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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
Choosing between the AMC MCQ vs AMC Clinical: Which AMC Exam to Sit First if You’re an IMG is one of the most important decisions you will make on your path to practising medicine in Australia. It is natural to feel uncertain, anxious, or even overwhelmed by the weight of this choice.
In this comprehensive guide, you will clearly understand the differences between the AMC MCQ and Clinical exams, the optimal sequence and timing of these exams, practical study tips tailored specifically for IMGs, and a structured 6 month preparation timeline. With clear guidance, strategic insights, and evidence based information, you will feel confident and well prepared to move forward.
Skills Tested in the AMC MCQ Exam vs the AMC Clinical Exam
When deciding which AMC exam to sit first, understanding exactly what each exam tests is crucial.
AMC MCQ Exam:
Evaluates theoretical clinical knowledge through multiple choice questions.
Includes 150 multiple choice questions conducted over 3.5 hours [1,7]. Covers core clinical disciplines such as general medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, and population health [1, 7].
Requires approximately 50 percent correct answers, corresponding to a scaled score of 250, to pass [7].
Recent official reporting indicates the MCQ pass rate was approximately 47 percent in 2022 to 2023 [5].
Exam cost, CAT MCQ authorisation fee 2,920 AUD [3].
AMC Clinical Exam:
Assesses practical, hands on clinical skills, patient communication, and clinical reasoning through an Objective Structured Clinical Examination.
Comprises 16 practical stations, each lasting 10 minutes, with reading time and rest stations, conducted over a full day of examining that totals approximately 8 hours when the full circuit and breaks are considered [2, 8].
The AMC clinical pass rate has been reported at approximately 21 percent in AMC publications and reports focusing on examination standards [4] and the 2023 to 2024 Annual Report shows clinical pass rates around 21 to 24 percent depending on the period reported [6].
Exam fees, in person clinical 3,000 AUD, online clinical 3,400 AUD which includes a 400 AUD online levy [3,9].
When It Is Better to Sit the AMC MCQ First
Most IMGs should prioritise sitting the AMC MCQ exam first. This is not only because passing the MCQ is a mandatory prerequisite before attempting the Clinical exam, it is also due to several strategic benefits:
Optimal Knowledge Retention:
Your theoretical knowledge is freshest shortly after graduation or recent clinical practice, making the MCQ exam more approachable.
Delays in sitting the MCQ can lead to knowledge gaps, requiring significant relearning later on. For a structured approach to knowledge refreshers that will later help with RACGP prep, see our internal note on crafting high yield summary sheets and our AKT timing guide.
Global Accessibility and Flexibility:
The AMC MCQ exam is administered globally through Pearson VUE centres, with a 12 month authorisation window that allows flexible scheduling [10].
This flexibility allows you to schedule your exam at convenient locations and dates.
Enhanced Confidence and Momentum:
Achieving an early milestone by passing the MCQ exam can significantly boost your confidence, providing motivation for further preparation.
Early success can help reduce anxiety and support focus for the Clinical exam.
Employment Opportunities:
After passing the AMC MCQ, IMGs on the Standard Pathway apply for limited registration to work under supervision while they complete the clinical requirement, including roles in area of need settings as applicable [11, 12, 14].
Passing the MCQ can therefore open initial pathways for Australian medical employment, supporting your clinical readiness. For related guidance on supervised practice documentation and sequencing your steps toward general registration, see our internal walkthrough on the AHPRA Standard Pathway milestones.
Matching Your AMC Prep to Your Question Bank and Study Group
To succeed in AMC exams, align your preparation methods precisely to each exam’s demands:
AMC MCQ Exam Preparation:
Utilise reputable AMC specific question banks regularly, anchored to the AMC MCQ specifications [1, 7].
Complete timed practice exams under simulated AMC exam conditions, including full sittings of 150 questions over 3.5 hours [7].
Regularly assess and address your weakest areas through targeted study, then re test under time pressure.
AMC Clinical Exam Preparation:
Engage actively in structured AMC Clinical OSCE study groups, aligned to common station families described in the Clinical Examination documentation [2].
Practise scenario based role plays frequently, seeking constructive feedback on history structure, explanation, and safety netting.
Regularly perform circuits that reproduce station length (10 minutes) and reading time, so your pattern recognition and timing become automatic [2].
Efficient Time Management:
Balance AMC exam preparation with clinical work and personal commitments by scheduling short daily sessions that add up over weeks.
Use spaced repetition for recall demanding topics, then rotate to integrated case practice. For detailed frameworks you can adapt to your roster, see our study sprint templates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which AMC exam is easier to pass?
The AMC MCQ exam has historically had a higher pass rate than the Clinical. Official reporting shows MCQ pass rates of approximately 47 percent in 2022 to 2023 and AMC publications and the 2023 to 2024 Annual Report show Clinical pass rates around 21 to 24 percent, underscoring the greater difficulty of the Clinical OSCE [5, 6]
2. Is the AMC MCQ exam a prerequisite for the AMC Clinical exam?
Yes. You must pass the AMC MCQ to be eligible for the clinical exam. The Medical Board explains that IMGs on the Standard Pathway progress via the AMC CAT MCQ, then either the clinical exam or a WBA program, with registration category depending on which exams have been passed 11.
3. How long should preparation for the AMC MCQ exam typically take?
Most candidates plan 4 to 6 months of focused preparation, anchored to the official MCQ specifications of 150 items in 3.5 hours and a scaled pass mark of 250 [7].
4. Can I secure employment in Australia after passing only the AMC MCQ?
After passing the AMC MCQ, IMGs on the Standard Pathway typically apply for limited registration to work under supervision, including area of need positions where appropriate. The Medical Board outlines these pathways and the use of PESCI for certain GP roles [11, 12, 15].
5. What is the format of the AMC MCQ exam?
The AMC MCQ is a computer adaptive examination of 150 single best answer questions completed in 3.5 hours, with a scaled pass mark of 250. Pearson VUE manages scheduling and venues, and the AMC provides a 12 month authorisation window [7, 10].
Sample 6 Month AMC Preparation Pathway for Overseas Doctors
A practical, structured AMC exam preparation timeline can streamline your study approach significantly. Here is a realistic 6 month strategy:
Months 1 to 2: Initial Preparation and MCQ Scheduling:
Schedule your AMC MCQ exam date and secure authorisation, then map weekly targets against the MCQ blueprint [7].
Gather essential AMC MCQ resources and review core clinical content, emphasising Australian practice norms.
Conduct focused daily study sessions addressing foundational topics and build a question log of errors for spaced review.
Month 3: AMC MCQ Intensive Practice:
Undertake multiple full length AMC MCQ mock exams at 150 items and 3.5 hours per sitting [7].
Identify knowledge gaps through detailed mock analysis and targeted guideline reading.
Sit your AMC MCQ exam. Remember that recent reporting has shown MCQ pass rates of approximately 47 percent in 2022 to 2023 which reflects the importance of exam technique and disciplined practice [5].
Months 4 to 5: AMC Clinical Exam Preparation:
Immediately form or join AMC Clinical exam study groups, practising common station patterns and communication challenges [2].
Practise clinical scenarios consistently, incorporating structured feedback on reasoning, red flags, and patient centred language.
Attend targeted workshops or clinical skills courses to address weaknesses and to rehearse station timing of 10 minutes per station [2].
Month 6: Final AMC Clinical Refinement and Examination:
Complete full mock OSCE practice sessions regularly, replicating station timing and reading time across the full circuit [2].
Refine clinical reasoning, explanation of management, and safety netting statements for high frequency presentations.
Sit the AMC Clinical exam fully prepared and confident. Note that the pass requirement is 9 of 14 stations for sittings on or after 21 March 2024 [2]. If your exam is online, remember the online clinical fee includes a 400 AUD levy and the published online total is 3,400 AUD [3, 9].
When to Prepare Early for the AMC Clinical (Migration Timing)
Early preparation for the AMC Clinical exam is strongly recommended, particularly if migration to Australia is planned in the near term. Key reasons include:
Complexity and Preparation Demands:
With clinical pass rates reported at approximately 21 percent in AMC publications and around 21 to 24 percent in the 2023 to 2024 Annual Report, the AMC Clinical exam is notably challenging and requires consistent, intensive preparation [4,6].
Early and continuous clinical preparation significantly improves exam performance and reduces repeat attempts.
Limited Exam Slots and Scheduling Challenges:
AMC Clinical exam sessions are limited and competitive, with dates announced in cycles and a defined scheduling window. Planning ahead and being exam ready allows you to accept earlier dates or cancellation places [8].
Migration and Career Stability:
Immediate preparation upon passing the AMC MCQ exam ensures smoother integration into Australian medical practice, reducing career disruptions.
Early preparation enables you to transition seamlessly into clinical roles or training pathways soon after migration.
AMC Examination Policy Changes:
Following an extensive review, the AMC changed the pass requirement from 10 of 14 stations to 9 of 14 stations, effective 21 March 2024 [2]. Awareness of such changes can help refine your exam strategy, enabling more targeted preparation.
For further detailed AMC Clinical preparation strategies, explore our comprehensive AMC Clinical preparation guide, and for exam day pacing and cognitive load tips, see our AKT timing guide for transferable time management methods.
If AMC exam preparation feels daunting, Fellow Academy offers structured, high quality AMC MCQ and Clinical exam resources, concise notes, evidence based flashcards, expert led webinars, and free clinical case packs specifically tailored to support IMGs. You will feel confidently prepared and well supported throughout your AMC exam journey.
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 experiences of GP candidates who passed their exams. They are general guidance only, not 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 experiences of GP candidates who passed their exams. They are general guidance only, not official RACGP advice.
Reference
[1] Australian Medical Council. (2025, September 9). MCQ Examination Specifications V8. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.amc.org.au/assessments/mcq-examination/
[2] Australian Medical Council. (2024, April 25). Change to pass requirement for the clinical examination and Clinical Examination information. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.amc.org.au/news/ and https://www.amc.org.au/assessments/clinical-examination/
[3] Australian Medical Council. (2025). Fees and charges. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.amc.org.au/fees-and-charges/
[4] Australian Medical Council. (2024). Clearing the Way report noting clinical examination pass rate context. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.amc.org.au/about/annual-reports/
[5] Australian Medical Council. (2023). Annual Report 2022 to 2023, assessment outcomes including MCQ pass rate approximately 47 percent. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.amc.org.au/about/annual-reports/
[6] Australian Medical Council. (2024). Annual Report 2023 to 2024, clinical examination outcomes around 21 to 24 percent depending on period. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.amc.org.au/about/annual-reports/
[7] Australian Medical Council. (2023, May 19). MCQ Examination Specifications V0.7, confirming 150 items, 3.5 hours, scaled pass mark 250. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.amc.org.au/assessments/mcq-examination/
[8] Australian Medical Council. (2021). Clinical Examination Specifications, station length 10 minutes and format. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.amc.org.au/assessments/clinical-examination/
[9] Australian Medical Council. (2023). Online clinical examination levy noted on fees page, 400 AUD levy for online clinical. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.amc.org.au/fees-and-charges/
[10] Pearson VUE. (2025). AMC MCQ Examination scheduling and test centre availability. Retrieved November 2025, from https://home.pearsonvue.com/amc
[11] Medical Board of Australia. (2025). Standard Pathway for International Medical Graduates. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/International-Medical-Graduates/Standard-Pathway.aspx
[12] Medical Board of Australia. (2025). Limited registration, overview of supervised practice and area of need. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/Types/Limited-Registration.aspx
[13] Medical Board of Australia. (2025). AMC certificate holders and general registration, supervised practice requirements. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/General-Registration/
[14] Medical Board of Australia. (2025). Area of need, overview. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/Area-of-Need.aspx
[15] Medical Board of Australia. (2024). Limited registration for postgraduate training or supervised practice. Retrieved November 2025, from https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/Types/Limited-Registration/Limited-registration-for-postgraduate-training-or-supervised-practice.aspx
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
Choosing between the AMC MCQ vs AMC Clinical: Which AMC Exam to Sit First if You’re an IMG is one of the most important decisions you will make on your path to practising medicine in Australia. It is natural to feel uncertain, anxious, or even overwhelmed by the weight of this choice.
In this comprehensive guide, you will clearly understand the differences between the AMC MCQ and Clinical exams, the optimal sequence and timing of these exams, practical study tips tailored specifically for IMGs, and a structured 6 month preparation timeline. With clear guidance, strategic insights, and evidence based information, you will feel confident and well prepared to move forward.
Skills Tested in the AMC MCQ Exam vs the AMC Clinical Exam
When deciding which AMC exam to sit first, understanding exactly what each exam tests is crucial.
AMC MCQ Exam:
Evaluates theoretical clinical knowledge through multiple choice questions.
Includes 150 multiple choice questions conducted over 3.5 hours [1,7]. Covers core clinical disciplines such as general medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, and population health [1, 7].
Requires approximately 50 percent correct answers, corresponding to a scaled score of 250, to pass [7].
Recent official reporting indicates the MCQ pass rate was approximately 47 percent in 2022 to 2023 [5].
Exam cost, CAT MCQ authorisation fee 2,920 AUD [3].
AMC Clinical Exam:
Assesses practical, hands on clinical skills, patient communication, and clinical reasoning through an Objective Structured Clinical Examination.
Comprises 16 practical stations, each lasting 10 minutes, with reading time and rest stations, conducted over a full day of examining that totals approximately 8 hours when the full circuit and breaks are considered [2, 8].
The AMC clinical pass rate has been reported at approximately 21 percent in AMC publications and reports focusing on examination standards [4] and the 2023 to 2024 Annual Report shows clinical pass rates around 21 to 24 percent depending on the period reported [6].
Exam fees, in person clinical 3,000 AUD, online clinical 3,400 AUD which includes a 400 AUD online levy [3,9].
When It Is Better to Sit the AMC MCQ First
Most IMGs should prioritise sitting the AMC MCQ exam first. This is not only because passing the MCQ is a mandatory prerequisite before attempting the Clinical exam, it is also due to several strategic benefits:
Optimal Knowledge Retention:
Your theoretical knowledge is freshest shortly after graduation or recent clinical practice, making the MCQ exam more approachable.
Delays in sitting the MCQ can lead to knowledge gaps, requiring significant relearning later on. For a structured approach to knowledge refreshers that will later help with RACGP prep, see our internal note on crafting high yield summary sheets and our AKT timing guide.
Global Accessibility and Flexibility:
The AMC MCQ exam is administered globally through Pearson VUE centres, with a 12 month authorisation window that allows flexible scheduling [10].
This flexibility allows you to schedule your exam at convenient locations and dates.
Enhanced Confidence and Momentum:
Achieving an early milestone by passing the MCQ exam can significantly boost your confidence, providing motivation for further preparation.
Early success can help reduce anxiety and support focus for the Clinical exam.
Employment Opportunities:
After passing the AMC MCQ, IMGs on the Standard Pathway apply for limited registration to work under supervision while they complete the clinical requirement, including roles in area of need settings as applicable [11, 12, 14].
Passing the MCQ can therefore open initial pathways for Australian medical employment, supporting your clinical readiness. For related guidance on supervised practice documentation and sequencing your steps toward general registration, see our internal walkthrough on the AHPRA Standard Pathway milestones.
Matching Your AMC Prep to Your Question Bank and Study Group
To succeed in AMC exams, align your preparation methods precisely to each exam’s demands:
AMC MCQ Exam Preparation:
Utilise reputable AMC specific question banks regularly, anchored to the AMC MCQ specifications [1, 7].
Complete timed practice exams under simulated AMC exam conditions, including full sittings of 150 questions over 3.5 hours [7].
Regularly assess and address your weakest areas through targeted study, then re test under time pressure.
AMC Clinical Exam Preparation:
Engage actively in structured AMC Clinical OSCE study groups, aligned to common station families described in the Clinical Examination documentation [2].
Practise scenario based role plays frequently, seeking constructive feedback on history structure, explanation, and safety netting.
Regularly perform circuits that reproduce station length (10 minutes) and reading time, so your pattern recognition and timing become automatic [2].
Efficient Time Management:
Balance AMC exam preparation with clinical work and personal commitments by scheduling short daily sessions that add up over weeks.
Use spaced repetition for recall demanding topics, then rotate to integrated case practice. For detailed frameworks you can adapt to your roster, see our study sprint templates.
Tools That Make Active Recall Easy
Digital tools simplify the process of integrating active recall and spaced repetition into your RACGP exam preparation.
-
Brainscape: Uses adaptive algorithms to determine when you should review each flashcard based on your confidence level.
-
Anki: Allows custom deck creation for topics like PBS rules or emergency management.
-
Quizlet: Offers collaborative decks for study groups.
Using these tools allows you to:
-
Review flashcards during commutes or between patients.
-
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.
-
Start early (at least 6–12 months before your exam).
-
Create flashcards for each guideline or high-yield topic.
-
Use Brainscape or Anki daily to review material in spaced cycles.
-
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. Which AMC exam is easier to pass?
The AMC MCQ exam has historically had a higher pass rate than the Clinical. Official reporting shows MCQ pass rates of approximately 47 percent in 2022 to 2023 and AMC publications and the 2023 to 2024 Annual Report show Clinical pass rates around 21 to 24 percent, underscoring the greater difficulty of the Clinical OSCE [5, 6]
2. Is the AMC MCQ exam a prerequisite for the AMC Clinical exam?
Yes. You must pass the AMC MCQ to be eligible for the clinical exam. The Medical Board explains that IMGs on the Standard Pathway progress via the AMC CAT MCQ, then either the clinical exam or a WBA program, with registration category depending on which exams have been passed 11.
3. How long should preparation for the AMC MCQ exam typically take?
Most candidates plan 4 to 6 months of focused preparation, anchored to the official MCQ specifications of 150 items in 3.5 hours and a scaled pass mark of 250 [7].
4. Can I secure employment in Australia after passing only the AMC MCQ?
After passing the AMC MCQ, IMGs on the Standard Pathway typically apply for limited registration to work under supervision, including area of need positions where appropriate. The Medical Board outlines these pathways and the use of PESCI for certain GP roles [11, 12, 15].
5. What is the format of the AMC MCQ exam?
The AMC MCQ is a computer adaptive examination of 150 single best answer questions completed in 3.5 hours, with a scaled pass mark of 250. Pearson VUE manages scheduling and venues, and the AMC provides a 12 month authorisation window [7, 10].
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.
-
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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