abroad, after postgraduate residency |
| Medical researcher | Research institutes and universities globally |
| Academic or medical lecturer | Medical colleges in India or China |
| International practising physician | US (after USMLE), UK (after PLAB), Canada (after MCCQE and NAC) |
My Advice
Decide your target country before you choose a medical school, then plan your exam preparation from the first year. Licensing rules and exam names change, so verify the current requirements on each country's official regulator page.
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