Can I combine English scores from two sittings?

No. Every minimum score must be achieved in the same test and in the most recent sitting of the test, so scores from two sittings are not combined; the one exception is a single One Skill Retake of the one section a full test missed.

Does the GMC accept the IELTS One Skill Retake?

Yes, once. Where one section of the full test misses the minimum, a One Skill Retake pass in that section at the required score is accepted, only once, if the full test was an IELTS on computer test at a centre that offers the retake and the retake is sat within 60 days of it (not after an online or paper test).

Do I need an English test if my medical degree was taught in English?

Not always. A primary medical qualification less than two years old, taught and examined solely in English with at least 75 per cent of clinical interaction in English, confirmed by the university, may be accepted; if older, employer references for the last two years; not needed for nationals of English-first-language countries whose degree is from such a country; some universities are excluded.

← Doctors in the UK outcomeOS

🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Doctors

Can you get GMC registration without PLAB?

Yes. PLAB is waived for holders of a postgraduate qualification the GMC accepts, such as MRCP(UK), MRCS or MRCOG awarded within three years of approval; you still need the GMC's English scores and a certificate of good standing, and full registration costs £481.

Checked 22 Oct 2026 · GMC ↗

The GMC's acceptable UK postgraduate qualifications

Accepted instead of PLAB	MRCP(UK), MRCS, FRCS, MRCOG, MRCPCH, FRCA, Primary FRCA, FRCR, MRCPsych, MRCEM, FRCEM, FRCPath, FRCOphth, JSCFE and Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine

What else the GMC asks

The qualification	A listed postgraduate qualification is accepted as evidence of the knowledge, skills and experience for full registration with a licence; it should have been awarded within three years of approval, otherwise additional evidence of recent medical experience is needed; the same evidence goes to ECFMG for verification
Primary medical qualification	An overseas primary medical qualification must be acceptable to the GMC before sitting PLAB or applying for registration; the GMC assesses it against its criteria, keeps a list of institutions it does not accept and refers applicants to the World Directory of Medical Schools
English	IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each part, or OET grade B in each of speaking, listening, reading and writing, in the same test and the most recent sitting
Good standing	A certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority the applicant has been registered or licensed with in the last five years, sent by the regulator where possible, each valid three months from signature and valid when the application is approved
Fee	£481 for full registration with a licence to practise

Good to know

Can I combine English scores from two sittings?: No. Every minimum score must be achieved in the same test and in the most recent sitting of the test, so scores from two sittings are not combined; the one exception is a single One Skill Retake of the one section a full test missed.
Does the GMC accept the IELTS One Skill Retake?: Yes, once. Where one section of the full test misses the minimum, a One Skill Retake pass in that section at the required score is accepted, only once, if the full test was an IELTS on computer test at a centre that offers the retake and the retake is sat within 60 days of it (not after an online or paper test).
Do I need an English test if my medical degree was taught in English?: Not always. A primary medical qualification less than two years old, taught and examined solely in English with at least 75 per cent of clinical interaction in English, confirmed by the university, may be accepted; if older, employer references for the last two years; not needed for nationals of English-first-language countries whose degree is from such a country; some universities are excluded.
How long does this route take?: Usually about 4 months.

What to do next

Tell us your postgraduate qualification, your degree and your English, and we show which GMC route is open to you and what is left, with each fee and how long it takes.

Sources

outcomeOS describes each regulator's published rules; it does not advise on your individual case. · Privacy · Terms

See which of these I already meet, freeThree minutes, free. Sign in at the end to see your results.