Simsbuddy Blog https://simsbuddy.com/blog Expert guides, study strategies, and success stories for PLAB 2, PACES, SCA, UKMLA, and medical interview preparation. en-gb hello@simsbuddy.com (Simsbuddy) hello@simsbuddy.com (Simsbuddy) © 2026 Simsbuddy Ltd. All rights reserved. 60 https://simsbuddy.com/og-image.png Simsbuddy Blog https://simsbuddy.com/blog <![CDATA[PLAB 2 Marking Criteria Explained: What Examiners Are Looking For in Every Station]]> https://simsbuddy.com/blog/plab-2-marking-criteria-explained-what-examiners-are-looking-for-in-every-station https://simsbuddy.com/blog/plab-2-marking-criteria-explained-what-examiners-are-looking-for-in-every-station Understanding how PLAB 2 is marked is the single most important step in your preparation. This guide breaks down all three domains — Data Gathering, Clinical Management, and Interpersonal Skills — using the GMC's own definitions, with practical examples and the most common reasons candidates fail.

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]]> Fri, 08 May 2026 10:27:36 GMT System Administrator <![CDATA[SCA Marking Criteria Explained: What Examiners Are Looking For in Every Case]]> https://simsbuddy.com/blog/sca-marking-criteria-explained-what-examiners-are-looking-for-in-every-case https://simsbuddy.com/blog/sca-marking-criteria-explained-what-examiners-are-looking-for-in-every-case Understanding the SCA marking criteria is the most important thing you can do before sitting the exam. This guide breaks down all three domains — DG&D, CM&MC, and RTO — using the RCGP's own standards, with examples and the most common reasons candidates fail each one.

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]]> Fri, 08 May 2026 10:21:12 GMT System Administrator <![CDATA[PLAB 2 Exam Overview: Format, Marking Criteria, Dates, Eligibility & Costs]]> https://simsbuddy.com/blog/plab-2-exam-overview-format-marking-criteria-dates-eligibility-costs https://simsbuddy.com/blog/plab-2-exam-overview-format-marking-criteria-dates-eligibility-costs A fact-checked overview of the PLAB 2 exam — the clinical skills assessment for international medical graduates seeking GMC registration. Covers the exam format, marking domains, eligibility, dates, results, and the current fee.

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]]> Fri, 08 May 2026 08:59:18 GMT System Administrator <![CDATA[SCA Exam Overview: Format, Marking Criteria, Dates, Eligibility & Costs]]> https://simsbuddy.com/blog/sca-exam-overview-format-marking-criteria-dates-eligibility-costs https://simsbuddy.com/blog/sca-exam-overview-format-marking-criteria-dates-eligibility-costs A complete overview of the RCGP Structured Clinical Assessment — what it tests, who can sit it, how it's marked, and what to expect on results day.

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]]> Fri, 08 May 2026 08:50:53 GMT System Administrator <![CDATA[The PLAB 2 Exam Explained: Format, Marking, Dates, and Everything You Need to Know]]> https://simsbuddy.com/blog/the-plab-2-exam-explained-format-marking-dates-and-everything-you-need-to-know https://simsbuddy.com/blog/the-plab-2-exam-explained-format-marking-dates-and-everything-you-need-to-know PLAB 2 is the final clinical hurdle before GMC registration — and the most misunderstood. This complete guide covers everything: exam format, the three marking domains, pass rates, high-yield topics, how the pass mark is set, and an honest picture of the NHS job market in 2026 that every IMG needs to read before booking.

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]]> Wed, 06 May 2026 00:07:11 GMT System Administrator <![CDATA[SCA Revision Tips]]> https://simsbuddy.com/blog/sca-revision-tips https://simsbuddy.com/blog/sca-revision-tips The SCA isn't an exam you can cram for — it's a performance test. This guide covers everything that actually moves the needle: how to structure your revision timeline, run effective practice sessions, master the 12-minute clock, and walk in on exam day with genuine confidence.

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]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 21:32:23 GMT System Administrator <![CDATA[Why Simsbuddy Takes a Different Approach to SCA Exam Preparation]]> https://simsbuddy.com/blog/why-simsbuddy-takes-a-different-approach-to-sca-exam-preparation https://simsbuddy.com/blog/why-simsbuddy-takes-a-different-approach-to-sca-exam-preparation Most SCA revision platforms make you choose: detailed study notes with no AI, or AI practice with no real learning material. SimsBuddy is the only platform that combines both — and lets you pay for exactly what you need.

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]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:13:14 GMT System Administrator <![CDATA[High-Yield Clinical Topics for SCA Exam Preparation]]> https://simsbuddy.com/blog/high-yield-clinical-topics-for-sca-exam-preparation https://simsbuddy.com/blog/high-yield-clinical-topics-for-sca-exam-preparation The SCA tests consultation skills, but you can't manage what you don't know. This guide breaks down the highest-yield clinical topics across all seven blueprint groups — from cardiovascular to prescribing — so you can revise smarter and cover every base before exam day.

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]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:02:46 GMT System Administrator <![CDATA[The SCA Exam Explained: Format, Marking, Dates, and Everything You Need to Know]]> https://simsbuddy.com/blog/the-sca-exam-explained-format-marking-dates-and-everything-you-need-to-know https://simsbuddy.com/blog/the-sca-exam-explained-format-marking-dates-and-everything-you-need-to-know The SCA is the final clinical hurdle before becoming a fully qualified GP in the UK. Here's everything you need to know about the format, marking, booking process, costs, and exam day — updated for 2026.

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]]> Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:06:22 GMT System Administrator <![CDATA[Why UK Consultations Are Different — and Why It Matters for PLAB 2]]> https://simsbuddy.com/blog/why-uk-consultations-are-different-and-why-it-matters-for-plab-2 https://simsbuddy.com/blog/why-uk-consultations-are-different-and-why-it-matters-for-plab-2 Most PLAB 2 failures aren't about clinical knowledge — they're about consultation style. This lesson covers the cultural shift every IMG needs to make before walking into that exam room.

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]]> Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:52:58 GMT System Administrator <![CDATA[PLAB 2 Explained: Format, Standards, and What the Exam Actually Tests]]> https://simsbuddy.com/blog/plab-2-explained-format-standards-and-what-the-exam-actually-tests https://simsbuddy.com/blog/plab-2-explained-format-standards-and-what-the-exam-actually-tests PLAB 2 is a performance exam, not a knowledge test. Here's a complete breakdown of the OSCE format, the FY2 standard you're being held to, why 40% of candidates fail, and exactly what happens on exam day

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]]> Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:44:07 GMT System Administrator