Copy Link
☝️ At a glance
- Licensing exams required after MBBS abroad: Exams like NExT, USMLE, PLAB, and AMC are mandatory for medical practice in different countries.
- NExT replaces FMGE in India: NExT is compulsory for both Indian and foreign MBBS graduates to practice in India.
- Global licensing exams vary by country: Each country has its unique licensing exam requirements.
- NEET-UG requirement: NEET-UG qualification is mandatory for Indian students pursuing MBBS abroad after 2018 to appear for NExT.
- Preparation tips: Focus on exam patterns, core concepts, mock tests, and document readiness.
📖 Table of Contents
For medical graduates who have completed their MBBS abroad, qualifying for medical practice in their desired country requires passing a medical licensing exam. These licensing exams assess clinical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and medical ethics to ensure doctors meet the required medical standards.
In this article, we will explore the top medical licensing exams for foreign medical graduates, including the newly introduced National Exit Test (NExT) in India, as well as other global medical exams for practicing in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and more.
Importance of Medical Licensing Exams
Medical licensing exams are mandatory for the following reasons:
Ensures medical competence: Exams test theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Grants legal approval: Successful candidates gain provisional or permanent registration to practice medicine.
Improves patient safety: Only qualified professionals are allowed to provide healthcare services.
Standardizes medical practice: Licensing exams align with national healthcare protocols and guidelines.
List of major medical licensing exams worldwide
Country | Exam Name | Conducting Body | Exam Format | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
India | NExT (National Exit Test) | National Medical Commission (NMC) | Theory (MCQ) + Practical | Mandatory for MBBS graduates to practice in India |
USA | USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) | NBME (National Board of Medical Examiners) | Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3 | Required for medical residency in the USA |
UK | PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) | General Medical Council (GMC) | PLAB 1 (MCQs) + PLAB 2 (OSCE) | Required to practice medicine in the UK |
Canada | MCCQE (Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination) | Medical Council of Canada (MCC) | Part 1 (MCQs) + Part 2 (OSCE) | Ensures adherence to Canadian medical standards |
Australia | AMC (Australian Medical Council) Exam | Australian Medical Council | MCQ + Clinical Exam | Ensures alignment with Australian healthcare practices |
UAE | EMSAT / DHA / MOHAP / DOH | UAE Healthcare Authorities | MCQ + Clinical Skills | For practicing medicine in UAE |
Saudi Arabia | SMLE (Saudi Medical Licensing Exam) | Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) | MCQ + Clinical Scenarios | Required for foreign medical graduates in Saudi Arabia |
New Zealand | NZREX (New Zealand Registration Examination) | Medical Council of New Zealand | Clinical Assessment | Focuses on hands-on skills |
Germany | Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) & Kenntnisprüfung | German Medical Board | Language + Clinical Skills | Requires German language proficiency |
Ireland | PRES (Pre-Registration Examination System) | Medical Council of Ireland | MCQ + Clinical Skills | Required for foreign medical graduates in Ireland |
Detailed overview of major medical licensing exams
1. National Exit Test (NExT) – India
The National Exit Test (NExT) has replaced the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) and the MCI Screening Test. NExT is now mandatory for all MBBS graduates (both domestic and foreign) who wish to obtain a medical license in India.
NExT structure:
NExT 1: MCQ-based theory exam testing subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical reasoning.
NExT 2: Practical exam assessing clinical skills, diagnosis, and patient care.
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Exam pattern | MCQs for NExT 1, Clinical Practical for NExT 2 |
Subjects covered | All MBBS subjects with clinical focus |
Conducting body | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Eligibility | MBBS degree from a recognized institution |
Passing criteria | Minimum 50% in both parts |
2. USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) – USA
The USMLE is required for foreign medical graduates seeking to practice in the United States. It is divided into three steps:
Step | Focus Area | Format |
|---|---|---|
Step 1 | Basic medical sciences | MCQs (8-hour test) |
Step 2 CK | Clinical knowledge and diagnosis | MCQs (9-hour test) |
Step 3 | Patient care and management | 2-day test with case simulations |
3. PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) – UK
The PLAB exam assesses the skills of foreign medical graduates who wish to practice in the United Kingdom.
Stage | Focus Area | Format |
|---|---|---|
PLAB 1 | Medical knowledge and theory | MCQs |
PLAB 2 | Clinical skills and communication | OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) |
4. MCCQE (Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination) – Canada
The MCCQE is designed for medical graduates who want to practice in Canada.
Stage | Focus Area | Format |
|---|---|---|
MCCQE Part 1 | Medical concepts, diagnosis, and treatment | Computer-based MCQs |
MCCQE Part 2 | Practical skills and patient care | OSCE |
5. AMC (Australian Medical Council) Exam – Australia
The AMC Exam assesses medical knowledge and skills for foreign medical graduates wishing to practice in Australia.
Stage | Focus Area | Format |
|---|---|---|
AMC MCQ Exam | Australian medical standards and protocols | MCQs |
AMC Clinical Exam | Practical diagnosis and treatment | Clinical Scenarios |
6. SMLE (Saudi Medical Licensing Exam) – Saudi Arabia
The SMLE is mandatory for medical graduates seeking to practice in Saudi Arabia.
Exam focus areas:
Clinical medicine
Patient diagnosis
Treatment plans
7. NZREX (New Zealand Registration Examination) – New Zealand
The NZREX evaluates medical graduates on practical clinical skills, diagnostic ability, and communication.
8. Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) and kenntnisprüfung – Germany
Medical graduates wishing to practice in Germany must pass these exams:
FSP: Tests German language skills in medical contexts.
Kenntnisprüfung: Assesses theoretical medical knowledge and clinical skills.
9. PRES (Pre-registration examination system) – Ireland
The PRES Exam assesses medical knowledge and practical skills for foreign medical graduates in Ireland.
Key tips for preparing for medical licensing exams
Understand the exam pattern: Study the format, subjects covered, and question types.
Focus on core concepts: Strengthen your understanding of clinical sciences, diagnosis, and medical protocols.
Time management: Practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Document preparation: Ensure all documents like your primary medical qualification, internship certificate, and eligibility certificate are ready.
Conclusion
Choosing the right medical licensing exam depends on your career goals and country of practice. For Indian studentscompleting MBBS abroad, the NExT exam is now mandatory. Meanwhile, international graduates planning to practice in the USA, UK, Canada, or other countries must focus on their respective licensing exams like USMLE, PLAB, or AMC.
If you need free expert guidance on selecting the right pathway for your MBBS abroad journey, connect with futureMBBS for personalized support.
Read more similar articles:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs about “exams after MBBS in abroad"
Who is eligible for FMGE?
To be eligible for FMGE (now replaced by NExT):
Candidates must be Indian citizens or OCI holders.
They must hold a primary medical qualification recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
An Eligibility Certificate from the NMC is required if admission was after March 2018.
Completion of a mandatory internship is also required.
How to go to a foreign country after MBBS?
- Choose a target country and understand its licensing exam requirements (e.g., USMLE, PLAB, AMC, etc.).
- Ensure your MBBS degree is recognized in that country.
- Clear language tests like IELTS or TOEFL, if required.
- Register for the licensing exam and complete any mandatory internship or residency.
- Apply for a visa and work permit for employment abroad.
What is the NExT exam for foreign MBBS students?
The NExT exam is now mandatory for both Indian and foreign medical graduates to:
Obtain a medical license in India.
Pursue postgraduate medical courses.
It consists of:NExT 1: Theory-based MCQ exam.
NExT 2: Practical skills evaluation.
Can I write FMGE without NEET?
No, you must qualify NEET-UG to be eligible for FMGE (now NExT) if you pursued MBBS abroad after 2018. NEET is mandatory to obtain the Eligibility Certificate required by the NMC.
Copy Link
Intake in January 2025
Application deadline: December
Applications are open now!