The Short Answer
It depends on your pathway. Doctors on the Standard Pathway must sit both the AMC MCQ and AMC Clinical exams. Doctors on the Competent Authority Pathway (from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or NZ) and those on the Specialist Pathway assessed by a specialist college are generally exempt from the AMC exams.
AMC Exam Requirements by Pathway
- Standard Pathway: Yes — both the AMC MCQ and AMC Clinical exams are required.
- Competent Authority Pathway: No — exempt from AMC exams.
- Specialist Pathway: No — assessed by the relevant specialist college instead. Some colleges may require their own exams.
- GP Pathway: Varies — may require AMC exams or RACGP/ACRRM assessments depending on your qualifications.
- Limited Registration: May not require AMC exams initially, but you will need to complete them to progress to full registration.
About the AMC Exams
The AMC MCQ exam is a computer-based multiple-choice test covering clinical medicine, surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, psychiatry, and public health. It assesses whether your medical knowledge meets the standard expected of an Australian-trained graduate.
The AMC Clinical exam is a practical examination using simulated patient scenarios. You rotate through a series of clinical stations where you demonstrate history-taking, examination, diagnosis, and management skills.