Top 3 Overseas Registration Exams for IMGs

Jun 26, 2024 3 min read
Overseas Registration Exams for IMGs

If you are a medical doctor, you can take your medical career to dizzying heights by clearing overseas registration exams. Being the keystone of healthcare, doctors are in high demand across the globe. Whether you dream of practising in Australia, the United States, or the United Kingdom, clearing the relevant medical licensing exam is your ticket to a rewarding career abroad. In this blog, we'll explore the top three overseas registration exams for International Medical Graduates (IMGs): the AMC exam for Australia, the USMLE for the United States, and the UKMLA for the United Kingdom. 

AMC Exam for Australia

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) exam is the pathway for international medical graduates (IMGs) to practise medicine in Australia. This exam is conducted by the Australian Medical Council. The AMC assesses the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attributes of IMGs to ensure they meet the standards required to meet the Australian healthcare standards.

Eligibility Criteria 

  • Bachelor’s degree in medicine (MBBS/MD/MS) from a university or college listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (4.5 years)

Steps Involved

  • Document verification
    • AMC portfolio
    • EPIC verification
  • AMC MCQ examination
  • English proficiency examination
  • AMC clinical examination/workplace-based assessment
  • Registration with the Medical Board of Australia

Why Australia?

  • 185,000 visas for skilled workers every year
  • 10,000+ job openings for registered doctors
  • Average annual salary of AUD 380,000 to 400,000
AMC Exam
AMC Exam Preparation Course

USMLE for the United States

The USMLE is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States, designed to assess a doctor's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles essential for effective patient care. The USMLE stands for the United States Medical Licensing Examination. The USMLE is conducted by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

Eligibility Requirements 

  • The candidates must be enrolled in or a graduate of a non-US and non-Canadian medical school that is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, meeting the ECFMG criteria
  • Candidates must meet any other criteria set by the ECFMG as mandated.

Steps Involved

  • Create a USMLE/ECFMG ID via IWA
  • USMLE Step 1
  • USMLE Step 2 CK
  • Residency (PG)
  • USMLE Step 3

Why the US?

  • Estimated shortage of up to 124,000 doctors across all specialities by 2034
  • Average annual salary of USD 144,300
  • Access to free healthcare and child education
USMLE Exam
USMLE Exam Preparation Course

UKMLA for the United Kingdom

The UKMLA is a new exam designed to replace the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test for international medical graduates wishing to practise in the UK. This exam, conducted by the General Medical Council, stands for the United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment. It ensures that doctors have the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care in the NHS.

Eligibility Requirements

  • The primary qualification of the IMG must be completed from an institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
  • The IMGs must take the IELTS exam and achieve a minimum of 7 bands, with a minimum score of 7 bands in each of the four language modules
  • The IMGs must have completed a minimum of 12 months of postgraduate clinical experience at a teaching hospital

Steps Involved

  • English language proficiency
  • EPIC verification
  • Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)
  • Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA)
  • GMC registration

Why the UK?

  • Average annual salary of GBP 53,947
  • 10,000+ job openings 
  • Professional development

Country

Exam

Full Form

Authority

Australia

AMC

Australian Medical Council

Australian Medical Council

United States

USMLE

United States Medical Licensing Exam

Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Board of Medical Examiners

United Kingdom

UKMLA

United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment

General Medical Council

Conclusion

By clearing the AMC, USMLE, or UKMLA, you can discover a treasure trove of career opportunities in the universe of medicine. Each of these exams are designed to ensure you meet the high standards required to provide top-quality healthcare in Australia, the United States, or the United Kingdom. With high demand for skilled doctors, attractive salaries, and opportunities for professional growth, these destinations are ideal for IMGs seeking to make a significant impact in the field of medicine. 

With Academically to hold you hand, your journey to medical licensure abroad can be a breeze. From the documentation process to the migration process, we will be with you at every step. 
Fill up this form for a free one on one counselling session. 

Nuha Mariyam
Nuha Mariyam
about the author

Nuha Mariyam has more than three years of experience in content writing. She strongly believes in the power of creativity and the impact that it makes. With a keen eye for detail and a love for words, Nuha specialises in creating engaging and informative content across various fields, including healthcare.