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United Kingdom · Licensing test

PLAB exam eligibility, time limits and registration

Two things come first: an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification (PMQ) and evidence of your knowledge of English. The General Medical Council (GMC) checks both before you can book the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test, so your PLAB exam eligibility is settled before you pick a date.

  • 2 yearsTo pass PLAB 2 after PLAB 1
  • 2 checksQualification and English, first
  • 2 years moreFor registration to be approved
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Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Who needs the PLAB test?

If you graduated from a medical school outside the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, the GMC says you’ll probably need to take PLAB. A relevant European qualification is accepted without assessment.

Which qualifications meet PLAB exam eligibility?

The GMC must be sure your PMQ is an acceptable overseas qualification before you can take PLAB or apply for registration. Its guide lists the criteria, the institutions whose qualifications aren’t accepted and those accepted only in some cases, and it asks you to check that your medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

If you haven’t graduated yet, the GMC needs confirmation that you’ve passed your final examinations and met all the other requirements for the qualification.

See how booking works →

Time limits from PLAB 1 to registration

Two time limits run from your passes:

  • You must pass PLAB 2 within two years of passing PLAB 1. Your pass date is the date you took the test, not the date results were issued
  • Once you’ve passed both parts, your application for registration with a licence to practise must be approved within two years of passing PLAB 2

If war, severe ongoing health issues, pregnancy or maternity, travel restrictions or mandatory military service mean your eligibility period is running out, contact the GMC. It may arrange an earlier date or extend your eligibility period.

See the attempt rules →

Registering with the GMC after PLAB

With both parts passed, you apply for registration with a licence to practise, and once the GMC approves it, you can work as a doctor in the UK. Your English evidence has to be valid when the application is approved, as the English page explains.

See the registration fees →Check the English rules →
Sources: GMC and 4 more. Checked November 2026.

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

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