PLAB 1 Exam: Complete Guide for International Medical Graduates

The PLAB 1 exam is one of the biggest steps for international medical graduates (IMGs) aiming to practice medicine in the UK. Here’s everything you need to know about its structure, content, and how to prepare effectively. Sections: What is PLAB 1? PLAB 1 is a written exam of 180 single-best-answer (SBA) questions over 3 hours. It tests your ability to apply medical knowledge to real-life scenarios, following UK guidelines. Who needs PLAB 1? All IMGs who studied medicine outside the UK and want to work in the NHS must pass PLAB 1 (and later PLAB 2 / UKMLA). Exam Content Questions come from: Adult medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Ethics & Law, and more. NICE guidelines and UK practice standards are heavily tested. Preparation Tips – Practice SBA questions daily – Do timed mock exams to get used to pacing – Focus on explanations, not just answers – Track your weak areas and revisit them How ukmedpractice.com helps With 9000+ SBA questions, mock exams from 2007–2024, detailed explanations, and progress tracking, you’ll be fully covered. Conclusion: Consistent preparation is key. Use structured tools like ukmedpractice.com to maximize your chances of success in PLAB 1.