Posted on

AMC Exam Dates 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The Australian Medical Council is an independent national standards and assessment body for medical education and training established in 1985. According to the AMC, their purpose is “To ensure that standards of education, training, and assessment of the medical profession promote and protect the health of the Australian community.” One of the ways they achieve this goal is by issuing certification to international medical graduates who participate in the AMC exams with hopes of being allowed to practice medicine in Australia.

AMC MCQ

The AMC exam is divided into two parts. The first is the 150 multiple-choice question exam, a three-and-a-half-hour Computer Adaptive Test (CAT). A CAT format of MCQ is a form of computer-based test administration in which each candidate takes a unique, customized examination. In the CAT MCQ style test, each candidate’s first question is chosen randomly from the item pool. If the answer is incorrect, the next question is less difficult; if it is correct, the next question is more challenging. The test continues to give questions based on previous answers until the last question is reached. After each response, the computer determines the score based on the available information. At least half of the questions are taken from a pool of previously used questions. The remainder of the questions are new ones that have not been used in previous exams. The questions will draw from the following domains: Adult Health [Medicine], Adult Health [Surgery], Women’s Health [Obs][Gyn], Child Health, Mental Health, Population Health, and Ethics.

AMC Clinical Exam

After passing the AMC MCQ, candidates will be allowed to register and partake in the second exam, the AMC Clinical Exam, an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) format. The clinical examination requires the candidate to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the examiners, clinical ability at the level of a graduating final-year medical student about to commence their pre-registration intern year across the broad range of required clinical disciplines. The clinical exam is made up of sixteen stations and four rest stations and is administered in a day over 3 to 4 hours. Candidates are given ten minutes to go through each of the sixteen stations.

Two minutes are spent reading the information given to you regarding the case and the task(s) required of you, while the remaining eight minutes are spent performing the task. Each station usually has three or four tasks, which may include taking a focused medical history, performing a focused physical examination, suggesting differential diagnoses or further diagnostic procedures, or informing and counseling patients about treatments. Stations may use simulated patients, videotaped patient presentations, or other relevant materials, such as charts, digital images, and photographs, which may also be used in the examination.

After extensive review, the AMC changed the passing requirement for the AMC clinical exam from 10 out of 14 stations to 9 out of 14 stations.

AMC Workplace-Based Assessment

An alternate form of assessment is available for those who do not wish to participate in the AMC clinical exam. The workplace-based assessment (WBA) is a form of authentic assessment that tests a candidate’s performance in the real environment that doctors face in their everyday clinical practice. A properly conducted WBA should enable international medical graduates to demonstrate their progress in integrating clinical knowledge and skills as a basis for effective clinical judgments and decisions, which includes effective communication, respect for patients, working productively within a team of healthcare professionals, and applying risk-management skills.

AMC Eligibility

To apply for the AMC exams, you must possess a medical degree from a school on the World Directory of Medical Schools list. Next, you must prove your English proficiency by passing either IELTS or OET. The final requirement is to acquire Australian or New Zealand citizenship/permanent residency or a relevant visa to work as a doctor in Australia.

The documents you’ll need to submit for your application are:

  • Final Medical Diploma/Primary Qualification (e.g., MBBS): Required for verification through the EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials) system. This ensures the authenticity of your qualifications.
  • Proof of Identity: A government-issued photo ID, such as a passport. This is mandatory for establishing your AMC candidate account and ensuring your identity matches your credentials.
  • English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you may need to submit proof of proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.

Venue of the AMC

The AMC conducts the MCQ examinations throughout the year in centers within Australia and overseas. A complete list of available venues can be found here. The AMC selected Pearson VUE to provide the venues and facilities for the MCQ Examination and manage the online scheduling for candidates to obtain an exam event appointment. The AMC allows you to select the most suitable MCQ exam date 12 months before the date.

The pandemic caused the Clinical Exam to be held solely online through supervised video calls, but starting from March 2025, the in-person clinical exams will resume at the AMC test center in Melbourne. If you’re planning to take the clinical exam in 2025, scheduling for in-person exams opens on November 18, 2024, with dates running from March to May 2025.

Steps to Apply for the AMC Exam

Step 1: Visit the Official AMC Website

Step 2: Register on the AMC website to create an account.

Step 3: Complete your verification using the EPIC service. You must set up an EPIC account to upload your medical credentials for primary source verification.

Step 4: After creating your AMC candidate account, you will establish an AMC Portfolio to store all your verified documents and applications.

Step 5: Fill out the AMC application form in your AMC candidate account.
For the MCQ Exam: Submit your verified medical credentials through your AMC candidate account. You will need to pay the exam fees and schedule your test.
For the Clinical Exam: After passing the MCQ exam, you can apply for the Clinical exam, which requires additional scheduling steps.

Step 6: Pay the necessary AMC exam fees.

Step 7: Once the application is processed, students will receive an automated email of authorization to schedule the AMC CAT MCQ exam.

Step 8: Book your AMC exam date and venue through Pearson VUE using the authorization.

AMC Exam Fees

As mentioned before, the AMC has been reviewing its assessment against international benchmarks. One of the outcomes is the decision to reduce the MCQ authorization fee from the current amount of AUD $3,124 to $2,920. Below is a breakdown of the fees a candidate will be expected to pay while registering:

  • Establish an AMC portfolio: AUD642
  • MCQ registration: AUD2,920
  • Online clinical examination: AUD4,391 (AUD3,991 + AUD400 levy). The levy accounts for the logistics and equipment needed to organize an online exam.
  • In-person clinical examination: AUD3,991
  • Workplace-based assessment: AUD1,070

AMC Exam Dates 2025

In 2025, the MCQ exam will be held for about five days every month:

  • February 2025: Exam sessions run from February 17th to March 15th.
  • April 2025: Exam sessions are from April 7th to April 12th.
  • May 2025: Exam sessions occur between May 12th and May 17th.
  • June 2025: Exam sessions are scheduled from June 16th to June 21st.
  • July 2025: Exam sessions span from July 14th to July 19th.
  • August 2025: Exam sessions will occur from August 11th to August 14th.

The full detailed list can be found here.

These exams typically set their registration deadlines approximately one month before the exam dates. For precise scheduling and application instructions, candidates must check and log into their AMC candidate account regularly to confirm available slots and venues, as dates will vary depending on location and capacity.

Clinical Exam:

The AMC Clinical Exam dates for 2025 are scheduled to happen periodically throughout the year, with registration starting months in advance. We recommend candidates monitor the AMC website or their candidate portal for the most up-to-date information on clinical exam sessions, as there are limited slots available.

Perks of Using CanadaQBank for AMC Exams

Using a high-quality question bank when preparing for the AMC exam is paramount to your efforts, as it allows you to measure your readiness for the exam and the areas you need to improve on. CanadaQBank is one of the best QBanks available for the AMC exam. However, due to the structure of the AMC, it covers only the CAT exam.

Benefits of CanadaQBank:

  • Exam-Specific Questions: The Qbank is tailored to the AMC Part 1 syllabus and features high-quality multiple-choice questions that closely mimic the style, difficulty, and focus areas of the actual exam.
  • Regular Updates: CanadaQBank frequently updates its content to reflect the latest AMC exam trends and guidelines, ensuring its users stay aligned with current expectations.
  • Customizable Study Experience: CanadaQBank allows users to create customized tests based on specific topics or difficulty levels, enabling a focused and efficient study session.
  • Detailed Explanations: Each question has comprehensive explanations for correct and incorrect answers, helping users understand key concepts and avoid common pitfalls.
  • Performance Tracking: Progress tracking tools are available on the website, allowing students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and making it easier to tailor their study plans.
  • Simulated Exam Environment: CanadaQBank offers timed mock exams that simulate the actual test day experience, helping candidates improve time management and confidence.
Posted on

How to Pass The AMC Clinical Exam

Imagine investing six to seven years of your life in medical school, along with a significant amount of money, in the pursuit of your dream of becoming a doctor in Australia. You excel in all your previous exams but face the possibility of failing a crucial final exam that could profoundly impact your chances of securing a job in Australia. This exam is none other than the Australian Medical Council Part 2 Clinical OSCE examination.

Renowned for its level of difficulty, this particular medical assessment examination is often underestimated by International Medical Graduates (IMGs), leading to unfortunate failures. However, it’s important to know that despite its reputation, the AMC Clinical Exam can be effectively prepared for with the right approach, drawing from readily available medical knowledge, practice, and organization.

Before delving into specific tactics and strategies, let’s provide a brief overview of the AMC Clinical Exam.

Let’s get to it.

Overview of the AMC

The format of the exam involves interacting with standardized patients and diagnosing their problems. It’s like play-acting, which adds an interesting dimension. But let me tell you, it’s not an easy exam to pass. You can retake it if you don’t succeed on your first attempt, but it’s best to clear it on your initial try to save time and money.

The AMC Clinical Exam is a comprehensive test lasting three hours and twenty minutes. It consists of 16 different simulated clinical scenarios. These scenarios are usually straightforward, presenting patients in an office setting with specific health concerns. You’ll be expected to conduct patient-centred interviews, perform physical examinations, share clinical impressions, discuss further workups, and provide counselling and education.

Communication skills play a vital role in the exam. Your command of spoken English, clarity, pronunciation, and word choice will be assessed. You’ll also be evaluated on your ability to create a comfortable environment, assist with decision-making, and effectively provide information to patients.

To help you prepare, use CanadaQBank. It offers a comprehensive platform with a vast question bank designed specifically for medical students. It allows you to test your knowledge and apply clinical reasoning skills. Using CanadaQBank will give you valuable practice, strengthen your understanding of medical concepts, and improve your ability to answer exam-style questions effectively.

Acing the AMC Clinical Exam

In the AMC Clinical exam, a key component is the differential diagnosis. This involves considering all possible causes for a patient’s symptoms and systematically narrowing them down to reach an accurate diagnosis.

 

Here are a few tips to help you approach differential diagnosis in the exam:

 

  1. Listen and Observe: Pay close attention to the patient’s history and any physical findings provided. Actively listen to the information given by the role player and carefully observe any relevant details. This will help you gather important clues for your analysis.

 

  1. Use Systematic Approach: Take a systematic approach to collect information. Organize your thoughts and consider the most likely causes based on the given scenario. As you gather more information, refine your differential diagnosis and update it accordingly.

 

  1. Prioritize: Consider the severity and urgency of potential diagnoses. Focus on the most serious and life-threatening possibilities first to ensure patient safety. This demonstrates your clinical reasoning and prioritization skills.

 

  1. Apply Clinical Knowledge: Draw upon your foundational medical knowledge to connect the symptoms with potential diagnoses. Familiarize yourself with the common diseases in Australia, as they will likely be the focus of the exam.

 

  1. Be Flexible: Remember that exam scenarios can have variations. While you may have a prototypic case in mind, be open to alternative possibilities. Consider differentials that might arise in specific patient populations, such as older adults, children, or those with comorbidities.

 

  1. Justify Your Choices: Be prepared to explain and justify your differential diagnosis. Clearly articulate your thought process, including the reasoning behind ruling out certain diagnoses and focusing on others. This shows your understanding and clinical reasoning abilities.

 

Remember, the AMC Clinical Exam assesses not only your medical knowledge but also your clinical reasoning skills.

Guidelines to help you

When it comes to the AMC Clinical Exam and the physical examination component, there are some specific guidelines to keep in mind, especially in the online format.

 

  1. Online Format: In the online version of the exam, you won’t be able to perform a physical examination directly. Instead, you’ll need to ask the examiner for the findings. Start by informing the patient that you’ll be requesting the examiner’s input, and then politely address the examiner.

 

  1. Vital Signs: While the examiner usually provides pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature, it’s essential to always specifically ask for them. This way, you ensure that you have all the necessary information.

 

  1. Specific Requests: If you suspect specific differences or conditions, such as blood pressure differences in the arms, orthostatic changes, or coarctation of the aorta, don’t forget to explicitly request the corresponding findings. For example, ask for blood pressure in the right and left arm, blood pressure while lying and standing, and radial and femoral pulses.

 

  1. Be Specific: Keep in mind that the examiner will only provide findings if you specifically ask for them. Instead of vague questions like “What are the findings on inspection of the abdomen?” or “Are there signs of liver failure?”, be more direct and precise. For example, say, “On inspection, I am looking for distension of the abdomen.” This way, you save time and receive the information you need.

 

  1. Communicate Intent: Whenever possible, explain to the examiner why you’re performing a particular examination and what you expect to find. For example, you can say, “I am looking for tenderness in the right iliac fossa over McBurney’s point to confirm or exclude likely appendicitis.” This shows your thought process and helps the examiner understand your approach.

 

  1. The Closing Statement: After the physical examination, it’s crucial to “close” the encounter by offering a compassionate statement that acknowledges the patient’s frustration and provides an understanding of your next steps. Show empathy and communicate what you think might be going on and the tests you plan to order. For example, “I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this back pain; it sounds frustrating. After hearing about your symptoms and doing the physical examination, I’m going to go over what I think might be wrong and what we can do to further figure it out.”

FAQs about the AMC exam

Here are some frequently asked questions about AMC:

How Do I Pass the AMC MCQ Exam?

To pass the AMC MCQ Exam, it’s important to invest time in thorough preparation. Familiarize yourself with the exam format, content, and question style. Utilize study resources such as textbooks, online courses, and practice questions to strengthen your knowledge. Create a study schedule and dedicate regular study time. Practice mock exams to get accustomed to the exam environment and identify areas where you need improvement. Remember to pace yourself during the exam and manage your time effectively.

Do I Need to Sit for the AMC Clinical Exam?

If you obtained your medical degree from a country outside of Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, or the USA, and you do not have a specialist qualification, you will generally need to sit the AMC exams. However, there are exceptions, such as completing the USMLE and PLAB exams or participating in the Workplace Based Assessment program. It’s important to thoroughly research the specific requirements for your situation to determine if you need to sit the AMC clinical exam.

How Do I Obtain a Job After Completing the AMC Clinical Exam?

After passing the AMC Clinical Exam, the next step is to secure a job. Look for vacant Resident Medical Officer positions in public hospitals, especially ones that local graduates haven’t filled. It’s essential to search and apply for jobs directly, as medical recruitment companies might be less inclined to assist international graduates. Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork, including current language certificates and certificates of good standing from previous and current medical authorities. Be proactive in your job search and network with healthcare professionals to increase your chances of finding suitable opportunities.

Conclusion

The AMC exam is just like any medical exam or test. You just need to understand the format, tailor your reading around the said format, be consistent in your studying and, most importantly, be confident. With CanadaQBank at your side, you got this!

Posted on

What Every Med Student Should Know about the Australia Medical License Exam

question bank amc cat

If you want to practice medicine in Australia, you must first pass an extensive and rigorous examination. This exam, known as the AMC CAT, or Australian Medical Council Computer Adaptive Test, is incredibly difficult, but you must pass it to receive your licensure. Below are some of the most important facts all medical students need to know about the AMC CAT.

It Tests Your Knowledge in All Categories

The AMC CAT consists of multiple choice questions that are designed to help test how much you know about the principles and practice of medicine. It covers a wide range of categories, including general practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology. These are incredibly broad categories, and there’s a lot to cover in each one. It takes most students a long time to adequately prepare.

There’s a Clinical Exam or Workplace-Based Assessment, Too

There’s more to passing the AMC exam than the AMC CAT examination you will take on a computer. You will also need to pass the AMC Clinical Exam or the AMC Workplace-Based Assessment, which tests your knowledge and ability in a real-world environment. You cannot participate in either of these until you have successfully passed the AMC CAT. Either is acceptable, but you must apply for a WBA program directly through a provider that offers it.

You Can Find a Trial Exam on the AMC’s Website

Though you can utilize AMC CAT qbank questions to create your own mock exams as a study guide, the Australian Medical Council makes an actual trial examination available through its website. This trial exam is identical to the actual test you will take, but it asks different questions at random. Your ability to pass the trial AMC CAT within the given time limit is a good indicator of your readiness to sit for the actual exam and pass. There is a fee to take the trial exam, but there are no limits on the number of times you can take it.

It is a Pass/Fail Exam

Like most other medical licensing examinations around the world, the AMC CAT exam operates on a pass/fail basis. You will be given the ability to participate in a Clinical Exam or Workplace-Based Assessment if you can pass the CAT portion of the exam, and if you fail, you will need to retake the exam according to the AMC’s guidelines. The exam consists of 150 standard MCQs, and of these, only 120 are scored. Your performance will be measured on a scale from zero to 500 with each question weighted individually, and the pass mark is set at 250.

You Can Take the Exam Again if You Fail

It is important to note that not all students who take the AMC CAT exam pass the first time. If you are one of these students, you have the option to retake the test as soon as you have received your results from your original examination. You will need to reapply for the next available exam, and you will need to pay the exam fees a second time, as well. Unlike licensing exams in other parts of the world, you can continue to pay for and sit for the AMC CAT as many times as you wish until you have passed.

The AMC CAT is a difficult test, and it’s only the first step toward getting your license to practice medicine in Australia. However, there are numerous study materials available to you, and if you study wisely and use those resources, you can absolutely pass with flying colors on your very first attempt.

Posted on

Australia Medical License Exam – What Every Med Student Should Know

Australia Medical License Exam

If you want to practice medicine in Australia, you must first pass an extensive and rigorous examination. This exam, known as the AMC CAT, or Australian Medical Council Computer Adaptive Test, is incredibly difficult, but you must pass it to receive your licensure. Below are some of the most important facts all medical students need to know about the AMC CAT.

It Tests Your Knowledge in All Categories

The AMC CAT consists of multiple choice questions that are designed to help test how much you know about the principles and practice of medicine. It covers a wide range of categories, including general practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology. These are incredibly broad categories, and there’s a lot to cover in each one. It takes most students a long time to adequately prepare.

There’s a Clinical Exam or Workplace-Based Assessment, Too

There’s more to passing the AMC exam than the AMC CAT examination you will take on a computer. You will also need to pass the AMC Clinical Exam or the AMC Workplace-Based Assessment, which tests your knowledge and ability in a real-world environment. You cannot participate in either of these until you have successfully passed the AMC CAT. Either is acceptable, but you must apply for a WBA program directly through a provider that offers it.

You Can Find a Trial Exam on the AMC’s Website

Though you can utilize AMC CAT qbank questions to create your own mock exams as a study guide, the Australian Medical Council makes an actual trial examination available through its website. This trial exam is identical to the actual test you will take, but it asks different questions at random. Your ability to pass the trial AMC CAT within the given time limit is a good indicator of your readiness to sit for the actual exam and pass. There is a fee to take the trial exam, but there are no limits on the number of times you can take it.

It is a Pass/Fail Exam

Like most other medical licensing examinations around the world, the AMC CAT exam operates on a pass/fail basis. You will be given the ability to participate in a Clinical Exam or Workplace-Based Assessment if you can pass the CAT portion of the exam, and if you fail, you will need to retake the exam according to the AMC’s guidelines. The exam consists of 150 standard MCQs, and of these, only 120 are scored. Your performance will be measured on a scale from zero to 500 with each question weighted individually, and the pass mark is set at 250.

You Can Take the Exam Again if You Fail

It is important to note that not all students who take the AMC CAT exam pass the first time. If you are one of these students, you have the option to retake the test as soon as you have received your results from your original examination. You will need to reapply for the next available exam, and you will need to pay the exam fees a second time, as well. Unlike licensing exams in other parts of the world, you can continue to pay for and sit for the AMC CAT as many times as you wish until you have passed.

The AMC CAT is a difficult test, and it’s only the first step toward getting your license to practice medicine in Australia. However, there are numerous study materials available to you, and if you study wisely and use those resources, you can absolutely pass with flying colors on your very first attempt.