AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL COUNCIL (AMC)

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) conducts examinations to assess the knowledge and clinical skills of international medical graduates seeking registration in Australia. The AMC exam consists of two parts: a computer-based Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) exam and a clinical examination. 

(1) AMC MCQ Exam:

• Format : Computer-based, multiple-choice questions.
• Duration : 3.5 hours
• Number of questions : 150
• Content : Covers medical sciences, clinical knowledge, and principles of clinical practice.
• Scoring : The exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 500, with a passing score of 250.

(2) AMC Clinical Examination:

• Format : Assesses clinical skills through a series of stations, which may include patient interaction, simulated scenarios, or video presentations.
• Duration : Varies, typically one to two hours.
• Number of stations : 16 assessed stations plus 4 rest stations. 
• Content : Evaluates skills in medicine, surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry. 
• Focus : Assesses the ability to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.

Access to the AMC CAT MCQ Examinations

You may not be able to sit the AMC CAT MCQ examination if you have primary residency in a country sanctioned by the United States Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). 

The AMC CAT MCQ examination is delivered by Pearson VUE, a United States registered company, who must comply with the economic and trade sanctions enforced by OFAC. This means they may not be able to accept your scheduling request unless you can provide proof of primary residency in a non-sanctioned country. 

To schedule a Pearson VUE exam

• Find your exam : Go to the Pearson VUE website and find the certification or exam you're interested in. 
• Sign in or create an account : If you have an account, sign in. Otherwise, create a new one. You may need your candidate ID or other relevant information from your certification program.
• Locate the scheduling option : On the exam details page, find the option to schedule your exam. This might be labeled "Schedule Exam" or "Schedule Now". 
• Choose a testing center : You may be able to select from a list of nearby testing centers. 
• Select a date and time : Browse the available dates and times and choose the one that works best for you. 
• Confirm your appointment : Review all the details and confirm your exam appointment. 
• Receive confirmation : Pearson VUE will send you a confirmation email with the details of your appointment. 

AMC CAT MCQ examination dates : https://www.amc.org.au/pathways/standard-pathway/amc-assessments/mcq-examination/mcq-examination-events/

Proof of identity requirements

You must provide two forms of identity documentation (ID) to enter the examination venue:

• All ID documentation presented for examination entry to the exam must be in English or include an official certified English translation.
• The primary ID must contain your photo and signature. 
• The secondary ID must contain your signature. 

Acceptable primary ID (photo and signature) include:

• Drivers Licence
• Passport 
• State/county identification card 
• Alien registration card (green card, permanent residents visa). 

Standard secondary ID (signature) include: 

• Credit card, bank/ATM card 
• US social security card 
• Any primary ID as listed above. 

Both your primary and secondary ID must contain your signature and your primary ID must also contain your photo.

Clinical Examination Eligibility

To be eligible for the clinical examination you must have passed the AMC CAT MCQ examination.

Clinical examination structure

The examination comprises 16 assessed stations and four rest stations. 

During the examination, you will rotate through these stations and undertake a variety of clinical tasks 

Stations are of 10 minutes duration comprising: 

• Two minutes reading time, and  
• Eight minutes assessment time. 

Stations may use simulated patients, or videotaped patient presentations. 

Other relevant materials, such as charts, digital images and photographs may also be used in the examination. 

Preparing for the clinical examination 

To prepare for the clinical examination it is recommended that you:  

(1) Familiarise yourself with the Clinical Examination Specifications

The Clinical Examination Specifications document contains guidelines and specifications to assist candidates for the AMC Clinical Examination.

The guidelines contain information about:

• the format and content of the examination 
• the levels of clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes required to satisfy the requirements of the examination 
• the areas and topics covered in the examination 
• preparing for the examination 
• suggested reading lists for the examination. 

(2) Watch the candidate briefing video 

(3) Review the suggested reading list for the clinical examination

(4) Tips from Examiners

Indigenous Health

We recommend you visit the AMC Indigenous Health webpage to learn about the commitment of the AMC to promoting Indigenous Health by ensuring culturally safe practice to improve health outcomes.

Scheduling an online clinical examination

Priority Scheduling for Online Clinical Exams: Supporting IMGs in Rural and Remote Australia

The AMC is implementing a new priority scheduling system for our online clinical exams. This initiative reflects the AMC’s commitment to supporting International Medical Graduates (IMGs) working in rural and remote areas of Australia.

Priority will be given to IMGs currently employed in the medical workforce in rural and remote locations. This change ensures that IMGs supporting healthcare delivery in underserved areas can access online exam opportunities in a timely manner.

The AMC recognises the vital contribution of IMGs in addressing healthcare needs across Australia, particularly those areas which cover rural, remote, and very remote areas.

This prioritisation aims to:

• Facilitate progression toward full registration for IMGs working in these regions.
• Support the delivery of healthcare services where they are needed most.
• Acknowledge the challenges faced by IMGs in accessing exams while working in rural and remote areas.

Please see below PDF for the scheduling process for the July 2025 Examinations.

https://www.amc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/July-online-exams-Priority-Scheduling.pdf

Clinical Examinations – Online 

Candidate briefing video

The candidate briefing video provides information about the:

• Examination Structure
• Examination Stations
• Allowable and prohibited materials. 

It is recommended that you watch this video prior to attending the clinical examination.

https://www.amc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AZM-Candidate-Briefing-Video-V3-.webm?_=1

Report time

You must be logged into the designated link by the time specified for the examination. 

Use of mobile phones during the examination

For the AMC to communicate with you in the event of a technical issue, you are permitted to have your mobile phone switched to silent in the same room. You are required to show the invigilator that your phone is switched to silent, with the vibration function off. Only one phone is permitted. 

Technology requirements

You must comply with the following technology requirements:

Desktop or laptop

The device used to undertake the examination must be either a desktop or laptop computer

• Tablets and mobile devices cannot be used
• You need to ensure you have administrator privileges on the device to enable software installation 

Windows 11 operating system

The device must be running the Windows 11 operating system.  

• This can be PC, or an Apple computer set up to dual-boot into Windows 10/11
• OS X is not supported

Screen size

The screen size for your device must be a minimum of 14 inches.

Webcam

A webcam must be used and positioned at roughly eye level.

Headphones

Use of headphones is compulsory. These must be plug-in headphones with a microphone.

• Wireless or Bluetooth headphones are not permitted due to risks of battery failure and poor-quality audio connection.
• You must have a second pair of headphones ready in case there are technology issues with your first pair.  
• Failure to wear headphones will result in you being unable to continue with your examination.

Internet connection

There must be a reliable, high speed internet connection available in the examination location.

Room setup

You must be the only person in the examination room, and it must be free of distractions for entire examination period. 

If you are unable to comply with these requirements, you will not be permitted to sit the online clinical examination. 

FEES STRUCTURE

AMC portfolio application fees

CAT MCQ examination fees