All FAQs
IMG & GMC
- Do I need to pass PLAB 1 before PLAB 2?
- Yes. PLAB 1 is a written exam that must normally be passed before you can book PLAB 2, and PLAB 2 must be taken within a set window afterwards.
- What English test do I need for PLAB?
- Most candidates evidence their English through the academic IELTS or the medicine version of the OET. Always check the current required scores directly with the GMC before booking.
- What happens after I pass PLAB 2?
- Once you have passed both parts of PLAB and met the other requirements, you can apply to the GMC for registration with a licence to practise, then seek your first NHS post.
- How do I register with the GMC after PLAB?
- After passing both parts of PLAB and meeting the other requirements, you apply for registration with a licence to practise through GMC Online, with identity and document checks. Gather your documents early to avoid delays.
- Should I take OET or IELTS?
- Both are accepted by the GMC. OET is healthcare-specific and often feels more natural to doctors; IELTS is a general academic test. Choose the one that plays to your strengths and check the required scores with the GMC.
- What job can I do after GMC registration?
- Many IMGs start in a trust-grade or junior clinical fellow post to build UK experience before entering formal training. Registration with a licence to practise is what allows you to work and prescribe.