OSCE medical school

OSCE history taking

History taking is a common medical OSCE station type. You speak to a patient, or a parent, and gather information in a short time. Assessors mark what you ask and how you ask it. Public PLAB 2 guidance describes three marked areas: data gathering, clinical management and interpersonal skills.

1. Introduce yourself, confirm the patient and gain consent.
2. Open with a question that lets the patient talk.
3. Ask about the main symptom in detail, then screen for red flags.
4. Cover past history, medicines, allergies, family and social history.
5. Explore the patient's ideas, worries and wishes.
6. Summarise back, check you have it right, and explain the next step.

OSCE history taking practice

Practise aloud with a timer. PLAB 2 stations last 8 minutes, and AMC Clinical gives 8 minutes of assessment after 2 of reading, but your school may use other timings. The most helpful practice is to repeat the same presenting problem and aim to be more efficient each time.

Check your own school

We do not state any school's rules. Your school sets the stations, minutes and pass rule. Use this site to build the habit of structured, kind history taking. Read OSCE tips, try OSCE practice or see how PLAB 2 uses similar stations.

Examination and procedures need a real person or manikin, as an AI patient cannot see your technique. See OSCE AI.

Common questions

What is OSCE at medical school?

It is a practical exam of timed stations in which medical students show skills such as history taking, examination and communication.

How do I practise OSCE history taking?

Practise aloud with a timer, use a clear structure, and repeat the same presenting problem until your order feels natural.

Do all medical schools use the same OSCE?

No. Your school sets its own format.