IMC · PRES · PLAB 2
IMC Registration for IMGs: PRES, PLAB 2 and the Irish Route
The Irish Medical Council registers doctors in four divisions. If you trained outside the EU/EEA, you either pass PRES or qualify for an exemption. Since 2026, PLAB 2 is one of them.
Documents, fees and the order that matters.
The route in six steps
- 1
Check your route
EU/EEA qualification: recognition under Directive 2005/36/EC, no PRES. Non-EU/EEA: general registration through PRES or an exemption. The exemption check comes first, because it can remove both exams.
- 2
Pick your exemption
Certificate of Experience: a document at least equivalent to an Irish internship. Higher Qualification: a postgraduate qualification recognised by the IMC. PLAB 2: a pass exempts you from PRES under the 2026 rules.
- 3
PRES Level 2
A written multiple-choice exam of three hours, held in Dublin and Dubai. The 2026 sittings were in August and November. Once eligible, you normally have two years or three attempts to pass.
- 4
PRES Level 3
The clinical assessment: communication and practical skills in one exam, interpretation in another. It is held in Ireland only, with a few sittings a year.
- 5
Documents
An EPIC report verifying your primary qualification, a certificate of good standing from every regulator of the past five years, English language evidence, and professional indemnity cover where applicable.
- 6
Register
General registration lets you practise independently, but not as a specialist. Specialist and trainee specialist registration are separate divisions with their own requirements.
What it costs
| Registration application | €451 |
| PRES Level 2Official IMC fee | €352 |
| PRES Level 3Official IMC fee, Ireland only | €1,500 |
| EPIC report | provider fee |
| English language test | IELTS or OET fee |
| PLAB 2, if used as the exemption | GMC fee |
The application and PRES fees are published on the Medical Council fees page. EPIC, English-language and PLAB fees are set by their own providers.
Frequently asked questions
Does PLAB 2 count for Ireland?
Yes. Since the Medical Council (Registration) (Amendment) Rules 2026, the PLAB is an alternative examination to the PRES. A pass in PLAB 2 exempts you from the PRES, provided you meet the other registration requirements, including English language and fit and proper.
Do EU-trained doctors need PRES?
No. A qualification from the EU or EEA is recognised under Directive 2005/36/EC. PRES is for doctors who trained outside the EU/EEA and do not qualify for an exemption.
How long is PRES Level 2 valid?
Once you are deemed eligible, you normally have two years or three attempts to pass PRES Level 2. Places are allocated first come, first served.
Where is PRES Level 3 held?
In Ireland only. Level 2 is held in Dublin and Dubai. Level 3 is the clinical assessment, with communication and practical skills in one exam and interpretation in another.
Is general registration the same as specialist registration?
No. General registration lets you practise independently but not as a specialist. Specialist registration is a separate division and a separate recognition.
What English evidence does the IMC accept?
The Medical Council publishes the accepted evidence on its English language page. It includes IELTS and OET Medicine, with the current thresholds set by the IMC.
Official sources
- Medical Council: general registration, non-EU/EEA
- Medical Council: registration rules and exemptions
- S.I. No. 474/2026: PLAB as an alternative examination
- Medical Council: PRES Level 2
- Medical Council: PRES Level 3
- Medical Council: PRES checklist 2026