If you’re applying for an F1 position in the UK and have a gap of more than two years between your graduation and the expected start of the Foundation Year 1 rotation (usually in August every year), you may be required to take a clinical assessment.
1. General Information
- Exam Date: Held once a year, typically in the first or second week of November.
- Booking: There is no independent booking process. If required, you will be instructed by the UKFPO (UK Foundation Programme Office) to take this assessment.
- Fee: £850.
- Payment Method:
- Primary payment is made over a secure call, where you share your card details (including OTP). A forex card is preferable for international applicants.
- You can request the helpdesk for their bank details to transfer the payment online. To do this, you must provide a valid reason, such as:
- Your bank does not allow international transactions.
- Your card has been declined multiple times.
2. Exam Format
- Number of Stations: 12 stations in total.
- Passing Criteria: You must pass at least eight stations.
- Station Duration: Nine minutes per station.
3. Key Features
- The clinical assessment is similar to PLAB 2 with a few key differences.
- No stations on gynaecology, paediatrics, dermatology, colleague interaction scenarios and LGBTQ+.
- Examination Stations: These are elaborate and require attention to every single detail, unlike the focused approach in PLAB 2.
- Additional Procedures: Includes tasks such as blood transfusion protocols and setting up IV fluids.
- Interpretation Stations: Covers X-ray interpretation, ECG reading, ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) analysis, and NEWS (National Early Warning Score) chart evaluation.