The AMC Exam: A Guide for International Medical Graduates
If you’ve completed your medical training outside Australia or New Zealand, the journey to working as a doctor Down Under begins with choosing the right pathway to registration. For many international medical graduates (IMGs), that path involves passing the AMC Exam.
In this guide, we break down what the AMC Exam is, who it’s for, and how to navigate the process.
What Is the AMC Exam?
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) Exam assesses the medical knowledge and clinical skills of overseas-trained doctors to ensure they meet Australian standards.
It’s made up of two key components:
- AMC MCQ Exam – a computer-based multiple-choice exam that tests core medical knowledge across general practice, internal medicine, paediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and obstetrics & gynaecology.
- AMC Clinical Examination (CE) – a hands-on, practical exam assessing communication, diagnosis, examination, and management skills across a variety of clinical settings.
Together, these exams ensure IMGs are ready to deliver safe, effective healthcare in Australia.
How Is the AMC Exam Conducted?
1. AMC MCQ Exam
The MCQ component is designed to evaluate your understanding of disease processes, clinical reasoning, diagnosis, and patient management. It covers:
- General and applied medical knowledge
- Critical thinking and decision-making
- Knowledge integration across multiple specialities
Read our full guide to the AMC MCQ Exam
2. AMC Clinical Examination
This structured exam includes:
- 16 stations (plus 4 rest stations), each lasting 10 minutes
- Real-life scenarios using simulated patients, visual materials, and written case prompts
- Assessment of history-taking, physical examination, investigations, diagnosis, communication and patient management
Who Needs to Take the AMC Exam?
The AMC Exam is required for IMGs applying through the Standard Pathway, the most common route for those who are not eligible for the Competent Authority or Specialist Pathways.
To qualify, you must:
- Hold a primary medical qualification in medicine and surgery from a school recognised by the AMC
- Pass the AMC MCQ Exam before you’re eligible to sit the Clinical Exam
Once both exams are passed, you'll be awarded the AMC Certificate, a key requirement for general registration with AHPRA.
Steps to Register for the AMC Exam
- Primary Source Verification
Start by submitting your qualifications through the ECFMG EPIC system to verify your medical degree. - Create an AMC Portfolio
Upload ID and relevant documents to receive your AMC candidate number. - Book and Sit the Exams
Once verified, you can book the MCQ exam. Upon passing, you'll be eligible for the Clinical Exam.
For more information, visit the Australian Medical Council website.
Need Help With the AMC Process?
Whether you're still overseas or already in Australia, Globe Healthcare can help. We specialise in supporting IMGs through every stage of their journey – from navigating the AMC exam process to securing locum, fixed-term, or permanent roles across Australia.
Speak to our team today and let’s get your Australian medical career underway.
Need Help Navigating the Process?
Need support with the AMC or AHPRA process? Our team at Globe Healthcare specialises in helping IMGs/ doctors every step of the way - from exams and registration to finding the right locum, fixed-term or permanent job role across Australia. Reach out to us today to learn more.
Work in Australia or New Zealand
If you're considering working in Australia or New Zealand, Globe Locums can help secure you the perfect contract. We have a range of clients across the healthcare professions that are looking for dynamic and well-trained individuals to join their teams
