A full mock SCA reveals your real performance under pressure in a way that individual case practice does not. It is the single most valuable preparation activity — and the hardest to access.
Options
Deanery mock SCAs (free). Organised by training programmes. Usually limited places. Most realistic option — may use professional actors and examiner-style marking. Check with your TPD for dates and availability.
Emedica SCA Intensive. 20 role-plays with professional simulated patients in small groups with individual feedback. Effectively a premium mock. Several hundred pounds.
RCGP SCA preparation course. Official RCGP preparation — may include mock elements. Check current availability and content.
DIY mock. Organise with 2+ peers using SCA Revision or SCA Prep cases. 12 cases, 12 minutes each, strict timing, role rotation. Film yourself for post-mock review.
SCA Revision mock feature. Select cases across all curriculum headings for a balanced mock exam.
MedTutor AI. 100 cases done sequentially approximate a mock — but AI patients are less realistic than human actors.
Getting the Most from a Mock
Treat it as the real exam — no pausing, no phone, full time pressure. Get detailed feedback on each case from your examiner/marker. Review performance by domain, not just pass/fail. Identify patterns in weak areas — is the same domain consistently weak across cases?
Timing
First mock: 6-8 weeks before exam. Enough time to address identified weaknesses. Second mock: 2-3 weeks before exam. Calibration and confidence check.
Post-Mock Strategy
Rank your three domains by performance. Allocate remaining revision time to your weakest domain. Use Ask iatroX to deep-dive into clinical topics where your management plans were incomplete.