PLAB 1 update: GMC plans for opening test places for 2023, Last Updates.

Source: https://www.gmc-uk.org/

PLAB 1 update: GMC plans

PLAB 1 bookings

GMC will release PLAB 1 places for 2023, for all locations, on four different dates in 2022.

They’re releasing places in this way to give you more frequent opportunities to book your test, and to allow you to plan ahead.

Before you can book, you’ll need to:

• Set up a GMC Online account. If you already have an account but haven’t logged in since 31 August 2021, you’ll need to update your account before you can use it. Read our guide about how to update your GMC online account.
• Provide them with valid English language evidence (Look Below) by the dates set out below. You will not be able to book your test until we have verified your English language evidence.

The key dates are: 

Tips for a smooth booking experience

• Only log in to GMC Online at the time they release places in your preferred location.
• Only use one browser tab on one device to book. If you use multiple devices or log in from multiple tabs, you may lock your account which will prevent you from booking a place.
• You must not use, or employ others to use, bot technology to secure a booking. If you secure a booking using this approach they will cancel it, and they will lock your account
• Once you have reserved your place, you should complete your booking as soon as possible to make sure your payment completes within the reservation time limit. If you pay after the reservation time, you may be charged but you will not secure a place.
• You’ll be able to see all the places available to you in GMC Online. Please don’t contact us to ask for a place on a specific date or in a specific location. They’re unable to accommodate individual requests.

English language evidence

Your English language evidence must be less than two years old on the day you sit PLAB 1.

Because not all countries are currently holding in-person English language exams, They’ll accept the online IELTS indicator test as an additional option when booking your PLAB 1 test. Indicator tests are accepted for PLAB 1 only and won’t be accepted as evidence when applying for registration.

They’ll also consider, on a case by case basis, whether it is possible to extend the validity of English language evidence for those who’ve been disadvantaged by PLAB cancellations and who need to book a further PLAB 1 test.

You may also use the OET@Home service to demonstrate English language proficiency for both PLAB and registration.

For OET, MD Guidance is pleased to announce for you the launch of its amazing training course, A golden opportunity:

OET Preparation training course

If you are interested, do not miss the opportunity, read the details and hurry up to register through the link below:
mdguidance.com/courses/oet-preparation-training-course/

English language evidence for registration 

Your ability to communicate safely with your patients in English is fundamental to safe practice, so they need to make sure your language skills are up to date. A good level of English will also help you to settle into your jobs in the UK and build strong relationships with colleagues.

Language skills can start to deteriorate after two years if they’re not used regularly. That’s why it’s vital that you’re able to evidence your ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English within that period.

Some candidates, delays in taking PLAB 2 could mean that their English language evidence will expire before they can register with GMC. If you’re in this situation there are several different ways you can demonstrate your knowledge of English.

What are my options? If my English language evidence is due to expire before I can register

1. A recent PLAB 2 pass

From now until March 2023, they’ll accept a recent PLAB 2 pass at registration as evidence that you’ve maintained your English language skills.

To be eligible for this when you apply for registration you must have:

• Passed PLAB 2 less than three months before you apply to join the register.
• Achieved thier minimum scores in IELTs or OET less than three years ago.

2. A reference from a tutor/lecturer of a postgraduate course or from an employer who is based in a country where English is the first and native language,

3. Evidence of a language test you’ve passed for registration with a medical regulatory authority in a country where English is the first and native language. This must be less than two years old,

4. If you have a UK job offer, a Structured English Language Reference (SELR) Form completed by the doctor who appointed you.

The evidence you provide must cover the period from when your language test expired to when you apply for registration.

You can also retake IELTS or OET again. However, they know that this has financial implications and not everyone will have access to these tests. If your original evidence has expired, you don’t meet their criteria for a recent PLAB 2 pass and you’re not able to take another IELTS or OET test, Dont worry, they’ll consider any other evidence that you may want to submit to demonstrate your English language competence at the point of registration.

This evidence will need to show how you’ve maintained your language skills from the expiry date of your original evidence up until your application for registration. Your evidence must:

• Clearly demonstrate that you can read, write and interact with patients and healthcare colleagues in English,
• Be recent, independent and objective,
• Be able to be verified by them, eg by contacting recognised medical institutions, healthcare employers or other relevant organisations. 

The evidence will be reviewed by a decision-maker to decide if it meets the required standard. In these unprecedented circumstances, they’re being as flexible as they can be while upholding their responsibility for patient safety and making sure all doctors practising in the UK have the required English language skills.

We will keep you updated. Don’t miss the UK category where we provide you with all the details you need:
https://mdguidance.com/category/uk-pathway/

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