For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams are a crucial step in becoming eligible to practice medicine in Australia. Passing these exams demonstrates that your medical knowledge and clinical skills meet Australian standards — and they are essential for both AHPRA registration and skilled migration visa applications such as the Subclass 482, Subclass 186, and Subclass 189.
In this guide, we’ll break down the AMC exam process, preparation strategies, and key resources to help you succeed.
1. What Are the AMC Exams?
The AMC exams are designed to assess whether IMGs have the knowledge, skills, and clinical competence to work safely in Australia’s healthcare system.
There are two main exams:
📘 AMC CAT MCQ Examination
- A computer-adaptive multiple-choice test (CAT MCQ)
- 150 questions covering medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics & gynaecology, psychiatry, and general practice
- Held in Australia and internationally at Pearson VUE centres
🩺 AMC Clinical Examination
- Practical, station-based exam testing clinical skills, communication, and patient safety
- Typically taken in Australia after passing the MCQ exam
👉 More details on exam structure: AMC Examinations Overview
2. Why Are the AMC Exams Important?
✅ Required for AHPRA registration under the standard pathway
✅ Provides eligibility to apply for hospital positions and supervised practice
✅ Necessary for skilled migration visas (EOI, Subclass 189, 190, 491)
✅ Ensures patients in Australia receive care that meets national standards
3. How to Apply for the AMC Exams
- Create an AMC Portfolio Account via the AMC website
- Complete Primary Source Verification (PSV) through EPIC to confirm your qualifications
👉 More info: AMC Verification Requirements - Schedule your AMC MCQ exam at a Pearson VUE centre
- Once you pass the MCQ, apply for the AMC Clinical exam
4. Tips for Preparing for the AMC Exams
📖 For the AMC MCQ Exam
- Study from the official AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions
- Use reputable online resources and Q-banks (e.g., AMBOSS, Kaplan, MedTutorials)
- Practice time management — the CAT format adapts based on your performance
🏥 For the AMC Clinical Exam
- Join study groups or courses to practice clinical scenarios
- Focus on communication skills as much as clinical knowledge
- Practice simulated patient interactions to build confidence
👉 Many IMGs also choose to join dedicated preparation courses. For example, IMG SOS offers tailored coaching for AMC MCQ and Clinical exams.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Leaving preparation too late — most candidates need 6–12 months of study
🚫 Ignoring English proficiency — strong communication is vital for the Clinical exam
🚫 Not practicing under exam-like conditions
🚫 Overlooking AHPRA requirements linked to exam results
6. How the AMC Exams Connect to Skilled Migration
Passing the AMC exams is not only about registration — it also affects your visa options.
- Once you’ve passed, you can include this in your Expression of Interest (EOI)
- It strengthens your application for PR visas like the Subclass 189, Subclass 190, or regional Subclass 491
- For employer-sponsored pathways like the Subclass 482, AMC exam progress shows employers your commitment and eligibility
7. How MedMigration Can Support IMGs
At MedMigration, we don’t just help with visas — we help IMGs succeed in the entire migration journey, including:
- Guidance on AMC registration and exams
- Linking exam preparation to visa strategy
- Helping you secure regional sponsorships for faster PR
- Assisting with EOIs and employer connections
✅ Final Thoughts
The AMC exams are a significant challenge, but they’re also your gateway to a medical career in Australia. With the right preparation, resources, and support, you can approach them with confidence.
📩 Ready to start your AMC exam and migration journey?
👉 Contact MedMigration for expert assistance.
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