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.
