Options For Those Who Missed March PLAB 1

Options For Those Who Missed March PLAB 1
This post is for doctors who were unable to attempt or unable to pass PLAB 1 in March.

Before we go over your options, let us keep in mind that PLAB 1 is held in the UK four times a year: in March, June, September and November. However, it is held internationally only in March and November.

Let us consider your options now:

A) PLAB 1 in June or September
Pros
This plan would take less time.

Cons

  1. It is not easy to get a visa for PLAB 1 if PLAB 1 is held in our home country. Having said that, there are examples of people who received a visa for PLAB 1. But this is not ideal or advisable.
  2. It might not be easy to complete everything on a single visa. You will end up requiring a second visa for PLAB 2 or GMC registration. Having said that, there are examples of people who do complete everything on a single visa. But this is not ideal or advisable.
  3. This plan would require more finances.
  4. In case of visa rejection, it might make a negative impact on your future visa applications.

B) PLAB 1 in November
Pros

  1. You will have more than enough time to prepare for PLAB 1.
  2. You will have more than enough time to pass your MRCP 1 in September. This will be ideal because it will make PLAB 1 easier for you. Also, it will give you an edge later on in your career.
  3. You can easily plan your PLAB 2 on a single visa after this.
  4. Since you will take PLAB 1 in your home country, this plan will require fewer finances.

Cons
This plan might take more time (but keep in mind that in the long run, it might take less time if you pass your MRCP 1 because of this plan).

Conclusion
I feel that when we look back in time, we might feel that waiting for 6 months for PLAB 1 was not a bad idea at all, specially if we pass MRCP 1 during this time. However, this is only what I think. At the end of the day, you should do what YOU feel is best for you. All the best!