In this blog we will explore PLAB 2 and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.
We will take a broad look at the following topics:
What is PLAB 2?
What topics does the exam cover?
What is the exam structure?
Where and when can I book a place?
What does it cost?
How do I register?
How do I prepare for PLAB 2?
What resources are available?
When will I receive my results?
How many times can I sit the test?
Passed? What next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
A Recap of PLAB 2
PLAB 2 is an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE), you should already be familiar with this format from your own medical training. It will consist of 18 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes and will reflect real life settings including a mock consultation or an acute ward.
For a general overview of the PLAB examinations, click here.
Exam Content
The exam syllabus covers everything a UK trained doctor might expect to see on the first day of Foundation Year 2 (FY2 / F2) and tests your ability to apply knowledge to the care of patients.
Marking of the scenarios relates to current best practice in the UK. You should approach them in relation to published evidence and not according to your local arrangements.
Names of drugs referred to in the exam are those contained in the most recent edition of the British National Formulary (BNF).
Exam Structure
The PLAB 2 exam will take approximately three hours and 10 minutes. You'll have one and a half minutes between test scenarios in order to read the instructions and patient information. There will be at least two rest stations, allowing you to take breaks.
You will be marked against three key areas for each scenario:
Data gathering, technical and assessment skills
i.e. History taking, physical examination, practical procedures, investigations leading to a diagnosis
Clinical management skills
i.e. Formulating a diagnosis, explaining something to the patient, formulating a management plan
Interpersonal skills
i.e. How 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
When marking against the domains the examiner will assess your competency across a number of skill areas, these are:
Clinical Examination
The examiner will assess you on your ability to conduct a physical examination of a simulated patient. This will usually be an actor who is trained to display signs when required, an anatomical model may also be used for certain examinations.
Practical Skills
The examiner will assess you on your ability to perform common practical procedures. Again, they may ask you to deal with a simulated patient or an anatomical model.
These may include:
checking blood pressure
performing venepuncture
inserting a cannula into a peripheral vein
calculating drug dosage
giving intravenous injections
mixing and injecting drugs into an intravenous bag
giving intramuscular and subcutaneous injections
basic cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (adult and child)
suturing
interpreting an electrocardiogram (ECG), X-rays or results of other investigations
interpreting basic respiratory function tests
performing urinary catheterisation
taking a cervical smear
safe disposal of sharps.
Interpersonal Skills
The GMC test these skills by observing the interaction between you and another person, usually a simulated patient or occasionally the examiner. The examiner will assess your approach to the patient throughout the examination.
This may include:
explaining diagnosis, investigation and treatment
involving the patient in the decision-making
communicating with relatives
communicating with health care professionals
breaking bad news
seeking informed consent/clarification for an invasive procedure or obtaining consent for a post-mortem
dealing with anxious patients or relatives
giving instructions on discharge from hospital
giving advice on lifestyle, health promotion or risk factors.
Booking an Exam Space
Part 2 can be taken in the UK only. When you book your PLAB 2 test place online, you will be able to see which venue is available for you. Currently, the main test venues are in Manchester. You can find more details here.
You can book online using your GMC Online Account. You will be able to view available dates and venues and book under the ‘My Tests’ section.
Exam Cost
The fee for Part 2 of the PAB test is currently £934.
Preparation
For PLAB 2, most IMGs advise that they have benefited from attending specific courses geared towards this test. It is also advisable to plan ahead for PLAB 2, so that you can ensure that you can complete everything within one Visitor Visa time period (6 months).
We have explored the UK Visitor Visa for PLAB 2 in more detail here, but let’s look briefly at booking PLAB 2 in more detail as you will have to arrange a UK Visitor Visa in order to sit the test.
Take some time to consider when you want to sit the PLAB 2 exam, it takes time to study for the test itself, but you also need to start the process of your Visa application. To apply for your UK Visitor Visa, you must complete an online UK Visa application for PLAB. This takes two steps, online application, and submission of supporting documents in a Visa application centre.
Remember to plan ahead! Once you have applied for your UK Visitor Visa, you must complete PLAB 2 within 6 months.
Do I need to bring anything to the test?
You will need to bring identification and your booking confirmation
For identification, the venue will accept any one of the following.
Passport
the booking confirmation that includes your GMC booking reference number
Don’t forget to dress as you would on the ward at work.
Revision Resources
We have discussed this question at length with IMGs and the GMC, and whilst there are many resources to choose from online, we recommend the following GMC guides to help you start your preparations:
The PLAB Blueprint: this is a helpful guide to what will be included in the exam. Our IMGs advise this is the best place to start with your preparations. The Blueprint sets out clearly the required knowledge, skills and behaviours you are expected to demonstrate in the exam.
The Foundation Programme curriculum: The topics and skills covered in the PLAB Blueprint are identical to those undertaken by doctors starting their second year of Foundation Programme Training (FY2).
You can find the Foundation Programme curriculum here
Guidance and interactive tools: The GMC ‘Good Medical Practice’ document explains the core advice to doctors on the standards expected of them. During PLAB 2 you will be expected to demonstrate the professional values and behaviours set out in ‘Good Medical Practice’ when you take the exam and when you practise as a doctor in the UK.
Test your knowledge of Good Medical Practice using:
Explanatory guidance
Good Medical Practice in action interactive online tool
Welcome to UK practice interactive online tool.
You can also find several excellent videos online which provide you with helpful example scenarios.
Courses: For PLAB 2, IMGs usually advise that they have benefited from further study and attending PLAB 2 specific courses. We couldn’t agree more!
Remember that you will have done most of the clinical tasks before, and with real patients.
For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & GMC materials and courses, take a look at our blogs on Exam Tips and Revision
When will I receive my results?
When PLAB 2 results are available the GMC will email you to provide access to the results in the ‘My Tests’ section of the GMC online account.
Exam Attempts
For PLAB 2, you can take the test 4 times. To be eligible to take the test for an additional attempt if you have not passed after 4 attempts, you must have completed a further 12 months experience of clinical practice or post graduate qualification.
Passed? What's next?
Once you have passed both parts (PLAB 1 and 2) you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Your application must be approved within 2 years of passing part 2 of the test. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
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Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you.
Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:
FRCEM is a crucial step when working towards either CCT or CESR in Emergency Medicine.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit some FRCEM examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. For overseas doctors attaining FRCEM is not a route to GMC registration and you are better suited to the MRCEM pathway. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is FRCEM?
FRCEM Route
Eligibility for overseas doctors
FRCEM Primary Examination
FRCEM Intermediate Certificate
FRCEM Final Examination
As an overseas candidate where can I take the exam and how much will it cost me?
How do I apply?
How to prepare and what resources are available
Passed? What next?
What is FRCEM?
Fellowship of the Royal College is awarded to candidates who pass three examination components.
There have been a few changes to the MRCEM and FRCEM examination structure over the last few years, as such there are currently two routes to an accreditation in Emergency Medicine, both leading to RCEM Membership.
These two routes are:
Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM)
Fellowship of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM)
As of August 2018, applicants beginning the process will be able to sit one set of exams leading to the award of Fellowship of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM).
FRCEM is one of several routes an overseas emergency medicine doctor can take full GMC registration. Read our blogs on acceptable postgraduate qualifications and PLAB if you are unsure what route to take.
For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCEM or FRCEM would be the best route to take.
Understand the MRCEM pathway in this article above.
FRCEM Examination route:
The Fellowship Examinations consists of the following components:
FRCEM Primary Examination
one, three-hour written paper
FRCEM Intermediate Certificate
Short Answer Question Paper (SAQ)
Situations Judgement Paper (SJP)
FRCEM Final Examination
Critical Appraisal (Short Answer Question Paper)
Quality Improvement Project (QIP)
Clinical Short Answer Question Paper
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Eligibility for overseas doctors:
FRCEM Primary:
To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes.
FRCEM Intermediate:
To be eligible you must hold a PMQ recognised by the GMC, have completed an equivalent to the UK Foundation Programme and have passed FRCEM Primary Examination after 1st August 2016.
You will also be eligible if you have been granted exemption from the FRCEM Primary as a result of obtaining MRCS or MRCSI after 1st January 2012.
FRCEM Final Examination:
To be eligible you must have FRCEM Primary and FRCEM Intermediate Certificate, attained after 1st August 2016. However, the requirements make it incredibly dififcult to attain outside of the UK - so you are best advised to attain MRCEM, work in the UK and then work towards FRCEM whilst practicing in the NHS.
The examination is conducted in English and candidates are advised that IELTS Level 7 is the expected standard for completion of the FRCEM examinations. Remember, you will need to have a pass of 7.5 average in all areas of IELTS to complete your GMC registration.
FRCEM Primary Examination:
The FRCEM Primary Examination is mapped to the Emergency Medicine 2015 Curriculum. More detailed information is provided in the RCEM Basic Sciences Curriculum (June 2010).
The exam consists of one 3-hour paper of 180 single best answer questions (SBAQs) so you must choose one best answer from a choice of five feasible answers.
The paper will examine all the domains of knowledge in the Basic Sciences Curriculum including:
Anatomy
Physiology
Pathology
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Evidence Based Medicine
FRCEM Intermediate Certificate:
FRCEM Intermediate Certificate is comprised of two papers:
Short Answer Question paper (SAQ):
A single 3-hour paper of 60 questions, each worth 3 marks.
Unlike single best answer questions (SBAQs) you will not have the advantage of having a list of options to choose from. Instead you will have to compose your answer independently.
The blueprint for the FRCEM intermediate is as follows:
Curriculum Category
Questions
Common Competences
7
Clinical Presentations – Core Major & Acute Presentations
18
Anaesthetic Competences CT1&2
4
ICM within ACCS
2
Acute Presentations – Additional Adult ST3
6
Paediatric Presentations – Makor & Acute Presentations
11
Practical Procedures (ACCS)
12
Total
60
Situational Judgement Paper (SJP):
A two-hour paper of 120 single best answer questions.
This written paper is designed to test your ability to understand & respond appropriately to real world clinical situations, assessing you against the Common Competencies in the Emergency Medicine Training Curriculum 2015.
FRCEM Final Examination:
From August 2018 the FRCEM Final consists of the following components:
FRCEM Critical Appraisal (Short Answer Question Paper)
FRCEM Quality Improvement Project (QIP)
FRCEM Final Clinical Short Answer Question Paper
FRCEM OSCE
Each component tests individual skill sets and as such may be sat independently.
FRCEM Critical Appraisal:
A 90-minute Short Answer Question Paper.
FRCEM Quality Improvement Project (QIP):
This replaced the CTR from 1st August 2016.
The QIP is a written submission that should be completed whilst working in Emergency Medicine at a level above ST3 or SHO. It should focus on quality improvement in Emergency Medicine, and may focus on either adult or paediatric Emergency Medicine.
Any candidates who have not been awarded FRCEM by 31st July 2018, irrespective of any previous passes in CTR, are required to pass the new FRCEM QIP.
Clinical Short Answer Question paper (SAQ):
The SAQ is a 3-hour paper consisting of 60, 3-mark questions.
A summarised blueprint for the FRCEM Final SAQ is as follows. A fuller version can be found on the RCEM website here.
HST Major and Acute Presentations
25 questions
Additional Paediatric Practical Procedures
3 questions
Practical Procedures (HST)
11 questions
Ultrasound
3 questions
Clinical Presentations - Core Major & Acute Presentations
6 questions
Common Competencies
2 questions
Anaesthetic Competences CT1&2
1 question
ICM within ACCS
1 question
Acute Presentations - Additional Adult ST3
2 questions
Paediatric Presentations - Major & Acute Presentations
3 questions
Practical Procedures (ACCS)
3 questions
FRCEM Final OSCE:
The exam is set in a practical setting and tests your ability to apply knowledge & experience directly to patients – rather than reciting learned knowledge.
The exam consists of 16, 8-minute stations with one minute provided in between stations for reading time.
As with many other final stages to Royal College exams – FRCEM Final OSCE will make use of manikins or actors and you will be observed by an examiner after being presented with a clinical case to assess. Examiners will not engage with you – only observe and mark.
A brief summary of the curriculum for OSCE is found below:
Stations
Curriculum
1
Core Acute
2a
Resuscitation
2b
3
Core Major
4
Common Competencies
5
Common Competences
6
Anaesthetic Competences
7a
Paediatric Resuscitation
7b
8
Paediatric Acute
9
Paediatric Major
10
HST Major
11
HST and Adult Acute
12
Practical Skills
13
Paediatric Practical Skills
14
Non-technical Skills
As an overseas candidate where can I take the exam and how much will it cost me?
Examination and application dates are regularly updated by the Royal College and can be found here.
Please remember, applications made outside the application period will not be accepted.
Examination
Location
Fees
FRCEM Primary
Short Answer Question Paper
UK
£310
Iceland, Malaysia, Oman, India
£390
FRCEM Intermediate Certificate
SAQ
UK
£305
Iceland, Malaysia, Oman
£385
FRCEM Intermediate Cert.
(SJP)
UK
£200
Kuala Lumpur
£200
FRCEM Final
Clinical SAQ
UK
£300
FRCEM Final
Critical Appraisal SAQ
UK
£240
FRCEM Final
QIP
N/A
£150
FRCEM Final
OSCE
London
£420
How can I apply?
All applications are made online and links to all application forms and windows are available here. It is worth noting, the application can take some time to complete so it is always advisable to apply well in advance of the deadlines.
Please remember, applications submitted after the application period will not be accepted.
How do I prepare for each exam and what resources are available?
With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams.
Curriculum:
Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Emergency Medicine as set out in the Emergency Medicine Training Curriculum 2015.
We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.
Information Packs:
These provide detailed information for the relevant examination components so that you can best prepare for your studies and what to expect on the day:
FRCEM Primary
FRCEM Intermediate
FRCEM Final Examination
SAQ Blueprint:
The blueprint for the new Intermediate SAQ exam can be found on page 8 of the FRCEM Intermediate examination pack, downloaded from the RCEM website here.
SJP Blueprint:
A blueprint of the new Intermediate SJP exam can be found on page 11 FRCEM Intermediate examination pack, downloaded from the RCEM website here.
Sample questions:
Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, see below:
Primary – sample questions
Intermediate Certificate – sample SJP questions
Final – successful QIP
Reducing referral rates of paediatric patients to plastic surgery
Management of fractured neck of femurs in the ED
Final – unsuccessful QIP
Critical Appraisal Questions – Advice to Candidates
Critical Appraisal – Most Frequently Offered Answers
Glossary of Terms:
The royal college uses many terms that may cause confusion, so take plenty time to understand the terms and definitions used in this guide. Candidates are expected to be rigorous in their use of these terms.
Glossary of terms used in RCEM exams.
Examination Report:
The Royal College recently began to publish reports on the performance of those sitting FRCEM examinations. Below is the first report published and helps to break down results for those in training and those out of training.
2018 Examination report.
Online resources:
There are lots of resources online, such as videos on YouTube, FRCEM courses and useful reading materials. We think that these are a great addition to your study plan, just be sure to check your sources.
For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation.
As ever at IMG Connect we believe in preparation. In order to succeed in the clinical exam, IMGs have told us that it is vital that you practice your clinical examinations as frequently as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague. This will give you confidence in approaching and examining patients with examiners present.
Should I take a course to prepare for the OSCE?
Whilst it is not essential to take a course when preparing for the MRCEM or FRCEM OSCE - there is no doubt it will help your preparations both technically and mentally, and should be considered an investment towards your future career plans. Have a read of our blog on recommended MRCEM courses for Emergency Medicine doctors.
Passed? What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of FRCEM, you will be on a firm path towards attaining your Specialist Registration in Emergency Medicine. FRCEM is not a route for GMC registration as doctors will already be in the UK, however those attaining MRCEM can do so from outside the UK, and use MRCEM as a route to GMC registration.
For the latest news and updates on all things emergency medicine, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
NHS Interviews over online video recording platforms, such as Skype, are becoming commonplace nowadays, particularly for overseas doctors seeking a job in the UK.
Skype interviews have fast become the norm amongst senior staff in the NHS, with most NHS Trusts now familiar with the format. Successful IMGs have also told us that they felt comfortable during the interview, helping them to secure their NHS job.
Getting invited to an interview means you’ve passed the first hurdle – your application must have made a good impression.
IMG Connect will support the NHS Trust in organising your skype interview, and we will email you interview invites and help you set up your computer on the day.
Once your CV has been selected for interview, if you are based outside of the UK, then it is highly probable that the Trust will seek to interview you using Skype.
If you haven’t already done so, setting up a Skype account is easy:
Download Skype to your computer.
Set up a free account
Log in to your account
You are ready to go!
On the day
To help you on the day of your interview we have included the follow steps to set up:
Tips for setting up on the day:
1. Add the hospital Skype ID 24 hrs prior to your interview.
Your IMG Consultant will provide you with this in advance.
2. Send a message to the hospital Skype ID, stating your name and the post you are interviewing for.
This helps check that the ID is correct and is active for the start of your interview.
3. Run a test call with an IMG Connect consultant.
Just to be sure everything is working; we will run a dummy call with you well in advance of your interview. If there are any issues, we can address them together.
4. Be ready 30 mins prior to the call.
It is best to be prepared, with your CV, notes and a glass of water at the ready.
Don’t forget to relax.
To help you make a good impression we have included the following tips:
Tips to make a good impression: first impressions to create a good impression
1. Be on time.
Despite the fact that your interview will be held over Skype, it is vital that you set up in plenty time and allow time for things to go wrong. If you do get delayed, make sure you notify your IMG Consultant and the contact within the organisation as soon as possible.
2. Dress appropriately.
You may be on screen, but that includes trousers too! Dress as you would for any interview, it will also help you to feel confident.
3. Don’t forget to smile!
When you answer the call, don’t forget to smile. Greet the panel as you would for any interview (minus the shaking of hands of course).
From start to finish, relax, be yourself and smile. The panel want to know that you cope under pressure, and can be a good member of their team, ultimately improving patient care. Your personality is key to this success!
4. Make eye contact and engage with all members of the interview panel.
Just like an ordinary interview, try to engage with all members of the panel. You will know in advance who they are, so greet them and address them directly throughout your interview. Oh, and don’t forget to use address the panel using their correct titles!
5. Be aware of your body language.
You want to convey that you're enthusiastic, positive and energetic, yet focused… don’t fidget!
6. Be positive at all times.
It can be hard, especially when you have faced some challenging questions, but keep calm, stay positive and remember to relax!
In summary:
Regardless of how confident or anxious you are feeling about interviews, talking things through with a trusted partner can help alleviate any concerns or make you consider a couple of areas you've not given much thought. At IMG Connect we work with IMG’s and healthcare professionals from all over the world and our team of dedicated consultants can help you with any questions you may have in order to prepare for your interview. We will do everything we can to help you succeed so get in touch!
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
Regardless of where you are in your medical career, your CV is the first chance you get to make a good impression to a potential NHS employer.
So, it is vital that your CV is professional, clear and concise, so that it tells the story of your medical career. Crucial to this is the style and format, so we have put together the best tips for nailing this element of your medical CV.
The decision maker reviewing your CV will likely only have a few minutes to review your CV in the first instance, so it is an important to get it right!
1. Keep all information concise, using professional, short and simple sentences
You can have all you career information on your CV, but if your prospective employers can’t see the relevant information clearly then your CV will prove ineffective at securing you an interview.
2. Be consistent with organisation and appearance
Under all categories of your CV and subdivided experience, keep a consistent, organised structure and appearance, this will ensure information is easily found and makes an impression.
3. Use clear headings
As above, your information needs to be easily locatable. Use the headings provided in our CV guide for overseas doctors.
4. Use a consistent professional font
One small decision, such as choosing the wrong font, could make the difference. The font has to be easy on the eyes and professional i.e. 12-point Arial, Calibri or Times
5. Use bullet points
These should mainly be used when presenting lists, achievements, duties & responsibilities and qualifications. Using bullet points makes scanning through your CV effortless, so include them throughout to improve the structure and format of your CV.
6. Use active wording when referring to skills, and focus on positive aspects
When you write with an active voice, it adds impact e.g. gained, confident, responsible for...
7. Use action words
Faulty word choices can undermine the strength of your CV, so make a point of choosing powerful action verbs. Action words are specific, clarify your contributions, and bring a confident tone to your CV and list of accomplishments. Try achieved, championed, supervised, expanded, increased, improved, collaborated…
8. Combine your selection of action verbs with quantifiable results
This shows both what you did and the impact it had, for example, “Expanded use of patient feedback, resulting in 20% increase in patient satisfaction.”
9. Avoid personal opinions and don’t exaggerate… just present facts
Your CV should be accurate in content; you will have plenty time to provide details on each accomplishment and skill during your interview, so keep it to the point.
10. Do not repeat
Your CV should be informative but concise.
11. Present details chronologically
A good CV will be logically ordered and easy to read from start to finish, so keep your writing clear and logically ordered.
Getting started
For more information on what to include in your CV, take a look at our article on CV writing for overseas doctors.
To get you started, request a CV template for UK applications.
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
For overseas psychiatrists looking to register with the GMC and find a psychiatry job in the NHS, one option is to complete the Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists examinations - MRCPsych. Here we will take a detailed look at the MRCPsych exams, fees and centres.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the MRCPsych examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is MRCPsych?
What is the exam content and format?
Eligibility for overseas doctors
Assessment Portfolio
Sponsorship Requirements
How do I apply?
How much will it cost me?
Where can I sit the exams?
How can I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations
Passed? What next?
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional body responsible for the specialty of Psychiatry throughout the UK. Among many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession.
What is MRCPsych?
The MRCPsych examinations are the central component of training for psychiatrists in the UK and the examinations are designed to test your knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills required for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.
For international doctors, MRCPsych is one of the two main routes IMGs can take to full GMC registration - you can find a range of articles covering these routes in our resource library here: Royal College or PLAB route.
For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCPsych would be the best route to take.
Overseas doctors must be registered with a recognised medical board in their country of residence and should have undertaken 3 years of training and MRCPsych (UK) is a prerequisite to anyone wishing to go on to a specialist training post as a physician in the UK
What is the exam content and format?
The MRCPsych examinations consist of two written papers (Paper A + Paper B) and one clinical examination (CASC).
Typically, a UK Psychiatrist would sit Paper A from FY2. Candidates will then progress through MRCPsych examinations from CT1 – CT3, before going on to specially training for CCT.
Paper A – The scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry – 3 hours
This is a written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising 150 questions made up of approximately two thirds multiple choice questions (MCQ) and one third extended matching item questions (EMI).
It covers the following sections of the syllabus:
Paper A is now taken online.
Paper B - Critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry – 3 hours
This is a written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising 150 questions made up of approximately one third covering critical review and two thirds covering clinical topics.
It covers the following sections of the syllabus:
Paper B is now taken online.
CASC - Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies
The CASC is based on a format that is similar to OSCEs. Specifically, the examination consists of two circuits which must be completed on the same day.
In total, the circuit includes 16 stations, made up of:
five stations on history taking, including risk assessment
five stations on examination, including physical and mental state
six stations on patient management
Stations consist of several elements with instructions provided to all candidates, marked against the examiners construct.
These have a standardised format with elements in common between stations of a similar type. Find out more here.
The CASC exam is taken in person.
Eligibility for overseas doctors
The MRCPsych examinations can be taken by both:
Doctors from the EU, who are working overseas
Non-Eu doctors who are working overseas
Each examination has different criteria, to complete the full MRCPsych, an overseas doctor must be registered with a recognised medical board in their country of residence and complete the Assessment Portfolio for Overseas Candidates demonstrating that they have complete 3 years of equivalent training.
Furthermore, prior to taking CASC, overseas candidates must demonstrate competencies in Psychotherapy AND Child & Adolescent Psychiatry or Learning Disability.
For each part of the exam the Royal College suggest the following eligibility criteria:
MRCPsych Paper A
You are eligible for Paper A if you are a fully registered medical practitioner.
MRCPsych Paper B
It is a recommended to have at least 12 months experience in psychiatry before taking this examination.
Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC):
You are eligible to take CASC if you have 24 months post internship experience in Psychiatry, by the time of sitting the CASC
AND
You have a pass in both Paper A and B
AND
You can demonstrate you have sponsorship in place. Sponsorship forms must be submitted by an appropriate medical education lead confirming that the eligibility requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations have been met.
In addition, overseas candidates must show their sponsor evidence of having achieved equivalent competencies at appropriate competency levels (year 1, 2, 3) for each component of the examination.
Assessment Portfolio for Overseas Candidates:
As above, one aspect of eligibility for CASC as to complete an Assessment Portfolio. This must demonstrate achievement of equivalent competencies to those defined in the ARCP documented on the application form, this must include competencies in Psychotherapy AND Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or Learning Disability have been achieved by the time of applying for the MRCPsych CASC.
In addition, overseas candidates must demonstrate that they undertake the following activities as part of their structured job plans:
be observed interviewing patients in ward rounds for specified reasons
be observed interviewing patients in out-patient or community settings or other contexts for specified reasons
be assessed via formal presentation of cases with their medical notes; discuss management of cases with their Clinical or Educational Supervisor
be assessed formally in having achieved competencies in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Learning Disability AND Psychotherapy
Assessments and achievement of competencies should take place in a range of settings and psychiatric specialties with structured, documented feedback on performance having been provided.
Whilst there is not an assessment criteria form available as this is incorporated into the online submission, take a look at the ARCP assessment portfolio form for CT1-3 in the UK, which should help give you a starting point for your own portfolio.
Sponsorship requirements
International candidates must have a sponsor in place in order to support evidence that their three years of training satisfy Royal College criteria of having achieved equivalent competencies at appropriate competency levels (year 1, 2, 3) for each component of the examination.
Sponsorship is required by all applicants for entry to the CASC examination and your sponsor should be an appropriate medical education lead confirming you have met the requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations.
Acceptable sponsors are:
College Tutor
Training Programme Director
Educational Supervisor
Head of School
Director of Medical Education (or equivalent)
Head of Department of Psychiatry
Consultant responsible for employee/trainee appraisal
Once your sponsor has authorised your application, you will receive a confirmation email from the Royal College, and you will be asked to complete your application and proceed to payment.
How do I apply?
To apply you will need to complete an online application form. It takes about 15 – 20 minutes. You can sit Paper A and B in any order. You will be required to enter contact details and training history, including your medical registration.
Payment is made by credit/debit card.
If applying for the CASC, you will also need to provide the contact details of your sponsor.
It is important to note that the online form for Paper A, B and CASC will only be available during the published application dates and must be submitted before the closing date and time. Applications submitted after, will not be accepted.
How much will it cost me?
Candidate
Paper A
Paper B
CASC
PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres)
£496
£446
£1,024
Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres)
£550
£495
£1,137
Where and when can I sit the examinations?
The good news is that changes have been made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Paper A and B can be taken online, making it much easier for IMGs to complete the MRCPsych examinations and work towards their GMC registration in a normal time frame. To maintain the integrity fo the CASC exam, delivery will be in-person only from September 2023.
You can sit the examination from your home country with details on submissions and preparation for an online exam available on the Royal College website.
For up-to-date information on application and exam dates, please see the Royal College website here.
How do I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations?
With lots of materials online we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for resources and materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:
Syllabus:
We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams.
Syllabus: summary of areas of core medical knowledge underpinning specialist training in psychiatry
Current critical review syllabus:
For Paper B candidates will need to ensure that they make optimal use of the MRCPsych Paper B Critical review Evidence Based Practice Syllabic Content.
Sample Papers:
These will help you prepare and polish your exam techniques and are a good idea to regularly benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. In addition sample questions will help you work quickly on the day, you will already know what to expect. Please note: you may be required to be a member to access these.
Paper A sample questions
Paper B sample questions
Marking schemes (Paper A and B):
Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance, and not how well you perform against other candidates. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is worked, so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass.
Marking schemes can be found here.
Marking scheme (CASC):
A good start with CASC preparation is to get to know how you will be assessed, take a look at the criteria for scoring a pass mark in CASC, as well as the History Marksheet, Management Marksheet and Examination Marksheet.
Written papers marksheet example:
Again, this is a useful tool to help you familiarise yourself with the exam format and improve your test skills. An example marksheet can be found here.
CASC examination guide:
The Royal College have produced a helpful guide for candidates which provides information on stations, role plays and assessment.
CASC preparation videos:
Here you will have the opportunity to see CASC stations in action. This will give you a good idea of what to expect and help you prepare.
CASC Blueprint:
This helpful summary details stations in some detail and gives a useful overview of the exam format.
The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful guide to help you to get over the first steps.
As ever at IMG Connect, we believe in preparation. In order to succeed in the clinical exam, IMGs have told us that it is vital that you practise your clinical examinations as frequently as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague. This will give you confidence in approaching and examining children with examiners present.
Passed? What's next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of MRCPsych you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) and chat with an IMG Consultant to discuss your options for NHS roles with CESR support and start your journey towards Specialist Registration with IMG Connect.
For access to a community of like-minded psychiatry IMGs and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.
To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
For overseas doctors, a Certificate of Sponsorship forms an integral part of a successful Tier 2 Visa application.
In this article we focus on the process for an NHS hospital as they apply for your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and look specifically at the following:
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
Differences between a restricted CoS and an unrestricted CoS?
What is the Resident Labour Market test?
Recent changes regarding visa allocations?
Does the process require my input?
How long does the process take?
Once I have my CoS, what happens next?
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
A CoS is a digital reference number that the Home Office will issue a Certified Sponsor (i.e. an NHS hospital) to allow a doctor to complete their Tier 2 visa application and work in the UK.
You cannot submit your visa application without one.
What is the difference between a restricted CoS and an unrestricted CoS?
It is important to note that both a restricted CoS and un-restricted CoS will carry equal weight when completing your visa application process. For you as an individual, neither CoS is better than the other in terms of your application being a success.
However, for the hospital, an un-restricted CoS is easier and quicker to process with no monthly cap on how many each hospital can apply for.
Restricted CoS: These apply to all applications made by people who live outside of the UK and are planning to work in a role paying less than £159,600 per annum.
These are included in the permanent limit, which is an annual restriction on the number of migrant workers admitted to the UK from outside the EEA.
For a restricted CoS the application must be submitted by the 5th of each month to be reviewed on 11th.
Unrestricted CoS: These apply to any workers looking to switch to a Tier 2 visa that are already in the UK, or the worker is based outside of the UK but in a role that pays upwards of £159,600 per annum.
These are not included in the permanent limit, an annual restriction on the number of migrant workers admitted to the UK from outside the EEA
Importantly, an unrestricted CoS can be automatically allocated to a doctor.
Have the rules recently changed regarding visa allocations for unrestricted CoS?
Yes, in June 2018 the Home Office announced they were exempting all Doctors and Nurses from the Tier 2 cap on a temporary basis. Those specialties that were not on the Shortage List would be able to obtain an Unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship under Tier 2.
In brief, any doctor or nurse can be automatically allocated a un-restricted CoS by a hospital.
The Independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is currently reviewing the Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List and will be reporting their findings imminently.
What is the Resident Labour Market test?
When sponsoring an individual under Tier 2, for both a restricted and unrestricted CoS, the trust must first complete a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT).
Only if your post is on the shortage occupation list is there an exemption to this. The list of shortage occupations can be found here.
The RLMT requires that vacancies are subject to a four-week advertising period (28 days) though this period does not have to be continuous.
If no suitable resident labour worker is identified throughout this period, a trust can then appoint a Tier 2 applicant.
Your IMG Connect consultant will ensure the trust has run the RLMT before engaging with an international recruitment process, thus not wasting time.
Does this process require my input?
As an overseas doctor you do not actually need to do anything to apply for a CoS.
The hospital and IMG Connect will handle this process in its entirety, ensuring you are provided with your CoS reference number once complete.
However, at IMG Connect we advise you spend this time ensuring your documentation for the rest of your Tier 2 visa application is ready for submission.
See our article on the Tier 2 Visa application process for more information.
How long does the process take?
An unrestricted CoS can be approved in a matter of days.
A restricted CoS can take a number of weeks to be processed.
Unrestricted Certificates: As all doctors and nurses are exempt from the Tier 2 Cap, we strongly advise trusts to apply for unrestricted CoS to save them time and paperwork.
Restricted Certificates: There are a limited number available each month. Applications must be made by the 5th day of each month to be considered by the ‘allocation date’ – the first working day after the 10th of each month.
Where a trust need apply for a restricted CoS, we urge them not to miss the strict deadlines in place. Missing these deadlines will cause delays to appointing suitable candidates in a timely manner, potentially missing out on the doctors they want to hire.
The RLMT: Running the RLMT test immediately on hard to fill vacancies. Many hospitals have numerous vacancies that they have been unsuccessful in recruiting to for a number of years. IMG Connect advises a hospital to run the RLMT as soon as possible, so they can act swiftly once they have identified a Tier 2 candidate suitable for hire.
Once I have my CoS – what happens next?
The trust will issue you your CoS in the form of a digital reference number – not a physical document.
This reference number will form part of your Tier 2 visa online application.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your IMG Consultant to discuss finalising your Tier 2 visa application and putting into action your UK relocation checklist including accommodation, travel, bank accounts and schooling.
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It is great to hear first-hand from overseas doctors the main reasons why they have enjoyed their move and quickly settled into life in the UK.
We enjoyed them so much that we have put together some of the best reasons to move to the UK (although there are hundreds!)
8. Culture
The UK is bursting with art and culture! Cultural diversity is the backbone of British life with workplaces and communities embracing diversity. The UK also has some of the greatest museums, art galleries, music venues, sporting events and theatres that the world has to offer. British culture has its roots in its people who live across its four countries, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each one has its own traditions and customs to explore and get involved in, everyone is welcome to join the fun! Culture vultures certainly won’t be disappointed!
7. Multicultural
The UK is truly multicultural, welcoming people from all over the world and embracing diversity. There are over 300 languages spoken in London alone, it can be said that the capital city of London is the most culturally diverse city in the world. It isn’t just London, everywhere you turn the country celebrates and embraces its multiculturalism. From Glasgow to Leeds and Birmingham to Manchester, the UK is diverse and distinct in equal measure.
6. Healthcare
Once a resident, you have access to the National Health Service (NHS) – free at the point of access for all. Britain is a world leader when it comes to healthcare, medicine and medical research. It is also home to some of the best hospitals in the world. The NHS is something that all Brits are proud of, and very grateful for, especially at times of emergency. The UK also attracts academics, researchers and medical practitioners from across the globe, making it a world class place to work.
5. Education
The UK has some of the best schools and universities in the world. Renowned universities are on offer right across the country and you would be hard pressed to find a better place to study than the UK. The UK has a reputation for word class schools, research and teaching. What better place to learn!
4. Natural world of beauty
Great Britain has scenery for everyone to fall in love with. From rolling hills, sparkling lakes and lochs to snow-capped mountains, its natural beauty is astounding. Join the community of outdoors enthusiasts and go for a hike over mountains, stroll through fields and hedgerows, explore the coastline of beaches, canoe in the lakes, wild swim in the ponds and rivers, or cycle across the countryside. There truly is something for everyone to explore.
3. Finding a job
Industry and services stretch across the whole country, and the UK has a huge range of jobs to offer. With demand for skilled workers increasing every year, the chances of finding employment are greatly increased. It is also a great place to work! As an IMG, you are in demand!
2. Location
The UK is perfectly positioned for short trips if you want to explore Europe. With commercial airports across the whole country, ferry ports and the Eurostar train leaving from London, travelling out of the UK is easy. It can be cheap too!
1. The people
English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish, the people of the UK are renowned globally for their hospitality. A warm welcome awaits, and no doubt a dose of the Brits keen sense of sarcasm. But don’t fret, sarcasm is usually said with a smile and kind heart ;-) We look forward to welcoming you to the UK as you embark on your new career in the NHS!
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Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
Doctors looking to register with the GMC and find a job in the NHS are required to demonstrate their level of English is suitable via the IELTS or OET exam.
Here we take a closer look at the IELTS exam, which is an International English Language Testing System used worldwide.
IELTS is used by overseas doctors to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English and support their application to the register and practice medicine in the NHS.
In this article, we outline the key facts about IELTS, including the following topics:
What is IELTS? Content and structure:
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
What scores do I need?
There are a few IELTS options, what test should an IMG take?
What scores do I need for GMC and Visa applications?
Paper or computer version?
Does time matter?
Where and when can I take the test?
Can I cancel my application?
Is the IELTS test completed in one day?
When will I receive my results?
If I don’t pass, can I re-sit?
How can I prepare?
What resources are available?
Passed? What next?
What is IELTS? Content and structure:
IELTS is designed to test your English skills needed to be successful in the workplace. It covers the following sub-test areas:
Listening (30 minutes)
Reading (60 minutes)
Writing (60 minutes)
Speaking (11 – 14 minutes)
Listening: 30 minutes
The listening sub-test consists of four sections, each including 10 questions. You will listen to four separate recordings and then answer questions.
The recordings will include a general conversation, a monologue on a general topic, a conversation of up to 4 people in an academic setting, a monologue on an academic subject.
Questions are varied in type, including multiple choice, matching, labelling, note completion and sentence completion.
Reading: 60 minutes
The reading sub-test consists of three long texts, usually taken from journals magazines, newspapers or books.
They are not specific to any one topic, however the texts are appropriate for people entering university or professional registration.
The test consists of 40 questions, testing a range of reading skills.
Writing: 60 minutes
The writing sub-test consists of two writing tasks.
Task 1 – describe, summarise or explain the information presented in a graph, table or chart.
Task 2 – write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem.
Both tasks require a formal style of writing. The topics covered are general interest, and suitable for people applying for university or professional registration.
Speaking: 11 – 14 minutes
The speaking sub-test comprises of three parts, delivered by an IELTS examiner face to face:
Part 1 – you will be asked general questions about yourself, covering a range of topics.
Part 2 – you will be given a topic to talk about. You will have 1 minute to prepare, and then speak on the given topic for two minutes. You will then be asked a few questions by the examiner on the same topic.
Part 3 – You will be asked further questions on the same topic as part 2. Here you will have the chance to elaborate and discuss more ideas.
The topics covered are general interest, and suitable for people applying for university or professional registration.
What scores do I need?
To register with the GMC, you must obtain an overall score of 7.5 with minimum scores of 7.0 in each sub-test.
Remember, to sit the PLAB test, you must obtain the required IELTS overall score of 7.5 with minimum scores of 7.0 in each sub-test.
There are a few IELTS options, what test should I take?
IELTS has two versions, Academic and General. To register with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK, an IMG must take the Academic test, which is designed for people applying for professional registration.
However…
You can use your IELTS certificate for both the GMC and your visa application.
IELTS Academic UKVI is the only version acceptable for both GMC and Tier 2 Visa applications, and for this reason is the best route covering all application purposes in one go. Not only will this save on fees, but also will ensure that only one test is taken.
What scores do I need for GMC and Visa applications?
For the GMC to accept your IELTS certificate you must achieve an overall score of 7.5 across all four areas, with no less than a 7.0 in in each testing area. The pass score for a Tier 2 General Visa is 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills.
Paper or computer version?
IELTS can now be taken on paper or computer. Both are exactly the same content, the only difference is the manner in which the answers are complete on the test.
Paper IELTS:
Reading, writing and listening sub-tests will be sat at a desk with questions papers and answer sheets.
The speaking section is carried out face to face with an IELTS examiner.
Computer IELTS:
Reading, writing and listening sub-tests will be taken at a computer with questions on screen. The speaking section is carried out face to face with an IELTS examiner.
Does time matter?
Each sub-test is timed, and you will need to practice how to give each section the right amount of time. You will have to be efficient and work quickly, dedicating the right amount of time to each question and text.
Where and when can I take the test?
IELTS can be taken in more than 1,200 locations worldwide, with 48 test dates in the calendar year. For more information on venues take a look at the official website.
Can I cancel my application?
If you cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge. If you cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason.
Is the IELTS test completed in one day?
This depends on your test centre. The listening, reading and writing components of the test are always complete one after the other, with no break. The speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date. Check with your test centre for more details.
When will I receive my results?
The test report will be posted to you 13 days after your test date. Some test centres also provide SMS alerts and an Online Results Service, check with your centre for more information.
Keep your Test Report Form in a secure place as you only receive one copy and you will need it later!
If I don’t pass, can I re-sit?
You can sit the test as many times as necessary.
However, this will cost you more money, so at IMG Connect we advise that you prepare as best you can for every test. If you don’t pass the test, then do additional study before taking the test again.
How can I prepare?
IELTS can be challenging. It involves learning a large amount of vocabulary on a range of academic subjects so that you will be prepared to read academic texts quickly and effectively, understand lectures, talks and questions, giving opinion in detail.
You will have to prepare how to write reports on a variety of data and essay types so make sure you are as prepared as possible before sitting the exam.
Written texts are to be of a high standard, including complex structures and grammar.
Successful IMGs who have passed IELTS told us that learning key exam techniques helps you to work quickly and effectively during the test day.
You don’t need to pay take a course. However, it is highly advisable to attend a course, and/or language classes, successful overseas doctors have advised that this helped them improve their standards in all areas of the test, including improved general levels of English and get used to the test format and timings.
We strongly recommend that you start preparing for the exams as far in advance as you possibly can.
Establish your level of English, and work out what areas you will need to focus on. Identify your weaknesses, set goals for yourself and plan a revision timetable.
Consider working with an accredited tutor
As an International Brand dedicated to helping international doctors to register with the GMC and find work in the NHS - we have lots of partnerships in place with trusted companies in many areas. One of these key areas is English Language Testing and IMG Connect works closely with a company called Specialist Language Courses. You can take a look at their website here.
Specialist Language courses work very professionally and are the UK's leading provider of online courses and tutoring. They are also one of the few accredited providers of OET and have provided consultation and guidance to the GMC on English language testing.
Success rates are 70% + for those who sign for their tutoring and you can receive a discount if introduced by IMG Connect.
Register with IMG Connect to request your discount on English Language Courses or get in touch with one of our IMG Consultants to discuss.
What resources are available?
To prepare for the tests, there are lots of online resources and practice materials available. A good start is the IELTS and British Council websites.
You can also find practice papers online.
We have also written a useful blog series on the English Language Tests for IMGs, which includes tips for studying at home.
Passed? What next?
If you have your IELTS in place you are in a prime position to apply and interview for jobs.
Take a look at our job search page if you have not already, alternatively get in touch with an IMG Consultant to put your CV to use!
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Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
As an overseas doctor, preparing for any English Language Test, whether you have chosen IELTS or OET, requires learning a huge amount.
IMGs have told us that one of the most effective ways to improve their general level of English, and help them on their journey to improving their test scores, is to study at home. So, we have put together a handy list of IMG tips for studying for the English Language Tests at home, enjoy!
1. Start devouring podcasts
If you don’t already listen to podcasts, you should! They are great! You can access these at home, or on your commute to work. On your laptop, or even better, on your phone. If you have an apple, simply open the podcast app already installed.
If you have Android, then try Stitcher, RadioPublic, Podbean or Pocket Casts.
Here are a few of the IMG Connect Team favourites:
There is no such thing as fish
In our time, science
The Infinite Monkey Cage
Today in Focus
Happy Place
Woman’s Hour
Ted Talks Health
Dan Snow’s History Hit
Thinking Allowed
BBC Inside Science
The Guardian’s Science Hour
Ted Talks Science and Medicine
Discovery
2. Speak to native English speakers
There really can be no substitute for regularly speaking to native English speakers. In most cities across the world there will be a community of English speakers, seek them out online or go say hello!
The IMG team are always happy to have a chat with you, so if you can’t find anyone, then give us a ring!
3. Speak to everyone!
We know that sometimes in this modern world, people would rather turn to their computers, but to learn English is to share English! Whether a colleague at work, a fellow student, a friend or family member, speaking English about a range of topics, medical and general, will help you to practice what you learn. Be sure to apply your recent learning of vocabulary and grammar.
It is widely known that students who speak and listen to people every day, learn quicker.
4. Get down with the kids… and watch YouTube!
There are millions of videos on YouTube, with thousands of great channels and shows to subscribe to. And of course, they are mostly all free! But don’t get stuck watching cute cats and dogs, stick to the task at hand – learning English!
IELTS and OET have their own official channels, full of useful resources.
Instead of randomly watching topics, think about your exams and search YouTube for suitable resources.
At IMG Connect we have found a few great suggestions to search for:
OET
Medical lectures
Nobel Lectures
Oxford University lectures – medical
Cambridge University medical lectures
IELTS
Parliamentary debates, UK
BBC, Sky, Channel four News
National geographic
Ted Talks
But don’t take our word for it, search for your own topics of interest.
5. Binge on your favourite movies (in English)
What could be better than sitting back after a day at work and watching a movie? Well, watching a movie and learning English at the same time! The rule here is to not just sit back and relax, you have to do some work too, put the subtitles on, and follow the dialogue. If you don’t understand, then pause, rewind and watch again.
Try to choose the right type of films, with lots of dialogue, so apologies to all those blockbuster fans, you may have to watch something else. Documentaries are excellent, with topics for everyone!
Listen to the way that words are said, how the actors or narrators stress the sounds. And copy it!
Even better, take a note of all new vocabulary, and when the film is finished, find out what they mean.
6. An article a day gets the doctor to the UK!
This doesn’t have to be test related, you can choose something that you really are interested in. It can’t all be boring!
Blogs, news outlets, organisations – you choose.
Reading an article a day, short or long, can dramatically improve your confidence.
7. Tweet, tweet, twooo!
Twitter isn’t just about a tweet, but there are plenty fantastic articles and up-to-date topics that are shared daily.
Find someone you are interested in and follow their articles.
Many news groups share excellent articles daily.
But remember don’t just read the headline!
8. Write as much as you can, to anyone you can.
Practicing writing English in different contexts will help you to cement your learning and get you into the habit of writing to a high level of structure and grammar.
You could write a blog online for your colleagues, this is free on WordPress. It is your blog, so you choose the topic!
Of course, you should practice writing the essays for the tests, but if you know anyone that reads English why not also write to them…in English of course!
9. Consider working with an accredited tutor
As an International Brand dedicated to helping international doctors to register with the GMC and find work in the NHS - we have lots of partnerships in place with trusted companies in many areas. One of these key areas is English Language Testing and IMG Connect works closely with a company called Specialist Language Courses. You can take a look at their website here.
Specialist Language courses work very professionally and are the UK's leading provider of online courses and tutoring. They are also one of the few accredited providers of OET and have provided consultation and guidance to the GMC on English language testing.
Success rates are 70% + for those who sign for their tutoring and you can receive a discount if introduced by IMG Connect.
Register with IMG Connect to request your discount on English Language Courses or get in touch with one of our IMG Consultants to discuss.
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
In order to apply for GMC Registration and/or take the PLAB tests, IMGs must hold a primary medical qualification acceptable to the GMC for the purpose of registration with a licence to practise.
If your primary medical qualification is from outside of the UK or EEA, the GMC will need to check that it is acceptable.
How can I check my overseas qualification is recognised by the GMC?
Your Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) must be awarded by an institution listed in the World Directory of Medical School.
There are some qualifications that the GMC already do not accept. These are listed on their website. You should check whether your qualification meets the relevant criteria before you start an application.
As part of the GMC application, overseas doctors from outside of the EEA will need to send a copy of their primary medical qualification to the GMC.
If your primary medical qualification meets the GMC criteria, you will need to have it independently verified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) before registration with a license to practice can be complete.
How do I verify my Primary Medical Qualification?
Verification is completed online and is a simple process. You will set up an online EPIC account (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials), confirm your identity and upload your qualification for verification. This is then assessed by ECFMG who will communicate directly with your awarding body to confirm authenticity.
What next?
Once assessed the ECFMG will confirm the outcome with the GMC. You will receive and EPIC ID, which will be required when completing the GMC application.
At IMG we recommend that you check your primary medical qualification and start the verification process as early as possible, so that you will have your verified qualification before applying.
Once you have checked that you have a suitable overseas qualification, and your overseas primary medical qualification has been independently verified, you can complete the GMC registration online.
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In this article we focus on the process of obtaining a Criminal Records Certificate for Tier 2 visa, a crucial document to arrange for a successful visa application. We'll consider the following:
What is a Criminal Records Certificate?
How do I know if I need one?
How do I apply for a Criminal Records Certificate?
What if I can’t attain one from a particular country?
I received my Criminal Records Certificate – what next?
What is a Criminal Records Certificate?
An essential part to any Tier 2 visa application – the Criminal Records Certificate (CRC) can also be known as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
A Criminal Records Certificate is a document confirming an individuals’ criminal record. It will include any past offences and information relating to recent arrests or further action such as prosecution. The certificate will of course confirm a clean record.
Applying for a CRC can take some time, so we advise you to apply as soon as possible to avoid delays to your visa application and in turn starting your first NHS post.
How do I know if I need one?
Anyone applying to work in the health and social care sectors will need one.
As of April 2017, any Tier 2 visa applicants and any adult dependents are required to provide a criminal record certificate from each country they have lived in consecutively for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
As a result, you may need to apply for multiple CRCs depending on your travel movements over the last 10 years.
How do I apply for a Criminal Records Certificate?
It is usually issued by the police or by an appropriate law enforcement agency, please note it can be named slightly differently in different countries (see some examples in list below).
If you cannot find the information you need, we would advise you to get in touch with the countries local police station. Alternatively, your IMG Connect consultant will be on hand to help so do not hesitate to get in touch.
What if I can’t get a Criminal Records Certificate from a particular country?
The home office does understand that some countries do not have police systems currently able to provide a criminal records certificate.
In such cases you will need to provide a satisfactory explanation about why you have not provided one, if not provided your visa application will be refused.
I received my Criminal Records Certificate – what next?
Assuming your CRC has come back with no offense present, you will need to upload these certificates as part of your online visa application for the UK Home Office.
The certificate should be dated no earlier than 6 months prior to the date that you are applying.
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Here we take a quick look at the CESR route for overseas experienced specialty doctors & consultants hoping to find a senior doctor job in the NHS and qualify for the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR).
Many IMGs have recently asked if they would be eligible for the CESR route to Specialist registration. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can apply for CESR, provided certain eligibility criteria are met.
To help answer this question we have put together a short article to explain further, including the following topics:
What is CESR?
How does CESR work?
Am I eligible?
I am eligible, what next?
Applications for CESR requires a lot of preparation and can seem quite daunting. This is the first in a series of articles aimed at helping doctors planning to engage in this process.
What is CESR?
The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) is the process by which doctors who have not trained in an approved programme can demonstrate their knowledge, skills and experience are equivalent to that of the relevant CCT curriculum to join the GP or specialist registers.
How does CESR work?
The CESR is awarded by the GMC and applications are made directly to them.
The Royal College then assesses the evidence an applicant has submitted to the GMC.
The assessment is to assure the GMC that the applicant has gained the equivalent level of competence as a trainee (i.e. ST6) making application for CCT via the ARCP process (Annual Review of Competency Progression).
This means that the CESR applicant must demonstrate competence against all Intended Learning Outcomes in the curriculum of the specialty of their choice via the written evidence submitted.
Are you eligible?
There are different ways to apply for registration with a licence to practise in the UK. It depends on your nationality, qualification and experience.
To meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply you must have either:
a specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in
OR
at least six months continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in.
You’ll need to provide evidence of how you’re eligible as part of your application. This could be a copy of your qualification or evidence of your employment.
In your application you must show that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.
The CESR certificate is awarded only on the written evidence provided by the applicant. It is not granted on the basis of references or experience.
In most circumstances we can say that evidence must:
come from higher training equivalent
be less than 5years old
demonstrate higher level experience
map to the curriculum
be represented clearly
be current
be primary evidence
You can check the approved Royal College curricula for all 65 specialities and sub specialties here.
I am eligible, what happens next?
As an IMG, it is highly likely that you haven’t complete a UK based approved training programme but could be eligible for Specialist Registration via the CESR route. Take a look at our in-depth CESR overview for more information on how to apply and what to expect.
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
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Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.