ABSTRACT
With Part 1 results generally taking 3–4 weeks to arrive, you will typically have a minimum of 2–3 months to prepare for Part 2. Although it doesn't feel like it, this will be enough time and it seems sensible to allow a break between the two exams. The exam runs over 3 days, though you will only be required for 2 consecutive days. The location rotates around the UK and Ireland twice a year. One of your exam days will consist of four 30-minute vivas, usually in a hotel. Your other day is based in hospital with two 30-minute clinical stations (two patients per station) and a separate communication skills station. Once you know the exam dates and location, book yourself a hotel room and travel arrangements. Nearly everyone books into the hotel in which the vivas are taking place. I would recommend this – it minimises any travel issues on the day and you can be around others as much or as little as you wish. There is a lot of waiting between stations and I personally found it helpful to have company.
