This plan is designed for doctors working full-time who can commit 2-3 hours on weekdays and 4-5 hours on weekends. It has been refined based on feedback from 200+ working doctors who passed PLAB 2 using this structure.
Plan Overview
- Weeks 1-2: Foundations — Format, frameworks, and basic skills
- Weeks 3-4: Skill Building — Intensive scenario practice
- Weeks 5-6: Mock Circuits — Full exam simulation and weak-point targeting
- Weeks 7-8: Refinement — Consistency, confidence, and exam prep
1
Understanding the Exam
Format, Marking & Communication Frameworks
Mon
Read the Complete PLAB 2 Guide. Understand 18-station circuit format.
Tue
Learn ICE framework thoroughly. Practise asking Ideas/Concerns/Expectations.
Wed
Learn SPIKES protocol for breaking bad news. Script your opening.
Thu
Study Calgary-Cambridge consultation structure. Chunk-and-check method.
Fri
Do 2 history-taking scenarios on the platform. Time yourself strictly.
Sat
Review all 4 physical examination routines (CVS, Resp, Abdo, Neuro). 4 hours.
Sun
Rest day. Light reading only.
2
Clinical Review & Basic Scenarios
Red flags across all specialties
Mon
Review cardiovascular emergencies: ACS, heart failure, arrhythmias. Do 3 CVS scenarios.
Tue
Review respiratory: asthma, COPD, pneumonia, PE. Do 3 respiratory scenarios.
Wed
Review GI: abdominal pain, change in bowel habit, GI bleed. Do 3 GI scenarios.
Thu
Review neuro: headache, weakness, seizure, collapse. Do 3 neuro scenarios.
Fri
Review common procedures: CPR, venepuncture, catheterisation, peak flow.
Sat
Full mock circuit (9 stations). Video record if possible. Review performance. 5 hours.
Sun
Rest day.
3
Intensive Communication Practice
Breaking bad news, explaining, ethics
Mon
Breaking bad news x3 (cancer diagnosis, poor prognosis, unexpected death).
Tue
Explaining diagnosis & treatment x3 (diabetes, hypertension, asthma).
Wed
Ethical dilemmas x3 (confidentiality breach, consent, capacity assessment).
Thu
Difficult patients x3 (angry patient, demanding relative, non-compliant patient).
Fri
Telephone consultation x2 + discharge summary x1. Record yourself.
Sat
Full mock circuit (12 stations). Focus on communication stations. 5 hours.
Sun
Rest day.
4
Physical Examination Drills
Make examinations automatic
Mon
Cardiovascular examination x5. Time each one. Present findings each time.
Tue
Respiratory examination x5. Time each one. Practice presenting clearly.
Wed
Abdominal examination x5. Include hernia exam and digital rectal exam.
Thu
Neurological examination x5. Upper limb, lower limb, cranial nerves.
Fri
Musculoskeletal: back exam, knee exam, hip exam, hand exam.
Sat
Full mock circuit (14 stations). Examine performance with checklist. 5 hours.
Sun
Rest day.
5
Full Mock Circuits & Gap Analysis
Identify and target weak stations
Mon
Full 18-station mock. Score each station. Identify bottom 4.
Tue
Drill weakest station type x6. Get peer feedback after each.
Wed
Drill second weakest station type x6. Record and self-review.
Thu
Full 18-station mock. Compare scores to Monday. Aim for improvement.
Fri
Drill third and fourth weakest stations x6 combined.
Sat
Emergency scenarios x8 (anaphylaxis, ACS, asthma, sepsis, hypoglycaemia). 5 hours.
Sun
Rest day.
6
Consistency & Speed
Timing refinement and polish
Mon
Full 18-station mock under strict exam conditions. Analyse timing.
Tue
Speed drills: 6 stations at 7 minutes each (faster than exam pace).
Wed
Communication polish: 4 stations. Focus on empathy phrases and closing.
Thu
Mixed bag: 6 random stations. Don't look at type before starting.
Fri
Full 18-station mock. Target: consistent scores across all station types.
Sat
Procedure stations: BLS, catheterisation, venepuncture, suturing, peak flow. 5 hours.
Sun
Rest day.
7
Confidence Building & Light Revision
Consolidation, not new content
Mon
Review all ICE phrases and opening/closing scripts. Make them automatic.
Tue
6 favourite stations (your strongest). Build confidence and positive momentum.
Wed
Full mock circuit. Final score check. Celebrate improvement from Week 1.
Thu
Review red flags for all 20 common scenarios. Flashcard style.
Fri
Light practice only: 3 communication stations. Focus on polish, not intensity.
Sat
Organise travel to Manchester. Prepare documents. Plan route to exam centre. 2 hours max.
Sun
Complete rest. Spend time with family. Early night.
8
Exam Week
Travel, rest, and exam day
Mon
NO STUDYING. Light reading only if anxious. Review scripts one final time.
Tue
NO STUDYING. Prepare clothes for exam. Professional attire check.
Wed
Travel to Manchester. Check into accommodation. Walk past exam centre.
Thu
Relax. Good meal. Early night (aim for 8+ hours sleep). No revision.
Fri
🎯 EXAM DAY. You've prepared. Trust the process.
Sat
Celebrate. You've done the work. Results in ~2 weeks.
Sun
Rest and recover.
Daily Time Commitment
- Weekdays: 2-3 hours (one focused session after work or two shorter sessions)
- Weekends: 4-5 hours (one long session with breaks)
- Total: ~20-25 hours per week = 160-200 hours total preparation
Download This Plan
Want a printable PDF version of this plan? Save this page (Ctrl+S / Cmd+S) or bookmark it for daily reference. Share it with your study group so you can synchronise your preparation.
Track Your Progress With 400+ Scenarios
Our platform automatically tracks which scenario types you've practised, highlights your weak areas, and suggests targeted practice. Perfect for following this 8-week plan.
Start the Plan on Anglotec AI →Progress tracking, performance analytics, and personalised recommendations.