The PLAB Part 2 is designed to test your clinical skills in practical terms, efficiency in sensitive, culturally competent communication, professionalism and ethics. The General Medical Council (GMC) uses the Objectively Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) approach in the Test.

There are 16 Stations in real patient scenarios with 2 Rest rooms so the candidates can catch their breaths. Candidates are expected to spend 8 Minutes in Each Cubicle and about 1½ to 2 Minutes to read the Next task before entering the next Cubicle.

At the moment, the PLAB Part 2 Test only holds at the GMC Test Centre in Manchester. Candidates are expected to arrive at the Test Centre very early (1-2 hours before the scheduled time – check your booking confirmation). On the day, candidates are expected to come with a recognised Document for Identification (Passport, UK Driver’s Licence, UK Refugee Biometric Residence Permit) and your booking confirmation print-out. Doctors will be provided with any other materials needed to complete the tasks in the cubicles.

The Test covers key competencies expected of a Junior Doctor at Foundation Year 2 Level in Medical/Surgical Practice in the UK. These competencies include, but are not restricted to:
History taking
Clinical Examinations
Interpreting Investigations
Handling Emergencies
Health promotion and advocacy
Recognizing and handling Ethical Issues
Communication Skills
Making and explaining prescriptions

The PLAB Part 2 Test is scored under 3 Domains:

• Data gathering, technical and clinical assessment skills

• Clinical Management Skills

• Interpersonal Skills

The examiners also give qualitative feedback in 10 key skill areas