The Australian Medical Council (AMC) exam is required for international medical graduates (IMGs) who want to practice medicine in Australia. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Eligibility Requirements
To take the AMC exam, you must:
✅ Have a medical degree from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
✅ Create an AMC portfolio and verify your medical credentials through EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials).
✅ Apply for the AMC exams (Step 1: MCQ exam, Step 2: Clinical exam or Workplace-based assessment).
2. AMC Exam Pathways
There are three main pathways depending on your qualifications and goals:
A. Standard Pathway (Most Common)
✔ For IMGs who have a medical degree but no recognized postgraduate training.
✔ You must pass:
1️⃣ AMC MCQ Exam (computer-based, multiple-choice questions).
2️⃣ AMC Clinical Exam (OSCE-style exam) OR Workplace-based Assessment (WBA).
✔ After passing, you can apply for provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
B. Competent Authority Pathway
✔ For doctors who have already passed recognized exams like:
- USMLE Step 1 & 2 (USA)
- PLAB (UK)
- MCCQE (Canada)
- NZREX (New Zealand)
✔ This pathway allows direct entry into supervised practice without taking the AMC exams.
C. Specialist Pathway
✔ For doctors with recognized specialist qualifications.
✔ Assessed by the relevant Australian specialty college.
✔ You may need further exams or training before full registration.
3. Registration Process After Passing AMC
Once you pass the AMC exams, the next steps are:
✔ Apply for provisional registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
✔ Complete 12 months of supervised practice (internship equivalent).
✔ Apply for general registration to work independently.
4. Cost of AMC Exams (2024)
💰 AMC MCQ Exam: ~AUD 2,920
💰 AMC Clinical Exam: ~AUD 4,500
💰 EPIC Verification: ~USD 205 per credential
Final Tips
- Prepare well for the MCQ and Clinical exams with past papers and practice sessions.
- Consider bridging programs (e.g., AMC exam preparation courses).
- Apply early, as exam slots can be competitive.
