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Dr Shaun Tan, FRACGP, MD, BMSC
Medical Examiner | Associate Lecturer
Scored 90% on the AKT & Top 15th percentile in the KFP
If you’re an international medical graduate (IMG) aspiring to practise medicine in Australia, you’ve likely faced moments of uncertainty about your journey ahead. At the heart of this journey lies the AMC Exam for IMGs: Structure, MCQ vs Clinical, and Registration Pathway. Understanding clearly how this works, who must sit it, what exemptions might exist, and what happens afterwards can transform uncertainty into purposeful action.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the AMC Exam for IMGs, clearly comparing the MCQ and Clinical exams, outlining precisely where these exams fit within the registration process, identifying who needs to complete them, and showing you exactly what happens once you succeed.
What Is the AMC Exam and Why Do IMGs Need It?
The AMC Exam for IMGs is a critical assessment mandated for international medical graduates on Australia's Standard Pathway to medical registration. Its main purpose is simple yet important: ensuring that IMGs possess knowledge, clinical reasoning, and practical skills equivalent to a newly graduated Australian doctor [1].
To practise safely in Australia, the AMC Certificate obtained after successfully passing both AMC Exams is essential [2].
The AMC Exam comprises two key assessments:
AMC MCQ Exam, evaluating theoretical medical knowledge.
AMC Clinical Exam, assessing practical clinical competencies and communication.
Understanding the AMC exam structure clearly helps IMGs prepare confidently and ensures safety for both the practitioner and patients.
AMC MCQ vs AMC Clinical: Key Differences in Format and Skills
The AMC Exam involves two distinct and complementary tests. Clearly understanding their formats and assessed skills helps you tailor your preparation effectively.
AMC MCQ Examination (Part 1)
The AMC MCQ Exam is a computer based test of your medical knowledge, comprising 150 multiple choice questions completed within 3.5 hours [1], [3].
Key facts about the AMC MCQ Exam:
150 multiple choice questions.
Completed in 3.5 hours at secure test centres worldwide.
Covers medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, psychiatry, and general practice.
The AMC publishes specifications and performance information through official documents and annual reports rather than a single fixed pass rate on the exam page, so trends vary by reporting period and cohort [1], [7].
Skills assessed:
Clinical reasoning.
Diagnostic accuracy.
Application of evidence based theoretical knowledge.
Clinicians often find real world experience advantageous here, particularly in scenario based questions. Regular revision, mock exams, and thorough understanding of Australian clinical guidelines are strongly recommended.
AMC Clinical Examination (Part 2)
The AMC Clinical Exam, in contrast, evaluates your practical, patient centred clinical skills via an OSCE style assessment. It consists of 16 clinical stations: 14 scored stations plus 2 pilot stations [1].
Key facts about the AMC Clinical Exam:
OSCE with 16 stations.
14 scored stations, 2 unscored pilot stations.
Must pass 9 out of 14 scored stations to succeed, an updated criterion that took effect 21 March 2024 [4], [5].
Recent AMC reporting shows the Clinical Examination pass rate is 21 percent in the published analysis and annual reporting context, reflecting the exam’s challenge and the AMC’s standard setting approach [7], [8].
Skills assessed:
Real time clinical reasoning and patient management.
Physical examination proficiency.
Clear, empathetic, culturally safe patient communication.
Professional conduct and medical ethics.
For success in the Clinical Exam, consistent OSCE practice, role playing clinical scenarios, and familiarity with Australian clinical protocols are highly beneficial.
Clear summary of differences:
MCQ assesses theoretical knowledge, Clinical assesses practical patient management.
Clinical requires direct patient interaction, while MCQ is purely theoretical.
The MCQ must be passed before you can progress to the Clinical exam [9].
Who Must Sit the AMC Exam, and Who May Be Exempt
Clearly identifying who must undertake the AMC exam and who might be exempt can streamline your journey significantly.
IMGs required to complete AMC exams:
Graduates from countries whose medical qualifications are not recognised by Australia.
IMGs without recognised specialist qualifications.
IMGs potentially exempt from AMC exams:
Graduates from Competent Authority countries (United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand), due to reciprocal recognition [6].
IMGs with specialist qualifications assessed by Australian medical colleges (such as RACGP or RACP), via the specialist pathway.
Confirming your specific category early helps in accurately planning your Australian medical career.
(For further clarity on specialist pathway exemptions, see our specialist recognition pathway guide.)
FAQs: AMC Exams and IMG Registration in Australia
1. What exactly are the AMC exams?
The AMC MCQ Exam is a 150 question, computer based theoretical test completed within 3.5 hours. The AMC Clinical Exam is an OSCE assessment featuring 16 stations (14 scored, 2 pilot) evaluating clinical skills and communication [1], [3], [9].
2. What is the AMC exam pass rate?
The AMC communicates performance through official reports rather than a single fixed MCQ pass rate on the exam page, so outcomes vary by period. The Clinical Examination has a 21 percent pass rate in recent published AMC reporting and analysis contexts [7], [8].
3. Can some IMGs skip AMC exams?
Yes. IMGs from Competent Authority countries (United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand) or those with recognised specialist qualifications may bypass AMC exams [6].
4. After passing AMC exams, how soon can I practise independently?
After successfully passing AMC exams, you must complete 12 months supervised practice (47 full time weeks) before applying for general registration and practising independently [2], [10].
5. What resources should I use to prepare for AMC exams?
Recommended resources include official AMC guidelines, AMC exam trial apps, AMC dedicated textbooks, past AMC exam question banks, structured OSCE workshops, and IMG focused study groups.
(Visit our AMC preparation resources page for comprehensive support.)
Next Steps After Passing the AMC Exam
Upon successful completion of your AMC exams, clearly defined next steps ensure smooth transition into practising medicine in Australia:
AMC Certificate: Confirms successful completion of MCQ and Clinical exams.
Provisional registration application: Apply to AHPRA, providing AMC certificate and relevant documentation.
Complete supervised practice: Undertake 12 months (47 weeks full time) of supervised clinical practice, ensuring adaptation to Australian standards [2], [10].
General registration application: Apply for full medical registration to practise independently after supervision period [2].
Further vocational training: Optionally pursue RACGP Fellowship or other specialist training.
Clearly following these steps supports your seamless integration into Australia’s healthcare system.
(Explore further training opportunities with our RACGP Fellowship guide.)
Where the AMC Exam Fits in the Australian Medical Registration Pathway
The AMC Exam for IMGs is an integral component of Australia’s Standard Pathway for international doctors. Here’s the clearly defined registration sequence:
Credential verification: Submit medical degree and credentials through AMC and ECFMG EPIC for verification [2].
AMC MCQ Exam: Successfully pass the theoretical examination.
AMC Clinical Exam or Workplace Based Assessment (WBA): Successfully complete the practical clinical assessment [1].
AMC Certificate: Issued upon passing both examinations.
Supervised practice: Complete 12 months (47 full time weeks) of supervised medical practice [2], [10], [11].
General registration: Apply to AHPRA for general, unrestricted medical registration after supervised practice [2].
Each step builds logically on the previous, enabling structured preparation and confident progression toward your goal of independent medical practice.
(For detailed information on supervised practice requirements, see our comprehensive supervised practice guide.)
Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed is common, but structured support transforms confusion into confidence. Fellow Academy provides tailored AMC and RACGP aligned learning resources specifically designed for IMGs. With detailed exam notes, high quality AKT and KFP style questions, evidence based flashcards, and practical study guides, you’ll find all you need to succeed.
You are capable and deserving of practising medicine confidently in Australia. Let us support you through every stage of your journey.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the RACGP. Strategies shared are based on personal and peer experiences for general guidance only.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the RACGP. Strategies shared are based on personal and peer experiences for general guidance only.
References
[1] Australian Medical Council. (2025). AMC examinations and assessment, Standard Pathway. Canberra, ACT: AMC. Retrieved from https://www.amc.org.au/pathways/standard-pathway/amc-assessments/
[2] Medical Board of Australia. (2024, Oct 20). Standard Pathway for IMGs. Melbourne, VIC: Ahpra, Medical Board of Australia. Retrieved from https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/International-Medical-Graduates/Standard-Pathway.aspx
[3] Australian Medical Council. (2025, Sept 9). Multiple Choice Question Examination Specifications, Version 8. Canberra, ACT: AMC. Retrieved from https://www.amc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-09-09-MCQ-Specifications-V8.pdf
[4] Australian Medical Council. (2024, Apr 25). Changes to the AMC clinical pass requirement. Canberra, ACT: AMC. Retrieved from https://www.amc.org.au/news-and-updates/change-to-pass-requirement-for-the-clinical-examination/
[5] Australian Medical Council. (2024, Mar 21). Clinical examination, pass requirement update noted on assessment page. Canberra, ACT: AMC. Retrieved from https://www.amc.org.au/pathways/standard-pathway/amc-assessments/clinical-examination/
[6] Medical Board of Australia. (2025, Sept 2). Competent Authority Pathway. Melbourne, VIC: Ahpra, Medical Board of Australia. Retrieved from https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/International-Medical-Graduates/Competent-Authority-Pathway.aspx
[7] Australian Medical Council. (2024, Nov 27). AMC Annual Report 2023–24. Canberra, ACT: AMC. Retrieved from https://www.amc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/AMC-2023-24-Annual-Report.pdf
[8] Australian Medical Council. (2024, Feb). Clearing the Way: Initiatives to support international medical graduates. Canberra, ACT: AMC. Retrieved from https://www.amc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AMC_Clear-Way-Report.pdf
[9] Australian Medical Council. (2024, Apr 23). Clinical Examination Specifications, Version 0.6. Canberra, ACT: AMC. Retrieved from https://www.amc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-23-Clinical-Exam-Spec.V0.6-For-Website-update.pdf
[10] Medical Board of Australia. (n.d.). Requirements for general registration, supervised practice 12 months, 47 weeks FTE. Melbourne, VIC: Ahpra, Medical Board of Australia. Retrieved from https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/Types/General-Registration/imgs-with-AMC.aspx
[11] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025, Sept 2). Standard Pathway, complete 12 months, minimum 47 weeks full time supervised practice. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP. Retrieved from https://www.racgp.org.au/education/imgs/live-and-practice-medicine-in-australia/standard-pathway
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Dr Shaun Tan, FRACGP, MD, BMSC
Medical Examiner | Associate Lecturer
Scored 90% on the AKT & Top 15th percentile in the KFP
Summary
If you’re an international medical graduate (IMG) aspiring to practise medicine in Australia, you’ve likely faced moments of uncertainty about your journey ahead. At the heart of this journey lies the AMC Exam for IMGs: Structure, MCQ vs Clinical, and Registration Pathway. Understanding clearly how this works, who must sit it, what exemptions might exist, and what happens afterwards can transform uncertainty into purposeful action.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the AMC Exam for IMGs, clearly comparing the MCQ and Clinical exams, outlining precisely where these exams fit within the registration process, identifying who needs to complete them, and showing you exactly what happens once you succeed.
What Is the AMC Exam and Why Do IMGs Need It?
The AMC Exam for IMGs is a critical assessment mandated for international medical graduates on Australia's Standard Pathway to medical registration. Its main purpose is simple yet important: ensuring that IMGs possess knowledge, clinical reasoning, and practical skills equivalent to a newly graduated Australian doctor [1].
To practise safely in Australia, the AMC Certificate obtained after successfully passing both AMC Exams is essential [2].
The AMC Exam comprises two key assessments:
AMC MCQ Exam, evaluating theoretical medical knowledge.
AMC Clinical Exam, assessing practical clinical competencies and communication.
Understanding the AMC exam structure clearly helps IMGs prepare confidently and ensures safety for both the practitioner and patients.
AMC MCQ vs AMC Clinical: Key Differences in Format and Skills
The AMC Exam involves two distinct and complementary tests. Clearly understanding their formats and assessed skills helps you tailor your preparation effectively.
AMC MCQ Examination (Part 1)
The AMC MCQ Exam is a computer based test of your medical knowledge, comprising 150 multiple choice questions completed within 3.5 hours [1], [3].
Key facts about the AMC MCQ Exam:
150 multiple choice questions.
Completed in 3.5 hours at secure test centres worldwide.
Covers medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, psychiatry, and general practice.
The AMC publishes specifications and performance information through official documents and annual reports rather than a single fixed pass rate on the exam page, so trends vary by reporting period and cohort [1], [7].
Skills assessed:
Clinical reasoning.
Diagnostic accuracy.
Application of evidence based theoretical knowledge.
Clinicians often find real world experience advantageous here, particularly in scenario based questions. Regular revision, mock exams, and thorough understanding of Australian clinical guidelines are strongly recommended.
AMC Clinical Examination (Part 2)
The AMC Clinical Exam, in contrast, evaluates your practical, patient centred clinical skills via an OSCE style assessment. It consists of 16 clinical stations: 14 scored stations plus 2 pilot stations [1].
Key facts about the AMC Clinical Exam:
OSCE with 16 stations.
14 scored stations, 2 unscored pilot stations.
Must pass 9 out of 14 scored stations to succeed, an updated criterion that took effect 21 March 2024 [4], [5].
Recent AMC reporting shows the Clinical Examination pass rate is 21 percent in the published analysis and annual reporting context, reflecting the exam’s challenge and the AMC’s standard setting approach [7], [8].
Skills assessed:
Real time clinical reasoning and patient management.
Physical examination proficiency.
Clear, empathetic, culturally safe patient communication.
Professional conduct and medical ethics.
For success in the Clinical Exam, consistent OSCE practice, role playing clinical scenarios, and familiarity with Australian clinical protocols are highly beneficial.
Clear summary of differences:
MCQ assesses theoretical knowledge, Clinical assesses practical patient management.
Clinical requires direct patient interaction, while MCQ is purely theoretical.
The MCQ must be passed before you can progress to the Clinical exam [9].
Who Must Sit the AMC Exam, and Who May Be Exempt
Clearly identifying who must undertake the AMC exam and who might be exempt can streamline your journey significantly.
IMGs required to complete AMC exams:
Graduates from countries whose medical qualifications are not recognised by Australia.
IMGs without recognised specialist qualifications.
IMGs potentially exempt from AMC exams:
Graduates from Competent Authority countries (United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand), due to reciprocal recognition [6].
IMGs with specialist qualifications assessed by Australian medical colleges (such as RACGP or RACP), via the specialist pathway.
Confirming your specific category early helps in accurately planning your Australian medical career.
(For further clarity on specialist pathway exemptions, see our specialist recognition pathway guide.)
Tools That Make Active Recall Easy
Digital tools simplify the process of integrating active recall and spaced repetition into your RACGP exam preparation.
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Brainscape: Uses adaptive algorithms to determine when you should review each flashcard based on your confidence level.
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Anki: Allows custom deck creation for topics like PBS rules or emergency management.
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Quizlet: Offers collaborative decks for study groups.
Using these tools allows you to:
-
Review flashcards during commutes or between patients.
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Automatically revisit topics you’re struggling with.
-
Track progress and identify weak areas.
These platforms bring structure to your study plan, ensuring regular reinforcement and better recall.
(For time management strategies, see our AKT Study Planner.)
How to Combine These Methods for Peak Performance
When you combine active recall with spaced repetition, the results are exponential. This combination, known as “spaced retrieval practice”, creates a continuous cycle of learning, forgetting, and relearning that strengthens memory.
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Start early (at least 6–12 months before your exam).
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Create flashcards for each guideline or high-yield topic.
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Use Brainscape or Anki daily to review material in spaced cycles.
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Schedule mock exams every 3–4 weeks to test your applied knowledge.
Research indicates spaced repetition can significantly increase long-term retention, with spaced learners achieving approximately 58% accuracy compared to 43% among traditional learners (p<0.001) [4].
By six months into this method, most candidates report not only improved recall but also better confidence under pressure. You’re no longer scrambling to remember—you’re retrieving information automatically.
FAQs: AMC Exams and IMG Registration in Australia
1. What exactly are the AMC exams?
The AMC MCQ Exam is a 150 question, computer based theoretical test completed within 3.5 hours. The AMC Clinical Exam is an OSCE assessment featuring 16 stations (14 scored, 2 pilot) evaluating clinical skills and communication [1], [3], [9].
2. What is the AMC exam pass rate?
The AMC communicates performance through official reports rather than a single fixed MCQ pass rate on the exam page, so outcomes vary by period. The Clinical Examination has a 21 percent pass rate in recent published AMC reporting and analysis contexts [7], [8].
3. Can some IMGs skip AMC exams?
Yes. IMGs from Competent Authority countries (United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand) or those with recognised specialist qualifications may bypass AMC exams [6].
4. After passing AMC exams, how soon can I practise independently?
After successfully passing AMC exams, you must complete 12 months supervised practice (47 full time weeks) before applying for general registration and practising independently [2], [10].
5. What resources should I use to prepare for AMC exams?
Recommended resources include official AMC guidelines, AMC exam trial apps, AMC dedicated textbooks, past AMC exam question banks, structured OSCE workshops, and IMG focused study groups.
(Visit our AMC preparation resources page for comprehensive support.)
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by RACGP exam preparation, Fellow Academy offers high quality AKT and KFP questions, exam notes in concise and comprehensive format, and high yield, evidence based flashcards designed to help you study smarter and perform with confidence. You’ll also find free KFP case packs, webinars, and practical study resources to guide you every step of the way.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). The strategies and approaches shared are based on personal experience and the experiences of other GP candidates who successfully passed their exams. They are intended as general study guidance only and should not be taken as official RACGP advice.
References
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GP Supervisors Australia. (2025). Study Skills Guide for GP Registrars: Studying Smarter, Not Harder. GPSA.
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Carpenter, S. K., Pan, S. C., & Butler, A. C. (2022). The science of effective learning with spacing and retrieval practice. Nature Reviews Psychology, 1(10), 496–511.
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Durrani, S. F., Yousuf, N., Ali, R., et al. (2024). Effectiveness of spaced repetition for clinical problem solving amongst undergraduate medical students studying paediatrics in Pakistan. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 676.
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Price, D. W., Wang, T., O’Neill, T. R., et al. (2025). The effect of spaced repetition on learning and knowledge transfer in a large cohort of practising physicians. Academic Medicine, 100(1), 94–102.
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