USMLE vs AMC: Know the Difference

Jun 10, 2024 4 min read
Know the Difference USMLE vs AMC

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the key differences between the USMLE and AMC exams.
  • USMLE and AMC exams are essential for international medical graduates aiming to practice medicine in the United States and Australia, respectively.

Doctors are the pillars of healthcare. They play an integral role in keeping the public healthy and happy. Their responsibilities include educating the public about different health conditions and their risks, spreading awareness about the importance of building a healthy lifestyle, helping people take preventive measures, cure diseases, and a lot more. 

Therefore, doctors have huge responsibilities resting on their shoulders and they need to meet certain standards and requirements to be eligible to provide their services to the community. 

A lot of international medical graduates, hailing from different countries, consider taking their medical careers overseas, seeking a better standard of living, higher salaries, and opportunities for professional growth. The United States and Australia fall among the most sought-after countries for doctors to practise medicine as they boast impressive healthcare systems.

However, the gates to the healthcare systems in these countries are guarded by their licensing examinations: the USMLE exam and the AMC exam. Now let us understand more about these exams and how they differ from each other.

USMLE Exam
USMLE Exam Preparation Course

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.

AMC Exam
AMC Exam Preparation Course

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. 

If you need help with getting started, the experts at Academically can provide you with a free consultation. 

Fill up this form for a free one on one counselling session. 

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between the USMLE and AMC exams?

Ans: The USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is for doctors planning to practise in the United States, while the AMC (Australian Medical Council) exam is for those aiming to work in Australia.

Q: Who conducts the USMLE and AMC exams?

Ans: The USMLE is conducted by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), while the AMC exam is conducted by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).

Q: What are the benefits of passing the USMLE or AMC exams for international medical graduates?

Ans: Passing these exams opens doors to prestigious healthcare systems in the United States and Australia, offering opportunities for professional growth, higher salaries, and a better standard of living.

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.