PLAB 1 exam dates 2026: Complete booking guide and calendar

Securing your seat for the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) requires precise timing and preparation. The General Medical Council (GMC) releases PLAB 1 exam dates 2026 approximately six months in advance, with test centres worldwide frequently filling up within hours of opening. This guide details the expected 2026 sitting schedule, explains the booking process via Pearson VUE, and provides actionable strategies to secure a seat in high-demand locations. By following these steps, you will navigate the GMC Online system efficiently and avoid common administrative delays.

The PLAB sitting calendar 2026: Expected timeline

The GMC standardises the PLAB 1 testing schedule across multiple global sittings each year. While the exact dates for 2026 are published on the GMC website closer to the time, the annual structure remains highly consistent. Sittings typically occur four times a year: February, May, August, and November.

The GMC publishes the official calendar approximately six months before the start of the year or the specific sitting. Booking generally opens 16 weeks before each exam date.

Note: Always verify the exact opening times on the official GMC website, as release windows can shift based on administrative requirements.

Prerequisites for PLAB 1 booking 2026

You cannot simply log in and book a PLAB 1 seat. The GMC Online system restricts access to the booking portal until you have met strict eligibility criteria. Attempting to navigate the system without these prerequisites will result in a locked booking screen.

1. Create a GMC Online account: You must register for a GMC Online account. This requires your primary medical qualification details.
2. Verify your medical qualification: Your medical school must be listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) with a note confirming that the GMC accepts qualifications from that institution.
3. Provide English language evidence: You must achieve the required scores in either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET).
4. Wait for GMC verification: Once you submit your English language scores, the GMC takes several days to verify them. Only after this verification is complete will the "My Tests" section in your GMC Online account unlock.

For doctors relocating from abroad, understanding these timelines is critical. You can review our comprehensive resources for international doctors to map out your entire relocation timeline.

How PLAB Pearson VUE booking works

The GMC partners with Pearson VUE to administer the 180 Single Best Answer (SBA) paper. While the exam takes place at a Pearson VUE test centre, the booking process originates entirely within your GMC Online account.

Follow these exact steps to secure your seat when the booking window opens:

1. Log into GMC Online: Access your account 15 to 30 minutes before the announced booking time. High traffic often causes the site to load slowly.
2. Navigate to 'My Tests': Select the PLAB 1 option. If booking is open and you are eligible, you will see an option to book an upcoming exam.
3. Enter the Pearson VUE portal: Clicking the booking link redirects you automatically to the Pearson VUE system. You do not need a separate Pearson VUE login; the authentication passes through the GMC portal.
4. Select your test centre: Search for your preferred city or country. The system will display available centres and appointment times.
5. Confirm and pay: Proceed to the checkout. Your seat is not reserved while it sits in your basket. The booking is only confirmed once payment is successfully processed.
6. Save your confirmation: You will receive an email from Pearson VUE containing your booking reference and test centre instructions.

Test centres and booking fees

PLAB 1 is delivered electronically at Pearson VUE test centres globally. The GMC sets the examination fee, which is currently £255 (always check the live GMC fees page for the exact 2026 figure, as annual adjustments occur in April).

Demand for specific test centres heavily outstrips supply. Centres in London, Manchester, and major cities across India and Pakistan routinely sell out within the first few hours of the booking window opening.

When planning your PLAB Pearson VUE booking, consider the logistical implications of your centre choice. If you book a centre outside your home country, you must factor in visa processing times, flights, and accommodation. The GMC does not issue visa invitation letters for PLAB 1; a standard visitor visa confirmation is usually sufficient, but securing it remains your responsibility.

What to do if your preferred test centre is sold out

If you log in and find no available seats in your desired location, you have three primary options.

1. Book an alternative centre immediately

If your home country is sold out but seats remain in a neighbouring country (or in the UK), book the available seat. It is safer to secure a confirmed exam date and arrange travel than to wait indefinitely for a local cancellation.

2. Monitor the system for cancellations

Candidates frequently cancel or reschedule their exams. When a candidate cancels, their seat returns to the live Pearson VUE inventory immediately. There is no official waitlist system. To catch a cancellation, you must log into GMC Online daily and check the availability.

3. Defer to the next sitting

If travel is impossible and no cancellations appear, you will need to target the next available sitting. Use this extra time to deepen your clinical knowledge. You can structure your extended study period using our guides on PLAB 2026 dates and planning.

Common mistakes when booking PLAB 1

Candidates frequently miss out on their preferred exam dates due to preventable administrative errors. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Mistake: Waiting until the booking day to submit English language scores. Alternative: Submit your IELTS or OET results to the GMC at least four weeks before the expected booking window opens. The GMC verification process takes time, and without it, the booking link remains hidden.
• Mistake: Relying on a single test centre location. Alternative: Prepare a list of three acceptable test centres before logging in. If your primary choice is full, immediately select your backup rather than wasting time deciding under pressure.
• Mistake: Refreshing the browser during the payment processing screen. Alternative: Allow the Pearson VUE payment gateway to process completely. Refreshing can result in a failed booking, a double charge, or losing the seat entirely while the system resets your session.
• Mistake: Assuming the booking time is in your local time zone. Alternative: The GMC always announces booking times in UK time (GMT or BST). Calculate the exact conversion for your local time zone the day before.
• Mistake: Using an incompatible browser or unstable connection. Alternative: Use a desktop or laptop computer with a stable broadband connection. Avoid booking on a mobile device, as the Pearson VUE interface is heavily data-reliant and prone to timing out on mobile networks.

PLAB 1 booking checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you are fully prepared before the 2026 booking windows open.

• Register for a GMC Online account.
• Confirm your primary medical qualification is accepted by the GMC.
• Achieve the required minimum scores in IELTS or OET.
• Submit your English language scores via GMC Online for verification.
• Confirm the "My Tests" section is unlocked in your GMC account.
• Identify the exact date and UK time the booking window opens.
• Select your primary test centre and two viable backup locations.
• Ensure your credit or debit card is authorised for international, online transactions of at least £255.
• Log into GMC Online 15 minutes before the booking window opens.
• Complete the transaction and save the Pearson VUE confirmation email.

Once your seat is confirmed, shift your focus entirely to your preparation strategy. Review our comprehensive PLAB exam guide to understand the MLA content map, and begin testing your knowledge with our free resources.

Related reading

• PLAB exam guide
• For international doctors
• Guides: PLAB 2026 dates and planning
• Free resources