PLAB Part 1 Examination Marking (GMC223)

The assessment run by the GMC known as the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board ('PLAB') test is the main route by which doctors qualified outside the UK and European Economic Area (international medical graduates or 'IMGs') demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills to practise in the UK. The test is set at the level expected of a doctor at the first day of a Foundation Year 2 appointment, which is normally one year after qualifying as a doctor. The test is in two Parts PLAB Part 1 is a 200-item Single Best Answer(SBA) examination. Candidates are required to enter answers on an OMR sheet. Questions are contained in a separate booklet which is not an area included in this invitation to tender. At the moment, Part 1 is held four times a year in March, June, September and November. The sittings in June and September are UK only and those in March and November are in the UK and 13 venues overseas. The same exam is taken at all venues on a given date. This may be subject to change depending on demand and the availability of examination venues. In 2014, candidate numbers were: March - 785 June - 407 September - 398 November - 904 The examination is set by the PLAB Part 1 panel. The Part 1 panel is composed of senior doctors with an interest in examinations and medical education. The contractor will be required to: a) Provide candidate marksheets for Part 1. These will not bear the candidates' names or any other details. b) Scan completed marksheets with an optical mark reader and produce results in an agreed electronic format at item level for candidates taking Part 1. c) Produce a range of statistical information to assist the Part 1 panel in standard setting the examination. d) Attend four Part 1 panel meetings each year to present this information. e) Provide other statistical information about candidate and item performance and undertake other reasonable tasks as may be from time to time required.