Last reviewed August 2026. Fees are indicative — confirm the exact amount with the GMC, your test provider or UKVI before paying.
What does each step cost?
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PLAB 1 | £274 | Sat overseas or in the UK, three sittings a year |
| PLAB 2 | £915 | OSCE in Manchester only |
| GMC registration with licence | £181 | Discounts apply on low income |
| GMC annual retention fee | £420 | Charged every year you hold a licence |
| IELTS Academic | ~£200 | Varies by country and centre |
| OET (Medicine) | ~£350 | Single sub-test resits available |
| EPIC verification | ~$180 | Per credential, paid in US dollars |
| MRCP Part 1 | ~£460 | Higher for international centres |
| MRCP PACES | ~£680 | UK and international centres |
| Health and Care Worker visa (3 years) | ~£304 | No immigration health surcharge |
When can I book?
Rolling, three sittings a year
PLAB 1
Booking opens roughly three months before each sitting and popular overseas centres fill within days.
Monthly
PLAB 2
Seats are released in batches; log in the day your PLAB 1 result drops.
Continuous
GMC registration application
Start EPIC verification before you sit PLAB 2 — it is the slowest step.
Continuous
NHS job applications
Trust-grade vacancies appear year round; training rounds open in autumn.
Questions about exam costs and booking
How much does PLAB cost in total?
PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 together are about £1,189 in GMC fees. Add travel and accommodation for PLAB 2 in Manchester, preparation courses and question banks, and most doctors spend £2,000–£3,000 across the whole exam stage.
When should I book PLAB 1?
As soon as you have your English result and around three to four months of clear study time. Booking opens roughly three months before each sitting and overseas centres sell out quickly.
Are GMC fees refundable if I withdraw?
Partial refunds are available if you withdraw before the published deadline, and the amount falls the closer you get to the exam. Inside the final window there is no refund.
How often do these fees change?
The GMC normally reviews fees annually. This page is checked and updated regularly — always confirm the exact figure on the GMC website before you pay.