If you’re a medical practitioner in Nigeria aspiring to practice medicine in the United Kingdom, understanding the PLAB exams is crucial. The PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board) exams, conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK, are a prerequisite for international medical professionals. In this post, we’ll delve into the cost, requirements, and key information about the PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 exams in Nigeria for 2023.
PLAB Exams Overview:
The PLAB exams consist of two parts – PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. PLAB 1 is a multiple-choice exam testing candidates on basic and clinical sciences. PLAB 2, an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), assesses clinical skills and knowledge. Both exams are essential for medical professionals aiming to practice in the UK.
PLAB 1 Examination in Nigeria: Key Points:
- Duration: 3 hours
- Format: 180 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions
- Subjects: Obstetrics, gynaecology, medicine and surgery, paediatrics, ENT, ophthalmology, anatomy, medical ethics, and community medicine.
- Passing Score: 60%-62% (120-126)
- Exam Dates: March, June, and November in Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu.
- Result: Typically available within six weeks.
PLAB 2 Examination in Nigeria: Key Points:
- Location: Conducted at the GMC building in Manchester, UK.
- Format: 18 clinical stations, each lasting 8 minutes.
- Assessment Areas: Data gathering, technical and assessment skills, clinical management skills, interpersonal skills, etc.
- Scoring: Each station is scored out of 12, with a maximum total score of 216.
- Pass Mark: Generally, passing at least 11 out of 18 stations is required.
Requirements for PLAB Exams in Nigeria:
- Completed Primary Medical Qualification (MBBS degree).
- English Proficiency Exam Results: IELTS (Academic) or OET (Medicine) with a minimum average score of 7.5 and at least 7.0 in all four areas.
Cost of PLAB Exams in Nigeria :
the cost of writing the PLAB 1 test is £239. It’s important to note that aspiring candidates often consider this a worthwhile investment in their professional journey, with many saving their housemanship salary for this purpose.
Conclusion:
Embarking on the journey to practice medicine in the UK involves thorough preparation and meeting the requirements set by the GMC. Understanding the structure, content, and costs of PLAB exams is essential for success. As a medical professional in Nigeria, your dream of practicing in the UK is achievable with strategic planning and dedication to excel in the PLAB exams.