2026 Global Medical Licensing Exam Dates

Complete Guide for PLAB, AMC, USMLE, MCCQE, NAC OSCE, NZREX & PRES

If you are a medical student or international medical graduate (IMG) planning to practice abroad, 2026 is a critical year. Each country has its own medical licensing exams, timelines, booking rules, and preparation strategies, and missing even one deadline can delay your career by a full year.

This guide is a single authoritative resource for students searching:

• 2026 Global Medical Licensing Exam Dates
• PLAB exam dates 2026
• AMC exam dates 2026
• USMLE exam dates 2026
• MCCQE Part I dates 2026
• NAC OSCE 2026
• NZREX Clinical exam dates 2026
• Ireland PRES exam dates 2026

Along with dates, you’ll also learn:

• What each exam is
• Who should take it
• How to prepare strategically
• When to start preparation for 2026 intakes

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Why Medical Licensing Exam Planning Matters in 2026

Medical licensing exams are not just tests — they are career gateways. Each exam controls:

• Eligibility to apply for jobs
• Entry into residency or training
• Visa and registration timelines

Poor planning often leads to:

• Lost exam fees
• Missed recruitment cycles
• Delayed migration by 1–2 years

That’s why understanding exam structure + dates + preparation strategy together is essential.

This planning becomes even more important for students considering MBBS abroad for Indian students, as the country of medical education directly affects licensing exam eligibility, preparation timelines, and clinical requirements.

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Overview: Major Medical Licensing Exams Worldwide

Country	Exam	Purpose
United Kingdom	PLAB	GMC registration
Australia	AMC MCQ & Clinical	AHPRA registration
United States	USMLE	Residency & medical license
Canada	MCCQE Part I	Physician licensing
Canada	NAC OSCE	Residency matching
New Zealand	NZREX Clinical	Medical registration
Ireland	PRES	Irish Medical Council registration

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United Kingdom — PLAB Exams 2026

What is PLAB?

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam assesses whether IMGs have the knowledge and skills equivalent to a UK graduate entering foundation training.

PLAB Structure

• PLAB 1: Written MCQ exam
• PLAB 2: OSCE-style clinical exam

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PLAB 1 Exam Dates 2026

PLAB 1 exam months in 2026:

• February 2026
• May 2026
• August 2026
• November 2026

As per the official GMC PLAB exam guidance

Confirmed PLAB 1 exam dates shown for 2026:

• 12 February 2026
• 21 May 2026

PLAB 1 Booking Deadlines

• Overseas centres: ~6 weeks before exam
• UK centres: ~2 weeks before exam

👉 Overseas candidates should aim to book 8–10 weeks early due to seat shortages.

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PLAB 2 Exam Dates 2026

• Conducted throughout the year
• Location: Manchester, UK
• Dates appear only after passing PLAB 1

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How to Prepare for PLAB (2026 Strategy)

• Start preparation 6–8 months before PLAB 1
• Focus on:
  • UK guidelines (NICE, GMC)
  • Clinical reasoning
• PLAB 2 preparation should begin immediately after PLAB 1 results

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Australia — AMC Exams 2026

What is AMC?

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) exam is required for IMGs seeking registration with AHPRA.

AMC Exam Structure

• AMC MCQ (CAT MCQ)
• AMC Clinical Exam

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AMC MCQ Exam Dates 2026

AMC MCQ is conducted in monthly exam windows, including:

• February to November 2026

Each exam window has:

• Specific exam dates according to the official AMC examination schedule
• A scheduling close date (after which changes are not allowed)

📌 Missing the scheduling close date can result in loss of exam fee.

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AMC Clinical Exam Update (2026)

Key announcements for 2026:

• February–April 2026 bookings will not reopen
• Affected candidates will be manually scheduled
• 1,300+ new AMC Clinical slots will be released for:
  • May to August 2026

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How to Prepare for AMC (2026 Strategy)

• AMC MCQ prep: 8–10 months
• AMC Clinical prep: 4–6 months
• Focus areas:
  • Australian guidelines
  • Ethics and patient safety
  • OSCE-style practice

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United States — USMLE Exams 2026

What is USMLE?

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is required for:

• Residency (Match)
• Medical licensure in the USA

For international medical graduates and students wants to pursue a medical career in the United States, understanding how to study MBBS/MD in USA is crucial for aligning your education with USMLE eligibility, residency pathways, and long-term licensure.

USMLE Exam Structure (2026)

• USMLE Step 1 – Pass/Fail
• USMLE Step 2 CK – Scored (most important)
• USMLE Step 3 – Taken after residency entry

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USMLE Exam Dates 2026

Unlike other exams, USMLE is offered year-round.

• Exams can be taken on most days of the year
• Candidates choose a 3-month eligibility window
• Booking depends on Prometric availability

📌 There are no fixed national exam dates, making USMLE flexible but competitive.

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How to Prepare for USMLE (2026 Strategy)

• Step 1: 8–12 months
• Step 2 CK: 6–9 months
• Key resources:
  • UWorld
  • First Aid
  • NBME self-assessments
• Start USMLE planning at least 18 months before residency application year

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Canada — MCCQE Part I Exam Dates 2026

What is MCCQE Part I?

The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part I assesses medical knowledge and clinical decision-making.

MCCQE Part I Exam Windows 2026

• 20 January – 17 February
• 22 April – 27 May
• 19 August – 16 September
• 1 October – 21 October

Booking Rule

• Booking opens 5 months before the exam session
• Seats are limited and fill quickly

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Canada — NAC OSCE Exam Dates 2026

What is NAC OSCE?

The National Assessment Collaboration OSCE is required for IMGs applying to Canadian residency programs.

NAC OSCE 2026 Dates

• May 2026: Exam on 2 May 2026 (applications closed)
• September 2026: Exams on 19–20 September 2026

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How to Prepare for Canada Exams

• MCCQE Part I: 6–9 months
• NAC OSCE: 4–6 months
• Focus on:
  • Canadian clinical standards
  • Ethics and communication skills

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New Zealand — NZREX Clinical Exam 2026

What is NZREX?

The New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX Clinical) allows IMGs to register with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

NZREX Exam Dates 2026

• 14 March 2026: FULL
• 5 September 2026: Applications open

📌 Seats are extremely limited.

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Ireland — PRES Exams 2026

What is PRES?

The Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES) is required for IMGs seeking registration in Ireland.

PRES Level 2 Exam Dates 2026

• 12 February 2026 — Dublin
• 21 May 2026 — Dublin, Dubai
• 6 August 2026 — Dublin, Dubai
• 5 November 2026 — Dublin, Dubai

PRES Level 3

• 2026 dates not yet announced

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How to Choose the Right Exam in 2026

Ask yourself:

1. Which country fits my long-term career?
2. How much time can I dedicate to preparation?
3. Do I need clinical exposure or residency?
4. What is my budget and visa plan?

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Preparation Timeline for 2026 Aspirants

Exam	Ideal Prep Time
PLAB 1	6–8 months
PLAB 2	3–4 months
AMC MCQ	8–10 months
AMC Clinical	4–6 months
USMLE Step 1	8–12 months
USMLE Step 2 CK	6–9 months
MCCQE Part I	6–9 months
NAC OSCE	4–6 months
NZREX	6–8 months

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Frequently Asked Questions (2026 global medical licensing exam dates)

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Final Advisory for Medical Students

Medical licensing exams are time-sensitive, seat-limited, and regulation-driven. Always confirm dates on official exam authority websites before booking flights, resigning jobs, or paying coaching fees.

Conclusion

The 2026 global medical licensing exam calendar is complex, competitive, and highly time-sensitive. PLAB, AMC, USMLE, MCCQE, NAC OSCE, NZREX, and PRES each follow different systems, and successful candidates are those who plan well in advance.

For students and IMGs exploring international medical careers, staying informed, preparing early, and making country-specific strategies is essential. Thoughtful planning today can prevent costly delays and open the right opportunities at the right time.