Question 1

What is the PLAB 2 exam?

Accepted Answer

PLAB 2 is the clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA) component of the PLAB test, run by the GMC. It is an in-person OSCE held in Manchester, consisting of 16 scenarios with simulated patients, designed to assess whether international medical graduates can practise safely at the level of a UK Foundation Programme Year 2 (F2) doctor.

Question 2

How many stations are in PLAB 2 and how long is each one?

Accepted Answer

PLAB 2 consists of 16 stations in total, each lasting 8 minutes. At least 2 of these are rest stations. Before entering each station, you have 2 minutes outside the room to read the instructions.

Question 3

How is PLAB 2 marked?

Accepted Answer

Each station is marked across three domains: Data Gathering, Technical and Assessment Skills; Clinical Management Skills; and Interpersonal Skills. To pass, you must meet or exceed the total cut score across all stations, plus pass the minimum required number of stations — both calculated individually for each exam sitting.

Question 4

Where is PLAB 2 held?

Accepted Answer

PLAB 2 is held exclusively in Manchester, UK, at two GMC Clinical Assessment Centres. It is not available overseas.

Question 5

Who is eligible to sit PLAB 2?

Accepted Answer

You must have a GMC-recognised primary medical qualification, a verified GMC Online account, a valid English language certificate (IELTS 7.5 overall / 7.0 each component, or OET grade B in all skills), and must have passed PLAB 1. You must sit PLAB 2 within 2 years of passing PLAB 1.

Question 6

How many attempts do I get at PLAB 2?

Accepted Answer

You are permitted a maximum of 4 standard attempts. A 5th attempt requires a formal application to the GMC. If you fail the 5th attempt, you are no longer eligible to take the exam.

Question 7

How much does PLAB 2 cost?

Accepted Answer

The fee is £1,036 per attempt from 1 April 2026. It must be paid in full at the time of booking — no instalments are available. The full fee applies to resits. Always confirm the current fee on the GMC website before booking.

Question 8

When do PLAB 2 results come out?

Accepted Answer

Results are released approximately 4 weeks after your exam date, via the My Tests section of your GMC Online account. You receive both quantitative feedback (domain scores) and qualitative feedback (examiner feedback statements for each station).

Question 9

Are there any fee reductions for PLAB 2?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Refugee doctors living in the UK are entitled to a 50% fee reduction on their first two PLAB 2 attempts. This is not applied automatically — contact the GMC directly to arrange it.

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