After clearing the IELTS, the IMG candidate will be able to sit for the PLAB 1 exam, which tests one theoretical medical knowledge. It is held once every few months.
The exam is 3 hours long and requires candidates to answer 200 single best answers (SBA) based questions.
The pass mark varies but ranges between 110-125.
The exam result becomes known via the GMC online portal after 1 month.
In the UK, the exam is held in London but it also held Internationally (namely Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan and UAE).
The exam fee’s is £230 /- per attempt (currently in 2017).
There are several courses that prepare IMGs for this exam. These courses include:
- Samson PLAB Academy, London
- Dr Swamy, Manchester
- Plabcoach, Birmingham
I will write my own experience with all the academies in the future.
But for now, on to the next section… PLAB 2
The Clinical Skills Assessment for the FY1. 