Where Does the USMLE and AMC Exams Belong?
USMLE: Doctors making a beeline for the United States should crack the USMLE exam. The USMLE exam stands for the United States Medical Licensing Examination. Anyone planning to practise medicine in the US should clear this exam.
AMC: Doctors who target Australia as their career destination should pass the AMC exam. The AMC exam stands for the Australian Medical Council examination. This exam is designed for international medical graduates seeking registration in Australia.
Who Conducts the USMLE and AMC Exams?
USMLE: The USMLE exam is conducted by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
AMC: The AMC exam is conducted by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).
What are the Eligibility Requirements for the USMLE and AMC Exams?
USMLE: The eligibility criteria are as follows.
- Candidates must be enrolled in or a graduate of a non-U.S. and non-Canadian medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, meeting ECFMG criteria.
- Candidates must meet any other criteria set by the ECFMG as mandated.
AMC: The eligibility requirements are as given below.
- A university medical degree (MBBS/MD/MS) obtained after a minimum of four and a half years at a medical university recognised by the Australian Medical Council.
What is the Exam Pattern of these Exams?
USMLE: The USMLE exam is divided into three: Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3. Step 1 tests the basic science concepts and their application to medical practice. Step 2 evaluates the clinical knowledge concepts and their application. Step 3 tests the biomedical and clinical science concepts and their applications, patient management, ambulance care, etc.
AMC: The AMC exam has two parts. AMC 1 and AMC 2. AMC 1 is a written assessment and AMC 2 is a clinical assessment. Workplace-based assessment is also another alternative to AMC 2.
What is the Passing Score for these Exams?
USMLE: The scores required to pass the three steps of the USMLE exam are as follows.
- The passing score for USMLE Step 1 is 196.
- The passing score for USMLE Step 2 is 214.
- The passing score for USMLE Step 3 is 198-100.
AMC: The passing score for the AMC exam are given below.
- The passing score for AMC 1 is 250.
- The passing score for AMC 2 is 10 out of 14 stations.
What is the Number of Attempts Allowed for these Exams?
USMLE: For the USMLE exam, only 4 attempts are allowed per step.
AMC: There is no set limit for the number of attempts a person can have to take the AMC exam.
Where are the Exam Centres for these Exams?
For both the USMLE and AMC exams, the exam centres are situated around the world. In India, these exams can be taken from the exam centres located in major cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, etc.
Conclusion
For ambitious international medical graduates, the USMLE and AMC exams unlock doors to prestigious healthcare systems and rewarding careers. Passing the USMLE or AMC exam can be a challenging but fulfilling step for international medical graduates looking to practise medicine in the United States or Australia. By understanding the key differences between the exams, their eligibility requirements, and the testing formats, you can take the first step to building your medical career overseas.
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