Are you an international medical graduate (IMG) looking to practice as a doctor in the UK? If so, you’ll need to get registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). One of the primary routes for this is through the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) / the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA). This guide will walk you through the steps, making the process as friendly and straightforward as possible.
PS: UKMLA is the name of the new format of the examination process. Even though it is similar to PLAB in terms of content, the exams need to be taken not only by IMGs but also by UK Graduates.
Step 1: Confirm Your Medical Degree is Recognized
Before starting the registration process, ensure your medical degree is recognized by the GMC. You can check this on the World Directory of Medical Schools. Your qualification must be listed as acceptable for your degree to be considered valid by the GMC.
If your medical school is not on the list, you need to write to the GMC and start the process for your medical school to be recognized. Many students from new medical schools need to go through this route.
After confirming your Medical School is recognised, open up GMC Online account.
Step 2: Prove Your English Language Skills
Proficiency in English is a must. You can demonstrate this through:
- IELTS (Academic): A minimum overall score of 7.5, with at least 7.0 in each component. Though IELTS is a much cheaper exam, it requires a high level of preparation.
- OET (Medicine): A minimum grade of ‘B’ in each of the four sub-tests. The OET is highly recommended due to its higher pass rate and relevance to medical practice.
Check the GMC’s guidance on acceptable evidence of English language proficiency.
Step 3: Take the PLAB / UKMLA Exams
The PLAB/UKMLA exam consists of two parts:
- PLAB 1 (AKT-Applied Knowledge Test in the UKMLA Format): A multiple-choice exam consisting of 180 single best answer questions. It can be taken in several countries around the world. Even though PLAB 1 has a pass rate of around 65-70%, it requires significant preparation, especially for those who graduated some time ago, as it includes almost all of the medical school curriculum with a significant emphasis on clinical questions.
- PLAB 2 (CPSA-Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment in the UKMLA format): An objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) held in the UK. PLAB 2 is by far the most difficult exam during the process of acquiring GMC registration, with a pass rate of 50-60%. However, with the right resources, good communication, and language skills, it is easily passable. For PLAB 2 preparation, the best online source is PLAB 2 MasterClass by Clinical Skills Pro. Here, you can learn the gold-standard approach to more than 150 core cases, including mannequins, SimMan, and prescription stations. Additionally, every type of communication scenario you may encounter during the exam is covered.
For detailed information, refer to the PLAB guide.
For updates on the UKMLA, visit the UKMLA information page.
Step 4: EPIC Verification and ECFMG Portal
Before applying for GMC registration, your documents need to be verified through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and its Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) service. This step ensures the authenticity of your qualifications.
- Create an EPIC Account: Register on the ECFMG EPIC portal and submit your credentials for verification.
- Document Verification: Your medical credentials will be verified by the ECFMG and the results sent directly to the GMC.
Step 5: Apply for GMC Registration
Once you’ve passed PLAB 1 and 2 or the UKMLA, and your documents have been verified through EPIC, you can apply for GMC registration. The process involves:
- Online Application: Start your application on the GMC Online portal.
- Submit Documents: You’ll need to provide several documents, including your primary medical qualification, proof of English proficiency, your PLAB/UKMLA results, and EPIC verification.
- Identity Check: Attend an identity check in the UK or online. This can be booked through your GMC Online account.
Step 6: Receive Your GMC Registration
If everything is in order, you’ll receive your GMC registration. You can then practice as a doctor in the UK!
Roadmap Summary
Here’s a visual summary to help you track your progress:
| Step | Description | Links |
| 1 | Confirm Medical Degree | WDOMS |
| 2 | Prove English Language Skills | GMC Guidance |
| 3 | Take PLAB/UKMLA Exams | PLAB Guide, UKMLA Info |
| 4 | EPIC Verification | ECFMG EPIC |
| 5 | Apply for GMC Registration | GMC Online |
| 6 | Receive Registration | – |
Conclusion
Securing GMC registration through the PLAB / UKMLA route can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and understanding of the process, it’s entirely achievable. Ensure your documents are in order, prepare thoroughly for the exams, and follow the GMC’s guidelines closely. Good luck on your journey to practicing medicine in the UK!
We would love to be part of your journey and help you the best way we can.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or for further clarification on any steps.