The Australian Medical Council (AMC) has announced important updates to the AMC Part 1 Exam, effective from 2026. For international medical graduates (IMGs) aiming to practise medicine in Australia, staying informed about these changes is essential.
If you’re preparing for the AMC Part 1, the upcoming changes could affect how you study, plan your preparation, and approach the exam itself. Read this blog post to the end for all the details.
1. Slight Increase in MCQ Pass Standard
One of the major updates for 2026 is a slight increase in the MCQ pass mark. While scores will continue to be reported on the familiar 0-500 scale, the benchmark has been adjusted slightly. This ensures the exam continues to reflect the standard expected of graduating Australian medical students.
| Feature | Current | From 2026 |
| Pass Mark | Standard benchmark | Slightly higher (to be announced) |
| Score Scale | 0–500 | 0–500 |
What this means for candidates:
- A stronger emphasis will be placed on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization.
- Candidates should focus on applying medical knowledge to clinical scenarios rather than simply recalling facts.
- Consistent practice and self-assessment will be more important than ever to achieve a passing score.
2. AMC MCQ Preparation App Continues
The official AMC MCQ Preparation App remains an essential tool for candidates in 2026. The app is free and designed to help candidates familiarize themselves with exam style, difficulty, and structure.
| Feature | Details |
| Availability | Free AMC MCQ Prep App available in 2026 |
| Number of Questions | 210 official practice questions |
| Updates | Refreshed question set released in April 2026 |
| Purpose | Understand exam format, practice, and identify areas needing improvement |
Why it matters:
- The app allows you to practice official questions that closely resemble what appears in the actual exam.
- By using the app, candidates can identify weak areas early and allocate preparation time efficiently.
- Regular practice using the app helps in building confidence and reducing exam anxiety.
3. Reduced AMC Clinical Exam Fees
Another important update concerns the AMC Clinical Exam fee. Starting 1 July 2025, the in-person Clinical Exam fee will be reduced to AUD 3,000.
| Exam | Fee Before 1 July 2025 | Fee From 1 July 2025 |
| In-person Clinical Exam | AUD 3,991 | AUD 3,000 |
Implications for candidates:
- The fee reduction lowers the financial burden for IMGs planning to take the clinical exam.
- Candidates may now have more flexibility to allocate resources toward preparation courses, study materials, or practice sessions.
- This change makes the path to licensure in Australia more accessible and affordable.
Academically’s AMC Preparation Course
To support candidates adapting to the 2026 updates, Academically’s AMC Preparation Course offers a comprehensive and updated learning experience:
- 100+ hours of live and recorded AMC video tutorials
- Extended access to experienced AMC course trainers
- Live classes, recorded sessions, study handouts, mock tests, and the final AMC grand test
- Adaptive AI-driven AMC mock tests
- One-on-one feedback sessions with AMC trainers
- Exclusive tips on approaching the AMC MCQ exam
New updates in the course/app:
- 600+ new pattern MCQs added as per AMC guidelines
- Centennial Test 1 & 2 live on LMS/App
- Centennial Test 3 live on 15 February
- Discussion sessions uploaded
- Attempt Centennial Test 3 and join the live discussion on 3 February
How to Prepare for the 2026 AMC Exams
While the updates themselves are straightforward, candidates should adjust their preparation strategy:
- Focus on conceptual learning – Memorization alone won’t be enough. Apply your knowledge to clinical case scenarios.
- Use the official MCQ Prep App – Start early, complete all 210 questions, and review the refreshed set released in April 2026.
- Plan for the Clinical Exam – Take advantage of the reduced fee to access additional practice resources if needed.
- Track your progress – Regular self-assessment can help identify weak areas before exam day.
Conclusion
The AMC Part 1 Exam updates in 2026 represent small but meaningful changes. With a slightly higher MCQ pass mark, continued access to the official prep app, and reduced clinical exam fees, candidates have the tools and resources to prepare effectively. By focusing on conceptual understanding and using official resources, IMGs can approach the 2026 exams with confidence.
For more information and guidance, reach out to the experts at Academically.