How hard is PLAB 1?

62.2% of candidates passed in 2025, down from 70.5% in 2024. The hard part is answering by UK guidance, fast.

Questions	180 single best answer, five options each
Time	3 hours
Pass mark	Set for each sitting
Sittings	February, May, August, November
Passed in 2025	62.2% of 13,691

What makes it hard

UK practice: questions follow current UK guidance and equipment in UK hospitals, not local arrangements.
Pace: 180 questions in 180 minutes, one a minute, each a short scenario.
Breadth: anything an F2 doctor meets, from emergencies to long-term conditions in primary care, plus ethics.

What makes it easier

It is pitched at the start of Foundation Year 2, and it excludes the advanced duties of a GP. Every question is one best answer from five.

Try 3 questions

Question 1MLA content map: Tachyarrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation)

A 76-year-old man has newly diagnosed persistent atrial fibrillation, now rate controlled on bisoprolol. He has hypertension and type 2 diabetes. He has no history of bleeding, his haemoglobin is 141 g/L and eGFR is 68 mL/min/1.73m². Which is the most appropriate treatment to reduce his risk of stroke?

Question 2MLA content map: Urinary retention/obstructive uropathy

A 76-year-old man comes to the emergency department unable to pass urine for 12 hours. He has had a poor stream for a year and took a cold remedy containing pseudoephedrine yesterday. He is in pain, with a tender, dull suprapubic mass. Bladder scan shows 1,050 mL. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Question 3MLA content map: Motor neurone disease

A 67-year-old man with motor neurone disease has a written advance decision, signed and witnessed, refusing invasive mechanical ventilation 'even if my life is at risk'. He has not made a lasting power of attorney. He is now in type 2 respiratory failure, drowsy and lacks capacity. His wife asks the team to intubate him because she cannot bear to lose him. What is the most appropriate action?

Next step

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The GMC's recent PLAB pass rates

Questions people ask

What is the PLAB 1 pass rate?

62.2% in 2025 (8,513 of 13,691), by the GMC's published figures.

How many times can I sit PLAB 1?

Until you have failed four times. A fifth and final attempt needs an application after 12 months of clinical practice or a relevant postgraduate qualification.