PLAB 1 Syllabus 2025: Complete Guide for Medical Graduates

 

The Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) exam is an essential step for international medical graduates aiming to practice in the UK. Conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC), the test is divided into two parts: PLAB 1 (written) and PLAB 2 (practical OSCE). This blog provides a detailed overview of the PLAB 1 syllabus 2025, helping you understand what to expect and how to prepare effectively.

What is the PLAB 1 Exam?

PLAB 1 is an applied knowledge test designed to assess your ability to manage real-world patient-care scenarios. Instead of testing rote memorization, the exam focuses on your ability to apply clinical knowledge in a UK healthcare setting.

  • Format: 180 single-best-answer (SBA) multiple-choice questions
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Focus: Evidence-based practice aligned with current UK medical standards

Core Areas Assessed in PLAB 1

PLAB 1 evaluates your understanding and clinical judgment in the following four domains:

  1. Diagnosis — Identifying the correct diagnosis from clinical options
  2. Investigation — Interpreting test results and selecting appropriate investigations
  3. Management — Recommending suitable treatment plans
  4. Clinical Practice Context — Applying professionalism and ethical reasoning in clinical settings

Detailed PLAB 1 Syllabus 2025

The PLAB 1 Syllabus reflects common and important conditions encountered in UK hospitals and primary care. Key subject areas include:

 Medicine and Allied Specialties

Cardiology, respiratory medicine, endocrinology, nephrology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, neurology, and rheumatology.

Surgery

Covers general surgery, emergency surgery, orthopaedics, ENT, ophthalmology, and urology.

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Includes antenatal care, pregnancy complications, labor and delivery, postpartum management, and common gynaecological conditions.

Paediatrics

Focuses on growth milestones, childhood illnesses, immunization schedules, and paediatric emergencies.

Psychiatry

Assessment of mood disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, suicide risk, and acute psychiatric conditions.

Ethics and Law

Understanding of consent, confidentiality, capacity, and professional responsibilities as defined by the GMC’s Good Medical Practice.

Communication and Professionalism

Emphasizes soft skills like breaking bad news, managing complaints, and patient interactions with empathy and professionalism.

Preparing for PLAB 1: Tips & Support

The exam emphasizes acute and chronic conditions, particularly those seen in emergency and primary care settings in the UK. A well-structured study plan is key to mastering the vast syllabus.

StudyPLAB offers targeted PLAB 1 course that guide you through high-yield topics, exam techniques, and clinical reasoning aligned with GMC standards.

Need help getting started? Reach out to our team today for personalized support and preparation plans.

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