Who is an International Medical Graduate (IMG)?
First you should be clear on who is an International Medical Graduate (IMG). An IMG is anyone who has done their medical qualification (e.g., MBBS) from a university outside Australia or New Zealand.
So, if you are an IMG who wants to become a doctor in Australia, you will first have to determine your pathway. There are four pathways:
- Standard pathway
- Competent authority pathway
- Specialist pathway (Expedited Specialist pathway, Specialist recognition, Specialist area of need)
- Short-term training in a medical speciality pathway
AMC Exam Eligibility Criteria (Standard Pathway)
The AMC manages only the Standard Pathway. In this, IMGs have to take the AMC exams to register as a doctor in Australia.
If you meet the following requirements, you will be eligible for the AMC exams:
- A recognised primary medical degree (such as MBBS)
- The medical school should be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
- Your medical college should meet the ECFMG or AMC eligibility requirements.
What To Do After You Meet The Eligibility Criteria for AMC Exam
1. Create an AMC Candidate Account
Your next step is to create an AMC portfolio by registering on the AMC website. This account will track your progress and store your personal details, documents, and exam results.
You’ll be assigned an AMC candidate number, which you’ll use throughout your journey.
2. Verify Your Credentials via EPIC
Once your AMC account is set up, you need to get your documents verified through EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials). You’ll need to upload:
- Your primary medical qualification certificate
- Your official academic transcript
- A valid passport or government-issued ID
EPIC will contact your university directly to confirm your qualifications and degrees. This process can take 2–6 weeks, so it’s wise to start early.
3. Take the AMC MCQ Exam
After the verification, you can take the AMC MCQ exam. This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 3.5 hours. It covers a broad range of topics including medicine, surgery, paediatrics, psychiatry, and more.
You can start your preparation for the AMC exam with a top-rated AMC exam preparation course by Academically, designed to give you the best chance of passing on your first attempt.
You can take the test at Pearson VUE centres across Australia and in many countries around the world.
What Happens After the AMC MCQ Exam?
Once you pass the MCQ exam, you become eligible to apply for the AMC Clinical Exam. This is a practical exam designed to assess your:
- Clinical reasoning
- Communication skills
- Physical examination techniques
The AMC Clinical is conducted in an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) format.
Alternative Pathways to Registration
While the AMC manages the Standard Pathway, the Medical Board of Australia handles the other three pathways. Here’s a quick overview:
1. Competent Authority Pathway
For IMGs who have trained and/or are licensed in specific countries:
Eligible Countries/Authorities:
- UK (General Medical Council)
- USA (USMLE + ECFMG certification)
- Canada (LMCC)
- New Zealand (NZREX)
- Ireland (PRES)
Key Benefit: You may skip the AMC exams and apply for provisional registration after supervised practice.
2. Specialist Pathway
For IMGs who are qualified as specialists (e.g., cardiologists, surgeons) and want to work in their field in Australia.
Eligibility:
- Recognised medical degree
- Completion of specialist training overseas
- Assessment by the relevant Australian Specialist Medical College
3. Short-Term Training in a Medical Speciality Pathway
This is for IMGs undertaking temporary supervised training (usually up to 24 months).
Eligibility:
- Primary medical qualification
- Approved short-term training position in Australia
Note: The AMC is only involved in the assessment of the Standard Pathway. All other pathways are administered by the Medical Board of Australia and relevant specialist bodies.
Final Thoughts
To become a doctor in Australia, IMGs have to go through the AMC exams, if they fall under the Standard Pathway. The AMC exam consists of two parts- AMC MCQ CAT and AMC Clinicals. One thing IMGs should be aware of is whether they are eligible for the AMC exams.
This all may seem like a long road, but with the right information, you’ll be one step closer to your dream of becoming a doctor in Australia.
If you need any help or support, don’t hesitate to reach out by filling out the form!
