AMC Exam Australia 2026: Eligibility, Fees, Syllabus & Pattern

What is the AMC Exam Australia?

The AMC exam, set by the Australian Medical Council, is a must for all IMGs, like Indian MBBS holders. They need to pass it to register with AHPRA. This licensing test ensures doctors meet the required standards for practice in Australia and New Zealand.

Two sequential components:

• AMC CAT MCQ Exam— a computer-adaptive test with medical questions from all clinical fields.
• AMC Clinical Exam (OSCE)— offered in both formats, online via video conferencing or a hands-on test at their Melbourne centre. It checks clinical skills, how well you communicate with patients, and your diagnostic thinking in different situations.

What Is the Eligibility Criteria for AMC Exam?

The AMC exam eligibility is a criterion that a candidate must meet to be able to sit for the exam. And, only if you pass this test, you can become a registered doctor to work in the country. So, let's take a look if you fall into the category:

• You must have a recognized degree from any WDOMS-approved university.
• You should create an AMC Portfolio and your qualifications must be verified by EPIC.
• It's time to choose a pathway- Standard, Competent, or Specialist based on your preference.

Standard -

• You should clear the AMC MCQ Exam
• You should clear the AMC Clinical Exam

Competent -

• Must complete internship training in a Competent Authority country like UK or USA.
• Must apply through the Medical Board of Australia instead of AMC.

Specialist -

• Should complete postgraduate medical specialty training program.
• Apply to a specific medical college in Australia.
• Appear for assessment or supervised practice and pass.

This is all about the AMC exam eligibility and requirements. If you meet the criteria, then take a look at how much this will cost you.

AMC Exam Fees 2026: Updated After July 2025 Revision

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) has maintained specific, structured costs for International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Recently, the cost of its Clinical Exam fee was reduced to make it accessible for students.

Portfolio & Verification

MCQ Exam

Clinical Exam (effective 1 July 2025)

AMC Exam Pattern and Format 2026

The AMC exam has a two-stage format, and that's where many candidates stumble because they don't understand how each part works. Here's exactly what to expect from both.

MCQ examination

The AMC MCQ paper is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) using the fundamentals of Item Response Theory (IRT). Simply said, when you get a question right, the next one gets harder, and if you get one incorrect, it adjusts downward. Your score reflects your ability level, not just the number of correct answers.

Key Points to Note:

• The exam is 3.5 hours long.
• It includes a total of 150 MCQs, each having five options with one correct answer.
• Scores range from 0 to 500, and you need at least 250 to pass.
• Testing happens at Pearson VUE centres worldwide, including various Indian cities.
• Booking opens up year-round, and you can do it up to 12 months early on their site.

Clinical Exam — In-Person OSCE, Melbourne Only

The Clinical is a full-day OSCE at the AMC Test Centre in Melbourne, Australia, with no other test locations.

Key Points to Note:

• It includes 16 stations—14 scored and 2 unscored pilot ones.
• For each station, you get 10 minutes, 2 minutes for reading the case outside and 8 minutes with the simulated patient inside.
• Starting in March 2024, though, the pass mark went from 10 to 9 out of 14 scored stations.

AMC Exam Syllabus 2026

The AMC tests cover all of clinical medicine that an Australian doctor graduate should know. This helps test-takers focus on the right areas without equally revising everything.

AMC MCQ CAT Exam Syllabus

The MCQ CAT syllabus blends questions across specialities. You'll face queries on disease processes, plus stuff on exams, tests, and managing patients.

AMC Clinical Exam Syllabus (OSCE)

The AMC Clinical Exam is a standard Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) format, assessing your applied clinical reasoning, communication skills, and ability to manage common medical problems in a healthcare setting. 

How to Apply for The AMC Exam: Step-By-Step Process

Applying for the AMC exam involves both the AMC and a third-party verifier. Skipping any step or doing them out of order can delay your application by months. So, make sure to follow the exact order here.

• Firstly, create an AMC account and portfolio at portal.amc.org.au, paying $642.
• After creating your account, submit for EPIC primary source verification, where the ECFMG will verify your degree with your university, which takes weeks to months.
• Once AMC confirms your eligibility and pathway, apply for MCQ authorisation by paying a fee of AUD 2,920, and book your MCQ slot through Pearson VUE. Your authorisation will be valid for a year.
• After taking the test, wait for three weeks, and your results will pop up in your AMC account.
• Now, apply for the Clinical test by paying the application fee of $3,000 and booking your spot in Melbourne via the AMC portal.

How to Prepare for the AMC Exam 2026?

Clearing the AMC takes more than medical knowledge; it takes the right resources and a preparation strategy built around how the exam actually works. Here's what serious candidates use.

MCQ (Recommended Timeline: 6–12 months)

• Start with AMC MCQ Preparation App (free, official, 210 questions refreshed April 2026)
• Use resources like Canada QBank, Pastest AMC and Archer Review for strong question banks with clinical explanations
• Practice with AMC past exam questions that overlap 45–60% historically. Review the last 6 months before your date
• Target 1,500–2,000 practice questions minimum, and review every incorrect answer in depth

Clinical (Recommended Timeline: 3–6 months after MCQ pass)

• Start with the AMC Clinical Examination Handbook, which is the official help book for students provided for free.
• Take the OSCE preparation course and practice stations out loud under time pressure in front of others, as self-study alone is not sufficient.
• Keep a strong focus on Australian drug names, structured history taking, breaking bad news, and emergency station protocols.

These are some preparation tips that can help you ace the AMC Exam Australia. However, if you are confused about how to proceed, you can try our PG course finder for MBBS in Australia for a good kick-start. But, if your concern is about where you should go or which college is right for you, then you can try our PG university finder for MBBS in Australia to get the right pick.

AMC exam vs PLAB vs USMLE: Which pathway is best for Indian doctors?

Final Thoughts

Summing up, the AMC exam Australia is one of the most demanding medical licensing assessments in the world, but for Indian MBBS graduates, it remains the most direct route to a high-paying, PR-friendly medical career in Australia. The pathway is long, the preparation is serious, and the process has enough moving parts that getting guidance early makes a real difference. If you're weighing your options or ready to start your application, speaking with our study abroad consultants who specialise in medical pathways can help you plan every step without costly delays.

Helpful Links: 

Upcoming Intakes in Australia 2025-26: Feb, July & Nov Deadlines

Living Cost in Australia for International Students 2025

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. Who Should Take the AMC Exam?

Those who have completed MBBS abroad and want to practice medicine in Australia should appear for the AMC exam to become registered doctors.

2. How Much Does It Cost to Appear for the AMC Exam?

The total AMC exam cost for the Standard Pathway is approximately AUD 6,562 (₹4,48,381) — covering portfolio setup (AUD 642), MCQ authorisation (AUD 2,920), and Clinical exam (AUD 3,000). EPIC verification fees are paid separately to ECFMG in USD.

3. How Much Should You Score to Pass the AMC MCQ Exam?

You must get a minimum of 250 to pass the test and anything below will be a fail. 

4. Is the AMC exam hard?

Yes, the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams are widely considered highly challenging. They are designed to assess the medical knowledge and clinical skills of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to ensure they meet Australian healthcare standards.

5. How to Prepare for AMC Exam?

Here is a simple fail-proof approach to prepare for your AMC exam:

• Understand the Exam Format and Practice Accordingly.
• Breakdown Your Syllabus into Study Result-Producing Topics.
• Take Help of Study Materials that Can Make Your Preparation Super Easy.
• Practice with Mock Tests and Improve Time Management Skills.
• Follow a Proper Schedule and Avoid Distractions.

6. How Many Attempts Do You Have for the AMC Exam?

You have unlimited attempts to clear the AMC exam. However, if you fail thrice in the AMC clinical exam, you must wait for the next calendar year to reapply.

7. Can Indian MBBS graduates apply directly?

Yes, if your college is listed in WDOMS and recognised by the AMC. NMC registration is not required, your degree and completed internship are sufficient to begin the application.

8. What is the AMC pass rate?

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) pass rates for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) vary significantly depending on the stage of the examination: AMC Part 1 (MCQ): 47% to 51% and AMC Part 2 (Clinical) 21–24%. The 2026 MCQ pass standard increase means preparation must be more thorough than in prior years to achieve the same result.