PLAB 2 is an OSCE: timed stations with simulated patients, held in Manchester. Free guides and videos are an excellent way to learn step-by-step routines. Two well-known sources are the Geeky Medics OSCE guides and the book Macleod’s Clinical Examination. This site is not affiliated with either; check each provider for what is currently available.
| Source | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Geeky Medics OSCE guides | Checklists for history taking, examinations and procedures | Written for UK medical-school OSCEs; adapt to the wording and timing of PLAB 2 |
| Macleod’s Clinical Examination (book, and any accompanying video material) | Why each sign matters and how to perform the examination | Check which videos come with your edition; see our book list |
How to turn a guide into an exam routine
- Pick one station type (for example, abdominal examination).
- Watch once, then write the sequence on one page.
- Say the steps aloud while you do them on a partner.
- Time yourself: stations are short, so practise the opening, the core and the closing separately.
- Record yourself and check eye contact, explanation and safety-netting.
Start emergencies with the ABCDE approach and read about the exam on the PLAB 2 page. A study partner makes practice realistic.
Related guides
General education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Guidance changes: confirm with the official sources. Not medical, legal or immigration advice.