Blog

For many International Medical Graduates (IMGs), the United Kingdom is one of the most attractive healthcare destinations to build a career. The National Health Service (NHS) of the UK offers advanced training, international recognition, and high remuneration. Apart from all these, the UK has many other fantastic opportunities for international doctors to grow professionally and settle there. However, you need to get on the GMC register to start practising there.

But the common question that often comes up in the minds of IMGs is, ‘Which exam should I take as the pathway to get there?’ Both the MRCS (Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons) and PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) can be used to achieve GMC registration. But they are designed with completely unique purposes in mind.

Here, we will discuss in detail both pathways, compare their roles, and explain how each can shape your career in the UK.

What is MRCS?

 The MRCS is a postgraduate qualification for doctors who want to pursue a specialist career in surgery. It is not just an entry test; it’s a specialist training exam.

Who can take it? Doctors who have completed MBBS and basic surgical training.

What does it test? Surgical knowledge, applied anatomy, clinical problem-solving, communication, and practical surgical skills.

It is often required for doctors entering surgical training posts in the UK (ST3 and above). It is also respected globally as proof of surgical competence.

What is PLAB?

PLAB is a licensing exam for IMGs who want to practise medicine in the UK. It can help you to demonstrate that you can practice safely as junior doctors in the UK at the level of a junior doctor (FY2).

Who can take it? Any doctor who has completed primary medical qualification (MBBS) and meets English language requirements.

What does it test? Applied knowledge and practical skills for day-to-day clinical work.

Key differences between MRCS and PLAB

• Purpose:
  PLAB is a licensing exam to allow doctors to practice in the UK.
  MRCS is a specialty exam for surgeons to progress in their careers.
• Level of entry:
  PLAB allows you to start as a junior doctor (Foundation Year level).
  MRCS helps you progress into higher surgical training.
• Scope:
  PLAB is broad and general, covering multiple specialties.
  MRCS is focused entirely on surgery.
• Eligibility
  PLAB – Primary medical qualification + English proficiency test (IELTS/OET)
  MRCS – Primary medical qualification
• Exam structure
  PLAB has two parts: PLAB 1 (written) and PLAB 2 (OSCE)
  MRCS has two parts: MRCS Part A (written) and MRCS Part B (OSCE)
• Exam location
  PLAB 1 is worldwide; PLAB 2 is only in the UK
  MRCS Part A and Part B are held in the UK and many international centres.
• Recognition:
  PLAB is valid only in the UK.
  MRCS is internationally recognised. Opens opportunities not only in the UK but also in Ireland, the GCC, India, Australia, and other countries.

In summary, the answer to the question, ‘Which pathway should you choose?’ depends on your career goals. If you want to start working in the UK quickly, PLAB is the simpler route. If you are aiming for a career in surgery and want to enter the surgical training pathway, MRCS is the better choice.

If you are an MRCS aspirant aiming for Part A or Part B General Surgery, StudyMRCS can help you clear the exams seamlessly with our expert-led courses. You can even explore our premium study materials, curated by our team of mentors, for completely free through the StudyMEDIC LMS 3.0 before enrolling in the course.

You are welcome to contact us for more information.

Authored By: Sarath