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MBBS is a degree that every student wants to study, so they try their best to get it, right? But the story does not end here, after graduation, you also need to keep on studying. Therefore, this blog about MRCP vs PLAB can be very helpful for all fresh medical graduates.
What is MRCP?
Interested in working in Internal Medicine (IM) or General Medicine (GM) abroad? Then you must know about the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) and international licensing. Moreover, it is ideal for doctors with 2 or 3 years of training as per UK healthcare standards. Well, this international exam will assess your knowledge, skills, and behavior as an International Medical Graduate (IMG).
Parts of the MRCP Exam
Thus, MRCP vs PLAB is a common query, as both have different parts and also carry different values in the international field. MRCP is no simple textbook exam; it has 3 parts such as:
- PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills)
Three parts, all difficult, but your doorstep to work as an internal medicine specialist in the UK seems hard, right? However, you should try this test at least once and also learn about MRCP vs PLAB. Because of expert guidance and professional mentorship, many candidates achieved great scores in their first attempt.
Who is Eligible to Appear in the Membership of the Royal College for Physician Exam?
Studying theory is not enough for any practical degree, and especially if you are a doctor, learning keeps on happening. This is why you must have an MBBS degree from a GMC-recognized institute, but this is not enough. For eligibility, every candidate must have at least 12 months of medical training or more in a standard healthcare setting.
What is PLAB?
It is also an international exam that helps GMC maintain the right standards, and it is the most attempted test. Yes, the PLAB exam ensures that doctors who graduated abroad are the right fit to practice in the UK. Also, it is a post-MBBS exam, and no candidate can try this exam without graduation. Therefore, MRCP VS PLAB is a common topic of concern for all graduates.
Parts of PLAB
Unlike MRCP, PLAB does not have 3 parts. But of course, it is also a UK-recognized medical licensing exam with the following parts:
- PLAB-2
Mostly, people think about MRCP vs PLAB and choose the one because it has a lesser number of exams. Therefore, attempting international medical tests is a load on your mind, but once you achieve it, many doors will open.
Is Every MBBS Graduate Eligible for the PLAB Exam?
Not everyone, but yes, if you have a General Medical Council recognized MBBS degree, you can try PLAB. Another criterion is to demonstrate English proficiency, and if you have it, you can apply for PLAB-1. Furthermore, it is not a requirement but recommended by experts to have clinical experience for a year for PLAB-2.
MRCP vs PLAB - Scope in the UK
If you are just getting started with your medical career and do not have years of clinical training, PLAB is a better option. But once you have set your mind on an advanced future and your goal is internal medicine, choose MRCP. For your convenience, explore the table of MRCP vs PLAB down here:
MRCP | PLAB |
Focus on specialization in Internal Medicine | General pathway for GMC registration |
Accepted in UK and recognized all around the world | Also, accepted in UK and acknowledged globally but is a more starting level of licensing than MRCP |
Established in 1859 | Tracks back to 1858 |
It leads to consultant or specialist roles in Internal Medicine or related fields | It leads to junior level positions and paves your path for growth |
No doctor can succeed in the fast-growing field with just an MBBS degree, so choose wisely. So, take a leap of faith, but do not try to dive so deep if you are not prepared for it. Therefore, understand MRCP vs PLAB.
Definitely, MRCP is a more advanced qualification that can lead to more specialized and senior roles like MD, MS internationally. PLAB is good if you are still thinking about which specialization to choose, and the majority of doctors try it.
Study MRCP and PLAB, Both with Med Exam Expert
After learning all about MRCP vs PLAB, you must be wondering which exam you choose; guidance is required. Do not worry when Med Exam Expert is here to offer courses for both tests and for many other options as well. For sure, you will get field insights from the experts who have already aced these exams and are not mentoring other doctors.
So, what are you waiting for when MRCP and PLAB courses are available at one click? Open our website and register for our courses for preparation, revision, and modern learning.
FAQs
Is MRCP better than FCPS?
FCPS typically takes longer to complete, while MRCP has a shorter duration for each part. Simply, both qualifications can enhance your career opportunities abroad. Ultimately, FCPS is important for Pakistani doctors for fellowship, while MRCP is highly regarded in the UK.
Is MRCS better or PLAB?
Generally, MRCS is a postgraduate (post-MBBS) qualification, and on the other hand, PLAB is a GMC entryway examination. Furthermore, there is one factor that MRCS takes longer to complete and is expensive than PLAB. But a major benefit for doctors specializing in surgery is for MRCS, as it leads to more senior roles in the NHS.
Which one is best, USMLE or PLAB?
PLAB leads to medical registration in the UK and can serve as your first steppingstone. For doctors aspiring to work in America, the USMLE is the only path into USA residency. Aiming for faster entry into the international medical field at a lower cost? Choose PLAB and pass PLAB-1 in one go as it is more practical. But if you want to earn more with long-term growth, choose USMLE with better returns.
What is better, MRCP vs PLAB?
As mentioned in this blog, PLAB will lead to junior positions, but it also requires less training. Whereas taking the MRCP opens gates for NHS jobs at a more senior level, in a specialty like General or Acute Medicine. However, PLAB is for any IMG who wants to start their UK career as a doctor as early as possible.
