What Does the AMC Exam Test?
The AMC or the Australian Medical Council exam is created to test the clinical knowledge and medical skills of IMGs aspiring to work in Australia. Through this assessment, the AMC ensures that aspirants meet the Australian standards of medical practice.
While the AMC exam doesn’t need your proof of English proficiency as an eligibility criterion for the exam, you need it while registering with the Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA, after you clear the AMC exams.
English Language Requirement for AMC Exams
English proficiency is mandatory to register as a doctor in Australia, and here’s how you can prove it-
| Test | Overall Score Requirement | Individual Component Requirement |
| IELTS (Academic) | Not specified | Minimum 7.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| PTE (Academic) | Minimum 65 | Minimum 65 in each skill area |
| OET | Not applicable | Minimum Grade B or 350/500 in all four components |
IELTS (Academic) (International English Language Testing System)
Minimum score of 7.0 in each band:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
PTE (Academic) (Pearson Test of English)
- Minimum overall score: 65
- Minimum in each skill area: 65
OET (Occupational English Test)
Minimum score of 350 out of 500 OR Grade B in each component:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Achieving these scores indicates that you are eligible to communicate effectively in a clinical setting, which is crucial for patient safety and smooth operation in the Australian healthcare environment.
Who Needs to Fulfil the Requirements?
While many applicants may not be aware of this, not every candidate is required to take a separate English proficiency test before or during the AMC process.
You need to meet the English requirement if you:
- Are applying with the Medical Board of Australia for registration for the first time.
- Are reapplying for registration, and English hasn’t been your first language for the last five years.
- Have limited registration, but did not prove your English proficiency previously (and are now applying for any other type of registration).
You may NOT need to meet the English requirement if you:
- Are an Australian student or have completed studies in Australia on a study visa
- Have already proven your English proficiency for visa purposes
- Are moving from provisional to general registration or applying for a different category (such as specialist registration from general registration)
- Come from an English-speaking country with English as your native language and have completed all your studies in the English language.
Also Read: Job Options After Clearing The AMC Exam
Why is English Proficiency Necessary?
As mentioned earlier, proving your English proficiency is important to show that you are ready to work in an Australian setting and can converse and meet the needs of Australian residents. Here’s why fulfilling English proficiency requirements is important-
Tips to Fulfil English Requirement
Doctors from third-world countries who are extremely talented often find themselves stuck in the process of proving their proficiency in English. However, this can be an easy process, with the help of a few expert tips.
- Start Early- English proficiency is not required until after you clear the AMC exam. However, you must start preparing for the same early, and take and clear the English exam before AMC if possible.
- Choose the Right Test- If you find IELTS complicated, you can choose OET or PTE, which are comparatively easier tests, curated specially for healthcare professionals.
- Take Mock Tests- Practice all sections of the tests regularly to ensure your proficiency increases by the day.
- Get Expert Help- Getting training from experts and coaching institutions can help you crack your English proficiency exam
Conclusion
English proficiency plays a vital role in your application to register as a doctor in Australia. Thus, in order to fulfil your dream, you must plan ahead and ensure you meet the English language requirements for the AMC exam on time. The first task is to determine whether you have to prove your proficiency once again or not. Then, the wise thing to do is to prepare for your preferred exam with the help of the tips and tricks mentioned above.
In case of doubts or if you need help preparing for the AMC or the English proficiency exams, get in touch with our experts today!
