PLAB 2 Dates & Syllabus 2026

The PLAB 2 exam dates 2026 are available throughout the year, with specific schedules released by the GMC (General Medical Council). Candidates can book through their GMC Online account after passing PLAB 1. Key exam periods often fall in March–April, June, September, and November, though exact slots vary. Since demand is high, especially for those seeking priority access for UK Foundation Programme (UKFP), early booking is essential. Several training providers such as Medastra, Arora, and Lite Regal offer PLAB 2 preparation courses aligned with these exam windows. 

The PLAB 2 syllabus 2026 follows the OSCE format, testing clinical skills, communication, and professionalism based on the UKMLA content map. Always check the official GMC site for confirmed exam dates, booking deadlines, and syllabus updates to ensure you are fully prepared for this crucial step in UK medical licensing.

Check out: PLAB Exam Dates 2026

PLAB 2 Exam Dates 2026

The GMC runs PLAB 2 (Clinical Assessment) throughout the year at its Manchester clinical assessment centre in the UK. There isn’t a fixed set of public exam dates like PLAB 1; instead, available dates depend on seat availability and booking through your GMC Online account once you’ve passed PLAB 1. 

Because PLAB 2 is in high demand, slots can fill quickly especially in popular months. so it’s important to check regularly and book early after passing PLAB 1. 

Expected PLAB 2 Schedule for 2026

PLAB 2 isn’t published as a public list by GMC, but based on historical availability patterns and the fact that the exam runs year-round once you’re eligible, many candidates see slots in these general periods throughout 2026:

Period	Typical Availability
Jan – Mar 2026	Multiple slots often open, including early Spring
Apr – May 2026	Many candidates book around this time due to UKFP compliance deadlines (e.g., latest compliant PLAB 2 dates for UKFP entry are 01 May 2026)
Jun – Aug 2026	Mid-year slots with moderate demand
Sep – Nov 2026	Autumn availability
Dec 2026	Late-year slots, depending on cancellations and releases

This pattern reflects the fact that PLAB 2 dates are released continuously and must be booked via the GMC online booking service. 

Important Planning Notes:

• You can only book PLAB 2 after you’ve passed PLAB 1; GMC won’t show you PLAB 2 dates before then. 
• If you’re applying for UK Foundation Programme (UKFP) entry in 2026, the latest PLAB 2 exam date that fits the timeline is 1 May 2026. 
• Slots can open or cancel at any time, so checking your GMC Online account frequently gives you the best shot at preferred dates.

Also read: PLAB Exam Eligibility: Complete Requirements for Indian Students

PLAB 2 Syllabus 2026

PLAB 2 is a clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA) conducted in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) format. Rather than testing memorised facts, it evaluates how well you apply clinical knowledge, communicate, and manage patients in realistic clinical scenarios similar to what a Foundation Year 2 doctor in the UK would face. 

Exam Structure

• The test consists of 16 stations, each lasting about 8 minutes, with at least two rest stations. 
• You will rotate through different clinical tasks and scenarios that mimic day-to-day practice. 

Core Competency Areas (Domains)

Each station is marked against three core domains, as outlined by the GMC: 

1. Data Gathering, Technical & Assessment Skills
   • History taking and information collection
   • Physical examination and focused clinical assessments
   • Interpretation of investigations and diagnostic reasoning
2. Clinical Management Skills
   • Formulating diagnoses and management plans
   • Explaining results, treatments, and next steps to patients
   • Safe, evidence-based decision-making
3. Interpersonal & Professional Skills
   • Establishing rapport and effective patient communication
   • Demonstrating professional behaviour, ethics, and teamwork

These core areas ensure you’re tested on clinical competence, communication, and professionalism, the essential skills expected of doctors working safely within the UK health system. 

Skills & Scenarios You Can Expect

Typical tasks you’ll encounter include:

• Taking structured patient histories
• Performing focused physical examinations
• Communicating diagnoses and management plans clearly
• Interpreting clinical data and making safe decisions
• Demonstrating empathy and ethical judgment in patient interactions

Which countries accept PLAB? Read PLAB Accepted Countries?

PLAB 2 Exam Pattern and Marking Criteria 2026

PLAB 2 is conducted as an OSCE-style clinical exam, designed to assess whether a candidate can practise safely at the level of a UK Foundation Year 2 (FY2) doctor. The focus is on real-world clinical competence, not theory recall.

PLAB 2 Exam Pattern

• The exam consists of 16 clinical stations
• Each station lasts 8 minutes
• A minimum of 2 rest stations are included
• All stations are conducted at the GMC Clinical Assessment Centre in Manchester
• Scenarios reflect common situations in UK hospitals and general practice

At each station, candidates are expected to interact with simulated patients, relatives, or healthcare professionals and demonstrate safe clinical judgement.

Marking Criteria and Assessment Domains

Each station is assessed across three core domains, and marks are awarded independently for each area:

1. Data Gathering, Technical, and Assessment Skills
   • History taking
   • Focused physical examination
   • Interpretation of clinical findings
2. Clinical Management Skills
   • Diagnosis and differential diagnosis
   • Management planning
   • Patient safety and escalation where required
3. Interpersonal and Professional Skills
   • Communication and empathy
   • Ethical decision-making
   • Professional behaviour and clarity of explanation

Candidates must demonstrate safe and effective performance across all domains, not just strong medical knowledge.

Pass Standard

• PLAB 2 follows a criterion-referenced marking system
• You are assessed against a predefined standard, not against other candidates
• A strong performance in one station does not fully compensate for unsafe practice in another

How to Prepare for PLAB 2 in 2026

PLAB 2 preparation is less about reading textbooks and more about practising how you think, speak, and act in clinical situations. Since the exam mirrors real UK clinical practice, your prep should do the same.

1. Understand the Exam Standard

PLAB 2 tests whether you can work safely at the level of a UK Foundation Year 2 doctor. That means:

• Prioritising patient safety
• Communicating clearly and calmly
• Knowing when to escalate or refer

Before you start practising, get familiar with the GMC’s assessment domains so you know exactly what examiners are looking for.

2. Focus on OSCE-Based Practice

Mock OSCEs are the backbone of PLAB 2 preparation. Practise:

• History taking with structure
• Focused physical examinations
• Explaining diagnoses and management plans in simple language

Timing matters. Each station is only 8 minutes, so practise answering efficiently without rushing.

3. Build Strong Communication Skills

Many candidates struggle not with knowledge, but with how they communicate. Work on:

• Introducing yourself professionally
• Showing empathy and reassurance
• Explaining risks, benefits, and next steps clearly

Clear communication can make or break a station, even when your clinical reasoning is correct.

4. Use UK-Focused Clinical Resources

Prepare using material aligned with UK guidelines and clinical practice, especially:

• NICE guidelines
• Foundation Programme-level scenarios
• GMC-recommended resources such as the MLA content map

Avoid over-relying on country-specific protocols that differ from UK practice.

5. Practise Under Real Exam Conditions

Simulate exam conditions as closely as possible:

• Stand while practising stations
• Use a timer
• Practise with different partners and examiners

This builds confidence and reduces anxiety on the actual test day.

6. Plan Your Travel and Prep Timeline

Since PLAB 2 is held only in Manchester, plan your:

• Visa and travel dates
• Accommodation near the test centre
• Final revision schedule at least 2–3 weeks before the exam

Being settled and rested improves performance more than last-minute cramming.

Explore our PLAB Preparation Guide for Indian Medical Aspirants dreaming for practice in USA

Conclusion

PLAB 2 is more than just an exam. It’s the final checkpoint before you step into clinical practice in the UK. Having a clear understanding of PLAB 2 exam dates 2026, the PLAB 2 syllabus 2026, and the overall exam pattern helps you plan better and prepare with confidence.

Success in the PLAB 2 exam depends on how effectively you apply clinical knowledge in real-life scenarios. Focus on OSCE-based practice, follow UK clinical guidelines, and pay close attention to communication and patient safety. Early booking of PLAB 2 exam dates, structured preparation, and consistent mock practice can significantly improve your chances of clearing the exam on the first attempt.

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