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

PLAB vs AMC Exams: A Comprehensive Comparison

For medical practitioners considering relocation choosing the right county is so important. However, this choice involves careful consideration of several factors. Among these factors is the qualification exam and process that allows you to practice medicine in your chosen destination legally.

That’s why in this article, we will comprehensively compare the PLAB and AMC exams, two prominent assessments that facilitate medical practice in different countries— Canada and Australia.

We will explore both exams under the following headings

  • Eligibility Criteria
  • Format and Content
  • Fees
  • Assessment Process
  • Passing Rates
  • Recognition and Licensure
  • Challenges and Considerations

But before we proceed, let’s explain what the PLAB & AMC are.

What is PLAB?

PLAB is an acronym for the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board test, and it is conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC). The United Kingdom uses it to assess if immigrant doctors seeking to practice have the proper knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective medical care to their citizens.

What is AMC?

AMC stands for the Australian Medical Council, a body that assesses and accredits medical practitioners in Australia. The AMC conducts a series of examinations designed to evaluate the knowledge, clinical skills, and professionalism of candidates seeking registration to practice medicine.

Eligibility Criteria

First on our list are the pre-requirements needed to be eligible to take the exams in these countries.

The AMC requires,

  1. Proof of identity includes a valid passport and a government I.D. This is to verify that you are who you say you are and that you are a registered citizen of that country
  2. You must present your degree and the official transcript from your university.
  3. Immigrating doctors are usually required to have some years of experience working in a hospital or clinic. A letter of recommendation and experience letter would be required.
  4. Medical Registration Certificate. This will prove that you are eligible to practice medicine in your home country.

 

However, to qualify for the PLAB, requires,

  1. You must have completed and obtained your medical degree from an institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
  2. You must have taken an English proficiency test (IELTS or OET) and passed with the necessary scores.
  3. You must be eligible to practice medicine in your home country.
  4. It is required that you have completed 12 months of internship at a teaching or approved hospital to obtain complete registration,

Format and Content

The next thing to discuss is the format of both exams. Both exams are divided into parts. PLAB is divided into two,

PLAB 1 is a written test comprising 180 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within 3 hours. Each question starts with a scenario followed by a question and assesses your understanding of basic medical sciences, clinical medicine, and ethics.

PLAB 2 is a practical review that evaluates your clinical skills, including communication, history-taking, physical examination, and clinical management. The idea here is to reflect real life and comprises 18 clinical scenarios that last 8 minutes each.

On the other hand, the AMC exams are divided into two

  • CAT mcq questions
  • Clinical examination.

The Computer Adaptive test is an MCQ numbering 150, and it tests your knowledge in general practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology.

The clinical examination is a practical assessment that evaluates your clinical skills in patient care and communication, review, and diagnosis. It has 20 stations and takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. The clinical exam has a choice called the workplace-based assessment pathway (WBA); it has a cactusmeraviglietina.it limited spot and is open to doctors employed at one of ten sites accredited by the AMC for this purpose in Australia.

Remember, you can always rely on CanadaQBank to help you pass your PLAB or AMC.

Fees

Of the two examinations, PLAB is the less expensive option. PLAB 1 costs about AUD 492 (£ 255), while the AMC MCQ costs AUD2,920(£ 1,515). PLAB 2 costs AUD 1,799 (£ 934), and the AMC Clinical examination is about AUD 3,730(£ 1,934).

Assessment Process

PLAB 1 exams are run four times a year in the UK and abroad. You can take the test 4 times but must undergo an extra 12 months of clinical training to be allowed a 5th and final try. PLAB 2 is held only in the U.K., and the venues available will be shown when you register online. Also, PLAB 2 must be done within two years of passing PLAB1.

AMC CAT exam is held on multiple dates every month worldwide, and you have an unlimited amount of trials. However, the clinical exam can only be taken after completing the CAT exam. Note that it can also be taken online. This format was been developed to account for health restrictions especially following the pandemic.

Passing Rates

The pass rate for both exams paints an interesting picture, but you must remember that the AMC is geared towards new medical practitioners while PLAB is aimed at the more experienced.

Over the last five years, PLAB has maintained a 65% pass average for PLAB1, and PLAB 2’s pass average is 69%. The AMC, on the other hand, has an average pass rate of 63% for the MCQ, but it drops for the clinical exam to an average of 28%. However, the workplace based assessment (WBA) of the has a pass rate of 99%.

Recognition and Licensure

Passing your PLAB exam allows you to apply for complete registration and grants you a license to practice, and this should be done within two years of passing PLAB 2. With this, you can begin working as a doctor once the GMC gives you approval.

Australia is a bit different in that you must first get an employment offer before being granted a provisional license that will allow you to complete a 12-month internship where you prove your competence. This can be done after passing your AMC CAT exam, helping you reduce your time. Once you have completed both parts of the exam plus your trial year, you are eligible to work in Australia.

Challenges and Considerations

Both exams come with their challenges. The AMC is quite expensive, and as its pass rate has shown, it may require multiple attempts. To avoid overspending, past successful AMC test takers recommend preparing for three months – 1 year.

PLAB allows a max of 5 attempts, so it is prudent that you pass. Experts recommend spending 1.5-4 months preparing for the exams, as seen in the previous pass rates.

Conclusion

The AMC and PLAB are crucial exams for anyone who wants to study in Australia or Canada, respectively. This is because you need to pass these exams to get your medical license and get a job in these countries. So, we know how important these exams are. And that’s why at CanadaQBank, we offer some of the best simulated AMC CAT MCQs you will ever get! It is gotten from the actual exams and updates regularly to go with changes in the curriculum.

For PLAB, we also have over 3400 of some of the best MCQs tailored to help you pass your PLAB 1. These simulated questions give you a feel of how the exams will be and make your medical dreams come true.