top of page
Search

Which exam is easier: MRCP or PLAB?

TL;DR

The question of which exam is easier: MRCP or PLAB depends on your background and goals. PLAB assesses safe entry-level clinical practice for international doctors in the UK, while MRCP Part 1 tests specialist-level knowledge across multiple domains. PLAB is generally more straightforward if your aim is NHS entry, whereas MRCP requires deeper postgraduate study. Your choice should match your career stage and training pathway.


Why this matters

Doctors often debate whether to attempt PLAB or MRCP first when considering practice in the UK. Both are gateways into the NHS but serve very different purposes. PLAB ensures you meet the standard of a UK foundation doctor, while MRCP Part 1 is a higher-level postgraduate exam used in physician training. Understanding the differences helps you avoid wasted effort and align preparation with your career path.


MRCP vs PLAB: High-level comparison

Feature

PLAB

MRCP Part 1

Aim

Licensure to practise in UK (entry-level)

Postgraduate membership exam for training

Eligibility

MBBS degree, IELTS/OET

MBBS degree + 12 months clinical exp.

Content

Clinical scenarios, OSCE practical

Clinical medicine, pathology, pharmacology

Exam Format

PLAB 1 (MCQs) + PLAB 2 (OSCE)

Two-paper MCQ exam (no OSCE at Part 1)

Difficulty

Moderate – safe practice focus

Higher – detailed specialty-level theory

Career Progression

Entry into NHS Foundation Year 2/SHO

Entry into UK medical specialty training

Recognition

UK-focused

Recognised in several countries

Practical examples

  • Case 1: An international graduate aiming for quick NHS entry will find PLAB the faster route. It tests safe clinical practice, communication, and applied knowledge.

  • Case 2: A doctor already in the NHS who plans to enter specialty training (e.g., Cardiology, Neurology) will need MRCP Part 1 as it demonstrates specialist-level competence.

  • Case 3: Some candidates sit both: PLAB to gain registration, and later MRCP for career advancement.


    Comparison table of MRCP Part 1 and PLAB exam structure and purpose.

Common pitfalls (and fixes)

  1. Assuming PLAB = postgraduate level. Fix: Remember, PLAB is about safe general practice; MRCP is much deeper.

  2. Skipping past papers. Fix: Use official QBank resources such as our Free MRCP MCQs.

  3. Overestimating time required. Fix: PLAB may need 3–6 months, MRCP often 6–12 months of structured prep.

  4. Neglecting exam-day strategy. Fix: Practise with full-length mock tests under timed conditions.

  5. Not aligning with career goals. Fix: If you only want GMC registration, PLAB is enough. For UK specialty posts, MRCP is essential.


FAQs

Is PLAB easier than MRCP Part 1?

Yes, PLAB is usually considered easier as it tests entry-level competence, while MRCP demands advanced medical knowledge.

Can PLAB be skipped if I pass MRCP?

Yes, MRCP can provide GMC registration without PLAB, but the GMC may require evidence of internship equivalence.

Which exam should I take first?

If you want UK practice quickly, start with PLAB. If you are already working towards specialty training, go directly to MRCP Part 1.

Does MRCP have global recognition?

Yes, MRCP is recognised in many Commonwealth and Middle Eastern countries, unlike PLAB which is UK-specific.

How long does preparation take?

PLAB often requires 3–6 months. MRCP Part 1 can take 6–12 months depending on your foundation in medicine.


Ready to start?

Choosing between PLAB and MRCP depends on your career stage. If your immediate goal is GMC registration, PLAB is the easier option. If you are committed to specialty training, MRCP Part 1 is unavoidable. Start your preparation today with our MRCP Part 1 overview, practise with Free MRCP MCQs, and build exam confidence with a mock test.


Sources

  • MRCP(UK) Official Website

  • GMC PLAB Guidance

  • NHS Careers

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page