Comprehensive Guide To The AMC Clinical Exam

About the AMC Clinical Exam

Eligibility for the AMC Clinical Exam

To be eligible for the AMC Clinical Exam, you must have passed the AMC CAT MCQ exam. This initial exam assesses your foundational medical knowledge, and passing it qualifies you to move on to the practical clinical exam.

Structure of the Clinical Examination

The AMC Clinical Exam is structured to evaluate your practical and clinical skills. Here’s what you need to know about the format:

• Stations: You will go through 16 assessed stations and four rest stations, totalling 20 stations.
• Timing: Each station lasts 10 minutes, including:
  • 2 minutes of reading time to understand the scenario.
  • 8 minutes of assessment time to complete the required tasks.
• Tasks and Scenarios: Tasks can include simulated patients, videotaped patient presentations, and supporting materials like charts, digital images, and photographs.

During the exam, you’ll rotate through stations that simulate real-life clinical scenarios and require diverse clinical skills.

Assessment Criteria

The AMC Clinical Exam assesses a broad range of clinical skills across multiple medical disciplines:

1. Medical and Surgical Skills
2. Women’s Health
3. Paediatrics
4. Mental Health

Each station is designed to assess one of the following key areas:

• History Taking: Ability to gather and interpret patient history effectively.
• Physical Examination: Skill in performing thorough and accurate physical exams.
• Diagnostic Formulation: Competency in making diagnostic assessments.
• Management, Counselling, and Education: Skills in patient management and educating patients on their conditions.

These tasks cover hospital and community settings, providing a realistic approach to patient care in various environments. For a comprehensive breakdown of potential tasks, consult the AMC Clinical Examination Specifications.

AMC Clinical Exam Dates

The AMC Exams occur throughout the year except for December and January. The examination dates are open to booking at a particular time. 

For example, the AMC Clinical Exam for September-November will open from July 8, 2024, to July 15, 2024. Candidates must schedule the examination within this time period. The available dates for the AMC Clinical Exam during the period of September to November are given in the table. 

Important Considerations and Tips

1. Report Time

Ensure you are logged in to the designated link by the specified time to avoid any last-minute issues. Being prompt also allows time for any necessary setup checks.

2. Mobile Phone Usage

One mobile phone is permitted in the examination room for communication with the AMC in case of technical issues. However, it must be switched to silent mode (without vibration) and shown to the invigilator.

Technology Requirements

Since the AMC Clinical Exam is conducted online, you must meet the specific technology requirements to ensure a smooth examination process:

• Device Type: You need a desktop or laptop (no tablets or mobile devices).
• Operating System: Windows 11 is required. Mac users can set up dual-boot into Windows 10/11, as OS X is unsupported.
• Screen Size: A minimum screen size of 14 inches is required for optimal viewing.
• Webcam: A functioning webcam should be positioned at eye level.
• Headphones: You must use plug-in headphones with a microphone. Bluetooth or wireless headphones are not allowed to minimise the risk of battery issues or poor audio quality. Keep a backup pair ready in case of issues with your primary set.
• Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable, high-speed internet connection throughout the exam.

Room Setup

To prevent any distractions and ensure integrity during the examination:

• You must be the only person in the examination room.
• The room should be free of distractions, and you should remain alone for the entire duration.

You cannot sit for the exam if you fail to meet these requirements.

Final Thoughts

The AMC Clinical Exam evaluates practical clinical skills in realistic settings. Preparation involves mastering clinical knowledge and ensuring that your technology setup aligns with AMC’s requirements. Meeting these requirements and understanding the exam structure will help ensure a smooth testing experience and set you on the path to successful medical practice in Australia. It is better to enrol in an AMC Clinical Preparation Course. 

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