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Practice Medicine Globally: Complete Licensing Exams Guide 2025

Last Updated: November 7, 2025 | Reading Time: 11 minutes

Global Medical Licensing Overview

After completing MBBS abroad, you need to clear country-specific licensing exams to practice medicine in different countries. This guide covers all major licensing pathways.

1. INDIA - FMGE/NExT

Exam: Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) / National Exit Test (NExT)
Conducting Body: National Medical Commission (NMC)
Eligibility: MBBS from NMC-approved university
Format: Computer-based, 300 MCQs
Duration: 3.5 hours
Passing Score: 150/300 (50%)
Attempts: Unlimited
Frequency: Twice a year (June, December)
Cost: ₹1,500 (exam fee)

After Clearing:

• Complete 1-year rotating internship
• Register with State Medical Council
• Obtain medical practice license

Pass Rate: 15-20%
Preparation Time: 6-12 months
Best Resources: Marrow, PrepLadder, FMGE Solutions

2. USA - USMLE

Exam: United States Medical Licensing Examination
Conducting Body: ECFMG + FSMB
Eligibility: Medical degree from ECFMG-eligible school

USMLE Steps:

Step 1: Basic Sciences

• Format: Computer-based, 280 MCQs
• Duration: 8 hours
• Cost: $960 (₹80,000)
• Passing: 194/300 scale
• When: During medical school (Year 4-5)

Step 2 CK: Clinical Knowledge

• Format: 318 MCQs
• Duration: 9 hours
• Cost: $960 (₹80,000)
• When: Final year/after graduation

Step 2 CS: Clinical Skills

• Format: Patient encounters (Discontinued 2021, may return)
• Cost: $1,275

Step 3: Residency Competency

• Format: 2-day exam
• Cost: $895 (₹74,500)
• When: During/after residency
• Required for final medical license

Complete USA Pathway:

1. USMLE Step 1 & 2
2. ECFMG Certification
3. Apply for Residency (Match)
4. Complete 3-7 year Residency
5. USMLE Step 3
6. State Medical License
7. Board Certification

Total Cost: ₹25-50 lakhs (exams + residency applications)
Timeline: 5-10 years
USA Doctor Salary: $200,000-500,000/year (₹1.67-4.17 crores!)

Best Countries for USMLE Success:

• Philippines (American system)
• Caribbean medical schools
• Top Russian universities

3. UK - PLAB

Exam: Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board
Conducting Body: General Medical Council (GMC)
Eligibility: Medical degree from GMC-recognized university

PLAB Parts:

PLAB 1: Theory

• Format: 180 MCQs (3 hours)
• Cost: £235 (₹25,000)
• Topics: Clinical knowledge
• Passing: 123/180 minimum
• Location: Multiple countries including India

PLAB 2: Clinical Assessment

• Format: 16 clinical stations (OSCE format)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: £873 (₹93,000)
• Location: UK only
• Practical skills assessment

Complete UK Pathway:

1. Pass PLAB 1
2. Pass PLAB 2
3. Apply for GMC Registration
4. Apply for NHS Foundation Programme
5. Complete 2-year Foundation Training
6. Specialty Training (3-8 years)
7. Consultant position

Total Cost: ₹10-20 lakhs
Timeline: 4-8 years
UK Doctor Salary: £28,000-120,000/year (₹30 lakhs-1.27 crores)

Pass Rate: PLAB 1: ~70%, PLAB 2: ~80%
Preparation Time: 6-12 months

4. AUSTRALIA - AMC

Exam: Australian Medical Council Examination
Conducting Body: Australian Medical Council

AMC Pathway:

MCQ Examination:

• Format: 150 MCQs (3.5 hours)
• Cost: AUD 3,800 (₹2.12 lakhs)
• Topics: Clinical knowledge
• Passing: Standard setting method

Clinical Examination:

• Format: 16 clinical stations
• Cost: AUD 5,000-6,500 (₹2.8-3.6 lakhs)
• Location: Australia
• Practical assessment

Complete Process:

1. MCQ Examination
2. Clinical Examination
3. Work in supervised position (1-2 years)
4. Apply for specialist training
5. Complete training (3-6 years)

Total Cost: ₹20-40 lakhs
Timeline: 4-8 years
Salary: AUD 70,000-250,000/year (₹39 lakhs-1.4 crores)

5. CANADA - MCCQE

Exam: Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination
Conducting Body: Medical Council of Canada

MCCQE Parts:

MCCQE Part I:

• Format: Computer-based, MCQs + clinical cases
• Cost: CAD 1,140 (₹71,000)
• Duration: 7 hours
• Topics: Medical knowledge

MCCQE Part II (Clinical):

• Format: 14 clinical stations (OSCE)
• Cost: CAD 2,400-2,800 (₹1.5-1.75 lakhs)
• Duration: 4 hours
• Practical skills

Complete Process:

1. Pass MCCQE Part I
2. Secure residency position (very competitive)
3. Complete 2-5 year residency
4. Pass MCCQE Part II
5. Provincial medical license

Total Cost: ₹25-40 lakhs
Timeline: 5-8 years
Salary: CAD 150,000-400,000/year (₹94 lakhs-2.5 crores)

6. GULF COUNTRIES

6A. UAE

Multiple Licensing Authorities:

MOH (Ministry of Health):

• Exam: Computer-based MCQs
• Cost: AED 1,000-2,000 (₹22,000-44,000)
• Validity: 2 years
• For: Government hospitals

DHA (Dubai Health Authority):

• Exam: Computer-based MCQs
• Cost: AED 3,000-4,000 (₹66,000-88,000)
• Validity: 2 years
• For: Dubai healthcare facilities

HAAD → DOH (Abu Dhabi):

• Exam: Computer-based MCQs
• Cost: AED 3,500 (₹77,000)
• Validity: 2 years
• For: Abu Dhabi

Process:

1. Dataflow (credential verification): ₹25,000-40,000
2. Pass exam
3. Job offer
4. Medical license
5. Work visa

Salary: AED 15,000-30,000/month (₹3.4-6.8 lakhs/month)
Tax-free income!

6B. SAUDI ARABIA

SCFHS Exam:

• Saudi Commission for Health Specialties
• Format: Computer-based MCQs
• Cost: SAR 1,000-1,500 (₹22,000-33,000)
• Topics: Clinical knowledge
• Validity: 2 years

Process:

1. Dataflow + SCFHS registration
2. Pass SCFHS exam
3. Job offer
4. Medical license
5. Work visa (Iqama)

Salary: SAR 15,000-35,000/month (₹3.3-7.7 lakhs/month)

6C. QATAR

QCHP Exam:

• Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners
• Format: Computer-based MCQs
• Cost: QAR 1,500 (₹34,000)
• Easier than UAE/Saudi

Salary: QAR 18,000-40,000/month (₹4.1-9 lakhs/month)

6D. KUWAIT, OMAN, BAHRAIN

Similar Process:

• Dataflow verification
• Country-specific exam or direct licensing
• Job offer requirement
• Salary: $3,000-8,000/month (₹2.5-6.7 lakhs/month)

7. NEW ZEALAND - NZREX

Exam: New Zealand Registration Examination
Conducting Body: Medical Council of New Zealand

Process:

• Clinical examination (IMGs)
• Cost: NZD 5,000-7,000 (₹2.6-3.7 lakhs)
• Location: New Zealand
• Pass rate: ~60%

Salary: NZD 80,000-200,000/year (₹42 lakhs-1.05 crores)

8. IRELAND - Medical Council Registration

Process:

• No specific exam required
• GMC registration helpful (PLAB route)
• Or internship in Ireland
• Registration with Medical Council of Ireland

Salary: €50,000-120,000/year (₹45 lakhs-1.08 crores)

9. GERMANY - Approbation

Requirements:

• German language (B2-C1 level)
• Knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung)
• Practical assessment
• Free/low tuition during study

Salary: €50,000-100,000/year (₹45 lakhs-90 lakhs)

10. SINGAPORE - SMC Registration

Singapore Medical Council Requirements:

• Medical degree from recognized university
• Pass SMC examination or exemption
• Supervised practice period

Salary: SGD 60,000-200,000/year (₹37 lakhs-1.25 crores)

Country Comparison

Strategic Career Planning

For Different Goals:

Quick Earnings + Savings:
→ Gulf Countries (1-2 years, tax-free, save ₹2-5 crores in 5-10 years)

Maximum Lifetime Earnings:
→ USA (5-10 years investment, ₹1.67-6.7 crores/year)

Work-Life Balance:
→ UK/Ireland (4-8 years, good salary, work culture)

Easiest Pathway:
→ India FMGE (1-2 years) or Gulf countries (moderate exams)

Fastest High Salary:
→ Gulf countries (start earning ₹4-9 lakhs/month in 1-2 years)

Preparation Tips

General Strategy:

1. Choose pathway early (during MBBS)
2. Understand exam format thoroughly
3. Quality coaching (worth the investment)
4. Practice MCQs (10,000+ questions)
5. Mock tests (minimum 20)
6. Consistent preparation (6-12 months)
7. Financial planning (exams + living costs)
8. Network with seniors who cleared

Resource Allocation:

USA (USMLE):

• First Aid Step 1
• UWorld QBank
• Kaplan prep
• Budget: ₹30-50 lakhs

UK (PLAB):

• Pastest
• OnExamination
• Plabable
• Budget: ₹15-25 lakhs

India (FMGE):

• Marrow/PrepLadder
• Standard textbooks
• Budget: ₹2-5 lakhs

Gulf:

• Country-specific prep materials
• Previous papers
• Budget: ₹3-8 lakhs

FAQs

Q: Which exam is easiest?
Gulf countries (MOH/DHA) and India (FMGE) are moderate difficulty. USMLE/MCCQE are hardest.

Q: Can I attempt multiple licensing exams?
Yes! Many doctors prepare for USMLE + PLAB or FMGE + Gulf simultaneously.

Q: Best ROI pathway?
Gulf countries: Quick earnings, tax-free, save substantially in 5-10 years.

Q: Which countries accept FMGE?
FMGE is India-specific. Gulf countries have separate exams but accept Indian MBBS graduates.

Q: Can I practice in multiple countries?
Yes, with respective licenses. Many doctors work in Gulf, then move to USA/UK/Canada.

Conclusion

Multiple pathways exist for global medical practice. Choose based on:

• Career goals
• Financial situation
• Family commitments
• Exam difficulty appetite
• Country preference

Recommended Strategy:

1. Short-term: Gulf countries (2-5 years, save money)
2. Long-term: USA/UK/Canada (higher salary, better life)
3. Backup: India (FMGE always available)

Start planning during MBBS, prepare well, and the world is your workplace!

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