PLAB questions - What you should be practising (but probably aren’t)

When it comes to preparing for the PLAB exam, most candidates will focus on the obvious: clinical knowledge, high-yield topics, and past papers. But what if we told you that you might be overlooking key question types and revision strategies that could significantly boost your score and knowledge?

In this guide, we’ll unpack what you should be practising - but probably aren’t - to give yourself the best shot at PLAB success.

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PLAB questions - What you should be practising (but probably aren’t)

What is PLAB and why does your study strategy matter?

 

The PLAB exam (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) is designed to assess whether international medical graduates have the knowledge and skills equivalent to a UK Foundation Year 2 doctor.

The exam is split into two parts:

Most candidates prep for PLAB exam questions using question banks, textbooks and review courses. However, not all questions are created equal - and focusing only on the familiar can leave critical gaps in your revision.

5 commonly overlooked PLAB question types


Most candidates naturally focus on high-yield clinical content such as cardiology, neurology and obstetrics. While these are undoubtedly important, a pattern has emerged repeatedly: candidates often neglect key question categories that regularly appear on both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, which costs them marks.


Let’s break down the less obvious, but high-impact PLAB question types that you should be giving serious attention to during your PLAB preparation.


1. Ethical dilemmas and GMC guidance-based scenarios


Many candidates feel confident with basic medical ethics. But PLAB questions dig deeper, testing your ability to apply GMC standards in complex, real-world contexts.


Common themes include:


  • Breaking confidentiality (e.g., in cases of abuse or driving impairment)

  • Managing colleague misconduct

  • Consent in minors and mentally incapacitated adults

  • End-of-life decision-making


Why you should care:


These questions aren’t about memorising rules - they assess your judgment, professionalism and alignment with UK medical practice expectations.


What you need to practise:



2. Non-clinical communication and behavioural skills


Yes, you’re a doctor - but are you an effective communicator? It’s one thing to be able to assess a patient and diagnose a condition; it’s an entirely different thing to be able to communicate that diagnosis with empathy and clarity, especially one where the prognosis may be less than ideal. 


Communication is at the heart of high-quality healthcare and is heavily weighted in the PLAB 2 exam.


Examples of frequently tested situations:


  • Handling patient anger or frustration - you never know how a patient is going to react and it’s important to be able to adapt accordingly should emotions become heightened or frayed

  • Responding to complaints or unrealistic expectations

  • Delivering bad news with sensitivity - whether you’re dealing with a patient on their own or with family nearby, knowing how to handle delivering a difficult diagnosis requires you to be delicate 

  • Motivational interviewing for lifestyle changes

  • Navigating language barriers


Why candidates struggle:


These aren’t always included in traditional medical education, and a great deal is based on ‘soft skills’ and emotional intelligence. Many candidates come from healthcare systems where communication isn't formally assessed, but here in the UK, it's a core competency.


What you need to practise:


  • PLAB 2 mock stations with simulated patients

  • Reflection exercises on your tone, empathy and clarity

  • Role-plays with peers focusing on ICE (Ideas, Concerns, Expectations)


3. Health promotion, screening, and public health


Do you know who qualifies for an AAA screen in the UK? Or when to recommend a smear test? You’d be surprised how many PLAB 1 questions in particular test your understanding of UK screening and prevention protocols.

Key areas include:


  • Cervical and breast cancer screening criteria

  • Childhood and adult immunisation schedules

  • Smoking cessation strategies

  • Contraception and preconception care

What makes this tricky:


Public health and preventive care are integral to UK medical care and the PLAB exam will likely test your familiarity with NHS guidelines. These differ from those found in other countries, so relying on your home system’s guidelines can easily lead you astray.

What you need to practise:


  • NHS Screening Programme recommendations

  • NICE guidelines on preventive care

  • MCQs focusing on public health interventions and patient advice


4. Unusual emergency presentations


You’ve likely drilled your ABCs (Airway, Breathing and Circulation) and know how to manage a cardiac arrest - but PLAB loves to test less obvious emergency scenarios that require holistic thinking. Knowing how to properly handle common emergencies should be your first port of call, but not every patient that walks through the doors of A&E will be common or “standard” - you’ll need to practise thinking on your feet and your ability to recognise when an issue is more pressing than it appears at first glance. 


Examples include:


  • An elderly patient with acute confusion, which may be delirium or sepsis

  • A pregnant woman with seizures, which may be pre-eclampsia or epilepsy

  • A child with non-accidental injuries

  • A psychiatric patient with an overdose

  • Domestic abuse disclosures


Why this is often missed:


These aren’t always treated as “classic emergencies,” but in a hospital setting, they are still often considered to be urgent and sensitive matters.


What to practise:


  • Emergency care questions beyond the ALS algorithm

  • Red flag presentations and safeguarding scenarios

  • Ethical implications in emergency decision-making


5. The structure and function of the NHS

Understanding the NHS is essential - not just to pass the exam, but to function effectively as a UK doctor. Many PLAB candidates underestimate how often this comes up.


You might be asked about:


  • When to refer a patient on a 2-week wait pathway

  • Differences between primary, secondary and tertiary care

  • Roles of allied health professionals (e.g., district nurses, social workers)

  • Managing a patient who refuses treatment - what are your legal options?


Why it’s important:


These are real-world decisions you’ll make every day in UK practice. PLAB assesses not just what you know, but how you’d apply that knowledge in this specific healthcare system.


What you need to practise:


  • Having an in-depth knowledge of the internal NHS structure, patient pathways and referral protocols

  • Multidisciplinary care and integrated team management

  • Legal and procedural responsibilities of doctors in the UK

Ready to kickstart your PLAB 1 revision? Pastest’s PLAB 1 resource gives you absolutely everything you need to pass with flying colours.

 

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