PLAB Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PLAB facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What documents are required during the application process for PLAB? → Proof of medical qualification, valid ID, and English proficiency certificate.
2. What role do study groups play in PLAB preparation? → They offer peer support and varied perspectives on challenging topics.
3. A 55-year-old male presents with crushing central chest pain radiating to the left arm and jaw. What is the most likely diagnosis? → Acute myocardial infarction
4. How should professionals apply core concepts and principles in daily practice? → Consistently integrate best practices into every aspect of professional work
5. What is the first-line treatment for a febrile seizure in a child who is currently seizing for more than 5 minutes? → Rectal diazepam or buccal/intranasal midazolam
6. What is the focus of PLAB Part 2? → Performing practical assessments in simulated settings.
7. Which investigation is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism? → CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA)
8. A 50-year-old postmenopausal woman presents with vaginal bleeding. What is the most important first investigation? → Endometrial biopsy
9. What ethical standard governs applied methods and techniques practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
10. Why is time management important during PLAB preparation? → To allocate sufficient time to all subjects and practical skills.
11. What advantage does PLAB certification offer to international medical graduates? → Eligibility to apply for GMC registration.
12. What is a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order? → A medical order indicating that CPR should not be performed if the patient's heart stops
13. Which mood stabilizer requires regular monitoring of serum levels, renal function, and thyroid function due to its narrow therapeutic index? → Lithium
14. What is the foundational principle of assessment and evaluation in the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
15. What is the primary management of a child with suspected anaphylaxis presenting with urticaria, bronchospasm, and hypotension after a bee sting? → IM adrenaline (epinephrine) 0.01 mg/kg (1:1000) into the anterolateral thigh
16. What are the four pillars of medical ethics? → Autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice
17. Which class of medication is first-line for treating hypertension in patients under 55 years old according to current guidelines? → ACE inhibitors or ARBs
18. A pregnant woman at 26 weeks has a routine glucose challenge test (GCT) result of 165 mg/dL. What is the next step? → Perform a 3-hour 100g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
19. Which organism is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children aged 1 month to 5 years? → Streptococcus pneumoniae
20. Which anticoagulant requires regular INR monitoring? → Warfarin
21. What is the recommended maintenance fluid for children in most UK pediatric settings? → 0.9% NaCl with 5% dextrose
22. Which drug is used to prevent neural tube defects when taken periconceptionally? → Folic acid
23. Which extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotics typically appears within hours to days of starting treatment and presents with involuntary muscle spasms? → Acute dystonia
24. What quality assurance measure supports professional standards and ethics? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
25. How should challenges in applied methods and techniques be addressed? → Apply systematic problem-solving, seek expert guidance when needed, and document decisions
26. Which feature most clearly distinguishes a manic episode from a hypomanic episode in bipolar disorder? → Marked functional impairment or need for hospitalization
27. Which hormone is measured in a serum pregnancy test, and at what level does a transvaginal ultrasound typically visualize an intrauterine gestational sac? → hCG; >1500–2000 mIU/mL
28. What is the mechanism of action of metformin? → Decreases hepatic glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity
29. Which condition is characterized by endometrial glands and stroma found within the myometrium, causing dysmenorrhea and a uniformly enlarged uterus? → Adenomyosis
30. A 25-year-old describes intrusive thoughts about contamination, spends hours washing hands, and recognizes these thoughts as irrational. What is the diagnosis? → Obsessive-compulsive disorder