Preparing for the PLAB exam is a major milestone on your journey to practising medicine in the UK. Once you’ve reached the point in your career where you need to consider taking the PLAB exam (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board), you’ll come to discover that there are so many prep courses available. And not only are there a number of different revision resource providers out there, but there’s also the decision of whether to study online or in person. It can be difficult to decide which format is best for your learning style, schedule, and goals.
Not to worry, Pastest is here to help make sure you make the right decision for you. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of both online and in-person medical education, helping you make an informed choice about what works best for you as a budding medical practitioner. While both approaches offer valuable benefits, the right option depends on your priorities, lifestyle, and how you learn best.
Let’s dive right in!
Flexibility: Online learning wins with convenience
One of the most significant advantages of online courses is flexibility. You’ve probably got a lot going on in your life - whether it’s working, completing clinical rotations, and even your personal hobbies and downtime. Rather than adding to your juggling act, online PLAB prep allows you to study on your own schedule. You can revisit recorded lectures, pause to take notes, and focus on trickier topics at your own pace, tailoring your learning to your own bespoke needs.
On the other hand, in-person courses tend to follow a fixed schedule. While this can provide structure, which many people thrive off when it comes to retaining information - it may not suit learners who need more control over their time, especially if you’re balancing multiple responsibilities.
Lucky for you, Pastest’s online PLAB resource is designed with flexibility in mind, offering on-demand video content, timed practice questions, and a personalised study planner that adapts to your progress. Amongst other benefits, of course.
Cost: Online is (often) more affordable
For many aspiring international doctors, cost is a major consideration - chances are you’ve got a lot of upcoming costs on the horizon. In-person PLAB prep can be significantly more expensive when you factor in travel, accommodation, and taking time off work to attend. Online courses typically come at a lower price point, and there are no hidden expenses.
With Pastest, you get full access to a high-quality online learning platform - featuring thousands (yes, thousands) of exam-style questions, mock tests, and expert-led videos - without the added cost of travel or forking out for a hotel.
Engagement: The case for face-to-face
In-person learning can offer more immediate engagement. Being in a classroom environment allows for live interaction between tutors and peers, spontaneous questions and spin-off discussions that deepen your understanding and knowledge, and the kind of group work that many learners thrive on. It can also help with focus, especially if you find it hard to stay motivated studying alone, with plenty of distractions around you in your own home.
That being said, online platforms have evolved significantly over the past few years, and many now include features like live webinars, discussion boards, and tutor feedback, which help recreate that sense of connection you only get in a real classroom.
With Pastest’s online tools, students are supported throughout their PLAB prep journey, all without needing to be physically present in a classroom.
Effectiveness: It all depends on your learning style
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to learning effectiveness. Some learners absorb information best through face-to-face teaching, while others excel with self-paced, tech-supported study.
Research shows that when well-designed, online courses can be just as effective - if not more - than traditional classroom instruction. Tools like spaced repetition, real-time performance tracking, and interactive question banks can help boost retention and exam readiness.
Pastest’s intelligent learning system helps you focus on areas of weakness, track your performance over time, and build exam confidence with realistic practice questions that mirror the actual PLAB format.
Additional pros and cons to consider
Pros of online
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Self-Paced Revision: Spend more time on challenging topics and skip over areas you're already confident in.
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Global accessibility: Online means you can learn from anywhere in the world, perfect for international candidates who can't attend in-person classes.
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Tech-enhanced learning tools: Access interactive quizzes, progress trackers, and personalised study plans that support long-term retention.
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Regular content updates: We regularly update our revision platform to reflect changes in PLAB requirements, ensuring you're always learning the most relevant content.
Cons of online
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Potential for distraction: Without a fixed schedule or classroom environment, it can be tempting to procrastinate or lose focus.
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Less peer interaction: While online forums and webinars are helpful, they don’t fully replicate the collaborative environment of a physical classroom.
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Technology reliance: You’ll need a reliable internet connection, a compatible device, and a quiet study space - these resources are not always available to everyone.
Additional pros of in-person learning
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Accountability and routine: A fixed schedule and physical classroom setting can keep you on track and motivated.
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Immediate clarification: Ask questions in real-time and receive instant feedback from your tutor.
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Networking opportunities: Building connections with fellow students can help foster a supportive study network.
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Engagement: Active participation in face-to-face discussions can enhance understanding and retention of complex topics.
Additional cons of in-person
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Limited flexibility: You’re bound to the course schedule. If you miss a class, you may not be able to catch up as easily, and may find that there’s a potential to fall behind quite quickly if something unexpected disrupts your schedule.
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Location-dependent: High-quality in-person courses are often only available in certain cities, requiring you to relocate or commute long distances.
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Higher hidden costs: Beyond tuition, you may need to budget for travel, accommodation, meals, and materials, making in-person learning a more expensive option overall.
So, which is best for you?
Deciding which approach is best for you all depends on what you value most when it comes to information retention and recall. If you prefer flexibility, affordability, and personalised learning, an online PLAB prep course may be the ideal fit - especially if you find one that combines high-quality content with smart learning tools (ahem, like Pastest!)
If you thrive in a structured environment, need direct access to tutors, or prefer face-to-face interaction, an in-person course might be worth considering.
Ultimately, it comes down to how you learn best. But whichever path you choose, make sure it offers the content, support, and structure you need to feel confident on exam day. Explore how Pastest’s online PLAB platform can help you prepare smarter, not harder, wherever you are in the world.