Did you know… 82 per cent of healthcare occupations in Australia are currently in shortage? This highlights a nationwide gap in skilled medical professionals. The demand is expected to grow rapidly. Rural and regional areas continue to face the most severe shortages.
International medical graduates already form a critical pillar of the system. They make up 32 per cent of the total medical workforce and over half of rural doctors, proving that Australia’s healthcare system depends heavily on globally trained physicians. This reality makes the AMC pathway more relevant than ever.
A structured AMC 1 Exam Study Plan is not just about clearing an exam. It is about entering a healthcare system that urgently needs skilled doctors and offers long-term career stability, strong salaries, and clear growth pathways. Let’s know more.
What Relevance the AMC Pathway have in 2026?
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) exam is part of the Standard Pathway for international medical graduates who want general registration in Australia. After passing AMC exams, candidates can apply for registration through AHPRA and begin supervised practice.
Latest AMC updates you must know
Keeping your preparation aligned with current exam policies is critical.
• From this year, the AMC has slightly increased the pass standard for the MCQ exam while keeping the same scoring scale of 0–500 with a pass score of around 250.
• The exam format remains unchanged.
• Clinical exam fees were reduced in 2025 to improve accessibility for IMGs.
These updates show that the pathway is becoming more accessible, but standards remain high.
AMC Part 1 Exam Overview
The AMC CAT MCQ exam evaluates whether your medical knowledge matches the level of an Australian medical graduate.
Exam format
• 150 MCQs in a single session
• Computer adaptive testing format
• 3.5 hour exam duration
• One best answer from five options
• No negative marking
Major subject areas
• Medicine
• Surgery
• Paediatrics
• Obstetrics and gynaecology
• Psychiatry
• Population health and general practice
The exam focuses on clinical reasoning and Australian guidelines, not pure memorisation.
Why a Structured AMC 1 Exam Study Plan Matters
Many candidates focus only on passing the exam and underestimate how preparation impacts employability. Hospitals often prefer candidates who show strong clinical reasoning, familiarity with Australian guidelines, and exam readiness.
A structured preparation strategy helps you:
• Build confidence before applying for jobs
• Prepare for interviews and clinical communication scenarios
• Enter supervised roles faster after passing exams
Once candidates clear AMC exams, the next challenge is finding suitable clinical roles. Platforms such as Jobslly, a dedicated healthcare job platform, help doctors explore verified opportunities across hospitals, clinics, and regional healthcare centres in Australia. This reduces the job search gap many IMGs face after exam success.
Ideal AMC 1 Exam Study Plan (6 Month Strategy)
This timeline suits working doctors and interns preparing alongside clinical duties.
Months 1 and 2: Foundation Building
Focus on revising core medical subjects using standard AMC-oriented resources.
Subjects to prioritise
• Internal medicine
• Surgery
• Obstetrics and gynaecology
• Paediatrics
• Psychiatry
Study approach
• Study concepts with clinical application
• Create notes based on Australian guidelines
• Start light MCQ practice after each topic
Daily study target: 3 to 4 hours.
Goal: Finish first revision of core subjects.
Months 3 and 4: Intensive Question Practice
This phase determines your exam readiness.
What to do
• Begin full-scale MCQ practice
• Solve timed question blocks daily
• Analyse explanations deeply
• Maintain an error notebook
At this stage, focus on:
• Clinical scenarios
• Emergency medicine
• Ethics and communication
• Preventive medicine
Daily study target: 4 to 6 hours.
Goal: Complete the majority of the question bank.
Month 5: Mock Exams and Weak Area Fixing
Simulation is the most critical phase.
Key actions
• Attempt weekly full-length mock tests
• Track score trends and performance gaps
• Revise weak topics repeatedly
Focus heavily on:
• Time management
• Question interpretation
• Reducing guesswork
Goal: Achieve consistent passing mock scores.
Month 6: Final Revision Phase
This phase is about consolidation, not new learning.
Final month strategy
• Revise notes and error logs
• Attempt last mock exams
• Review Australian guidelines
• Avoid new resources
Final week rule: Only revision and light practice.
Goal: Enter the exam confident and calm.
High-Yield Study Techniques That Work
Active recall over passive reading
Reading textbooks alone is not enough. Question-based learning improves retention and exam performance.
Focus on Australian guidelines
Many candidates lose marks due to differences between home country protocols and Australian practice.
Build a clinical mindset
AMC questions test real-life decision-making, not rote learning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Starting MCQs too late
• Ignoring Australian treatment protocols
• Using too many resources
• Skipping mock exams
• Underestimating time management
Avoiding these mistakes significantly improves your success rate.
Career Outlook After Passing AMC Exams
Healthcare employment in Australia is growing steadily. The sector recorded 5.3 percent year on year employment growth, reflecting rising demand for medical professionals.
Healthcare hiring trends in Australia
Recent workforce data shows:
• More than a million healthcare practitioners are registered.
• Regional areas remain critically underserved despite strong demand.
• Vacancy rates remain high in general practice, emergency medicine, and aged care.
This means AMC cleared doctors are entering a job market where demand already exists.
Step after AMC Part 1
After clearing the AMC MCQ and Clinical exam, doctors can apply for general registration and begin supervised practice.
Entry-level roles for IMGs
Common first roles include:
• Resident Medical Officer
• Junior Medical Officer
• Hospital Medical Officer
These roles provide supervised clinical experience required for full registration.
High Demand Specialties for AMC Doctors
Choosing the right specialty and location significantly improves job prospects.
Current high demand areas include:
• General practice
• Emergency medicine
• Psychiatry and mental health
• Anaesthetics
• Rural and remote medicine
Locum opportunities are also growing quickly. GP and registrar locum roles now average AUD 1,500 to 2,200 per day, and can reach AUD 3,000 or more in remote regions.
This trend shows how workforce shortages are directly increasing earning potential.
Doctor Salary in Australia
Medical salaries vary by experience and location.
Typical ranges:
• Resident doctor: AUD 70,000 to 90,000 annually
• Registrar: AUD 100,000 to 150,000
• General practitioner: AUD 150,000 to 250,000+
Rural areas often offer higher salaries and faster career progression.
Australia faces ongoing doctor shortages, particularly in regional areas. This increases job opportunities for IMGs.
Long-Term Career Growth in Australia
After gaining general registration, doctors can:
• Enter specialist training programs
• Transition into general practice
• Pursue hospital specialist careers
• Work in research and academia
Australia offers strong job security and professional growth.
Why Structured Coaching Helps
Many candidates struggle due to a lack of guidance and exam strategy. Structured mentorship, curated resources, and mock exams can shorten the preparation timeline significantly.
To Conclude With…
The AMC journey requires discipline, consistency, and strategic preparation. With a focused AMC 1 Exam Study Plan, international doctors can successfully transition into the Australian healthcare system and build a rewarding long-term career.