Can you use PLAB 2 to register as a doctor in Ireland? Yes, the 2026 rule explained
Last updated: 9 August 2026
Short answer
Yes.
The Irish Medical Council now accepts a successful PLAB 2 result as an exemption from the PRES 3 examination for eligible doctors applying for General Registration in Ireland.
This is no longer a proposal or public consultation.
The Medical Council states that applicants for General Registration who successfully pass PLAB 2 are not required to sit PRES 3, provided they meet all the other requirements for registration.
That includes requirements such as English language standards and the Medical Council's fit and proper criteria.
One important point: PLAB 2 has not replaced or abolished PRES 3. PRES 3 still exists. PLAB 2 now provides an alternative route for eligible applicants.
What changed?
When I first published this article in June 2026, the Medical Council was consulting on a proposal to recognise PLAB 2 as an alternative to PRES 3.
That information is now outdated.
The Medical Council has updated its official guidance and now confirms that doctors who have passed PLAB 2 may be exempt from PRES.
For applicants for General Registration, a successful PLAB 2 result means they are not required to sit PRES 3, subject to meeting the remaining registration requirements.
How do you apply using PLAB 2?
If you have passed PLAB 2 and want to apply for General Registration in Ireland, the Medical Council instructs applicants to submit an online General Registration application through the PRES route.
During the application, select the PLAB 2 option.
You should also upload the email from the UK General Medical Council confirming that you successfully passed PLAB 2.
The Medical Council will assess your application and you must still satisfy all other registration requirements.
I already applied through the PRES route. What should I do?
If you already have an application with the Medical Council through the PRES route and have now passed PLAB 2, you do not need to assume that you must continue to PRES 3.
The Medical Council asks applicants in this situation to send:
- a copy of the GMC email confirming their PLAB 2 result
- their full name
- their Medical Council reference number
The Medical Council will verify the PLAB 2 result with the GMC and then provide guidance on activating registration.
I am waiting for PRES 3. Can I take PLAB 2 instead?
Yes.
The Medical Council specifically says that candidates waiting for a PRES 3 place can sit PLAB 2.
If you successfully pass PLAB 2, you will be exempt from PRES 3 and may become eligible for registration once you meet all the other registration requirements.
However, you must meet the GMC's requirements for PLAB.
In particular, you need to pass PLAB 1 before you can sit PLAB 2.
I passed PRES 2. Can I go directly to PLAB 2?
No.
There is no reciprocal arrangement under which the UK GMC recognises PRES 2 as an alternative to PLAB 1.
If you want to follow the PLAB route, you must meet the GMC's requirements, including passing PLAB 1 before sitting PLAB 2.
What if I passed PLAB 2 more than three years ago?
Your PLAB 2 result may still be considered.
However, the Medical Council says that if more than three years have passed since you completed PLAB 2 and you have not practised medicine during that period, your recency of practice will be reviewed under its Fit and Proper Policy.
I already paid for PRES 3. Can I get a refund?
Possibly.
If you have already paid for PRES 3 and then pass PLAB 2, the Medical Council asks you to send your PLAB 2 result, full name and Medical Council reference number to [email protected].
The Medical Council states that a refund of the PRES 3 application fee can be offered where the PLAB 2 result is submitted before the deadline for withdrawal from the examination.
Has PRES 3 been cancelled?
No.
PRES still exists.
The Medical Council continues to describe PRES Level 3 as an assessment of a doctor's clinical skills.
The change simply means that eligible doctors who have successfully passed PLAB 2 can now use that result to obtain an exemption from PRES 3.
What does this mean for international doctors?
This is a significant change for doctors considering both the UK and Ireland.
Previously, a doctor following the PLAB pathway could still face a separate Irish clinical examination requirement.
Now, an eligible doctor who successfully completes PLAB 2 can potentially use that result instead of sitting PRES 3.
That does not mean PLAB 2 alone guarantees Irish medical registration. You must still meet the Medical Council's other requirements for General Registration.
FAQ
Can I use PLAB 2 instead of PRES 3 in Ireland now?
Yes. The Medical Council now confirms that successful PLAB 2 candidates applying for General Registration may be exempt from PRES 3, provided they meet all other registration requirements.
Is this still just a proposal?
No.
The consultation described in the original June 2026 version of this article has been overtaken by the Medical Council's updated guidance.
Has PLAB 2 replaced PRES 3?
No.
PRES 3 continues to exist. PLAB 2 provides an exemption from PRES 3 for eligible applicants.
Does passing PLAB 2 guarantee Irish registration?
No.
You must still satisfy all of the Medical Council's other requirements for registration.
Do I need PLAB 1 first?
Yes.
The GMC requires applicants to pass PLAB 1 before they can sit PLAB 2. Passing PRES 2 does not replace PLAB 1.
Official sources
Irish Medical Council — Registration Rules and Exemptions
Irish Medical Council — Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES)
UK General Medical Council — PLAB
Always check the current Medical Council guidance before making an exam or registration decision, as requirements can change.
Preparing for PLAB 2 or PRES 3?
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About the author
I am the founder of OSCEPilot, a platform for practising OSCE-style clinical consultations for PLAB 2 and PRES 3.
I originally published this article while the PLAB 2 change was still under consultation and updated it after the Medical Council changed its official guidance.
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not registration, legal or professional advice.
Registration eligibility depends on individual circumstances. Always check the latest Medical Council and GMC guidance before making decisions about examinations or registration.