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The knowledge-based component of GMC registration for international medical graduates — 180 SBAs in 3 hours, now fully UKMLA-aligned (content based on the MLA content map of ~430 core conditions). 1,500+ adaptive question bank by UK doctors mapped to NICE, CKS, BNF and the MLA content map.
180 single-best-answer items · 3 hours · approximately 1 minute per question · computer-based
From August 2024 PLAB 1 content is fully based on the MLA (Medical Licensing Assessment) content map — approximately 430 core conditions organised by clinical presentation. The standard is FY2 level: safely manage common and important clinical presentations as a foundation doctor.
UK and EU centres delivered by VICTVS on behalf of the GMC. International centres include India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia and others — high-demand cities. Seats often fill within minutes of release.
Variable — set per diet using criterion referencing. Typically settles around 60-65% (approximately 110-116 of 180 items). The pass mark accounts for paper difficulty.
A PLAB 1 pass is valid for 3 years for entry to PLAB 2 (the CPSA / clinical skills component). PLAB 2 is held at the GMC's Manchester assessment centre.
Four sittings per year — typically February, May, August and November. 2026 confirmed February and May dates already published by the GMC; later 2026 dates released in batches. UKFP-2026 eligibility required a PLAB 1 pass by 6 November 2025 and PLAB 2 by 1 May 2026 — those windows have passed. Check the GMC portal for current availability.
PLAB 1 is now mapped to the MLA content map (approximately 430 core conditions organised by clinical presentation). Content emphasis: 80% clinical, 10% professional practice and ethics, 10% population health.
Drawn from the MLA content map and recent PLAB 1 candidate reports of the UKMLA-aligned content.
New UKMLA topics (added since August 2024) — transgender and gender-affirming healthcare, updated genetics content, palliative care expansion, evolving sepsis bundles. These were not present in the old PLAB blueprint.
Cardiology — ACS pathway, ESC 2023 NSTEMI invasive timing, HFrEF four-pillar therapy per NICE NG106, AF anticoagulation per ESC 2024 CHA₂DS₂-VA
Mental health — depression and anxiety NICE pathways (NG222, CG113), suicide risk assessment, sectioning under MHA, capacity assessment
Paediatrics — fever in under-5s (NICE NG143 traffic-light), bronchiolitis (NG9), recognising sepsis, paediatric resuscitation, immunisation schedule
Women's health — contraceptive choice (UKMEC), HRT in menopause (NICE NG23), cervical screening, urgent suspected cancer referrals (NG12)
Acute emergencies — sepsis SSC bundles, anaphylaxis, DKA fluid replacement, status epilepticus, acute stroke pathway with thrombolysis criteria
Ethics and professional practice — capacity, consent, confidentiality, GMC Good Medical Practice 2024 update, duty of candour, breaking bad news
Population health — vaccine coverage, herd immunity, screening test interpretation at low prevalence, NNT calculations, RCT methodology basics
Observations from IMG candidates passing PLAB 1 in the UKMLA-aligned era. Verify against the current MLA content map.
Candidate-reported observations — not official guidance.
A pragmatic phased approach used by recent IMG candidates passing PLAB 1 first time under the UKMLA-aligned content.
A live item from the iatroX bank. Try it before launching a full session.
A distance runner asks whether reinfusion of stored blood to increase oxygen-carrying capacity is prohibited even if it is his own blood. What is the most appropriate management?
Why iatroX is built differently for PLAB 1.
Every iatroX item is tagged to a blueprint topic, so your performance dashboard mirrors the structure of the exam itself.
The engine surfaces your weakest topics first, in real time, instead of marching you through a static syllabus.
Incorrect items return at increasing intervals to interrupt the forgetting curve and lock knowledge into long-term memory.
Timed full-length simulations that mirror the official exam structure under realistic conditions.
One iatroX subscription includes the PLAB 1 bank, the Socratic Tutor inside supported sessions, and every other premium iatroX exam bank.
Cancel anytime · 30-day money-back guarantee on annual
Yes — the entire 1,500+ PLAB 1 bank is free at iatroX. No subscription required, no paywall. PLAB 1 sits in the iatroX free tier alongside UKMLA, MRCP-1, MRCGP AKT, MSRA, PSA, MRCEM SBA and PANE. The bank is fully MLA content map-aligned.
Yes — for IMGs the exam is still booked through the GMC portal as "PLAB". However, since August 2024 the content has been fully UKMLA-aligned (mapped to the MLA content map). The GMC has signalled a gradual administrative transition, but the timing is not confirmed. For practical purposes: book PLAB, prepare using MLA-aligned resources.
Four sittings per year — typically February, May, August and November. GMC confirms specific 2026 dates in batches; seats released throughout the year (often filling within minutes for high-demand centres in India, Pakistan, Nigeria). Confirm current availability via your GMC Online account.
180 single-best-answer items in 3 hours (~1 minute per question). Computer-based. UK and EU centres delivered by VICTVS; international centres in major cities. Questions are clinical vignettes testing application of knowledge at FY2 standard.
A PLAB 1 pass is valid for 3 years for entry to PLAB 2 (the CPSA / clinical skills component held in Manchester). If you don't pass PLAB 2 within 3 years you'll need to retake PLAB 1.
You may attempt PLAB 1 up to 4 times. After 4 unsuccessful attempts you must demonstrate 12 months of additional clinical learning to be permitted one final (5th) attempt. Most candidates pass within 1-2 attempts.
The content and standard are the same — both are based on the MLA content map at FY2 level. The administrative pathway differs: UK students take the AKT integrated into medical school finals; IMGs take it via the GMC portal as PLAB 1. The question difficulty and standard are calibrated to be equivalent.
Other iatroX hubs you may find useful.
see how iatroX compares to PassMedicine, Quesmed, NICE CKS, BNF.
Reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP · Last reviewed 12 May 2026
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