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GAPICTInternational Testing Centre
MedicalOwned by General Medical Council (GMC), UK

PLAB 1

Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board test, Part 1

The written first part of the GMC test for international doctors seeking UK registration.

Facts checked 21 October 2026

Duration
3h
Delivered through
Owner-run centres
Results
About six weeks after the exam (for example, the 5 November 2026 sitting reports on 17 December 2026).

Not yet available at GAPICT

Register your interest and we will contact you if PLAB 1 becomes available in Lahore.

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Overview

PLAB 1 is a written applied knowledge test for international medical graduates who want to practise in the UK. It is set at the level of a doctor in Foundation Year 2. Passing it lets you sit PLAB 2, a clinical exam held in Manchester.

Who it is for

  • International medical graduates seeking GMC registration with a licence to practise
  • Doctors who have already met the GMC's English language requirement
  • Doctors planning to sit PLAB 2 in the UK

Where it is accepted

  • UK medical registration with a licence to practise (GMC)
  • Eligibility to book PLAB 2

Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.

Test format

PLAB 1 sections
SectionWhat it involves
Applied knowledge test180 single-best-answer questions with five options each, answered in 3 hours. Content aligns with the UK Medical Licensing Assessment.

Total time: 3 hours.

Scores and validity

Scoring
Pass or fail against a standard set for each exam.
Validity
You must pass PLAB 2 within two years of the date you passed PLAB 1. Each part allows four attempts; a fifth needs a GMC application and at least 12 months' further learning.

How long results take is shown at the top of this page.

Fees

Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.

On test day

Identification

A passport or another GMC-accepted photo ID, matching your GMC Online details.

Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.

How to book

Exam seats for PLAB 1 are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: Owner-run centres (GMC; British Council venues overseas).

  1. 1

    Book through your GMC Online account after the GMC has verified your English language evidence. Overseas venue details are then sent by the British Council.

  2. 2

    Create or sign in to your account on the official booking site.

  3. 3

    Choose your exam, then a test centre, date and time.

  4. 4

    Pay the exam fee to the test owner and keep your confirmation email.

  5. 5

    Check the ID rules and arrive early on test day.

Book on official PLAB 1 website (opens in a new tab)

IELTS is booked and paid with the British Council or IDP, who run their own test centres. Refunds and transfers follow their policy.

GAPICT cannot take bookings for this exam. Exam seats are booked and paid on the test owner's system.

Need help booking?

We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.

Book a free registration help session

GAPICT's status with these organisations

PLAB 1 FAQs

Where can I sit PLAB 1 in Pakistan?
The GMC shows current venues only in GMC Online. GMC reports have named Islamabad and Karachi. Check GMC Online for current dates.
What changes in 2027?
From February 2027 the GMC is cutting overseas sittings from four to three a year. It is also stopping PLAB 1 in Dhaka, Alexandria, Accra and Chennai. Pakistan was not on that list.
Do I need an English test first?
Yes. You must show English evidence, such as IELTS or OET Medicine at the GMC's required scores, before you can book.
What does it cost to cancel?
Cancelling more than 42 days before the exam costs 10% of the fee. Cancelling 42 days or less before costs the full fee.

Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.

PLAB 1 and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of General Medical Council (GMC), UK, is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.

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Want to sit PLAB 1 in Lahore?

We are preparing to open in Lahore. Register your interest and we will contact you when your test becomes available at our centre.

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