So you’re here about the PLAB exam?
PLAB stands for the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board and is required to practice medicine within the UK if you have obtained your medical degree from outside of the UK/EEA/Switzerland area. PLAB is a manageable exam and with the right preparation, there is no reason that the astute medical student can’t pass – with the help of QUPI of course!
Who is it For?
The test is for medical school graduates from outside of the UK, European Economic Area, or Switzerland who do not hold a Relevant European Qualification and ensures that you possess the same capabilities as a doctor starting their second year of a foundation program in the UK.
Anyone can take the PLAB exam regardless of nationality or whether or not you have studied outside the UK/EEA/Switzerland area. The only exemption from this exam is if you have already had a postgraduate degree approved by the General Medical Council.
PLAB – What Do You Need?
Candidates will need two things to book their PLAB exam:
- The relevant overseas medical qualification
- A level of understanding of English – proven by an overall score of 7.5 achieved at the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or a grade B in all areas of the Occupational English Test (OET)
Or a more interactive exam practice with QUPI! QUPI was created and curated by medical students, so the practice material is very relevant and practical to a medical student’s needs.
More Information
The PLAB test is split into two parts, PLAB 1 and PLAB 2.
The first part of the test is made up of 180 multiple choice questions, of which you have three hours to answer. The perfect accompaniment to QUPI revision as we offer over 10,000 questions in a multiple-choice format. While your score for PLAB 1 will rely on your knowledge and abilities as a doctor, it won’t be dependent on your ability to memorize facts. The questions will very often ask you about the current best practices in the United Kingdom, as outlined by NICE guidelines, as well as about the available equipment in the country’s hospitals. Therefore, it is worth noting that the most up-to-date information about British hospitals and hospital practices can be found in the NICE guidelines.
PLAB 2 is a three-hour test split between a minimum of ten stations, most of which containing simulated patients and scenarios. Again, the exam tests your ability to apply knowledge to patient care, and not how well you can recite facts. The exam covers everything a UK-trained doctor may face in the second foundation year.
The General Medical Council website has tons more information on both of the PLAB tests, including test blueprints to help you.
QUPI – The Students Choice
The test cost for both parts is £1114, taking an average of 14 – 24 weeks to prepare for. This is a fairly significant commitment and students should take advantage of all the resources available to them. Not only does QUPI have over 10,000 practice questions across 12 disciplines, but the tool has been specifically designed with the language and nuances you would expect in an actual medical exam.
Using QUPI is not only an efficient way to practice your medical knowledge, but it will also give you confidence in answering multiple-choice type questions under exam-like conditions, such as in practicing for your PLAB 1 test.
Whether you are in a cafe, pub, or on the go, QUPI has got you covered by allowing you to incorporate quick and fun quizzes into your revision wherever you are.