PLAB Exam Tips: How I Cleared It in One Go as an International Medical Graduate

Passing the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) exam is one of the most significant milestones for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to practice medicine in the United Kingdom. Like many IMGs, I faced uncertainty, anxiety, and even culture shock while preparing. But after months of focused preparation, I cleared both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 on my first attempt.

This article is not just a checklist—it’s a personal journey. It’s the roadmap I wish someone had handed me on Day One. Whether you’re just starting or feeling overwhelmed mid-journey, my goal is to help you walk into your exam center with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

What Is the PLAB Exam?

The PLAB exam is designed by the General Medical Council (GMC) of the UK to assess whether IMGs have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice medicine safely in the UK. It consists of two parts:

• PLAB 1: A written multiple-choice exam with 180 single-best-answer questions.
• PLAB 2: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) with 16 clinical stations, assessing communication, ethics, and clinical judgment.

My Timeline at a Glance

• Decided to take PLAB: January
• IELTS/OET completed: February
• PLAB 1 scheduled: June
• PLAB 2 scheduled: October
• GMC registration: December

Now, let's dive deeper into how I prepared for both stages.

How I Prepared for PLAB 1

1. Understand the Exam Format First

Before opening any textbook or PDF, I spent a few days researching what PLAB 1 was really about. I downloaded the GMC blueprint and analyzed the most commonly tested topics. This helped me identify:

• The scope of the exam
• The question style
• The depth of knowledge expected

I quickly learned that PLAB is not about memorizing obscure facts but about clinical reasoning in line with UK practices.

2. Choosing the Right Resources

Here are the study materials I relied on:

• PLABable: My primary question bank. I completed it twice, with detailed review.
• PLAB 1 Notes from Dr. Khalid: Useful for last-minute revision.
• Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine: For brushing up on clinical knowledge.
• NICE Guidelines: I familiarized myself with UK-standard management, especially in emergency medicine and primary care.

3. Creating a Study Plan

I divided my preparation into three phases:

• Phase 1 (First 4 Weeks): Read and complete questions slowly, focus on understanding.
• Phase 2 (Weeks 5–8): Increase pace, track weak areas, start reviewing flagged questions.
• Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12): Pure revision, mock exams, and timed sessions.

I studied 5–6 hours a day, 5 days a week, with one full rest day. This consistency helped prevent burnout.

4. Mock Exams and Time Management

Two weeks before PLAB 1, I took multiple full-length mocks under exam conditions. These helped:

• Build stamina
• Refine time management
• Identify high-yield areas

By the time exam day arrived, I had reviewed over 3,000 questions and knew what to expect.

How I Prepared for PLAB 2

PLAB 2 was a different beast—interactive, practical, and dependent on communication as much as clinical knowledge.

1. Choosing the Right Academy

I enrolled in an online PLAB 2 course. While not everyone needs one, it helped me:

• Learn UK-style consultation and communication
• Practice mock stations
• Get feedback on my body language and tone

I also watched dozens of mock station videos on YouTube and formed a virtual study group.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

No book or video can replace practice. I:

• Practiced 3–4 stations daily with study partners
• Focused on timing (8 minutes per station)
• Got feedback after every mock

Communication was key. I practiced breaking bad news, dealing with angry patients, and building rapport with diverse simulated patients.

3. Clinical Skills and Ethics

I brushed up on basic clinical examinations using Geeky Medics and PLAB 2 notes.

For ethics, I reviewed:

• GMC’s “Good Medical Practice”
• Common ethical scenarios like capacity, consent, confidentiality, and safeguarding

Challenges I Faced—and Overcame

1. Information Overload

I was overwhelmed by the abundance of study materials. I solved this by sticking to a few high-yield resources and not constantly switching between sources.

2. Self-Doubt

Imposter syndrome hit hard, especially for PLAB 2. Talking to other IMGs helped normalize my fears and gave me a support system.

3. Financial Pressure

Traveling to the UK, academy fees, visa costs—all of it added up. I planned my budget early and applied for PLAB as soon as I had my OET scores to save time and money.

Tips That Helped Me Succeed

1. Stick to a schedule: Avoid random studying. Time-block your days.
2. Review mistakes: Don’t just solve questions. Understand why you got them wrong.
3. Use real NHS terminology: Use “GP” instead of “PCP,” “paracetamol” instead of “acetaminophen.”
4. Speak like a UK doctor: Especially important in PLAB 2. Tone, empathy, and non-verbal cues matter.
5. Join IMG groups: Reddit, Facebook, and Telegram groups were lifesavers.
6. Simulate the exam: Replicate the exam experience as closely as possible, especially for PLAB 2.
7. Take care of yourself: Sleep, nutrition, and mental health are as important as your notes.

Exam Day: What It Felt Like

For PLAB 1, I arrived 45 minutes early, carried only my passport and clear water bottle, and reminded myself not to overthink questions. The exam was straightforward for someone who had practiced enough MCQs.

PLAB 2 was nerve-wracking but oddly enjoyable. The examiners were polite and professional, and the simulated patients were realistic. Having practiced extensively, I relied on muscle memory and calmness to navigate each station.

Life After PLAB: Was It Worth It?

Absolutely. Clearing PLAB opened doors to Foundation Year 2 (FY2) level jobs, NHS training programs, and permanent residency pathways. More importantly, it validated my journey as an IMG who had to fight extra hard to be seen as “qualified.”

Final Thoughts

If you're an IMG considering the PLAB, know this: it’s not easy, but it’s doable. With structured preparation, a support system, and confidence in your ability, you can absolutely pass it on your first attempt.

I didn’t just study to pass; I prepared to thrive. And so can you.