PLAB 2 vs PRES 3: what's the difference?

PLAB 2 (run by the GMC in the UK) and PRES 3 (run by the Medical Council of Ireland) are both clinical OSCEs that decide whether an international medical graduate can register and practise. Candidates often ask whether they need totally different preparation. Mostly, they don't.

What's the same

Both are station-based OSCEs testing the same core skills: focused history-taking, examination, explanation, safe management, and communication. Both reward a calm, structured consultation, clear safety-netting, and genuine empathy. If you can consult well, you can pass either.

What differs

• Awarding body & pathway: GMC (UK) vs Medical Council of Ireland.
• Guideline flavour: UK practice leans on NICE/NHS; Irish practice on HSE guidance. The clinical reasoning is the same, but cite the right system.
• Logistics: booking, dates, and fees differ — always check your own candidate portal.

What this means for prep

Practise the consultation skills that both exams share, and simply tune your guideline references to your pathway. A station you rehearse for PLAB 2 is, with minor tweaks, a PRES 3 station too.

Try a station free on OSCEPilot — our scenarios are tagged for both exams.

This is general guidance — confirm current requirements with the GMC and the Medical Council of Ireland for your own route.