No NHS jobs after PLAB2 Cleared: Here's Why and What You Can Do
For thousands of international medical graduates (IMGs) each year—especially from countries like India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Egypt—the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) exam represents a significant milestone. Clearing PLAB and securing General Medical Council (GMC) registration is widely seen as the gateway to practicing medicine in the United Kingdom. It is a moment of relief, accomplishment, and hope for a better future. However, the harsh reality soon dawns on many newly registered doctors: despite clearing PLAB and obtaining GMC registration, many times IMG finds there are no NHS jobs after PLAB2 cleared. After investing time, effort, and considerable finances into exam preparation, travel, and relocation, the lack of immediate employment can be both disheartening and confusing.
PLAB and GMC Registration: What It Really Means
Clearing the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) test is a significant achievement. It means you’ve proven that your clinical knowledge and skills are equivalent to a UK graduate doctor at the level of Foundation Year 2 (FY2). However, passing PLAB does not mean you are guaranteed a job in the NHS—and this is where many international medical graduates (IMGs) misunderstand the process. After successfully completing both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, doctors can apply for registration with a license to practice from the General Medical Council (GMC). This registration is mandatory to legally work as a doctor in the UK. It confirms that you are eligible, from a regulatory perspective, to practice medicine and that your qualifications meet UK standards.
The Harsh Reality: Why NHS Jobs Don’t Come Easily
For many international medical graduates (IMGs), clearing PLAB and gaining GMC registration feels like the finish line. But in reality, it’s only the beginning. The next and often more difficult challenge is getting that first NHS job—and that’s where many doctors face unexpected roadblocks. Despite being qualified on paper, they find themselves in a long, uncertain waiting period, often without interviews, job offers, or even callbacks. Let’s explore the key reasons why jobs don’t come easily after PLAB.