How I Passed the UKMLA PLAB 1 Exam – Dr Zaid Rahman
If you are preparing for the GMC UKMLA PLAB 1 exam, this blog will be useful.
In this piece, Dr Zaid Rahman, an International Medical Graduate, shares how he prepared for PLAB 1 and successfully passed the exam. He explains how he structured his revision, the resources he used, and what helped him stay consistent during preparation.
This account offers practical insight for doctors who are planning PLAB 1 and want to understand what effective preparation looks like in real terms.
– Get PLAB 1 Updates and Teaching Emails here
– Register for next Free PLAB 1 Webinar here
– Pass with PLAB 1 Ultimate Package here
Introduction
Hello! If you are here and reading this then you’re most probably done with the challenges of IELTS or OET and are starting your UK journey – congratulations! Every IMG has a story and so will you. This is just to tell my own experience of passing PLAB 1 and some things that might help you in your own journey.
PLAB 1 – similar to many other UK exams that you will take on your journey – has a few basic pieces of advice that are important, but often overlooked. 1) stick to guidelines laid down by the GMC on their website and b) know exactly what the exam is all about, as well as what is expected of you. These two things can heavily reduce your stress going forward! Read this blog to understand exactly what PLAB 1 is.
According to the GMC, the exam tests your ability to apply your knowledge for the care of patients. It doesn’t test how well you can remember and recite facts. Questions relate to current best practice in the UK and equipment routinely available in UK hospitals. You’ll need to answer the questions in relation to published evidence and not according to your local arrangements.
Resources
As a junior doctor you need to be a safe doctor, who encompasses knowing common presentations, whilst managing red flags and emergencies – the essence of what can come in the exam. There are a lot of resources out there and you can pick and choose whatever you like – all roads lead to Rome as they say. There are several ‘Bibles’ for PLAB 1 which no doubt have fallen on your ears – and often yes – these are sometimes enough to pass. But I personally always like to take an exam by going the extra mile, so that the exam itself (as well as the next steps) becomes easier. Common question banks include Plabable and Passmedicine – though there are others as well, including Arora’s own.
You may be wondering why (on an Arora blog) Dr Aman’ name hasn’t come up yet! That is because Aman’s PLAB 1 videos and PLAB 1 courses are not something you just watch for this exam – you also watch them to better understand the system that you are about to enter. His approach is comprehensive and you should always be up to date with his advice. To be honest I had an email thread with a subject titled “in times of trouble you turn to Aman Arora”.
For Dr Aman’s most comprehensive package – PLAB 1 Ultimate Package – click here.
Preparation
Coming to the nitty gritty of PLAB 1 prep, let’s talk about prep time. The duration of preparation is of course very individualistic, but to be honest I feel that 6-8 weeks is more than enough for this exam. In my case, I used to do a topic from a question bank – for example cardiology – and makes notes or flashcards of the important stuff – and then attempt the same section from another bank, leading to topics being revised twice. Click here for free PLAB 1 planner timelines.
Once I’d finished all key topics, I went through the questions again. Even though resetting can be painful and expensive, some things I feel are just necessary. I also did Aman’s PLAB Mock bundle (highly recommended) as per exam settings – and I must say the level of question was very apt.
Don’t pressurize yourself too much, however you need to adapt to the new guidelines (NICE and SIGN) and think how you will apply the knowledge that you already have. As stated earlier, always use the layout of the GMC in terms of topic coverage – this is your guiding light.
Active recalls and spaced repetition are two skills that will help you in your studies – having a good plan with the right guidance is all you need for your journey. For our mock comprehensive PLAB 1 Ultimate package, click here. For easy recall teaching follow Dr Aman on Instagram (@dr_aman_arora).
The exam…
Time management in the exam is key. As there is a minute to answer all the questions (and believe me, shading the answer sheet takes time) you really have around 45 seconds to answer. Doing mocks regularly is important – perhaps aiming for a shorter time to finish in order to represent this. At the end of the day you will be seeing the trigger in the question and marking the answer. As you will realise, exam technique is sometimes just as important as knowledge.
Just before the exam try to remain calm! You have done the needful and it just requires concentrated execution of the hard work that you have put in. Revise a few topics that you already know to feel the confidence that you need, and always remember it’s a doable exam and that presence of mind will always play an advantage in your favour.
A final word…
PLAB 1 (as part of the whole PLAB process) is a whole journey and you will have your own troubles at times apart from the preparation itself – bookings, finance, visa, travel etc – all playing their own roles in the journey itself!
Remain steadfast – you have decided to take this on and you should see it through. Everyone here as an IMG, and educators like Aman are always ready to help you – but it’s you who will have to ask.
To all my friends on this journey, best of luck! It is worth the effort in the end. Hopefully, I’ll be sharing my PLAB 2 journey as well soon!
How Arora Medical Education Can Support You
Clear Teaching Built for Busy Doctors.
If you want a guided path, our PLAB 1 resources help you build confidence at each step. Everything is created by senior UK NHS clinicians and previous PLAB examiners with experience in the exam and in teaching.
You can choose:
– PLAB 1 Ultimate – a full PLAB 1 preparation system with question banks, videos, audios, live teaching, flashcards and mock exams.
– A live PLAB 1 Crammer course held a few weeks before each sitting.
– Individual resources such as audios, videos, question banks or mocks
Each option follows a clear plan that helps you stay organised and focused. Explore these more here.
Also:
– Get PLAB 1 Updates and Teaching Emails here.
– Register for next Free PLAB 1 Webinar here.
PLAB 1 Videos that will help…
Watch my video ‘3 Trends that I see in those who Fail PLAB 1‘ here.
Watch my video ‘Focus on these 3 things to Pass PLAB‘ here.
Lead PLAB 1 Tutor - Dr Aman Arora
Hi! I’m Dr. Aman Arora, a Portfolio GP with over a decade of clinical and teaching experience, dedicated to helping doctors achieve their goals with confidence. Having had the privilege of supporting more than 50,000 doctors worldwide across exams such as MRCGP AKT, SCA, MSRA, PLAB 2 and PLAB 1, I understand the challenges you face and the strategies needed to overcome them. Through personalised face-to-face sessions, engaging online courses, mocks, audio and a vibrant social media community, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to pass crucial exams or take the next big step in your medical career, we’re here to help you succeed. Feel free to get in touch with any thoughts, questions, or ideas — I look forward to working with you and being part of your journey.
Senior PLAB1 Tutor - Dr Pooja Arora
Dr Pooja Arora is a GP with a background in Medical Politics, where she passionately focuses on improving the opportunities and working conditions for junior doctors. She is proud to hold FRCGP (Fellow of Royal College of General Practitioners).
You can find out more about Pooja’s previous roles and qualifications here.
