AMC Exam Demystified: Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply

Are you an international medical graduate (IMG) thinking of becoming a doctor in Australia? The Australian Medical Council (AMC) exam is the best way.

But let’s be honest, taking a foreign country exam might feel scary. You might have lots of questions like: What is the AMC exam exactly? What’s the process like? How long does it take? What are the costs involved? 

Don’t worry, in this blog you will get everything cleared.

If you want to start your AMC exam preparation, here’s everything you need to know about the exam before you apply.

What is the AMC Exam?

First things first, the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exam assesses the medical knowledge and clinical skills of IMGs to ensure they meet Australian standards. It’s primarily intended for those who want to gain general registration through the Standard Pathway.

There are two major parts:

1. AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1): A computer-based multiple-choice exam that tests your clinical knowledge.
2. AMC Clinical Examination (Part 2): An OSCE-style exam that evaluates your practical and communication skills.

Who Needs to Take the AMC Exam?

If you’ve completed your medical degree from a university outside Australia or New Zealand and you’re not eligible for the Competent Authority Pathway or Specialist Pathway, the AMC route is for you.

You’ll first need your credentials verified via EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials), a service managed by ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates’ International Credentials Services) before applying for the exam.

Step-by-Step Process: From EPIC to AMC

Here’s a simple breakdown of how the journey looks:

1. Get EPIC Verified: Submit your primary medical qualification to EPIC for verification.
2. Create an AMC Portfolio: Once EPIC sends the report to AMC, you can set up your AMC account.
3. Apply for the AMC CAT MCQ Exam: This is your first major milestone.
4. Pass the AMC MCQ Exam: You’ll need to score 250 or above to pass the AMC MCQ
5. Apply for the AMC Clinical Exam: Once you pass the MCQ, you’re eligible for the clinical exam.
6. Pass the AMC Clinical Exam: You will need clear 9 out 14 stations to pass the AMC Clinical exam.
7. Apply for Internship or Limited Registration: Your next step is supervised practice, usually via internship or a position under limited registration.
8. General Registration with AHPRA: After fulfilling the required clinical experience, you’re eligible for full registration.

Format and Key Details

AMC CAT MCQ Exam:

• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Questions: 150 multiple-choice questions (best of five format)
• Mode: Computer-based, delivered globally

AMC Clinical Exam:

• Stations: 16 total (14 scored, 2 pilot)
• Format: OSCE-style with simulated patients
• Topics Covered: Medicine, Surgery, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and more
• Passing Score: Must pass 10 out of 14 scored stations, including compulsory ones in OBGYN and Pediatrics

How Much Does It Cost?

Let’s talk numbers:

• Establish an AMC portfolio (including 1 x qualification): AUD 642
• AMC MCQ Exam Fee: AUD 2,920
• AMC Clinical Exam Fee: AUD 3,991

Note: Fees are subject to change; always refer to the official AMC website.

How Long Does the Process Take?

This depends on various factors—how quickly your documents are verified, exam date availability, your preparation pace, and clinical placement opportunities.

On average, the whole process (from EPIC verification to clearing the clinical exam) may take 1.5 to 2.5 years. That said, some highly dedicated candidates complete it within a year.

Is the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Exam Difficult?

It’s definitely challenging, but not impossible.

• The MCQ exam tests your applied clinical knowledge. It’s less about memorizing facts and more about clinical reasoning.
• The clinical exam tests how well you can manage real-life scenarios. Communication, empathy, and professionalism play a big role here.

With the right preparation strategy and consistency, many IMGs successfully clear both parts.

Should You Join a Coaching Program?

While self-study works for some, joining a preparation course can make a huge difference, especially when you’re balancing work, life, and study.

A good AMC prep course will offer:

• Structured study plans
• High-yield notes
• Mock exams
• Recall-based practice
• Live sessions for doubt clearing and motivation

Many IMGs have found platforms like Academically’s AMC Preparation Course helpful because of their personalised approach and support system. Look up their student stories in Academically’s YouTube channel, they’re inspiring!

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready?

Taking the AMC route may seem like a long and winding road, but remember, every IMG who practices in Australia today started right where you are now. The key is to stay focused, gather reliable information, and plan ahead.

Now that the AMC exam isn’t a mystery anymore, are you ready to take the first step?