FAQ: Australian Medical Council (AMC) Examinations
Q: What are the AMC examinations?
A: The AMC examinations are assessments for international medical graduates (IMGs) aspiring to practice medicine in Australia, ensuring they meet Australia's medical standards.
Q: What is the primary purpose of these exams?
A: They are a prerequisite for general medical registration in Australia for IMGs.
Q: Who are these assessments for?
A: Primarily for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who completed their medical education outside Australia and seek registration.
Q: What is the 'Standard Pathway'?
A: It's the most common route involving the AMC Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) MCQ Examination, followed by either the AMC Clinical Examination or the AMC Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) program.
Q: What are the fundamental eligibility criteria?
A: You must hold a primary medical qualification from an institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDoMS) with an ECFMG Sponsor Note.
Q: What are the English language proficiency requirements?
A: IMGs must meet the English language standards set by the Medical Board of Australia, proof of which is required for all registration categories unless exempted.
Q: How do I create an AMC account and portfolio?
A: It's a six-step process involving confirming eligibility, creating MyIntealth/EPIC and AMC accounts, establishing an AMC Portfolio, and verifying qualifications.
Q: How do I apply for the AMC CAT MCQ Examination?
A: Once your AMC portfolio is established and eligible, you can submit an online application through your AMC candidate account for an MCQ authorisation.
Q: How do I schedule the AMC Clinical Examination?
A: Scheduling is done through the AMC Clinical Scheduling Application, accessible from your AMC Candidate Account only during designated scheduling events.
Q: What is the format of the AMC CAT MCQ Examination?
A: It's a 3.5-hour computer-adaptive test with 150 multiple-choice questions, covering fundamental principles of medicine across various specialties.
Q: What is the format of the AMC Clinical Examination?
A: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) with 16 assessed stations (14 scored, 2 pilot) and 4 rest stations, each 10 minutes long, assessing practical clinical skills.
Q: What is the passing score for the Clinical Exam?
A: You must pass 9 or more of the 14 scored stations. (Updated from 10 stations in March 2024).
Q: What is the Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) program?
A: An alternative to the Clinical Exam for IMGs who passed the MCQ and are working in an approved Australian clinical position. It assesses skills in the actual workplace over about 6 months.
Q: Where is the AMC Clinical Examination primarily held?
A: From March 2025, it is primarily held in-person at the new AMC Test Centre in Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria. Online spots are very limited.
Q: How are AMC exam results released?
A: Results for both MCQ and Clinical exams are available via your AMC candidate account, typically three weeks after the examination event.
Q: Does the AMC CAT MCQ Examination result expire?
A: No, the result of the AMC CAT MCQ Examination does not expire.
Q: Is there a limit to re-attempts for the AMC Clinical Examination?
A: Official resources do not explicitly state a maximum, but high costs, limited scheduling, and non-transferable placements create significant implicit limitations.
Q: What are key tips from AMC examiners for preparation?
A: Focus on common clinical applications, differential diagnosis, and therapeutics. Review medical journals with articles on common clinical conditions prevalent in the Australian community.
AMC Examinations: Your Path to Practicing Medicine in Australia