Update from GMC about PLAB regulation 2026

“I’m writing to let you know about our approach to delivering PLAB 1 in 2027. In response to declining demand for PLAB places from candidates, we’ll reduce the number of international locations where we offer the exam from 21 to 17 and adjust the exam schedule from four to three sittings a year.

It’s important to note that this is an operational decision based on our analysis of bookings from candidates in recent years. PLAB capacity isn’t designed to manage workforce supply or demand, and isn’t linked to the UK job market. Following feedback from stakeholders, we’ve clarified this further in our candidate communications and on our website.

We’re grateful to the many doctors from around the world who choose to work in the UK and for the valuable contribution they make to our healthcare services and patient care.

Reflecting international demand for PLAB

As an independent regulator, we’re legally required to provide a route to registration for doctors who qualified abroad to enable them to demonstrate that they meet our standards and can practise safely in the UK. PLAB remains an important way of doing so. PLAB comprises two parts: PLAB 1, a written knowledge test delivered in the UK and internationally, and PLAB 2, a clinical skills assessment delivered in Manchester.

We regularly review how and where we deliver PLAB 1 to ensure it’s accessible and meets demand. In recent years, demand from internationally qualified doctors for PLAB 1 has reduced significantly - from 22,450 bookings in 2023 to 13,691 in 2025. To reflect this, we’re updating our approach to how and where we deliver it in 2027.

Delivering PLAB 1 from 2027

From 2027:

The international PLAB 1 exam schedule will move from four to three sittings a year. PLAB 1 will continue to be offered across 17 locations in Australia, Canada, Egypt, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the UAE.

PLAB 1 will no longer be offered in four international locations - Dhaka, Alexandria, Accra and Chennai - where candidate demand is no longer sufficient to support delivery.

PLAB 1 will continue to run four times a year across the UK and EU.

In total, we’ll offer around 7,000 PLAB 1 places across international locations, the UK and EU in 2027. In line with our usual approach, we’ll continue to make more places available than the expected demand and retain the flexibility to scale up capacity if required.

Information for candidates

We’ll email candidates who are directly affected by changes, to help them book alternative locations or later sittings. We’ll also provide flexibility where needed on the validity of their English language evidence. We’ll publish further information and advice on our website on Wednesday 20 May. The link will be live from then.

PLAB continues to be an important route to registration, and we’ll continue to keep you up to date on our approach going forward.

-GMC UK

21st May 2026