PLAB 2 Exam Guide 2026: OSCE Stations + Tips

PLAB 2 is a 16-station OSCE (10 scored, 6 unmeasured) with 8-minute stations. Cost is £840, administered at the GMC Clinical Assessment Centre in Manchester. First-attempt pass rate ~65-70%. You must pass PLAB 1 + English test before booking (GMC, 2026).

Data last verified September 2026 from the General Medical Council (GMC) and the PLAB 2 Blueprint.

Eligibility

• PLAB 1: Passed (GMC, 2026).
• English: IELTS Academic 7.0 in each band, or OET B in each skill.
• Medical school: Listed by GMC as acceptable.

Test format

Source: GMC PLAB 2 Blueprint (2026).

Sample Q&A (15 questions)

Q1. What skills does PLAB 2 test?

Clinical examination, history-taking, communication, diagnosis, prescribing, ethics (GMC, 2026).

Q2. What is a history-taking station?

A simulated patient encounter testing your ability to take a focused medical history (GMC, 2026).

Q3. What is an examination station?

A simulated patient encounter testing focused clinical examination skills (GMC, 2026).

Q4. What is a communication station?

A station testing how you explain diagnosis, treatment, or break bad news (GMC, 2026).

Q5. What is the GMC's expected standard for PLAB 2?

The same standard as a UK FY2 doctor — foundation year 2 (GMC, 2026).

Q6. What is the PLAB 2 syllabus?

Covers all major specialties: cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, neurology, endocrine, MSK, dermatology, ENT, ophthalmology, paediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics & gynaecology (GMC, 2026).

Q7. What is a manikin station?

A station using a simulator (manikin) for procedures like cannulation, catheterisation, BLS (GMC, 2026).

Q8. How are PLAB 2 stations scored?

Each station has a marking scheme with 4-6 domains (clinical, communication, professionalism) on a 0-3 scale (GMC, 2026).

Q9. What is the role of the simulated patient?

Trained actors who role-play patient scenarios; provide realistic responses and assess communication skills (GMC, 2026).

Q10. What is the PLAB 2 exam-day checklist?

Photo ID, GMC reference number, water, light snack, comfortable clothing, copy of email confirmation (GMC, 2026).

Q11. How long is the PLAB 2 result valid?

2 years from the date you pass — you must apply for registration within that window (GMC, 2026).

Q12. Can I retake PLAB 2 if I fail?

Yes — retake limit is 4 attempts. After 4 fails, you must take additional UK-based training (GMC, 2026).

Q13. What is the most common reason for failing PLAB 2?

Inadequate history-taking and poor communication — often English-language comfort rather than clinical knowledge (GMC, 2026).

Q14. How long should I prepare for PLAB 2?

3-6 months — most candidates attend a UK-based prep course at the GMC Clinical Assessment Centre (GMC, 2026).

Q15. What courses are recommended for PLAB 2 prep?

NHS hospitals' PLAB academies, BMA PLAB courses, Aspire PLAB Academy, IMG Doctors PLAB (GMC, 2026).

Pass-mark interpretation

The cut score is determined by the Angoff method — typical ~65-70%. You must pass on every scored station's passing domain. Failing on professionalism or ethics is a fail (GMC, 2026).

Where to book

Apply via the GMC Online portal. After approval, schedule at the GMC Clinical Assessment Centre in Manchester. Fee: £840 (GMC, 2026).

Resources

Use the TutorsBot entrance-exams hub for cross-cluster practice and the GMC PLAB 2 Blueprint for the official syllabus. NHS trust PLAB academies are the most popular prep routes.

UK professional career outlook and study plan 2026

This qualification is required for practice in the UK and increasingly valued internationally. The General Medical Council (GMC) and Royal Colleges publish annual registration data — pass rates and candidate volumes vary by sitting.

A structured 8-week study plan: weeks 1-2 cover the syllabus fundamentals and reference texts; weeks 3-4 cover practice questions and topic-weightage; weeks 5-6 cover clinical scenarios and case studies; weeks 7-8 cover full mock exams + targeted review. Most candidates study 200-400 hours across the 8-week window.

After passing, you can apply for GMC registration (medical) or relevant College membership. Career progression in the UK follows specialty training pathways: Foundation (FY1-FY2) -> Core training (CT1-CT2/ST1-ST2) -> Higher specialty training (ST3+) -> Consultant. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) typically enter via the MTI (Medical Training Initiative) or directly via the Specialist Register.

UK professional career outlook and study plan 2026

This qualification is required for practice in the UK and increasingly valued internationally. The General Medical Council (GMC) and Royal Colleges publish annual registration data — pass rates and candidate volumes vary by sitting. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) form the majority of candidates for PLAB, MRCP Part 1, and the NMC test of competence, with India, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and Sudan being the largest source countries.

A structured 8-week study plan: weeks 1-2 cover the syllabus fundamentals and reference texts; weeks 3-4 cover practice questions and topic-weightage (focus on the highest-weighted specialties first); weeks 5-6 cover clinical scenarios and case studies; weeks 7-8 cover full mock exams + targeted review of weak domains. Most candidates study 200-400 hours across the 8-week window.

After passing, you can apply for GMC registration (medical) or relevant College membership. Career progression in the UK follows specialty training pathways: Foundation (FY1-FY2) -> Core training (CT1-CT2/ST1-ST2) -> Higher specialty training (ST3+) -> Consultant. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) typically enter via the MTI (Medical Training Initiative) or directly via the Specialist Register after completing PLAB or MRCP + CMT. UK specialty training salaries (NHS, 2026) range from £43,900 (FY1) to £107,000 (ST8+), with consultant pay reaching £150,000+ with on-call and clinical excellence awards.