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United Kingdom · Licensing test

PLAB exam dates and booking

The two parts of the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test run to different calendars. PLAB 1 has four sittings a year, in February, May, August and November, while PLAB 2 runs throughout the year in Manchester. You find PLAB exam dates, and book them, in the PLAB booking service in your General Medical Council (GMC) Online account.

  • 4PLAB 1 sittings a year
  • All yearWhen PLAB 2 runs
  • 2 to 6 weeksBefore a test, when booking may close
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Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

How do you find PLAB exam dates?

The GMC lists each PLAB 1 exam date with its results date on its PLAB 1 results page, and the booking service shows what you can book. Where demand is high, places are limited and you may have to wait for a date.

For 2027, the GMC said the February sitting wouldn’t run at international locations, and that UK and EU locations would keep it. The other 2027 changes are on the test centres page.

PLAB 2 dates only appear in the booking service once you have your PLAB 1 results.

Find a test centre →

Booking PLAB 1

Once the GMC has verified your medical qualification and your English, you can use the PLAB booking service in GMC Online. Availability varies by location, and registrations may close between two and six weeks before the test date. The service shows when more places are scheduled to open.

Check your eligibility →See the English rules →

PLAB 2 booking

To book PLAB 2, you need a valid PLAB 1 pass, and you book in the same booking service.

Earlier places, and booking only for yourself

If you have a UK job offer in the NHS that needs GMC registration, or you hold UK refugee status, email plab@gmc-uk.org. The GMC says it will try to offer you an early test place, for PLAB 1 or PLAB 2.

You can only book through your own GMC Online account, and only you should use it. Sharing your account details with anyone else is misconduct and may affect your booking or your future registration.

Think about jobs and visas first

The GMC asks you to read its guidance on working as a doctor in the UK first. Job vacancies vary by specialty, by location and over time, and the number of PLAB places isn’t linked to the number of jobs. Think about visa processing times, travel and accommodation as well.

See the PLAB exam fees →
Sources: GMC and 5 more. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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