PLAB 1 vs USMLE Step 1: Which Exam is Harder?

International doctors often compare PLAB 1 and USMLE Step 1. Both are entry exams to medical practice, but they test different skills. Here’s how they stack up. Sections: Format – PLAB 1: 180 SBA questions, 3 hours – USMLE Step 1: 280 MCQs, 8 hours Focus – PLAB 1: Clinical reasoning, UK guidelines, safe practice – USMLE Step 1: Basic sciences, pathophysiology, mechanisms Difficulty – PLAB 1 is shorter but broad across clinical medicine – USMLE Step 1 is deeper and more detail-heavy in sciences Who needs each exam? – PLAB 1: Required for IMGs working in the UK – USMLE Step 1: Required for medical licensure in the USA Preparation approach PLAB 1 relies heavily on Qbanks and past papers. USMLE requires textbooks + Qbanks. Where ukmedpractice.com fits For PLAB 1 / UKMLA, our platform offers the largest Qbank, mocks, and revision tools designed specifically for UK exams. Conclusion: Both exams are challenging in different ways. For PLAB 1, the key is consistent practice with exam-style questions and UK guidelines.