1. Eligibility Criteria
Before you can even start thinking about the exam itself, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements for both Australia and New Zealand.
AMC Eligibility
The AMC exam checks whether the IMGs are capable of practising medicine in Australia and if their skills and knowledge match the Australian standards. To be eligible for the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Exam, IMGs should have:
- A degree in medicine (MBBS/MD/MS) from a recognised college or university
- A degree listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDoMS)
NZREX Eligibility
Similarly the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) also checks whether the IMGs possess necessary skills to practice medicine in New Zealand. Therefore, they have set of criteria to take the exam:
- An MBBS degree from a recognised college must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
- English proficiency language, with one of the following scores:
- IELTS – Each individual section score should be minimum 7.0
- OET – Minimum score of 350 in each of the four components
- Must have qualified any one of the mentioned exams within 5 years of the allotted NZREX clinical Exam date:
- AMC Part 1 (Australia)
- USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 (United States)
- PLAB Part 1 (United Kingdom)
- MCCQE Part 1 (Canada)
2. Exam Structure
Now that we’ve covered the eligibility, let’s dive into the exam structure itself, as this is where the most significant differences appear.
AMC Exam Structure
The AMC exam is divided into two parts: AMC MCQ CAT (Part 1) is a multiple-choice question exam that tests your theoretical knowledge, and AMC Clinicals (Part 2) is a clinical exam, where you’ll be assessed on your clinical skills.
NZREX Exam Structure
The NZREX exam, on the other hand, is primarily a single clinical exam. It’s a practical OSCE exam, where you’ll need to showcase your clinical and communication skills in various medical scenarios.
3. Time and Cost Involved
While both exams require significant preparation, the timeline and cost of the exams vary depending on where you are in the world and your preparation style.
AMC Costs and Timeframe
The AMC exam is held more frequently and in more locations, allowing you to schedule your exams when it suits you. The cost includes both the Part 1 and Part 2 exams are AUD 2920 and AUD 3991 respectively.
NZREX Costs and Timeframe
The NZREX exam is held less frequently (thrice a year), and you may need to plan your travel and accommodation in advance, as it’s conducted in Auckland. The cost of NZREX is NZD 4713.
4. Career Opportunities After the Exam
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding between the AMC and NZREX is the career opportunities that each path offers.
Australia (AMC Pathway)
Australia has a larger and more diverse healthcare system with ample opportunities for IMGs. After passing the AMC exams, you can apply for registration. Once you become a registered doctor in Australia, you can work in hospitals, clinics, etc.
New Zealand (NZREX Pathway)
In New Zealand, the job market is smaller but there are plenty of opportunities. Also, it offers a high standard of living and great work-life balance. After passing the NZREX, you will need to register with the MCNZ role and then start practising as registered doctor in New Zealand.
5. Exam Preparation
More than anything, preparation is the key when it comes to clearing high-stakes exams like AMC and NZREX. No matter which path you choose, building a strong foundation and following a structured study plan will make all the difference.
We know how big and life-changing these exams can be, so why go at it alone?
That’s where Academically comes in. It’s one of the few platforms that offers dedicated coaching for both AMC and NZREX. Whether you prefer live classes or recorded lectures, you’ll get:
- Expert-led live and recorded sessions
- Regular mock tests
- Advanced AI-based test simulations
- Personalised guidance from mentors
AMC vs NZREX
| Aspect | AMC (Australia) | NZREX (New Zealand) |
Eligibility Criteria
| MBBS/MD from a recognised university listed in WDOMS | MBBS from WDOMS, English proficiency, USMLE Step 1 & 2 / PLAB 1 / MCCQE 1 / AMC Part 1 |
| Exam Structure | Two parts: AMC MCQ (Part 1) and AMC Clinical (Part 2) | Single OSCE-style clinical exam
|
Frequency of Exam
| Conducted frequently across multiple locations | Held thrice a year in Auckland |
| Cost | Part 1: AUD 2,920 Part 2: AUD 3,991 | NZREX: NZD 4,713 + travel & accommodation |
Post-Exam Pathway
| Apply for registration with AMC and then job in hospitals and clinics | Apply for registration with MCNZ and then job in hospitals and clinics |
| Job Market | Large and diverse healthcare system with more IMG openings | Smaller market, but good lifestyle and work-life balance
|
Duration
| Usually takes 1+ years (depending on preparation and availability of exam slots) | Longer due to limited exam frequency and competitive job market
|
Final Words
Choosing between the AMC and NZREX pathways really comes down to your personal preferences, career goals, and how flexible you are with time and location.
Whichever path you choose, remember: it’s not just about clearing the exam, it’s about building a career you love in a country that fits your lifestyle.
And of course, you don’t have to do it alone. With the right guidance and support from a platform like Academically, your preparation journey becomes structured, focused, and stress-free.