PLAB 2 exam

Overview:

PLAB 2 is an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE). It's made up of 16 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes and aims to reflect real life settings including a mock consultation or an acute ward. The exam tests your ability to apply knowledge to the care of patients, not necessary how well you can remember and recite facts.

You'll have one and a half minutes between scenarios to read the instructions and patient information. You will then enter the exam cubicle and complete the task outlined. There will be at least two rest stations, allowing you to take breaks. The whole exam will take around three hours.

The PLAB blueprint sets out the scope and content of the test. It includes the topics, skills and procedures that a doctor who passes the test would need to know and be able to do. It also provides details of the professional qualities expected of a doctor working in the UK.

During the exam you will be marked against three areas or ‘domains' for each scenario.

When marking against the domains the examiner will assess your competency across a number of skill areas.

Where and when can you take PLAB 2?

You can take part 2 at clinical assessment center in Manchester, UK. You can view available dates and book under the 'My Tests' section of GMC Online. You can only do this once you have your PLAB 1 results. Demand for PLAB 2 places is high, and you may experience a wait for a test date.

Resources:

Here are some useful resources which you can use to help you prepare for the PLAB 2 exam.

The blueprint is a guide to what the exam covers and can help you to prepare. It sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours you are expected to demonstrate in the exam and beyond. All the topics and skills needed to pass are covered in the blueprint.

All the topics and skill areas covered by the PLAB blueprint match those typically faced by doctors starting the second year of their UK Foundation Programme training. This is how we make sure doctors who pass the PLAB test are at the same level as UK-qualified doctors. You can check the Foundation Programme curriculum via this link.

Good medical practice is our core advice to doctors on the standards we expect of them. You will be expected to demonstrate the professional values and behaviors set out in Good medical practice when you take the exam and when you practice as a doctor in the UK. The PLAB blueprint is mapped against Good medical practice. You can build and test your knowledge of Good medical practice using:

• explanatory guidance

• Good medical practice in action interactive online tool

• Welcome to UK practice interactive online tool.

You do not need to attend a study or coaching course to pass, but many candidates choose to do so.

Most importantly, a quick Youtube search will show you plenty of useful videos regarding the exam setting and preparation.

Finally, check examiners' top tips on how to avoid common errors in the part 2 exam.