What is the PLAB 1 exam?
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What is the PLAB 1 exam?
Let’s start with some quick reminders:
· PLAB stands for the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board test.
· The first part, called PLAB 1, is a written exam made up of 180 multiple choice questions which you must answer within three hours.
· Each question starts with a short scenario.
· You need to choose the right answer out of the five possible answers given.
· You can sit PLAB 1 in a number of countries, including the UK.
The aim of the exam is to make sure your qualifications fit UK medical standards and to test your medical knowledge. There are 4 main domains that you will be tested on. All the questions will fall under one of them.
The 4 domains
Ø Data gathering, technical and assessment skills- This domain covers history taking, physical examination, practical procedures, investigations leading to a diagnosis.
Ø Clinical management skills- This domain covers formulating a diagnosis, explaining something to the patient, formulating a management plan.
Ø Interpersonal skills- This domain covers the way you approach the station: whether you establish a rapport with the patient, how you use open and closed questioning, involving the patient and demonstrating your professionalism and understanding of ethical principles.
Ø Management skills- This domain covers how you handle data and how you manage the information your patient has told you.
All good doctors want to pass their Plab exam so here is some helpful study tips for them to use
Study tips
1. Start with the topic you struggle with the most,
2. Try to study in groups
3. Try different methods to study, e.g. podcasts
4. Do mock exams,
5. Try to do a little bit of studying each day.
If you need any more information about the PLAB exam please visit the GMC website or read one of our other blog posts about the exam.
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