What is the PRES Level 2?

The PRES Level 2 is a written exam made up of multiple choice questions which you must answer within three hours. Each starts with a short scenario followed by a question. You need to choose the right answer out of the possible answers given.

For more information on what is examined in the PRES Level 2, please download the PRES Level 2 Blueprint. The blueprint sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours candidates are expected to demonstrate in the exam. It is regularly updated to make sure it reflects real life day-to-day medical practice. You can also review a selection of 90 sample questions for the PRES Level 2 examination here.

Once you have passed the PRES Level 2 exam you will be eligible to apply for the PRES Level 3 Exam.

Information on the upcoming PRES Level 2 exams and how to book a place in the exam can be found here.

What you need to apply

Before submitting your application online, you will need to prepare the required documents. Please read the information outlined below and in the PRES checklist before submitting your application. If you apply without the required documents, or if you do not meet the requirements for the PRES route, your application will be closed, and the application fee will not be refunded.

The following documents must be uploaded to EPIC and verified before submitting your application.

Basic Medical Degree - Please ensure you have graduated from a recognised medical school by checking the World Directory of Medical Schools.

The following documents must be uploaded to your Doctor’s Portal immediately after you have submitted your application. Please refer to the PRES checklist for information on document requirements and how to upload documents to your Doctor’s Portal.

Notarised/attested copy of your current passport
Documentary evidence of effective communication skills

An original Certificate of Good Standing/Current Professional Status, dated within the last 3 months, to be sent directly to the Medical Council from every registration body with whom you have held registration in the past five years.

Please do not submit any documents via postal services.

PRES Level 2 Alternative Exams

If you have completed an alternative exam which the Medical Council has deemed to be an acceptable equivalent, you are not required to sit the PRES Level 2, and you may apply directly to the PRES Level 3. Please see the below dropdown list of accepted alternatives to the PRES Level 2.

Accepted Alternatives to the PRES Level 2 Exam

Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) Part 1

A pass will be accepted as valid for the same period considered by the awarding body. From 31st March 2025 the PLAB Part 1 will be valid for 2 years from the date of the exam.

United States Medical Licencing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 and 2 CK

A pass will be accepted as valid for the same period considered by the awarding body i.e. dated within 7 years

Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCQE) Part 1

A pass will be accepted as valid for the same period considered by the awarding body.

Australian Medical Council MCQ (AMC MCQ)

A pass will be accepted as valid for the same period considered by the awarding body.

Please see instructions on how to submit your application in the drop down below.

How to apply

Create an online account with the Medical Council. On the Doctors Portal page, click on “Register Now”.
Verify your email address and enter your personal details.
Once your account is created you will be assigned a 6-digit reference number.
You will then proceed to the home page of your online account.
A notification will appear in your outstanding tasks. Open this notification and select “Start Application” to begin your application for registration.
Select the category which applies to you, that is “Medical practitioners who do not meet the criteria for any of the above categories”.
Select “General” Division and Sub Route “Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES) Route”.
From the “PRES Examination” drop-down menu, select the option “Alternative Exam”.
Proceed through the application form.
Review your application Summary and ensure all required documents are ready for submission. The Document Checklist is available here.
Proceed to the next step and pay the application fee in order to submit your application. The fee for the PRES exam can be found on the Fees Section of our website here.
Once your application has been received and assessed, your assessor will provide you with information on how to book your place in the PRES Level 2 exam.
Please note your application will not join the queue for assessment until all documents outlined in the PRES checklist are available for viewing through the appropriate.
If you apply without the required documents, or if you do not meet the requirements for the PRES route, your application will be closed, and the application fee will not be refunded.

PRES Alternative Exam

You can be exempted from the PRES if you have passed the UK General Medical Council’s Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) Part 2.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Candidates seeking to sit the PLAB must meet with all of the GMC’s eligibility and language requirements, which differ from those of the Medical Council of Ireland.

Please note that you must pass PLAB 1 before you are permitted to sit PLAB 2.

PLAB 1 - Information regarding eligibility requirements and how to book a PLAB 1 place can be found here.

PLAB 2 - Information regarding eligibility requirements and how to book a PLAB 2 place can be found here.

Important: There is no reciprocal arrangement with the GMC to recognise the PRES exams. The GMC does not recognise either PRES 2 or PRES 3 for the purpose of registration.

Please note that the website, including the Doctor's Portal will not be available from 8pm on Saturday 19th May until 4am on Sunday 20th May due to essential maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Registration Applications