PLAB Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the PLAB exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 PLAB Exam Format at a Glance
📚 PLAB Topics to Study (21)
✍️ Sample PLAB Questions & Answers
1. What is the first-line treatment for community-acquired pneumonia in an otherwise healthy adult in the United States?
For community-acquired pneumonia in healthy adults without comorbidities, amoxicillin or azithromycin (for penicillin-allergic patients) is recommended as first-line outpatient therapy.
2. Which feature most clearly distinguishes a manic episode from a hypomanic episode in bipolar disorder?
Mania, unlike hypomania, causes marked functional impairment, may require hospitalization, and can include psychotic features.
3. Which anticoagulant requires regular INR monitoring?
Warfarin requires regular INR (International Normalized Ratio) monitoring because it has a narrow therapeutic index and its effect is influenced by diet, medications, and individual metabolism.
4. A 40-year-old alcohol-dependent man presents 48 hours after his last drink with agitation, tremor, diaphoresis, and tachycardia. What is the most serious complication to anticipate?
Delirium tremens typically emerges 48–72 hours after alcohol cessation and carries significant mortality without prompt treatment with benzodiazepines.
5. Who recognizes the PLAB certification?
The PLAB certification is officially recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC), which is the regulatory body for doctors in the United Kingdom. Successful completion of the PLAB test is a mandatory requirement for international medical graduates to apply for GMC registration and practice medicine in the UK.
6. A 4-year-old child presents with a widespread purpuric rash, arthritis, colicky abdominal pain, and haematuria. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (IgA vasculitis) is the most common childhood vasculitis, characterized by the tetrad of palpable purpura (predominantly lower limbs/buttocks), arthritis, colicky abdominal pain, and renal involvement (haematuria).