Thinking of working as a doctor in Australia? If you’re an international medical graduate (IMG), one name will keep popping up- the Australian Medical Council (AMC). But what exactly is the AMC? Is it the same as the Medical Board of Australia? Why do you need AMC exams? And what’s with all the document verifications? In this blog, we’re breaking it all down, in simple terms. From how the AMC assesses international doctors to how it works with the Medical Board and approves medical schools.
What Is the Australian Medical Council (AMC)?
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) is the organisation that helps make sure doctors in Australia are properly trained and qualified.
It mainly does four things:
- Checks and approves medical schools and training programs
- Tests international doctors who want to work in Australia
- Verifies whether a doctor’s overseas degree is valid
- Helps maintain high standards in the medical profession
Important Note: The Medical Board of Australia grants registration, not the AMC. But the AMC’s assessments and verification are prerequisites for many IMG pathways.
Key Roles of AMC
| Area | AMC Responsibility |
| Medical Education | Accredits Australian/NZ medical schools and training programs |
| IMGs | Assesses Standard Pathway applicants and verifies all overseas qualifications |
| Specialist Recognition | Advises on recognition of new specialties |
| Policy | Works with the Medical Board on frameworks and standards |
| Medical Students | Runs national medical training surveys and publishes resources |
How the AMC Works - Structure, Governance & Responsibilities
We’ve seen what the AMC does, but who runs it, and how does it actually work? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Is the AMC’s Legal Role?
- The AMC is officially recognised by the government as the national body for medical accreditation.
- It operates as a non-profit company and follows Australian laws about charities and corporations.
Who Governs the AMC?
- The AMC is run by a group of directors and expert members.
- It has teams and committees that give advice on important topics like medical education, IMG assessment, and specialist training.
- It has offices in Canberra and Melbourne and a team that handles all the work behind the scenes.
What else does the AMC do?
In addition to accrediting programs and assessing IMGs, the AMC also:
- Develops standards for medical education across all levels (from university to specialist training)
- Evaluates international medical authorities to check if they meet Competent Authority standards
- Supports culturally safe practice to improve healthcare for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori peoples
- Advises on the recognition of new medical specialties
- Collaborates with government and regulators to enhance medical education standards in Australia
AMC vs Medical Board: Who Does What?
Now, you might be wondering if AMC is doing all these, then what exactly is the Medical Board of Australia doing? Well, let us clarify this for you.
| Task | Handled by |
| Medical registration | Medical Board of Australia |
| Qualification verification (EPIC) | AMC |
| Standard pathway exams (MCQ & Clinical) | AMC |
| Processing IMG applications | Medical Board of Australia |
| Supervised practice frameworks | Joint (AMC standards, Board enforcement) |
International Medical Graduate (IMG) Pathways
Now that we understand the AMC’s role, let’s look at how international doctors (IMGs) can enter the Australian healthcare system through different pathways.
1. Standard Pathway (Most Common for IMGs from India, Pakistan, etc.)
You’ll need to pass:
- AMC MCQ Exam
- AMC Clinical Exam
After passing, you can apply for General Registration (usually after a period of supervised practice).
2. Competent Authority Pathway
Skip AMC exams if you’ve completed training in:
- UK (PLAB)
- US (USMLE Step 1, 2 CK, and internship)
- Canada (LMCC)
- New Zealand
- Ireland
You may apply directly for General Registration after completing 12 months of supervised practice.
3. Specialist Pathway
For those already specialists overseas, this route involves:
- AMC does not assess you directly
- Your application goes through the relevant Specialist College
- Includes Supervised Practice and College assessment
4. Expedited Specialist Pathway
Faster for those with qualifications from comparable countries.
No AMC exams.
Assessed directly by Specialist Medical Colleges.
5. Short-Term Training in a Medical Specialty Pathway
Temporary pathway for doctors who:
- Are not pursuing general/specialist registration
- Want to undertake supervised short-term training in Australia
Want to know which path is the best for you? Talk to our AMC expert and get your personalised road map to becoming a doctor in Australia.
Primary Source Verification (EPIC)
But before you’re eligible for exams or registration, there’s one crucial step every IMG must complete, verifying your medical degree through EPIC.
All IMGs must verify their credentials via:
Other AMC-Recognised Assessments for IMGs
Workplace Based Assessment (WBA)
WBA is an alternative to the AMC Clinical Exam. It allows IMGs to be assessed on the job during supervised clinical practice.
- Available only at AMC-accredited WBA sites in Australia
- Must have passed the AMC MCQ (Part 1)
- Involves a series of mini-exams, case-based discussions, and direct observations
- If passed, it is accepted as a substitute for the AMC Clinical Exam
Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI)
PESCI is an interview-based assessment required for limited registration if you’re applying for a specific job.
- Assesses your clinical knowledge and communication skills
- Required before limited registration, especially in general practice or rural roles
- Conducted by AMC-approved providers (e.g., ACRRM, RACGP)
Types of Medical Registration in Australia
Once you’ve cleared the AMC exams and other pathway requirements, you’ll need to apply for the right type of medical registration. Here’s a quick breakdown of each type and what it means.
| Type | Description |
| Provisional Registration | For those undergoing internship/supervised practice |
| General Registration | After internship or AMC pathway completion |
| Specialist Registration | After college-approved specialist training |
| Limited Registration | For specific roles or short-term training |
| Student Registration | For current medical students |
Also Read: Steps to the Australian Medical Council
Parting Thoughts
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) is more than just an exam body. It’s the backbone of Australia’s medical standards. From verifying your degree to assessing your readiness through the AMC exam, it plays an important role in shaping your path as an international doctor.
If you’re serious about practising medicine in Australia, understanding the AMC process is essential.
For any doubts or questions, you can reach out to our experts at Academically and they will guide you throughout the process.