Core Revision
Core Tools for PLAB 1
Interactive decoders that build the UK clinical reasoning PLAB 1 rewards — each one mapped to the GMC content map, and especially useful if you trained in a system that does things differently.
Interactive tools that teach the reasoning
PLAB 1 rewards clinical reasoning — following one decision from the last, the way a safe clinician does on a UK ward. Core Tools are small, interactive decoders that let you practise exactly that, each mapped to an area of the GMC content map. They are also a gentle way to absorb how UK guidance frames a decision, which is precisely what the paper tests. Use a tool to build the pattern, then prove it on the question bank.
Live tools you can use now
The Asthma Reasoner
Step through asthma and inhaler decisions one choice at a time, and watch how each step follows from the last — the pattern of reasoning PLAB 1 looks for, not a list to memorise.
The DVLA Reasoner
Work through UK fitness-to-drive scenarios and see the logic behind each answer — DVLA rules are a distinctly British corner of the paper that catches many IMGs out.
More reasoners, more areas
Core Revision has further reasoners across the content map. Browse them all from the Core Tools hub — new ones are added as they are built.
The HPO Axis Explorer
The hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis drawn out: each hormone across the cycle, the feedback loops, and what changes when the axis is interrupted. Free with any Core Revision account.
Chronic kidney disease
Build the renal reasoning that underpins so many single-best-answer stems.
Dermatology
Practise the pattern-spotting that dermatology questions turn on.
Medical statistics & EBM
Decode the numbers questions — the evidence and statistics the exam expects you to interpret.
Professional dilemmas
Work through the ethics-and-professionalism scenarios that reward clear judgement.
Browse the full toolbox
See every Core Tool in one place, and check back as more arrive.
More PLAB-specific tools in preparation
We’re building further PLAB-specific decoders, each tied to an area of the content map — with a special eye on the topics that trip up doctors who trained outside the UK. Our tools are written by practising UK GPs and re-audited against current guidance, with corrections logged — and more is on the way.
Build the pattern, then test it
Use a tool to learn how the reasoning flows, then prove it on exam-style questions.
Revision aid, not clinical advice. This page is educational material written for exam preparation. It is not a substitute for the current guideline or for clinical judgement, and must not be relied on for the care of any individual. Always check up-to-date national guidance and verify independently before acting on anything here.
Take this further
This tool is free. If you are preparing for PLAB 1, the full course puts the same reasoning into exam-style questions: a question bank with Core Lens and Deep Dive explanations, a Core Calendar revision plan built around your exam date, and Core Compass to show you which topics need you next.