PLAB 2 station types: the high-yield scenarios to practise

You can't predict the exact PLAB 2 cases, but the station types are predictable. Cover these categories and you'll have a framework for almost anything the exam throws at you.

History-taking stations

A focused history under time pressure — chest pain, headache, abdominal pain, breathlessness. Practise a structure (e.g. SOCRATES for pain) plus red-flag screening and a brief social/risk-factor sweep.

Examination stations

You'll be asked to perform or describe an examination. Know the slick, safe routine and how to verbalise findings.

Explanation & counselling stations

Explaining a diagnosis, a medication, or a procedure in plain language — and checking understanding. Marks here are about clarity and empathy, not detail.

Management & emergency stations

Recognising the unwell patient, escalating appropriately, and safety-netting. You'll never need exact drug doses — refer to the BNF and local protocols by name.

Communication & ethics stations

Breaking bad news, dealing with an angry relative, capacity and consent. These reward a calm structure and genuine empathy.

How to practise them

Rotate through all categories rather than over-practising your favourites. You can run a live station now, free — no signup — and get scored feedback on where you're losing marks.

Always confirm the current PLAB 2 format with the GMC; clinical content should be checked against NICE CKS / HSE.