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AMC Exam Dates 2026: Everything You Need to Know About Schedule, Fees & Eligibility

AMC Exam Dates 2026

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) is an independent national standards and assessment body for medical education and training, established in 1985. According to the AMC, its 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 key ways the AMC fulfills this role is by assessing international medical graduates (IMGs) through the AMC examinations, which are required for doctors seeking to practice medicine in Australia.

AMC MCQ Exam

The AMC examination process consists of two parts. The first is the AMC MCQ exam, a 150-question multiple-choice assessment delivered as a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) over three and a half hours.

In a CAT format, each candidate receives a unique exam. The first question is selected randomly from the item pool. If the candidate answers correctly, the next question increases in difficulty; if answered incorrectly, the following question is easier. This adaptive process continues until the final question is completed. The scoring is calculated dynamically after each response.

At least half of the questions are drawn from previously used items, while the remaining questions are new. The exam content covers the following domains:

  • Adult Health (Medicine)
  • Adult Health (Surgery)
  • Women’s Health (Obstetrics & Gynecology)
  • Child Health
  • Mental Health
  • Population Health
  • Ethics

AMC Clinical Exam

After successfully passing the AMC MCQ exam, candidates become eligible to sit for the AMC Clinical Exam, which is conducted in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) format.

This exam assesses clinical competence at the level of a final-year medical student entering internship. It consists of 16 active stations and 4 rest stations, completed over 3–4 hours in a single day. Candidates are given 10 minutes per station—2 minutes to read the scenario and tasks, followed by 8 minutes to complete them.

Tasks may include:

  • Taking a focused medical history
  • Performing a physical examination
  • Suggesting differential diagnoses or investigations
  • Counseling or educating patients

Stations may involve simulated patients, video scenarios, medical charts, images, or other clinical materials.

Following an extensive review, the AMC updated its passing criteria for the Clinical Exam, reducing the required number of passed stations from 10 out of 14 to 9 out of 14.

AMC Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA)

For candidates who prefer an alternative to the Clinical Exam, the AMC offers a Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA) pathway. This assessment evaluates a doctor’s real-world clinical performance over time in an accredited workplace setting.

The WBA focuses on:

  • Clinical knowledge and decision-making
  • Communication skills
  • Professionalism and teamwork
  • Patient safety and risk management

This pathway allows IMGs to demonstrate competence in everyday clinical practice rather than a single examination setting.

AMC Eligibility Requirements

To apply for AMC examinations, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency through IELTS or OET
  • Hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship, permanent residency, or an appropriate work visa

Required Documents

  • Final Medical Diploma / Primary Qualification (e.g., MBBS)
    Verified through the EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials) system
  • Proof of Identity
    Government-issued photo ID such as a passport
  • English Language Test Results
    IELTS or OET (if applicable)

AMC Exam Venues

The AMC MCQ exam is conducted year-round at approved testing centers within Australia and internationally. Pearson VUE manages the exam venues and scheduling. Candidates may select their preferred exam date up to 12 months in advance through their AMC candidate account.

The AMC Clinical Exam, which was previously conducted online, is now fully in-person and held at the AMC test center in Melbourne throughout 2026.

Steps to Apply for the AMC Exam

Step 1: Visit the official AMC website
Step 2: Create an AMC candidate account
Step 3: Set up an EPIC account and submit credentials for verification
Step 4: Establish your AMC Portfolio
Step 5: Complete the AMC application form

  • MCQ Exam: Submit credentials, pay fees, and schedule your exam
  • Clinical Exam: Apply after passing the MCQ exam
    Step 6: Pay the applicable AMC exam fees
    Step 7: Receive authorization via email
    Step 8: Book your exam date and venue through Pearson VUE

AMC Exam Fees (2026)

Following benchmarking reviews, the AMC revised its fee structure. Current fees include:

  • AMC Portfolio setup: AUD 642
  • MCQ Exam registration: AUD 2,920
  • In-person Clinical Exam: AUD 3,991
  • Online Clinical Exam (if applicable): AUD 4,391 (includes levy)
  • Workplace-Based Assessment: AUD 1,070

AMC Exam Dates 2026

In 2026, the AMC MCQ exam is expected to be held for approximately five days each month. While exact dates vary by location and availability, anticipated exam windows include:

  • February 2026: Mid-February to mid-March
  • April 2026: Early to mid-April
  • May 2026: Mid-May
  • June 2026: Mid to late June
  • July 2026: Mid-July
  • August 2026: Early to mid-August

Registration deadlines are typically one month before each exam window. Candidates should regularly check their AMC candidate portal for updated availability.

AMC Clinical Exam Dates 2026

Clinical exam sessions are scheduled periodically throughout the year, with limited slots available. Candidates are strongly advised to monitor the AMC website and candidate portal for the latest scheduling announcements.

Why Use CanadaQBank for AMC Exam Preparation?

High-quality preparation is critical for success in the AMC MCQ exam. CanadaQBank is a trusted resource designed specifically for AMC Part 1 (CAT MCQ) preparation.

Benefits of CanadaQBank

  • AMC-focused questions aligned with the official syllabus
  • Regular content updates reflecting current exam trends
  • Customizable practice tests by topic or difficulty
  • Detailed explanations for every answer
  • Performance tracking tools to identify strengths and weaknesses
  • Timed mock exams that simulate the real test experience
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PLAB vs AMC Exams: A Comprehensive Comparison

For medical practitioners considering relocation, choosing the right country is a critical decision. This choice involves careful evaluation of several factors, including lifestyle, healthcare systems, career opportunities, and—most importantly—the licensing examination pathway required to practice medicine legally.

Two of the most popular pathways for international medical graduates (IMGs) are the PLAB (UK) and AMC (Australia) exams. While both serve similar purposes, they differ significantly in structure, cost, difficulty, and career outcomes.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive comparison of the PLAB and AMC exams under the following headings:

  • Eligibility Criteria

  • Exam Format and Content

  • Fees

  • Assessment Process

  • Passing Rates

  • Recognition and Licensure

  • Challenges and Considerations

Before diving in, let’s briefly define both exams.

What Is PLAB?

PLAB stands for the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board examination. It is conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC) of the United Kingdom to assess whether international doctors have the knowledge and skills required to practice medicine safely and effectively in the UK.

What Is AMC?

AMC refers to the Australian Medical Council, the body responsible for assessing and accrediting international medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in Australia. The AMC conducts examinations to evaluate candidates’ medical knowledge, clinical competence, and professionalism.

Eligibility Criteria

AMC Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the AMC exams, candidates must provide:

  • Proof of identity (valid passport and government-issued ID)

  • A recognized medical degree and official academic transcripts

  • Evidence of clinical experience (experience letters or references may be required)

  • A medical registration certificate confirming eligibility to practice in the home country

PLAB Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the PLAB exams, candidates must:

  • Hold a medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools

  • Pass an approved English language test (IELTS or OET) with required scores

  • Be eligible to practice medicine in their home country

  • Have completed 12 months of internship at a recognized teaching or approved hospital

Exam Format and Content

PLAB Exam Structure

PLAB is divided into two parts:

PLAB 1

  • 180 multiple-choice questions

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Clinical scenario–based questions

  • Covers basic medical sciences, clinical medicine, ethics, and patient management

PLAB 2

  • Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

  • 18 clinical stations, 8 minutes each

  • Assesses communication, history-taking, physical examination, and clinical management

  • Conducted only in the UK

AMC Exam Structure

The AMC examination pathway also has two main components:

AMC CAT MCQ

  • 150 computer-adaptive multiple-choice questions

  • Tests general practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and obstetrics & gynecology

AMC Clinical Examination

  • 20 OSCE-style stations

  • Duration: approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes

  • Assesses clinical reasoning, communication, diagnosis, and management

Alternatively, some candidates may qualify for the Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA) pathway, which is available only at accredited Australian sites and has limited slots.

Tip: Many candidates rely on CanadaQBank to prepare effectively for both PLAB and AMC exams through exam-style simulated questions.

Fees

PLAB is generally the more affordable option.

  • PLAB 1: ~AUD 492 (£255)

  • PLAB 2: ~AUD 1,799 (£934)

AMC exams are significantly more expensive:

  • AMC CAT MCQ: ~AUD 2,920 (£1,515)

  • AMC Clinical Exam: ~AUD 3,730 (£1,934)

Assessment Process

PLAB

  • PLAB 1 is held four times per year in the UK and selected international locations

  • Maximum of 4 attempts (a 5th attempt requires additional clinical training)

  • PLAB 2 must be completed within 2 years of passing PLAB 1

  • PLAB 2 is conducted only in the UK

AMC

  • AMC CAT MCQ is available multiple times each month worldwide

  • Unlimited attempts for the MCQ exam

  • Clinical exam can only be attempted after passing the MCQ

  • Some components may be delivered online depending on availability and regulations

Passing Rates

Passing rates vary significantly:

  • PLAB 1: ~65% average pass rate

  • PLAB 2: ~69% average pass rate

  • AMC MCQ: ~63% pass rate

  • AMC Clinical Exam: ~28% pass rate

  • AMC WBA pathway: ~99% pass rate (limited access)

PLAB is generally considered more accessible for IMGs, while AMC is often regarded as more challenging and resource-intensive.

Recognition and Licensure

PLAB

Passing PLAB allows candidates to apply for full GMC registration, enabling them to work as doctors in the UK once approved. Registration must be completed within two years of passing PLAB 2.

AMC

In Australia, candidates must first secure an employment offer after passing the AMC MCQ. This leads to provisional registration and a 12-month supervised internship. Full registration is granted after successful completion of training and assessments.

Challenges and Considerations

  • AMC is expensive and may require multiple attempts, making preparation time (3–12 months) crucial.

  • PLAB has a limited number of attempts, so strategic preparation (1.5–4 months) is essential.

  • Career pathways, immigration policies, and lifestyle differences should also influence your choice.

Conclusion

Both PLAB (UK) and AMC (Australia) are highly respected licensing exams that open doors to international medical careers. Your choice should depend on factors such as cost, exam difficulty, long-term career goals, and preferred country of practice.

At CanadaQBank, we support both journeys:

  • Thousands of PLAB 1–style MCQs tailored to GMC standards

  • High-quality AMC CAT MCQs designed to reflect real exam difficulty

  • Regular updates aligned with changing exam patterns

With the right preparation, your medical career abroad is well within reach.