Did you know that the average salary for doctors in Australia is around 150,000 AUD? That translates to 82.5 lakhs in Indian rupees. It's no wonder Australia is one of the top destinations for medical graduates from around the world. In addition to this, you get a welcoming culture, some of the best lifestyle, and a beautiful country to build your life in. For most international medical graduates (IMGs), the only thing that is standing between them and the Australian dream is the AMC exams.
If you’re a doctor looking to move to Australia for a medical career, join hands with Academically. We are here to guide and support you at every step, from exam preparation to visa application.
In this blog, we will take you through the process of applying for the Australian Medical Council exam, or the AMC exam.
We will talk about the eligibility, exam format, fees, registration process, and more.
Let’s start this journey.
What is the AMC exam?
The Australian Medical Council exam is an assessment to check the competency of IMGs for the Australian Healthcare industry.
Thousands of candidates every year take this milestone exam. Their goal: a career in Australia.
To understand the AMC exam, it’s important to understand the Australian healthcare industry. It is one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world. This standard is maintained through many checkpoints.
The AMC is one such organization that sets and maintains the standard of medical education in Australia. For an international candidate to practice as a doctor in Australia, they have to meet this standard.
Here is where the AMC exam comes into play.
This exam is for medical graduates from countries other than:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
- UK
- Ireland
- USA
AMC Exam 1 and AMC Exam 2
The AMC exam is a two-part assessment. The AMC Part 1 exam and the AMC Part 2 exam. Part 1 is for theoretical assessment, while Part 2 tests the candidate’s skill in a clinical setting.
The following table gives you the key points for both exams.
| Details | AMC Exam 1 | AMC Exam 2 |
| Name | AMC CAT MCQ Exam | AMC Clinical Exam |
| Mode of Exam | Computer based | In-person or Computer-based (limited slots available) |
| Exam Date | Anytime between February and November | AMC releases dates on its website for scheduling the in-person exam. |
| Exam Center | Exam held globally | Melbourne, Australia (In-person) |
| Exam Duration | 3.5 Hours | 3-4 Hours (Each station is of 10 minutes) |
| Number of Questions | 120+30 items (Total 150 items) | 16 stations total |
| Passing Score | 250/500 | 9 out of 14 stations |
Together, these tests are designed to assess the skills, understanding, and decision-making ability of an international doctor.
Eligibility for the AMC Exam
The primary eligibility criterion for taking the AMC exam is holding a primary medical degree. This degree has to be recognized by the AMC.
You can check the eligibility of your degree and your college through the AMC site and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDoMS).
Registration Process for the AMC Exam
The registration process for the AMC exam is a bit lengthy. Here’s a simplified version for better understanding.
Note that you can take the AMC Part 2 exam only once you clear the AMC Part 1 exam.
Once you clear the AMC Part 1 exam, you will be able to see your results within a month.
If you have cleared the Part 1 exam, you can request an assessment certificate. The next step is to apply for the AMC Part 2 exam.
Although online options are available, these are very limited. IMGs will be required to go to Melbourne, Australia, for the Clinical Exam.
When is the AMC Exam in 2026?
The AMC official site lists the dates for different AMC events. These events are all the dates when the AMC exam can be scheduled, in Australia and outside the country.
We have listed the dates of these events in 2025. Note that these exams are held between February and November. No exam can be scheduled in December and January.
| Month | Event Dates |
| July | From 13th to 18th of July |
| August | From 17th to 22nd of August |
| September | From 14th to 19th of September |
| October | From 12th to 17th of October |
| November | From 16th to 21st of November |
You can only book one of these events in a year. Only after you receive the result for the exam can you schedule the next one.
What is the Cost of Taking the AMC Exam?
The AMC exam expenditure should be treated like an investment in your medical career. Let us look at the fee for both the AMC Exam.
| Process | Fees | |
| AUD | INR* | |
| AMC Account creation | 642 | 35,310 |
| Per Additional Qualification | 107 | 5,885 |
| EPIC Account Creation | 130 | 7,150 |
| Additional Verification | 100 | 5,500 |
| AMC Part 1 Exam | 2920 | 1,60,600 |
| AMC Part 2 Exam | 3991 | 2,19,500 |
| English Language Test | 445 | 24,475 |
*Subject to change as per currency exchange rates
There are also options for a refund in case your verification is not done, or is done incompletely.
Now that the registration process and the exam fees are clear, let’s look at the syllabus for the AMC exam.
AMC Exam Syllabus
The syllabus covered in these exams is categorized into 6 different fields:
| Topics | Weightage | Content |
| Adult Health (Medicine) | 30% | Understanding anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology and clinical skills like physical examination, communication, patient counselling and management strategies |
| Adult Health (Surgery) | 20% | |
| Women’s Health (Ob/Gyn) | 12.50% | Reproductive health- pregnancy, labour, birth, and post-natal care |
| Child Health | 12.50% | Includes all aspect of child health from foetal development and transition to extra-uterine life, end of adolescence, including growth, physical development, puberty and intellectual development |
| Mental Health | 12.50% | Diagnosis and management of psychological, behavioural and mental disorders, illness and addictions |
| Population Health | 12.50% | Surveillance, vaccination programs, public education, epidemiology and legislation or disease management measures, patient privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, and other legal issues. |
The syllabus for the AMC exam is extensive. It requires proper guidance to understand where to begin.
At Academically, you will find expert mentors and like-minded peers to guide you in your AMC journey. With years of experience and numerous successful candidates, we are here to help you navigate your journey to success.
How to Prepare for the AMC Exam?
AMC exam preparation requires strategic planning. Here are a few AMC exam tips you can follow:
- Understand the AMC exam pattern
The weightiest topics are the adult health ones (medicine and surgery). Nearly 50% of the questions are based on these topics. Dedicate sufficient time to these topics.
- AMC Exam Study Plan
Make a well-rounded study plan. Along with learning, include time for:
- Mock Test
- Group study
- Clinical exam practice
- Practice questions
- Revision
Take proper breaks in between to ensure effective preparation.
- Gather relevant resources
The AMC site offers a variety of book recommendations for all subjects. A few of them are:
- For MCQ: AMC handbook of multiple-choice questions
- For Clinical: Nair BKR, ed. Clinical Examination: A Problem-Based Approach
- Join forums and online courses
This will help you track your progress and also cover topics that may have been missed.
- Counselling
Consult with mentors and peers to gain a deeper understanding of AMC success strategies.
- Stay Updated
Keep a track of any changes in the AMC exam pattern, syllabus, or pass marks.
Read: AMC Exam Unlocked: Challenges Faced and Mistakes to Avoid
The process of registering as a doctor in Australia can be lengthy and sometimes confusing, but ultimately rewarding. The opportunities available to you there, will be extremely beneficial for both your profession and your everyday life.
If you’re considering this move and are unsure where to start, reach out to us and let us guide you through your big transition.
