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- March 7, 2025
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Difference Between MRCP Vs PLAB Exam
MRCP (Membership of the Royal College of Physicians) and PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) are important foundations for enhancing a medical career. However, each serves a different purpose and caters to different levels of medical expertise.
Both exams are a pathway to attaining the General Medicine Council (GMC). Here is a quick brief on what MRCP & PLAB are:-
UNDERSTANDING MRCP & PLAB Exam
Details MRCP Exam
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians is a postgraduate qualification for doctors preparing for higher specialist training. The examination evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of clinical science and skills in internal medicine. The degree is recognized worldwide. The examination takes place thrice a year.
Details PLAB Exam
The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board examination is a licensing examination that assesses the general medical knowledge and skills of the candidate for GMC registration. It is designed to test competency at the level of a UK Foundation Year 2 (FY2) doctor, ensuring that overseas-trained doctors can safely integrate into the NHS workforce.
The examination takes place four times a year.
Eligibility Criteria Of MRCP & PLAB
Eligibility Criteria MRCP Exam
- The candidate must have completed the medical degree (MBBS)
- 24 months of work experience
Whereas, for PLAB
Medical qualification:- the candidate must have a primary medical qualification recognized by the GMC.
The candidate should be proficient in the English language.
- A valid IELTS Academic score of 7.5 (minimum 7.0 in each section) or
- OET with at least B in each section.
The candidate must have completed or in the final year of the internship.
Structure of the examinations Of MRCP & PLAB
The structure of the examination does differ from one another
Structure of the Examination MRCP Exam
The MRCP Examination is divided into three parts
- MRCP PART I: is a written examination that consists of MCQs testing the knowledge of medical science and clinical scenarios. The exam consists of 100 MCQ, single-base answers. To read more MRCP Part 1 Mock Test
- MRCP PART II is also a written examination that tests deeper knowledge of clinical practice, requiring a comprehensive understanding of the medicine.
- MRCP PACES: A final Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination is an oral and clinical exam that tests the candidate’s clinical skills.
The syllabus focuses on advanced knowledge in internal medicine, and clinical reasoning.
Structure of the Examination PLAB Exam
The PLAB Examination comprises of two parts:-
- PLAB I:- It is a computer-based examination that focuses on clinical knowledge and problem-solving. The test consists of 180 multiple-choice questions that the candidate is given 3 hours to complete. The question consists of a clinical scenario with five options provided, the candidate must choose the single best answer.
The questions are presented with clinical scenarios and the candidate needs to select the correct answer out of the options given.
- PLAB II:- This is a practical exam that involves simulated patient interactions, the candidate is assessed on clinical skills and communication.
The syllabus focuses on basic knowledge of general medical practice, and clinical skills.
The examination consists of clinical scenarios that will assess the candidate’s knowledge and skills in real life.
Purpose of MRCP & PLAB Examination
MRCP:- The examination is the key qualification for a candidate looking to enter the internal medicine specialty training and to practice in the UK and abroad.
PLAB: The examination is the first step for the candidate to get licensed to practice in the UK. Hence the examination is not recognized outside the UK.
Outcomes Of MRCP & PLAB
Clearing the MRCP examination is a significant step for physicians seeking to become consultants or enter specialties like cardiology, neurology, or respiratory medicine.
Whereas clearing the PLAB examination allows the candidate to apply for a medical license to get training opportunities in the UK, it does not offer the same specialization pathway as MRCP.
| MRCP | PLAB | |
| Purpose | It is the pathway to specialty training in internal medicine. | Qualification to work as a doctor in the UK. |
| Exam Format | MRCP consists of 3 parts | PLAB consists of 2 parts |
| Target Audience | Doctors seeking specialty practice in internal medicine in the UK and abroad. | Graduates seeking to get training posts in the UK in various specialities. |
| Focus Area | Advanced medical knowledge, clinical practice | Clinical Knowledge, practical clinical skills, Communication |
Making a decision between PLAB & MRCP depends on individual career goals. For the candidate who is starting their medical journey in the UK, the PLAB is a first step, while the MRCP is ideal for those who are ready to embark on a specialization.
