United Kingdom · Licensing test

PLAB 2: the clinical skills exam

You work through 16 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes, set in places such as a mock consultation or an acute ward. PLAB 2 is the practical part of the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test, and the General Medical Council (GMC) calls it a clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA). You may also know the style as an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE).

8 minutesIn each scenario
2 or moreRest stations for breaks
About 3 hoursFor the whole exam

Free practice test

Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

How does a PLAB 2 station work?

Outside each room, you read the instructions and the patient information. Then you go into the exam cubicle and do the task, and a timer tells you when to move on.

The three domains you’re marked on

In each scenario, examiners mark you against three domains:

Data gathering, technical and assessment skills: history taking, physical examination, practical procedures and the investigations that lead to a diagnosis
Clinical management skills: making a diagnosis, explaining something to the patient and drawing up a management plan
Interpersonal skills: how you approach the station, building rapport, using open and closed questions, involving the patient, and showing professionalism and an understanding of ethical principles

How those marks turn into a pass is on the results page.

See how PLAB 2 is passed →

Before you book PLAB 2

A time limit runs from your PLAB 1 pass, which the eligibility page explains. The dates page covers booking, and both Manchester addresses are on the test centres page.

Check the time limits →See PLAB 2 dates →

Sources: GMC and 2 more. Checked November 2026.

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

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Overview Practice test Study options Dates Fees PLAB 1 Results

Before you book

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