PLAB Accepted Countries 2025: Complete Guide for Medical Graduates

Latest Update  Ready to take the next big step in your medical career? The GMC is offering PLAB 1 exams four times in 2025, both in the UK and overseas! Don’t miss your chance on February 20, May 22, or August 7. Remember, UK registration deadlines come early, so book your spot by April 3, July 3, or September 18.

Over 27,000 candidates have recently passed the PLAB exams, proving its vital role for international medical graduates. According to GMC reports, the share of IMGs entering the UK 2025 medical register through PLAB has significantly increased. Each year, over 4,000 candidates take PLAB 1, reflecting its growing importance for the UKMLA exam.

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam tests the clinical knowledge and practical skills of doctors aiming to work internationally. It acts as a key medical licensing gateway in several countries.

PLAB Exam is recognised across leading regions like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, helping doctors secure medical registration and global career pathways. In this blog, you'll explore must-know PLAB accepted countries, get a clear breakdown of the exam format, and pick up practical tips to improve your performance  and how to prepare for the PLAB exam.

PLAB Accepted Countries: An Overview

PLAB is a licensing exam specific to the UK. While some other countries like the US, Canada might acknowledge it, PLAB is primarily designed to assess suitability for medical practice in the UK, so it shouldn’t be your sole qualification for working abroad.

The PLAB exam consists of two parts: PLAB 1, a computer-based test, and PLAB 2, a clinical skills assessment. It is designed for international medical graduates seeking to practice medicine abroad. Recently, 21,058 candidates sat for PLAB 1, while 19,594 appeared for PLAB 2, reflecting its significance for global medical registration. These exams are accepted in multiple countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and more.

Below is a table summarizing the key details of the PLAB exam:

Feature	Details
Full Form	Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board
Exam Type	Computer-based test (PLAB 1) and practical clinical assessment (PLAB 2)
Duration	PLAB 1 is 3 hours; PLAB 2 consists of 16 scenarios, each lasting 8 minutes, simulating real-life clinical settings including consultations and acute ward scenarios
PLAB Test Scores & Results	Pass or fail system; recent pass rates are approximately 70.5% for PLAB 1 and 65.8% for PLAB 2
Recognition	Recognized by medical councils in more than 10 countries including the UK, Australia, Canada
PLAB Eligibility	Medical degree from a recognized institution and proof of English proficiency.
Testing Availability	Available at multiple PLAB test centers worldwide, including India, the UK, and selected international locations.
Exam Format	Multiple-choice questions for PLAB 1; Objective Structured Clinical Examination for PLAB 2
PLAB Exam Fees	PLAB 1: GBP 273 (INR 31.4K) PLAB 2: GBP 998 (INR 1.1L)
Exam Registration Formalities	Register with the General Medical Council (GMC) to be eligible for PLAB. Submit medical qualifications, ID proof, and English proficiency documents. Complete registration and book exam dates online via the GMC portal.

Also read: PLAB Exam Syllabus: Understand PLAB Exam Format & Blueprint

Knowing these exam details will help you prepare well and plan your medical career effectively. Next, you will look at the list of top countries that accept the PLAB qualification.

List of Top PLAB Accepted Countries

PLAB is recognized across multiple continents, providing international medical graduates with valuable opportunities to practice abroad. 

If you’re wondering, PLAB is accepted in which countries, top nations like the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand welcome PLAB-certified doctors. Last year, 70.5% of candidates passed PLAB 1, while 65.8% cleared PLAB 2, reflecting strong success rates.

Here is the list of top PLAB accepted countries categorized by continent and their popular uses:

Continent	Countries	Popular Uses
Europe	United Kingdom Ireland Scotland	Medical registration and licensing
Oceania	Australia New Zealand	Medical registration and licensing
North America	Canada	Medical registration and licensing
Middle East	Qatar Saudi Arabia UAE (Dubai)	Medical registration and licensing
Asia	Sri Lanka	Medical registration and licensing

Now that you're familiar with PLAB is accepted in which countries, let's explore what each of these countries has to offer, including the top hospitals where you can pursue your medical career after passing the exam.

United Kingdom (UK)

The UK is one of the top PLAB accepted countries, where passing PLAB is essential for registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). 

PLAB-qualified doctors can work in NHS hospitals affiliated with leading universities like the University of Oxford and Cambridge University. The UK has 11 hospitals ranked among the top 250 globally, providing excellent training and career opportunities.

Below are some of the top NHS hospitals where PLAB-certified doctors commonly work:

Hospital Name	Location
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust	London
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust	London
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust	Oxford
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust	Cambridge
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust	Manchester

Now that you’ve seen what the UK offers, let’s explore Australia’s growing opportunities for PLAB-qualified doctors.

Australia

Australia is a key member of PLAB accepted countries, with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) recognizing PLAB for registration. The pathway remains open for new applicants in 2025. With 293 public hospitals, including those linked to the University of Melbourne and University of Sydney, Australia offers wide clinical opportunities for PLAB-qualified doctors.

Here are the top Australian hospitals welcoming PLAB-qualified doctors:

Hospital Name	Location
Royal Melbourne Hospital	Melbourne
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital	Sydney
Austin Health	Melbourne
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital	Brisbane
Fiona Stanley Hospital	Perth

Also read: Medical Courses in Australia: Top Universities

Next, take a look at how Canada supports PLAB doctors through bridging and supervised practice programs.

Canada

Canada does not license doctors solely on PLAB results, but many provinces accept it for bridging and supervised practice. 10 Canadian hospitals featured in Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals, with University Health Network (UHN) ranking third globally. Universities like the University of Toronto and McGill University connect with top hospitals training international medical graduates.

Here are the key Canadian hospitals offering training and residency:

Hospital Name	Location
University Health Network	Toronto
Vancouver General Hospital	Vancouver
McGill University Health Centre	Montreal
Mount Sinai Hospital	Toronto
The Ottawa Hospital	Ottawa

Let’s move on to New Zealand, where you can gain diverse clinical experience after PLAB certification.

New Zealand

New Zealand recognizes PLAB certification through its Medical Council. PLAB-qualified doctors can register and often enter supervised practice or vocational training. The country has around 220 public and private hospitals. University of Auckland and University of Otago connect with these hospitals to offer diverse clinical experiences.

Here are the top public hospitals in New Zealand:

Hospital Name	Location
Auckland City Hospital	Auckland
Wellington Regional Hospital	Wellington
Christchurch Hospital	Christchurch
Waikato Hospital	Hamilton
Dunedin Hospital	Dunedin

Now, consider the Middle East, where countries like Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Qatar welcome PLAB-qualified doctors.

Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Qatar

Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Qatar recognize PLAB certification for medical licensing and employment. Universities like King Saud University and other top medical colleges in Qatar are linked to major hospitals. Eighteen hospitals in Gulf Cooperation Council countries ranked among the top 250 globally in Brand Finance’s 2025 report.

Here are the top hospitals in the Middle East:

Hospital Name	Location
King Faisal Specialist Hospital	Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
King Abdulaziz Medical City	Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi	Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dubai Health Authority Hospitals	Dubai, UAE
Hamad Medical Corporation	Doha, Qatar

Let’s explore the clinical opportunities available to you in Ireland, where an established healthcare system supports PLAB-qualified doctors across numerous hospitals.

Ireland

Ireland is one of the PLAB accepted countries in Europe where PLAB certification is recognized for medical registration. Doctors who qualify through PLAB can work in public hospitals connected to universities like Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. Ireland has a total of 86 hospitals, offering ample opportunities for clinical practice and postgraduate training.

Here are the top hospitals in Ireland:

Hospital Name	Location
St. James's Hospital	Dublin
Beaumont Hospital	Dublin
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital	Dublin
Cork University Hospital	Cork
University Hospital Limerick	Limerick

Finally, see how Sri Lanka provides a wide network of hospitals to support your medical career growth after PLAB.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka recognizes PLAB certification for medical licensing in specific cases, often alongside additional assessments. PLAB-qualified doctors can work in major hospitals linked to universities like the University of Colombo. With 555 government hospitals, Sri Lanka offers extensive opportunities for international medical graduates.

Here are the top hospitals in Sri Lanka:

Hospital Name	Location
National Hospital of Sri Lanka	Colombo
Teaching Hospital Kandy	Kandy
Colombo South Teaching Hospital	Colombo
Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children	Colombo
General Hospital Jaffna	Jaffna

Now that you know PLAB is accepted in which countries and the opportunities available, it’s essential to understand how PLAB compares with the new UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA). 

PLAB vs. UKMLA: Key Differences

The PLAB exam is designed for international medical graduates to demonstrate they meet the required standards to practice medicine in the UK. The UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) is a new standardized exam that will apply to both UK graduates and international doctors, aiming to unify the licensing process across all candidates.

Starting in the 2024–25 academic year, all UK medical students must pass the UKMLA as part of their degree to join the medical register. While PLAB remains accepted in many countries, UKMLA will standardize licensing for all UK-based and international medical graduates. 

Below is a comparison of PLAB and UKMLA based on key features:

Feature	PLAB	UKMLA
Target Candidates	International medical graduates (IMGs)	Both UK graduates and IMGs
Exam Structure	Two parts: PLAB 1 (written) and PLAB 2 (clinical)	Two parts: Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA)
Exam Content	Medical knowledge and clinical skills	Integrated knowledge and clinical skills aligned with UK medical education standards
Exam Availability	Multiple dates and locations worldwide	Centralized exam with scheduled sittings in UK and select international centers
Passing Criteria	Pass/fail for each part	Pass/fail for each part

Also read: PLAB Exam Dates 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Now that you have a clear understanding of PLAB and how it compares to the UKMLA, let's focus on how you can improve your target PLAB score to maximize your chances of success.

How to Improve Your Target PLAB Score for Study & PR? Tips and Common Mistakes.

Improving your PLAB score is crucial for securing medical registration and advancing your career in PLAB accepted countries. When applying for the PLAB exam, it’s important to approach the process systematically to ensure you are well-prepared for success.

Here are some practical steps to enhance your PLAB exam experience:

• Start Early and Plan Ahead: Many candidates delay preparation and rush through the syllabus. For example, waiting until a month before the exam to start studying can lead to stress and gaps in knowledge. 

Tip: Begin your PLAB exam preparation well in advance, creating a study schedule that covers all topics methodically.

• Understand the Exam Format Thoroughly: Some candidates overlook the differences between the written and clinical parts of the exam, leading to surprises on exam day. For instance, not practicing clinical scenarios before PLAB 2 can impact performance. 

Tip: Familiarize yourself with both the multiple-choice format and clinical stations by using official resources and practice materials.

• Don’t Rely on a Single Study Source: Depending solely on one textbook or resource may limit your understanding. Imagine missing out on key topics because your chosen resource doesn’t cover them fully. 

Tip: Use a variety of study materials, including GMC’s official guides, online courses, and mock exams to get a well-rounded preparation.

• Manage Your Time Effectively: Time pressure is a common challenge during both parts of the exam. For example, spending too long on difficult questions can leave insufficient time for others.

Tip: Practice under timed conditions regularly to improve your speed and accuracy.

• Review and Learn from Practice Exams: Some candidates skip reviewing their mock test results, which can slow down improvement. For example, repeating the same mistakes without analysis hinders progress. 

Tip: After each practice test, carefully analyze your errors and focus your study on weaker areas.

• Register Early to Avoid Last-Minute Stress: Waiting until the last moment to register can cause anxiety and limit exam date choices.

Tip: Plan your registration well ahead of deadlines to secure your preferred test center and date.

Also read: PLAB vs USMLE: Which one to choose?

By avoiding these common mistakes and applying these tips, you can improve your chances of achieving a strong PLAB score. Next, it’s important to understand why writing the PLAB exam is a vital step in advancing your medical career.

Why Should You Write the PLAB Exam for Doctors?

Over 40,000 candidates sat for both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 exams recently, highlighting the exam’s importance for international medical graduates. 

The PLAB exam is a licensing test primarily for doctors seeking to register and practice medicine in the UK. Recognized in key countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, PLAB opens doors to global career options in the medical field.

Here are the key benefits of writing the PLAB exam:

• Professional Recognition: Passing PLAB allows you to register with the General Medical Council (GMC), essential for practicing medicine in the UK.
• Access to Training Programs: PLAB qualification opens doors to foundation and specialty training programs within the UK’s NHS, offering hands-on experience in a world-leading healthcare system.
• Career Opportunities and Salary: With PLAB, you can apply for positions in prestigious NHS hospitals such as Guy’s and St Thomas’ and Oxford University Hospitals. The average salary for junior doctors in the UK is £36,831 (INR 35.2L )per year, increasing with experience and specialization.
• International Opportunities: PLAB is also recognized in countries like Australia (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Canada (University Health Network), and the Middle East (King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh), broadening your career prospects globally.
• Pathway to Specialization: Completing PLAB is often the first step toward further specialization or postgraduate training, enhancing your career growth in both academic and clinical fields.

Passing PLAB provides doctors with a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in healthcare, opening doors to top institutions worldwide.

How upGrad Supports Your PLAB Journey?

Preparing for the PLAB exam and planning your medical career path can be complex. upGrad offers focused guidance and resources personalized to PLAB aspirants, helping you understand exam requirements, registration processes, and effective preparation strategies aligned with current standards.

Here’s how upGrad supports you in your PLAB journey:

• Expert-Led Coaching Sessions: Access high-quality study materials and live coaching to build your confidence and improve exam performance.
• Structured Study Plans: Receive personalized learning paths to cover both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 efficiently.
• Mock Exams and Assessments: Practice with realistic mock tests to sharpen your exam skills and timing.
• One-on-One Doubt Resolution: Get your questions answered through dedicated sessions with expert mentors.
• Career Guidance: Personalized advice on navigating registration, job opportunities, and further training after PLAB.

Get the right support to succeed in your PLAB exam and take confident steps toward your medical career. Book a free 1:1 session with an upGrad expert today for tailored guidance.