Thousands of dentists from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria and other countries are preparing for the GDC ORE while still living and working in their home countries — before making the move to the UK. This is completely possible, and with the right approach, just as effective as preparing from within the UK.

This guide explains exactly how to prepare for ORE Part 1 remotely, manage the logistics, and make the most of the resources available to you wherever you are in the world.

Can You Prepare for the GDC ORE While Living Outside the UK?

Yes — and many candidates do exactly this. ORE Part 1 is a written examination sat at Pearson VUE centres across the UK, but the preparation for it can happen anywhere in the world with an internet connection. OREPass is fully online and used by candidates preparing from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Syria and dozens of other countries.

Key point: You do not need to be in the UK to prepare for ORE Part 1. However, you do need to travel to the UK to sit the exam at a Pearson VUE centre. ORE Part 2 (clinical OSCE) also takes place in the UK. Budget and plan accordingly.

Step 1 — Start Preparing as Early as Possible

Most candidates preparing from overseas are also juggling work, family and the logistics of planning their UK move. OREPass is designed for exactly this situation — short study sessions that accumulate over time, a personalised study plan that adapts to your schedule, and a mobile-first design that works on any device.

The minimum recommended preparation time before sitting Part 1 is 3 months of structured study. 5–6 months is typical for candidates balancing full-time work. Starting earlier gives you more time to identify and address weak areas before the exam date.

Step 2 — Meet the English Language Requirement First

The GDC requires evidence of English language proficiency before processing your ORE application. Options are:

  • IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall, no component below 6.5 — can be sat in most countries worldwide
  • OET (Occupational English Test): Grade B in all components — available in multiple countries

Both exams are internationally available. Complete this step early — it is a prerequisite for your GDC application and can take 2–3 months of preparation for non-native English speakers.

Step 3 — Gather Your Documents

The GDC requires certified copies of your dental degree, academic transcripts and overseas regulatory body registration. These can often be requested from your home country institution remotely, but allow time — especially if certified translations are required. Documents typically need to be:

  • Certified copies of originals (not photocopies alone)
  • Translated into English by a certified translator if not in English
  • Verified by your overseas regulatory body where applicable

Step 4 — Plan Your UK Travel for the Exam

ORE Part 1 is sat at Pearson VUE test centres across the UK. Exam windows are typically March and September. If you are travelling from abroad:

  • Book accommodation in advance — exam cities (London, Birmingham, Manchester) can be expensive
  • Allow a buffer day either side of the exam in case of travel disruption
  • Check your visa requirements for visiting the UK — allow sufficient lead time for visa applications
  • Consider combining your Part 1 exam trip with an introductory visit to OREPass's partner clinic, The Yardley Clinic in Birmingham, if you want to explore Part 2 training options

Step 5 — Use OREPass for Remote Preparation

OREPass is purpose-built for independent, self-directed study — ideal for candidates preparing from overseas. The platform includes:

  • 7,000+ SBA questions covering all 8 GDC ORE domains
  • Personalised study plan — tells you what to study and when, based on your performance data
  • Predicted pass score — so you know if you're ready before you travel to sit the exam
  • AI Study Tutor — available 24/7, explains concepts and answers questions
  • Mobile-friendly — study on your phone from anywhere
  • No time zone restriction — study at any hour that suits you

Start Preparing from Anywhere in the World

OREPass works in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Syria and everywhere else. 7-day free trial, no card required.

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Country-Specific Guides

We have written detailed GDC ORE guides for candidates from the most common source countries. These cover country-specific documentation requirements, common strengths and gaps in ORE preparation, and practical tips for the UK registration process: