The part 2 of the PLAB examination is a performance based assessment of clinical and professional skills, knowledge and behaviours. Basically, it is an OSCE type examination with scenarios involving actors posing as patients. An examiner observes your interaction with the patient and scores you on your performance. The examination is made up of 16 scenarios, each lasting 8 minutes and aims to reflect real life settings including a mock consultation on an acute ward.

Each scenario starts with reading the question outside of the room, you will then enter the examination cubicle and complete the task outlined. You will be marked on 3 main domains:

Data gathering, technical and assessment skills - This is essentially an assessment of your ability to gather data from a patient to aid your diagnosis and management plan. Data gathering can occur by direct conversation with the patient or review of investigation results.

Clinical management skills - This is a test of your clinical management skills. Your ability to formulate a diagnosis, explain something to the patient or formulate a management plan.

Interpersonal skills - This is an assessment that starts the moment you approach the patient. It’s an assessment of how you interact with the patient; whether you establish a rapport with the patient, how you use open and closed ended questions, involving the patient in decision making and your understanding of ethical principles.

The GMC website has more information. Two sessions of the examination are conducted per day; morning and afternoon sessions. Candidates cannot choose what session they are scheduled for.

TEST CENTRES

PLAB 2 is only written in the United Kingdom. It is held in Manchester in the two assessment centres of the GMC. The examination runs throughout the year. You can view available test dates on the GMC Online PLAB booking service.

BOOKING PLAB 2

PLAB 2 available dates and locations can be viewed on the GMC website and booked directly on the website.

COST OF PLAB 2

The total cost of PLAB 2 is dependent on a number of factors, some of which are variable, including:

1. Cost of flight- Flights will be more expensive during peak travel periods - Christmas, New year, school holidays.
2. Accommodation + feeding - If you have friends or family you can stay with during your visit to the UK, this can significantly reduce the overall cost of your PLAB 2 expense.
3. Distance between your accommodation and the PLAB examination centre. The farther away you stay from the centre, the higher the cost as you will have to factor in commute to Manchester (Where the examination centres are) and perhaps a hotel stay the night before if you’re scheduled for the morning session.

Booking the examination costs £981.

ELIGIBILITY FOR PLAB 2

To sit the PLAB 2 examination, you require a valid PLAB 1 pass (2 year validity from 31st March 2025, 3 years if written before then), Primary medical qualification (MBBS, MBChB). Candidates are limited to four attempts. You can apply for an additional attempt after the fourth. Candidates will no longer be eligible to take the examination after failing the fifth attempt.

PLAB 2 PASS RATES

In the last 5 years, PLAB 2 has had slightly lower pass rates than PLAB 1; averaging 66.02%.

PREPARATION FOR PLAB 2

Self study: Self studying is not a popular way of preparing for the examination. However, a lot of people have passed by studying independently. The GMC website has a lot of resources you can use. The MLA (Medical Licensing Assessment)content map is a guide to what the examinations assess. All the topics and skills needed to pass the examination are covered in the content map. Additionally, the GMC website has links to the foundation program curriculum, examiners' common errors to avoid and more.

PLAB 2 academies: PLAB 2 academies are independent coaching courses organized by doctors who themselves have taken the examination. It is the commonest way candidates prepare for the examination.They vary as much in cost as they do in their program structure. They organize practice sessions for candidates, teach approaches to passing the exams and offer mock examinations simulated as closely as possible to the real exams.