Top Books and Online Courses for European Medical Exam Preparation

Medical exams in Europe are as diverse as the continent itself. From the PLAB in the UK, ESE in Italy, and LEK in Poland, to the ECN in France and Approbationsverfahren in Germany, the path to becoming a licensed physician varies across borders, languages, and health systems. But one truth remains consistent: the road to medical licensure is challenging, and the right preparation can make all the difference.

This article is designed for international medical graduates (IMGs) and European medical students alike who are preparing for licensing or postgraduate entrance exams in Europe. Drawing from real-life clinical experience and the firsthand journey of doctors who’ve cleared these exams, we’ll explore the best resources—digital and traditional—to help you succeed.

Whether you're aiming for specialization in Germany or registration in the UK, this guide will be your trusted compass.

1. Understanding the Medical Licensing Landscape in Europe

Before diving into resources, it’s crucial to understand the basic structure of medical licensing in Europe. Though each country operates independently, most exams test:

• Clinical knowledge
• Communication skills
• Language proficiency (in the local language)
• Medical ethics and health law

Some examples of key exams:

• PLAB (UK) – Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board
• Approbation Exam (Germany) – Includes language certification + clinical knowledge
• LEK (Poland) – Final medical exam for licensure
• ESE (Italy) – State exam for general practice eligibility
• ECN (France) – Competitive postgraduate entrance exam

Each exam has unique components, but preparation often overlaps, especially in core clinical knowledge. Let’s explore what resources work best across various European contexts.

2. Best General Resources for European Medical Exams

A. Books and Review Guides

1. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine
   • A go-to for clinical concepts, presentations, and management
   • Especially useful for UK-based exams and European OSCE formats
2. Kumar & Clark’s Clinical Medicine
   • Deep dive into pathophysiology, diagnostics, and treatment
   • Valuable for exams like Germany’s Kenntnisprüfung and Italy’s ESE
3. Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine
   • Comprehensive and aligned with European medical curricula
   • Clear diagrams and tables for revision
4. PasTest PLAB and MRCP Books
   • MCQs closely mirror the UK PLAB format
   • Includes scenarios and rationales
5. Anatomy and Physiology by Ross & Wilson
   • Frequently referenced in first-stage licensing exams in several European countries

3. Digital Platforms and Online Courses

**A. PLAB/UK-Focused Platforms

• PLABable:
  High-yield MCQs tailored for PLAB 1. Also contains revision notes for PLAB 2. Updated regularly.
• Geeky Medics:
  OSCE station walkthroughs, video demonstrations, and quizzes. Beneficial across all practical exam formats in Europe.
• Passmedicine:
  Used by UK medical students and PLAB aspirants. Has extensive clinical vignettes and progress tracking.

B. General Medical Knowledge Platforms

• AMBOSS:
  A favorite among German and EU-based medical students. Offers question banks, evidence-based notes, and a clean, intuitive interface. Excellent for the Approbation in Germany and LEK in Poland.
• Lecturio:
  High-quality video lectures covering clinical sciences, basic sciences, and medical ethics. Transcripts are available in English and German.
• OnlineMedEd:
  Well-organized for high-yield clinical concept learning. Especially useful for ECN and PLAB 2 candidates.

C. Language-Focused Platforms (Non-English Exams)

• Lingoda:
  Professional German and French language tutoring for healthcare professionals. Ideal for doctors preparing for Fachsprachprüfung (medical language test) in Germany.
• DeutschAkademie App:
  Structured grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension training for German B2/C1 medical-level fluency.
• Duolingo English/French Proficiency:
  While basic, it helps beginners build foundational skills needed for OET or local language tests.

4. Exam-Specific Resources (Country-wise)

A. United Kingdom – PLAB

• PLABable, Passmedicine, OXFORD Handbook
• NHS website guidelines: For up-to-date UK treatment protocols
• GMC's Good Medical Practice: Ethics and professionalism reference for PLAB 2

B. Germany – Kenntnisprüfung + Fachsprachprüfung

• AMBOSS: German and English versions
• FSP-Kurs books and apps: Simulate the German medical communication exam
• Deutsch für Mediziner: Coursebooks and PDFs with real doctor-patient dialogue
• Mediziner Lernkarten (flashcards): Perfect for oral and written exam formats

C. France – ECN (Examen Classant National)

• Collège des Enseignants de Médecine Générale (CNCI): Official content
• Fiches ECN: Concise subject reviews in French
• Conférences Hippocrate: Offer live courses and mock tests

D. Poland – LEK Exam

• LEK Question Banks in Polish
• Medical University portals: Provide mock exams, feedback, and past papers
• LEK preparation Facebook groups: A good place to access shared notes and advice

E. Italy – ESE (Esame di Stato)

• Italian Clinical Medicine textbooks
• Ministry of Education guidelines: Defines what’s tested on the ESE
• Oral and Written Past Exams: Shared among students via forums

5. Clinical Skills and OSCE Preparation

Clinical exams like PLAB 2, FSP (Germany), and ECN practicals demand real-time communication, empathy, and clinical examination skills.

Top Resources:

• Geeky Medics YouTube + App: For physical exam walkthroughs
• OSCEstop: Offers stations, templates, and practice checklists
• ClinicalKey Student: Premium visual learning with 3D anatomy and clinical skills
• Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination: Global standard for physical exam techniques

Use a mirror, camera, or partner to simulate stations. Record your practice and analyze your tone, structure, and patient handling.

6. Language Proficiency and Cultural Competency

Several European medical exams require proof of language proficiency:

• Germany: B2/C1 German + medical language exam
• France: Fluency in medical French
• Italy: Italian clinical fluency for oral exam
• Poland: Polish language MCQs and patient interaction

To prepare:

• Enroll in healthcare-focused language courses
• Practice simulated consultations in that language
• Read local clinical guidelines in the native language

7. Practice with Past Questions and Mock Exams

Nothing beats pattern recognition. Regular practice with past questions gives a major advantage in exams like:

• PLAB
• LEK
• ECN
• Approbation (Germany) written component

Many Facebook and Telegram groups share:

• Flashcards
• Question banks
• Oral exam transcripts

Always verify the authenticity of shared resources before relying on them.

8. Support Groups and Online Communities

You’re not alone. Thousands of foreign and EU-based doctors are navigating this journey. Engage with peers via:

• Reddit (r/medicalschoolEU, r/IMGreddit)
• Telegram channels for PLAB, Approbation, ECN
• Facebook Groups:
  • PLAB Journey UK
  • Approbation Prüfung Vorbereitung
  • ECN Médecine France

You can find:

• Mentors
• Shared resources
• Interview insights
• Study partners
• Moral support

9. Strategies for Success

• Start Early: Especially for exams requiring language prep (6–12 months recommended)
• Make a Study Plan: Block out time for each subject, language skill, and OSCE prep
• Take Mock Exams Seriously: Simulate test day to reduce anxiety
• Stay Updated: Clinical guidelines change—always check NHS or EU national sites
• Balance Your Well-Being: This process is long and stressful. Take care of your physical and mental health.

10. Final Words: Europe Awaits

Whether you’re aiming to practice in Berlin, Paris, Milan, Warsaw, or Manchester, your journey will be both challenging and transformative. With strategic preparation, the right resources, and a clear vision of your goals, you can not only pass these exams—but thrive as a medical professional in Europe.

So pick your destination, gather your tools, and begin preparing with confidence. Europe’s healthcare systems need skilled, compassionate, and committed doctors like you.