Category: Exam Preparation / Study Tips. Reading Time: 8 Minutes

Crafting a comprehensive and effective study plan is crucial for success in the PLAB 1 exam and the new UKMLA.

While a 3-month plan is intense and fast-paced, a 6-month timeline allows you to go deeper. It gives you the luxury of time to truly master the GMC MLA Content Map, identify your weak areas without panic, and build long-term retention.

This guide offers a structured approach to ensure you cover all necessary materials while optimising your study habits. Tailor this plan to fit your schedule, and you'll be on your way to acing the exam.

Step 1: Establish Your Starting Point (Months 1-3)

The first phase is about building a robust knowledge base. You are not rushing; you are learning.

We recommend utilising our Study Essential Mode. This filters our bank of 5,000+ questions down to 1,800 essential questions. We have specifically updated these questions with extra information in the explanations, allowing you to learn all high-yield concepts for a topic from a single question.

Deciding how to begin is vital. Choose one of two paths:

Option A: Start with Questions (The "Active" Path)

Best for those who learn by doing and want immediate feedback.

Daily Goal: Aim for 50 high-yield questions a day.
Method: Carefully review both correct and incorrect answers to fully grasp each topic. Don't just memorise the answer; understand the why.
Supplement: Complement this with a quick review of key points and highlights from our study notes attached to each question.
Duration: 2-3 months.

Option B: Begin with Notes (The "Traditional" Path)

Best for those who prefer a structured, textbook-style approach before testing themselves.

Daily Goal: Go through the highlighted sections and key points of our study notes first.
Method: Follow this up with 40-50 high-yield questions daily to apply what you've learned immediately. You can do so by answering the questions linked to the study note.
Duration: 2-3 months.

Start Your Month 1 with Study Essential Mode

Why PLAB 1 & UKMLA Candidates Choose MedRevisions

We are not just a question bank; we are a complete revision ecosystem designed by doctors who understand the exam.

With over a decade of combined experience in GMC assessments and a track record of helping thousands of doctors pass since 2019, we provide the most reliable path to registration.

Explore Our Ecosystem:

5000+ UKMLA / PLAB Exam Questions: The core of your revision.
Study Essential Mode: Filter for the 1,800 highest-yield questions.
Best Notes for UKMLA & PLAB: Concise, updated summaries attached to every question.
MedRevisions Reviews: See what our successful candidates have to say.
Our Updates: Stay informed on the latest GMC changes.

Step 2: Expansion & Testing (Months 4-5)

By now, you have covered the core material. It is time to expand your knowledge to the "non-essential" (but still testable) topics and past exam questions and start simulating the exam environment.

1. Complete the Non-Essential Questions

Switch off "Study Essential Mode." Complete the remaining questions in the bank. This tests whether you have truly learnt the concepts necessary to answer nuanced questions that distinguish the top candidates.

2. Begin Mock Exams

Utilise our customizable mock exams to simulate real test conditions.

Start Small: Begin with smaller tests (e.g., 75 questions in 75 minutes) without focusing heavily on your score.
Focus on Logic: Prioritise understanding the rationale behind each question, especially the ones you get wrong.
The Target: Gradually increase the difficulty and aim for a 70% success rate before you consider yourself "ready."

Try our Free PLAB & UKMLA Exam Questions

Step 3: Intensive Simulation (Month 6)

The final month is pure training. You are no longer learning new medicine; you are training your brain for the exam format.

1. Full-Timed Mocks

Reset the mock exams and begin taking full-timed mocks (180 questions in 180 minutes).

Frequency: Aim for 3-4 full mocks per week.
Why: This is crucial for building stamina. Many candidates fail not because they lack knowledge, but because they get tired after question 120 and start making silly mistakes.

2. Engage in "Smart Revision"

Take advantage of our Smart Revision Program early on, even from your first mock exams.

How it works: This tool identifies your specific weak areas (e.g., "Paediatric Cardiology") and employs spaced repetition to enhance long-term memory retention.
Personalization: It allows you to manually add tricky questions for review, ensuring a personalized revision experience that targets your specific gaps.

Flexibility is Key

Recognize the importance of a flexible study plan. Divide your study time according to your personal schedule (work, family, rotations), allowing ample time for mocks and revisions.

Pro Tip: Follow our Instagram for additional PLAB & UKMLA exam tips, daily questions, and exam clinchers to aid your revision process on the go.

Achievements with This Plan

By adhering to this 6-month guideline, you will have:

Completed over 5,000 exam-style questions at least twice.
Engaged in extensive revision, utilizing spaced repetition for effective learning.
Accessed insights from past exam candidates for an inside look at what to expect.

Remember, success in the UKMLA / PLAB 1 is within reach with the right preparation. This structured yet flexible plan ensures you cover all necessary materials efficiently, making your path to passing the exam clearer and more attainable.

Get Instant Access to the Full 6-Month Plan

Sign Up

Why PLAB 1 & UKMLA Candidates Choose MedRevisions

We are not just a question bank; we are a complete revision ecosystem designed by doctors who understand the exam.

With over a decade of combined experience in GMC assessments and a track record of helping thousands of doctors pass since 2019, we provide the most reliable path to registration.

Explore Our Ecosystem:

5000+ UKMLA / PLAB Exam Questions: The core of your revision.
Study Essential Mode: Filter for the 1,800 highest-yield questions.
Best Notes for UKMLA & PLAB: Concise, updated summaries attached to every question.
MedRevisions Reviews: See what our successful candidates have to say.
Our Updates: Stay informed on the latest GMC changes.