About AMC CAT MCQ
The AMC exam is designed to assess international medical graduates for registration purposes, medical knowledge and clinical skills. It is for those candidates whose basic medical qualifications do not meet the Medical Board of Australia (MBA).
The AMC MCQ examination focuses on basic and applied medical knowledge across a wide range of topics and disciplines. This involves understanding the disease process, clinical examination, diagnosis, investigation, therapy and management, as well as the candidate's ability to exercise discrimination, judgment and reasoning in distinguishing between the correct diagnosis and plausible alternatives.
AMC CAT MCQ Structure
The MCQ examination operates as a pass/fail examination, with the pass mark set at the level of knowledge required by Australian medical schools for their final-year graduates.
AMC CAT MCQ Format
| Category | Details |
| Total Questions | 150 MCQs |
| Duration | 3.5 hours (single session) |
| Format | Computer-based (not available in paper format) |
| Question Type | A-type (each question or incomplete statement is followed by five suggested answers - A, B, C, D, E. The candidate must select the best response) |
| Scoring | No negative marking for incorrect answers |
Scoring and Pilot Questions
- 120 MCQs contribute to the final score.
- 30 MCQs are pilot (non-scored) items, integrated throughout the exam until the final 20 questions.
- The final 20 MCQs consist of scored items only.
Completion Requirements
- Candidates must complete all 120 scored questions within the given time.
- Failure to do so may result in an inconclusive result (“Fail – insufficient data to obtain result”).
Results and Notification
Candidates will receive their results within four to six weeks after the exam. The AMC score is based on the candidate's ability level and represented on the AMC scale.
AMC CAT MCQ Syllabus
The AMC MCQ exam is a test of the principles and practice of medicine in the fields of:
AMC CAT MCQ Blueprint | Items Totals |
| Adult Health - Medicine | 35 |
| Adult Health - Surgery | 25 |
| Women's Health - Obstetrics and Gynaecology | 15 |
| Child Health | 15 |
| Mental Health | 15 |
| Population Health and Ethics | 15 |
| Total | 120 |
The majority of the multiple choice questions are common clinical conditions in the Australian community. In order to achieve a satisfactory level of performance, a candidate will require a knowledge of:
- Pathogenesis
- Clinical features
- Investigative findings
- Differential diagnosis
- Management and treatment
Some questions in the AMC MCQ examination will test basic or essential knowledge and understanding of topics. Other questions will require more insight and will test the candidate's capacity to distinguish between the correct diagnosis and plausible alternatives. Questions may contain images of
- X-rays
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
- Scans
- Clinical photographs
- Other visual material.
In general, the MCQ examination will test a candidate's capacity for reasoning rather than rote learning. The MCQ examination includes questions that are regarded as critical to the safety or clinical outcome or threat to life for the patient or are based upon important common conditions and one of:
- Related to life-threatening illness; or
- Critical to safe practice (includes professionalism); or
- Successful clinical outcome or
- Important aspects of public health
How to Prepare for the AMC CAT MCQ Exam
1. Study the AMC Handbook
The AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions is an official resource that provides sample questions and guidance on exam preparation.
2. Use Question Banks and Mock Tests
Practicing with AMC-style MCQs can help improve speed and accuracy. Several online platforms offer AMC CAT MCQ practice tests.
3. Focus on Clinical Reasoning
Since the exam tests applied medical knowledge, candidates should focus on:
- Interpreting clinical cases
- Identifying the best management approach
- Differentiating between similar conditions
4. Manage Time Effectively
With 150 questions in 3.5 hours, time management is crucial. Candidates should:
- Spend less than 90 seconds per question
- Mark difficult questions and return to them later
- Avoid overthinking easy questions
5. Join AMC Exam Preparation Course
Enrolling in the best AMC preparation course can provide:
- Expert guidance from experienced professionals
- Comprehensive study materials tailored to the AMC syllabus
- Practice tests and strategies to enhance performance
Final Thoughts
The AMC CAT MCQ exam is an important step for IMGs aiming to practice medicine in Australia. Understanding the AMC CAT MCQ structure, format, and question style can significantly improve preparation and performance.
By focusing on clinical reasoning, applied medical knowledge, and practicing MCQs, candidates can enhance their chances of success in the exam.
If you are preparing for the AMC exam, stay consistent with your studies, use reliable resources, and practice as much as possible.
Good luck!
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