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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
Starting a medical career in Australia as an International Medical Graduate, IMG, is a significant accomplishment. Imagining yourself working as a respected professional, delivering high quality care, and contributing meaningfully to one of the world’s leading healthcare systems can be incredibly motivating. Yet, it is natural to experience uncertainty about the detailed steps and complex requirements involved. This AMC Exam for Overseas Doctors: Step by Step Guide to Working in Australia is specifically designed to help clarify the entire process, guiding you methodically through each crucial stage.
You will gain clear insights on AMC candidate registration, credential verification, successfully passing the AMC exams, and exploring various hospital and GP pathways. You will also find detailed information about typical timelines, potential bottlenecks, and useful strategies to smoothly navigate your journey. For deeper study planning, see our internal resources, for example, For structured study tactics, see our AKT timing guide and Explore our KFP case packs for targeted practice.
Who Is Considered an International Medical Graduate, IMG
An International Medical Graduate is any medical professional whose primary medical qualification was completed outside Australia or New Zealand [1]. Recognising yourself as an IMG helps you map the correct registration pathway and prepare the right evidence.
Doctors trained outside Australia or New Zealand are considered IMGs under Medical Board definitions [1].
Graduates from certain jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand may be eligible for alternate pathways assessed by the Medical Board, which can differ from the Standard Pathway that uses AMC exams [1].
Australia has experienced a record influx of overseas trained doctors. In the first 10 months of the 2023 to 2024 financial year 4,699 overseas doctors were registered, almost double 2,991 in 2018 to 2019 [2].
Understanding your classification early helps you plan strategically and avoid avoidable delays, especially with verification and evidence gathering.
Setting Up Your AMC Account, Identity Verification, and English Requirements
Before you begin the AMC examinations, several setup steps must be completed. These foundational elements set the stage for the rest of your journey.
AMC candidate account setup: Create an AMC online account and begin your AMC portfolio. Initiate primary source verification of your qualification through ECFMG’s EPIC service as directed by the AMC and the Medical Board [1].
Credential verification, EPIC: Primary source verification is compulsory. Delays commonly arise from university response times, so start early and ensure you nominate the AMC as recipient of the reports [1].
Identity verification: Submit identity evidence electronically. AHPRA reports process improvements that reduced average international assessment time from 110 days in 2022 to 2023 to 87 days in 2023 to 2024 for IMG applications [3].
English proficiency: You must meet the Medical Board’s English Language Skills Registration Standard. The standard provides four pathways, including a test pathway where accepted tests include IELTS and OET. Candidates commonly satisfy this via IELTS with 7.0 in each band or OET Grade B in each subtest, noting the Standard sets the authoritative rules and alternative education based pathways now exist [4].
Tip, confirm the current English pathways against the official standard before booking a test, since pathway options were broadened in late 2024 for implementation in 2025 [4].
Hospital and GP Pathways After Passing the AMC
Once your AMC assessments are complete and you hold registration to practise under supervision, you can explore hospital pathways or general practice pathways according to interest and context.
Hospital pathway
Typical entry roles include Resident Medical Officer or Junior Medical Officer in public hospitals. These positions provide broad rotations and Australian clinical references, which support future specialty training applications.
Australia continues to grapple with unevenly distributed doctor supply. Workforce commentary from RACGP and Department of Health highlights sustained shortages in regional and outer metropolitan settings, which opens suitable opportunities for IMGs who meet registration requirements [2], [7], [8].
General practice pathway
Many IMGs enter primary care through Distribution Priority Areas, with supervision and structured programs leading toward general registration and later GP Fellowship via RACGP or ACRRM programs.
Under expedited specialist and IMG workforce initiatives, AHPRA reports that 86 percent of doctors placed through the new expedited specialist pathway are practising in identified workforce shortage areas, indicating strong alignment between policy placement and community need [7].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can employment be secured after passing only AMC Part 1, MCQ
Yes. After Part 1 you can be eligible for supervised junior medical roles such as JMO or RMO, subject to meeting English and registration requirements for limited registration with AHPRA [1], [3].
2. Are AMC exams mandatory for all overseas doctors in Australia
Generally, yes for the Standard Pathway. However, doctors from certain competent authority jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand may be assessed under the Competent Authority or Specialist pathways determined by the Medical Board, which may not require AMC exams [1].
3. What immediate steps follow completion of an MBBS overseas
Pass AMC Part 1, confirm English standard, secure a supervised role and limited registration, then pass AMC Part 2, progress to AMC Certificate, complete supervised practice requirements, and apply for general registration [1], [5].
4. Is Australia currently experiencing a medical workforce shortage
Yes, with sustained shortages outside major centres, and policy responses that expand Distribution Priority Areas and targeted pathways. RACGP reporting shows continued demand in outer metropolitan and regional areas, and AHPRA workforce initiatives place 86 percent of expedited pathway specialists in shortage areas [2], [7], [8].
5. What are typical earnings for IMGs in Australia
Public hospital remuneration is determined by state enterprise agreements and can vary with overtime and allowances. Broad ranges for junior doctors and registrars are consistent with AMA summaries. Always check the current state EBA for exact figures and loadings [9].
Typical Timelines and Common Bottlenecks for IMGs
Most IMGs should budget 2 to 3 years from first steps to general registration. The exact duration depends on exam scheduling, verification time, obtaining a supervised role, and completing required supervised practice.
Common delays and how to mitigate them:
Primary source verification lags: University response times and document mismatch cause weeks of delay. Start EPIC immediately and track every credential milestone [1].
Clinical exam availability: The Clinical calendar fills quickly. Monitor release windows and lock an early eligible date to minimise gaps between Part 1 and Part 2 [5], [6].
Registration processing: Average IMG assessment time was 87 days in 2023 to 2024. Submit complete packs, align identity, English and AMC evidence, and confirm employer supervision plans to reduce rework [3].
Employment search: Applications in regional or outer metropolitan sites often move faster than inner metropolitan. Secure written offers that specify supervision levels and orientation plans, then align AHPRA lodgement.
Keep organised logs, set monthly targets for verification, booking, and study tasks, and use peer groups or mentors to accelerate feedback loops. For structured study tactics, see our AKT timing guide, and if you are mapping primary care competencies, explore our KFP case packs for targeted practice.
AMC MCQ Exam, AMC Clinical Exam, and Provisional Registration
The AMC assessment stage includes the MCQ examination and the Clinical examination. Passing both enables you to apply for provisional or limited registration, then commence supervised practice in Australia.
AMC MCQ Exam, Part 1
Computer based assessment of 150 questions over 3.5 hours across adult medicine, surgery, paediatrics, women’s health, mental health, and population health, aligned to the graduating Australian medical student standard [5].
Booking occurs through Pearson VUE sites in Australia and internationally. Prepare with Australian focused guidelines and question practice.
AMC Clinical Exam, Part 2
Objective structured clinical stations, typically 16 total with 14 scored. Since 21 March 2024 the overall pass requirement is 9 out of 14 scored stations, updated from the previous 10 out of 14 standard [6], [5].
Sessions run on site and by approved delivery modes published by the AMC. Align preparation to common Australian presentations and communication standards.
Provisional or limited registration
After passing both examinations the AMC issues an AMC Certificate which enables you to seek provisional registration if you have not completed an internship equivalent, or limited registration for supervised practice where appropriate [1].
AHPRA processing times for internationally qualified medical practitioner applications averaged 87 days in 2023 to 2024, so plan your evidence compilation and employment offer timelines accordingly [3].
If you are feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about your AMC preparation, remember that Fellow Academy is here to support you every step of the way. With expertly crafted AMC exam resources, comprehensive study notes, high yield flashcards, and practical guidance tailored specifically for IMGs, Fellow Academy empowers you to approach your exams confidently and successfully embark on your Australian medical career.
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.
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
[1] Medical Board of Australia. 2025. International medical graduates, pathways to registration. Canberra: Medical Board of Australia. https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/International-Medical-Graduates.aspx
[2] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 2024. Australia registers record influx of overseas doctors, newsGP, 24 June 2024. East Melbourne: RACGP. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/australia-registers-record-influx-of-overseas-doct
[3] Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. 2024. International medical workforce surge under Ahpra’s improved processes, media release, 10 September 2024. Melbourne: Ahpra. https://www.ahpra.gov.au/News/2024-09-10-media-release-Intl-Medical-workforce.aspx
[4] Medical Board of Australia. 2024. English language skills registration standard. Canberra: Medical Board of Australia. https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills/English-language-skills-registration-standard.aspx
[5] Australian Medical Council. 2024. AMC 2023 to 2024 Annual Report. Canberra: AMC. https://www.amc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/AMC-2023-24-Annual-Report.pdf
[6] Australian Medical Council. 2024. Changes to the AMC clinical pass requirement, 25 April 2024. Canberra: AMC. https://www.amc.org.au/news-and-updates/change-to-pass-requirement-for-the-clinical-examination/
[7] Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. 2025. Workforce initiatives produce results, 20 August 2025. Melbourne: Ahpra. https://www.ahpra.gov.au/News/2025-08-20-Workforce-initiatives-produce-results.aspx
[8] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 2025. DPA changes and rural workforce commentary, newsGP, 11 March 2025. East Melbourne: RACGP. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/dpa-changes-take-doctors-away-from-rural-areas
[9] Australian Medical Association. 2024. Doctor remuneration snapshot and EBA links. Barton: AMA. https://www.ama.com.au
AKT Exam Preparation: Study Strategies That Work
AKT vs KFP: Which RACGP Exam Is Harder (and How to Prepare for Both)
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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
Starting a medical career in Australia as an International Medical Graduate, IMG, is a significant accomplishment. Imagining yourself working as a respected professional, delivering high quality care, and contributing meaningfully to one of the world’s leading healthcare systems can be incredibly motivating. Yet, it is natural to experience uncertainty about the detailed steps and complex requirements involved. This AMC Exam for Overseas Doctors: Step by Step Guide to Working in Australia is specifically designed to help clarify the entire process, guiding you methodically through each crucial stage.
You will gain clear insights on AMC candidate registration, credential verification, successfully passing the AMC exams, and exploring various hospital and GP pathways. You will also find detailed information about typical timelines, potential bottlenecks, and useful strategies to smoothly navigate your journey. For deeper study planning, see our internal resources, for example, For structured study tactics, see our AKT timing guide and Explore our KFP case packs for targeted practice.
Who Is Considered an International Medical Graduate, IMG
An International Medical Graduate is any medical professional whose primary medical qualification was completed outside Australia or New Zealand [1]. Recognising yourself as an IMG helps you map the correct registration pathway and prepare the right evidence.
Doctors trained outside Australia or New Zealand are considered IMGs under Medical Board definitions [1].
Graduates from certain jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand may be eligible for alternate pathways assessed by the Medical Board, which can differ from the Standard Pathway that uses AMC exams [1].
Australia has experienced a record influx of overseas trained doctors. In the first 10 months of the 2023 to 2024 financial year 4,699 overseas doctors were registered, almost double 2,991 in 2018 to 2019 [2].
Understanding your classification early helps you plan strategically and avoid avoidable delays, especially with verification and evidence gathering.
Setting Up Your AMC Account, Identity Verification, and English Requirements
Before you begin the AMC examinations, several setup steps must be completed. These foundational elements set the stage for the rest of your journey.
AMC candidate account setup: Create an AMC online account and begin your AMC portfolio. Initiate primary source verification of your qualification through ECFMG’s EPIC service as directed by the AMC and the Medical Board [1].
Credential verification, EPIC: Primary source verification is compulsory. Delays commonly arise from university response times, so start early and ensure you nominate the AMC as recipient of the reports [1].
Identity verification: Submit identity evidence electronically. AHPRA reports process improvements that reduced average international assessment time from 110 days in 2022 to 2023 to 87 days in 2023 to 2024 for IMG applications [3].
English proficiency: You must meet the Medical Board’s English Language Skills Registration Standard. The standard provides four pathways, including a test pathway where accepted tests include IELTS and OET. Candidates commonly satisfy this via IELTS with 7.0 in each band or OET Grade B in each subtest, noting the Standard sets the authoritative rules and alternative education based pathways now exist [4].
Tip, confirm the current English pathways against the official standard before booking a test, since pathway options were broadened in late 2024 for implementation in 2025 [4].
Hospital and GP Pathways After Passing the AMC
Once your AMC assessments are complete and you hold registration to practise under supervision, you can explore hospital pathways or general practice pathways according to interest and context.
Hospital pathway
Typical entry roles include Resident Medical Officer or Junior Medical Officer in public hospitals. These positions provide broad rotations and Australian clinical references, which support future specialty training applications.
Australia continues to grapple with unevenly distributed doctor supply. Workforce commentary from RACGP and Department of Health highlights sustained shortages in regional and outer metropolitan settings, which opens suitable opportunities for IMGs who meet registration requirements [2], [7], [8].
General practice pathway
Many IMGs enter primary care through Distribution Priority Areas, with supervision and structured programs leading toward general registration and later GP Fellowship via RACGP or ACRRM programs.
Under expedited specialist and IMG workforce initiatives, AHPRA reports that 86 percent of doctors placed through the new expedited specialist pathway are practising in identified workforce shortage areas, indicating strong alignment between policy placement and community need [7].
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:
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can employment be secured after passing only AMC Part 1, MCQ
Yes. After Part 1 you can be eligible for supervised junior medical roles such as JMO or RMO, subject to meeting English and registration requirements for limited registration with AHPRA [1], [3].
2. Are AMC exams mandatory for all overseas doctors in Australia
Generally, yes for the Standard Pathway. However, doctors from certain competent authority jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand may be assessed under the Competent Authority or Specialist pathways determined by the Medical Board, which may not require AMC exams [1].
3. What immediate steps follow completion of an MBBS overseas
Pass AMC Part 1, confirm English standard, secure a supervised role and limited registration, then pass AMC Part 2, progress to AMC Certificate, complete supervised practice requirements, and apply for general registration [1], [5].
4. Is Australia currently experiencing a medical workforce shortage
Yes, with sustained shortages outside major centres, and policy responses that expand Distribution Priority Areas and targeted pathways. RACGP reporting shows continued demand in outer metropolitan and regional areas, and AHPRA workforce initiatives place 86 percent of expedited pathway specialists in shortage areas [2], [7], [8].
5. What are typical earnings for IMGs in Australia
Public hospital remuneration is determined by state enterprise agreements and can vary with overtime and allowances. Broad ranges for junior doctors and registrars are consistent with AMA summaries. Always check the current state EBA for exact figures and loadings [9].
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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