What is the PLAB exam pattern?

PLAB Part 1 contains 180 questions across 1 section: PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q). Total duration is 180 minutes (about 60 seconds per question).

Does PLAB have negative marking?

No — PLAB has no negative marking. Each correct answer is worth 1 mark, so attempt every question.

Scaled score range: 0 to 100. PLAB Part 1 (pass ~63%).

How can I practise PLAB online for free?

Wrexa Edge offers free full-length PLAB mock tests with instant scoring, detailed explanations, and 50 distinct variants. Sign up for free at Wrexa Edge and start practising in under a minute — no card required.

How long is the PLAB exam?

PLAB runs for 180 minutes total. On Wrexa Edge the timer is enforced exactly as on the real exam — including mandatory inter-section breaks.

What topics are covered in PLAB?

PLAB is split into: PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q). Each section is timed and weighted separately. 180 SBA questions / 3 hours. · Official language: English.

Is the PLAB test adaptive?

No — PLAB is a fixed-form (linear) test. Every candidate sees the same number of questions per section.

How many PLAB mock tests does Wrexa Edge offer?

Wrexa Edge generates 50 distinct PLAB variants — each with different question content, not just shuffled options. That's 9000 unique practice questions you can attempt, all in the real test-day interface, free to start.

PLAB Part 1 — Free Online Mock Test

180 SBA questions / 3 hours. · Official language: English.

Advanced United Kingdom Medical Licensing 180 questions 180 min 50 distinct variants

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PLAB exam at a glance

180

Questions

180

Minutes total

Section

Variants

PLAB section breakdown

The PLAB mock test on Wrexa Edge replicates the real exam's section structure — same names, same question count per section, same time limits. Inter-section breaks are enforced.

PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q)

180 questions · 180 minutes · ~60 sec/question

PLAB scoring & marking scheme

Per correct answer

Per wrong answer

Per blank / skipped

0–100

Scaled score range

Strategy: PLAB has no negative marking. Attempt every question — blank answers cost you potential marks but cannot pull your score down.

Scale: PLAB Part 1 (pass ~63%).

How PLAB is conducted

Mode
Standard — practice without proctoring on Wrexa Edge, or enable optional webcam proctoring to simulate test-day conditions.
Test format
Linear / fixed-form — every candidate sees the same number of questions per section.
Backtracking
Allowed — you can revisit and change answers within a section.
Mark for review
Available — flag tough questions and return to them before submitting the section.

PLAB time strategy

With 180 questions in 180 minutes, you have about 60 seconds per question on average. Successful candidates aim for the following pacing on each section:

PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q)
Target ~60 sec/question. If a question takes more than 90 seconds, mark for review and move on.

Wrexa Edge's analytics show your actual time-per-question after every mock so you can spot which sections you're losing time on.

PLAB topics covered

Across the 50 Wrexa Edge variants of PLAB, the following topics appear most often (sample distribution from one variant):

PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q)

Clinical — Cardiology · 4
Clinical — Respiratory · 4
Clinical — Gastroenterology · 4
Clinical — Endocrinology · 4
Clinical — Neurology · 4
GI — Hepatology · 4
Endocrine — Adrenal · 4
OB-GYN — Gyn · 4

Sample PLAB questions

A preview of real practice questions from the Wrexa Edge PLAB bank — the same style, phrasing and difficulty you'll face on test day. Full solutions unlock free inside the mock.

PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q) · Step 2 — SAH Workup

Q1. A "thunderclap" headache with neck stiffness in an alert patient requires:

Why: Correct answer: D — Non-contrast head CT first, then LP if CT negative — to rule out subarachnoid hemorrhage. Topic: Step 2 — SAH Workup.

PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q) · Step 2 — PE Workup

Q2. A patient with suspected pulmonary embolism, hemodynamically stable, Wells score = 5 (high) should undergo:

Why: Correct answer: A — CT pulmonary angiography (gold standard). Topic: Step 2 — PE Workup.

PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q) · Step 2 — Pulmonary TB

Q3. A homeless man presents with weight loss, night sweats, hemoptysis, and cavitary upper-lobe infiltrates on CXR. Next step:

Why: Correct answer: B — Isolate in negative-pressure room, collect 3 sputum samples for AFB smear/culture, start empiric 4-drug TB therapy if confirmed. Topic: Step 2 — Pulmonary TB.

PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q) · Step 2 — Variceal Bleed

Q4. A patient with hematemesis (variceal source suspected) and known cirrhosis requires:

Why: Correct answer: C — IV octreotide + IV ceftriaxone (SBP prophylaxis) + urgent EGD with band ligation. Topic: Step 2 — Variceal Bleed.

PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q) · Step 2 — H. pylori

Q5. Triple therapy for H. pylori eradication (standard PPI-based):

Why: Correct answer: D — PPI + amoxicillin + clarithromycin × 14 days (or substitute metronidazole if PCN allergy). Topic: Step 2 — H. pylori.

PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q) · Step 2 — Colorectal Cancer Screening

Q6. A 55-year-old with new constipation, weight loss, and microcytic anemia should undergo:

Why: Correct answer: A — Colonoscopy — to rule out colorectal cancer (iron-deficiency anemia + change in bowel habits = red flag). Topic: Step 2 — Colorectal Cancer Screening.

These are a handful of the 9000 unique PLAB questions across all 50 Wrexa Edge variants — start a free mock to attempt the full set with instant scoring.

PLAB difficulty calibration

Advanced tier. Advanced-level: high-stakes exam with rigorous content depth. Expect 4-8 months of structured prep.

180 SBA questions / 3 hours. · Official language: English.

Verified content — Wrexa Edge's PLAB bank has been deeply curated with real exam-aligned content (estimated 100% syllabus coverage).

How Wrexa Edge prepares you for PLAB

Real test-day interface
Our vignette skin mirrors the actual PLAB testing software — same timer, palette, tools, and navigation.
50 distinct variants
9000 unique practice questions, each variant a fresh test — not just shuffled options.
Detailed analytics
Scaled score, section accuracy, topic-wise heatmap, time-per-question — see where to focus after every attempt.
Spaced repetition (Notebook)
Wrong answers and flagged questions flow into an SM-2 spaced-repetition deck so you actually retain what you learn.
Optional proctoring
Browser-based face-api detection (no install) — turn it on to simulate a high-stakes environment.
Free to start
No credit card. Sign up, pick a variant, and your first PLAB mock starts in under a minute.

Frequently asked questions

What is the PLAB exam pattern?: PLAB Part 1 contains 180 questions across 1 section: PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q). Total duration is 180 minutes (about 60 seconds per question).
Does PLAB have negative marking?: No — PLAB has no negative marking. Each correct answer is worth 1 mark, so attempt every question.
How is PLAB scored?: Scaled score range: 0 to 100. PLAB Part 1 (pass ~63%).
How can I practise PLAB online for free?: Wrexa Edge offers free full-length PLAB mock tests with instant scoring, detailed explanations, and 50 distinct variants. Sign up for free at Wrexa Edge and start practising in under a minute — no card required.
What is the difficulty level of PLAB?: PLAB is rated Advanced difficulty on Wrexa Edge. Advanced-level: high-stakes exam with rigorous content depth. Expect 4-8 months of structured prep. 180 SBA questions / 3 hours. · Official language: English.
How long is the PLAB exam?: PLAB runs for 180 minutes total. On Wrexa Edge the timer is enforced exactly as on the real exam — including mandatory inter-section breaks.
What topics are covered in PLAB?: PLAB is split into: PLAB Part 1 — Full Paper (180 Q). Each section is timed and weighted separately. 180 SBA questions / 3 hours. · Official language: English.
What tools or aids are allowed during PLAB?: No special tools are required.
Is the PLAB test adaptive?: No — PLAB is a fixed-form (linear) test. Every candidate sees the same number of questions per section.
How many PLAB mock tests does Wrexa Edge offer?: Wrexa Edge generates 50 distinct PLAB variants — each with different question content, not just shuffled options. That's 9000 unique practice questions you can attempt, all in the real test-day interface, free to start.

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