PLAB 2 guides

The first NHS job after PLAB: trust grade and sponsorshipYour first NHS post may be called trust grade, clinical fellow or locally employed doctor. See what the labels and sponsorship mean. The Prioritisation Act: what it means for PLAB in 2026Non-prioritised CT1 and ST1 acceptances fell from 2,168 to 163 in 2026. See who receives priority and how the rules change for 2027. MSRA after PLAB: specialties, scoring and timingEleven specialty routes used the MSRA for 2026 entry, but not in the same way. Check the Band 1 rule and where the exam fits after PLAB. PLAB vs USMLE vs AMC in 2026: fees and routesPLAB has the lowest listed exam fee of the three. Compare what happens after PLAB, USMLE and AMC before choosing on price alone.

PLAB routes to Australia and New ZealandPLAB plus qualifying UK practice can open routes to Australia and New Zealand. Each has its own job, supervision and recency rules. Where GMC registration counts: Gulf, Ireland and beyondDubai may waive its licensing exam for some PLAB or GMC routes. Ireland, Saudi Arabia and Qatar need a more cautious reading.

PLAB 2 academy or self-study: costs and trade-offsAn academy buys a timetable, speaking partners and feedback. Self-study costs less. Compare both against your budget and practice habits. PLAB 2 cases and station typesPLAB 2 can test any problem expected at FY2 level. Use station types and clinical coverage to practise beyond the latest recall list. Failed PLAB 2: reviewing your scores before a second attemptYour result letter shows where marks were lost. Use it to choose what to practise and when you are ready to book again. PLAB 2 mock exams: when they help and how to read oneA full PLAB 2 mock lasts 16 stations. Read the report for repeated problems with pacing, clinical decisions and communication. How to prepare for PLAB 2: a six-week study planThis sample six-week plan starts spoken practice on day one and leaves time after a full mock to work on mistakes that keep returning.

PLAB 2 exam day: dress code, what to bring, what happensThe GMC uses two similar Manchester addresses for PLAB 2. Check your venue, accepted ID, clothing and locker rules before you travel. PLAB 2 scoring: pass marks and borderline regressionThere is no permanent PLAB 2 pass mark or station count. Both are set for each diet using the GMC's standard-setting process. The PLAB 2 visa: visitor route, refusals and familyA PLAB 2 booking supports a Standard Visitor application. Your documents must explain the trip, the money and your planned return home. UKMLA and PLAB 2: what changed for IMGsInternational graduates still take PLAB. Since August 2024, both parts have met the MLA standard used for UK licensing assessments.

PLAB 2 from Egypt: budget, imtiaz timing and the UK tripImtiaz can shape when you sit each exam. The three official charges come to £1,454 before flights, preparation and the Manchester stay. PLAB 2 from India: costs in rupees, visas and timelinesThe fixed PLAB and visa fees are only part of the India-to-Manchester budget. See the rupee costs and how the route compares with NEET-PG. PLAB 2 from Nigeria: costs and pound paymentsThe fixed charges come to £1,454 before travel. Nigerian doctors also need a card that can clear a £1,036 international payment. PLAB 2 from Pakistan: rupee budget, visas and timelineStart with £1,454 in fixed charges, then allow for exchange costs and the Manchester stay. House-job timing also affects the plan. PLAB 2 from Turkey: preparing locally before ManchesterMost preparation can stay in Turkey, but PLAB 2 cannot: the exam is in Manchester. See the lira budget and what to check in a local course.