Registration through Royal College membership exams is one of the most efficient alternatives to the PLAB route for international medical graduates (IMGs) who want to work in the UK. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to gain GMC registration through UK postgraduate qualifications, particularly Royal College exams.
🎓 GMC Registration Through Royal College Membership Exams
🔹 What Is the Royal College Route?
This route allows IMGs to apply for full GMC registration without taking the PLAB exams if they have passed a recognized UK postgraduate qualification – usually a membership exam conducted by a Royal College.
✅ Who Is It For?
IMGs who have:
A Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) from a GMC-recognised institution
Completed internship (minimum 12 months)
Passed a Royal College membership exam (e.g., MRCP, MRCS, MRCOG, etc.)
Passed an English language test (IELTS or OET)
📋 What Are Royal Colleges?
Royal Colleges are professional bodies in the UK responsible for setting standards and examinations for postgraduate training in various medical specialties.
🏅 List of GMC-Accepted Membership Exams
Here are the Royal College postgraduate qualifications currently accepted by the GMC for direct full registration:
These postgraduate qualifications are explicitly listed on the GMC website and allow IMGs to bypass PLAB/UKMLAfor full registration:
MRCP(UK) – all three parts (Medicine)
MRCS (intercollegiate) – Surgery
MRCOG – Obstetrics & Gynaecology
MRCPCH – Paediatrics
MRCPsych – Psychiatry
MRCEM – Emergency Medicine
🔸 Note: You must pass all parts of the membership exam (written + clinical/OSCE) for it to be accepted.
📜 Requirements for GMC Registration via Royal College Exams
Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ)
Must be listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools and accepted by GMC.
Internship
At least 12 months of supervised practice post-graduation.
Pass in Royal College Membership Exam
Must be completed and verified by the relevant college.
English Language Proficiency
IELTS (Academic): 7.5 overall, 7.0 minimum in each
or OET (Medicine): Grade B in each domain
Valid for 2 years at time of application.
Certificate of Good Standing
From all medical councils you've been registered with in the last 5 years.
Evidence of Identity
Valid passport.
🧾 Registration Process – Step-by-Step
Create GMC Online account
Upload PMQ, internship certificate, language test results, good standing, and Royal College certificate.
GMC will verify your Royal College exam results directly with the College.
Attend ID check appointment in the UK (if required).
Pay the registration fee (£433 in 2025).
Receive Full GMC Registration with a Licence to Practise.
💷 Cost Breakdown
ItemCostRoyal College Exams£1,500–£3,000 (varies by specialty & country)GMC Registration~£433IELTS/OET£200–£350Total (est.)£2,200–£3,800+
🚀 Advantages of the Royal College Route
✅ Advantages❌ DisadvantagesNo need to take PLABMore expensive and time-consuming than PLABShows specialty competenceHigh difficulty levelCan support future CESR/CCT applicationsExams often require clinical experienceHelps with career progression (ST3+/Middle Grade/Consultant jobs)Not all specialties have overseas exam centres
⚠️ Important Notes
Some overseas Royal College exams are not accepted by the GMC (e.g., MRCGP International).
Passing a Royal College exam does not place you on the Specialist Register.
You may still need UK training or CESR for consultant posts.
📍 Where to Prepare?
MRCP(UK) – www.mrcpuk.org
MRCOG – www.rcog.org.uk
MRCEM – www.rcem.ac.uk
MRCPsych – www.rcpsych.ac.uk
Courses: Arora, BOSS, StudyMRCP, Pastest, etc.
🎯 Summary: Is This Route Right for You?
✅ Choose the Royal College route if:
You want to bypass PLAB.
You’re committed to a specific specialty.
You’re aiming for specialty-level NHS jobs (e.g., ST3+, Trust Grade, Registrar).
You have time to study and resources for these exams.