Clearing PLAB is a huge achievement, involving months of intense preparation, sleepless nights, exam stress, long-distance travel, and finally the relief of passing. However, for many IMGs, the reality of working in the UK soon sets in, with intense competition for NHS jobs, limited opportunities, and career progression that often feels slower than expected. This is when Australia begins to attract attention, offering better pay, improved work–life balance, more structured training opportunities, and a healthcare system that is considerably more IMG-friendly. Yet a common concern quickly arises: “Do I need to sit another licensing exam after just finishing PLAB?” The good news is that PLAB-qualified doctors may be able to bypass the AMC examinations by applying through Australia’s Competent Authority Pathway (CAP), a route that many doctors are still unaware of.
What Is AMC Exemption After PLAB?
AMC exemption means you do not need to take:
- The AMC CAT MCQ, and
- The AMC Clinical Exam
These exams are normally required for IMGs applying through Australia’s Standard Pathway.
However, doctors who qualify through the Competent Authority Pathway (CAP) are allowed to bypass these exams entirely. This is where PLAB comes into the picture.
If you are going through the Standard Pathway, you have to take the AMC exams. You can start preparing for the AMC Exam by enrolling in the Academically’s AMC Preparation Course.
Does Passing PLAB Automatically Give AMC Exemption?
This is a very common misconception among IMGs.
No, PLAB alone does NOT give AMC exemption.
However…
PLAB + 12 months of supervised practice in the UK does qualify you for AMC exemption through the Competent Authority Pathway (CAP).
So the key is not just PLAB, but PLAB combined with supervised training.
Why Australia Accepts PLAB Through the Competent Authority Pathway
Australia recognizes a small group of international medical regulators as “competent authorities” because their assessments align closely with Australian medical training standards.
The General Medical Council (GMC-UK) is one of them.
This recognition covers:
- PLAB 1 & PLAB 2 (the UK’s assessment of medical competence)
- GMC provisional registration
- UK Foundation Year 1 (FY1) is a supervised clinical practice equivalent to an Australian internship
Because of this, a doctor who has passed PLAB and completed FY1 is considered to have met the same competency level as an Australian medical graduate.
Thus, they are allowed to skip AMC exams and proceed directly to provisional registration.
What You Need for AMC Exemption After PLAB
| Component | Explanation |
| PLAB 1 & 2 | Serves as the assessment equivalent to AMC exams |
| GMC Registration | Proof of meeting UK medical standards |
| 12 Months of FY1 | Mandatory supervised clinical experience |
| EPIC Verification | Ensures documents are valid |
| AMC CAP Application | Necessary for official recognition |
| AHPRA Provisional Registration | Allows you to start working in Australia |
Step-by-Step Guide for PLAB Doctors Moving to Australia
1. Pass PLAB 1 & PLAB 2
Once completed, you become eligible for GMC provisional registration.
2. Complete Foundation Year 1 (FY1)
This fulfils Australia’s supervised practice requirement.
3. Verify Your Credentials via EPIC
This includes:
- Medical degree
- PLAB results
- Internship certificate
4. Apply to AMC Under Competent Authority Pathway
AMC reviews your supervised training and PLAB results.
5. Apply to AHPRA for Provisional Registration
This lets you begin working under supervision in Australia.
6. Complete 47 Weeks of Supervised Practice in Australia
Then apply for General Registration.
Benefits of Using PLAB for AMC Exemption
- Skip both AMC exams
- Lower overall cost
- Faster pathway to provisional registration
- Strong UK training experience
- Higher employability in Australian hospitals
- Direct transition to general registration after supervised practice
Final Thoughts
Reaching Australia after PLAB isn’t just a backup plan; for many IMGs, it becomes the smarter, more stable, and more rewarding pathway. If you’ve completed supervised UK practice, Australia may open a fast-track door for you. If not, the pathway may take longer. Either way, understanding the requirements early helps you plan your moves wisely and avoid repeating exams you’ve already worked so hard to clear. Your PLAB success doesn’t end in the UK; it could very well be the beginning of a career in Australia. For more information or guidance regarding this, reach out to the experts at Academically. They will help you figure out everything.