🎯 How I Passed the SCA Well Above the Pass Mark — On My First Attempt
Preparing for the SCA (Simulated Consultation Assessment) can be overwhelming, especially when you hear about the intensity and unpredictability of the stations. But with the right structure, focused resources, and a committed group, it isabsolutely possible to not just pass — but do exceptionally well.
Here’s exactly how I structured my 45-day journey to SCA success.
📅 Duration: 45 Days of Focused Preparation
I gave myself a structured 6-week plan. Every day was intentional — no wasted effort, no aimless practice.
📚 Materials & Methods I Used
1. Native Nuggets Notes
These were my go-to for solid, concise knowledge. I revised these regularly to sharpen my clinical reasoning and recall.
2. Native Mocks
These scenario-based mock stations helped build confidence and made sure I wasn't just memorising — I was thinking like a GP.
3. Daily Practice with a Group of 3 (Taking Turns)
We were a committed group who practised every single day:
🧑⚕️ Doctor
🗣️ Patient
👩⚖️ Examiner
Roles were rotated every case, which gave all of us deeper insight into what the examiner sees and what the patient feels.
Our schedule:
Weekdays: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Weekends: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Each case was done exactly like the real exam:
⏱ 3 minutes prep (on a whiteboard)
🩺 12 minutes consultation
🗣 5 minutes structured feedback
A clock was always in view to mirror exam pressure.
We gave each other brutally honest but constructive feedback, and that intensity really pushed our standards higher.
4. Simulated Practice in an Exam-Like Setting
I occasionally practised from my actual GP surgery room, using:
My own laptop and headset
A quiet, clinical space resembling my exam room
This helped me get familiar with the environment, technical setup, and mindset I’d need on exam day.
5. YouTube Videos (Only Popular Ones)
I didn’t binge-watch — I only selected videos with high engagement or strong recommendations.
🎥 Nigel Giam (SCA Mentor) – 50% of my SCA YouTube learning
🎥 Hippocratix – 30%
🎥 Mathew Smith – 20%
They helped me visualise consultations, pacing, and how to balance structure with empathy.
🧠 What I Did When My Group Wasn’t Available
There were occasional days when my practice group couldn’t make it. On those days, I:
🔄 Practised with random peers
Let them pick stations at random
Simulated uncertainty — to build resilience and spontaneity
This tested my nerves in a way that perfectly controlled mocks couldn’t.
💤 Final Days Before the Exam
In the last few days, I dialled down the pressure and focused on consolidation:
Slept early to keep my mind sharp
Re-read the Native Nuggets booklet
Revisited commonly repeated stations
Cut out unnecessary conversations and distractions
🧪 On the Day of the Exam
If possible, I recommend doing one case you’re confident in before your actual exam starts. It helps:
Get into your flow
Set the right pace
Boost confidence
✅ Final Thoughts
This was not just about hard work — it was structured, focused, and realistic preparation.
A 45-day plan
A disciplined group of 3 rotating roles
Intense, honest feedback
Real-world simulation — even from my actual GP room
Flexibility and solo prep on off days
That’s how I cleared the SCA well above the pass mark on my first attempt.
If you’re preparing, trust your plan, practise smart, and stay consistent. You’ve got this.
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