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    USMLE vs AMC: Know the Difference

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    Created On : Mar 16, 2024 Updated On : Mar 27, 2026 4 min read

    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.

    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 is owned and co-sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). For international medical graduates, exam registration and services are managed by FSMB. 

    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.
    • Completion of the compulsory rotatory internship after attaining the degree.
    • Full and unrestricted registration in your home country or country of training without withdrawal of the registration.

    What is the Exam Pattern of these Exams?

    USMLE: The USMLE exam is divided into three: Step 1, Step 2CK, and Step 3. Step 1 tests the basic science concepts and their application to medical practice. Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) evaluates clinical science concepts and their application to patient care. Step 3 is a two-day exam testing biomedical and clinical science concepts, patient management, and ambulatory care.

    Note: Step 1 and Step 2 CK can be taken in any order, but Step 3 can only be attempted after passing both Step 1 and Step 2 CK.

    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.

    • Step 1 is now Pass/Fail only. No numeric score is reported for exams taken on or after January 26, 2022. 
    • The passing score for Step 2 CK is 218 (updated effective July 1, 2025).
    • The passing score for Step 3 is 200 (updated effective January 1, 2024).

    AMC: The passing score for the AMC exam is given below.

    • The passing score for AMC 1 is 250.
    • The passing score for AMC 2 is 9 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?

    USMLE: Step 1 and Step 2 CK can be taken at Prometric centres internationally, including major cities in India such as Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. However, Step 3 can only be taken within the United States.

    AMC: The AMC MCQ exam can be taken at international exam centres across multiple countries. The AMC clinical examination can be taken online or in person in Melbourne, Australia.

    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. For more information, visit www.academically.com

    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 owned and co-sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). However, for international medical graduates, exam registration and services are now managed by FSMB. ECFMG Certification also remains a mandatory requirement for IMGs before registering for any USMLE Step. 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.

    Q: What does USMLE stand for?

    Ans: USMLE stands for the United States Medical Licensing Examination. It is the licensing exam required for doctors who wish to practise medicine in the United States.

    Q: What does AMC stand for?

    Ans: AMC stands for the Australian Medical Council. The AMC exam is the licensing assessment required for international medical graduates seeking medical registration in Australia.

    Q: How many steps are there in the USMLE exam?

    Ans: The USMLE exam consists of three steps - Step 1, Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge), and Step 3. Each step assesses different aspects of medical knowledge and clinical competence.

    Q: What is the format of the AMC MCQ exam?

    Ans: The AMC MCQ exam is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions administered over 3.5 hours. It tests theoretical medical knowledge and clinical application.

    Q: Do I need ECFMG certification to take the USMLE?

    Ans: Yes. International medical graduates must obtain ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) Certification before they can register for the USMLE Steps. This is a mandatory requirement.

    Q: Can I take USMLE Step 3 outside the United States?

    Ans: No. Unlike Step 1 and Step 2 CK, Step 3 can only be taken within the United States. Candidates must travel to the US to sit for this step.

    Q: Is USMLE Step 1 still scored numerically?

    Ans: No. As of January 26, 2022, USMLE Step 1 results are reported as Pass/Fail only. A numeric score is no longer provided.

    Q: How long is the AMC clinical examination?

    Ans: The AMC clinical examination consists of 16 assessed stations and 4 rest stations, totalling 20 stations. Each assessed station lasts 10 minutes - 2 minutes for reading and 8 minutes for the clinical task. The exam is administered over 3 to 4 hours. The passing requirement is 9 out of 14 scored stations.

    Q: Which is harder - USMLE or AMC?

    Ans: Both exams are rigorous and designed to ensure patient safety and clinical competence. The perceived difficulty varies depending on a candidate’s medical background, training, and preparation. Both require dedicated study and thorough preparation.

    Q: How long does it take to complete all three steps of the USMLE?

    Ans: The timeline varies for each candidate. On average, completing all three USMLE steps can take anywhere from two to five years, depending on preparation time, exam scheduling, and residency requirements.

    Q: What English language requirements are needed for the USMLE?

    Ans: There is no specific English language test mandated for the USMLE. However, candidates must meet ECFMG requirements, and strong English proficiency is essential for clinical practice in the United States.

    Q: Is workplace-based assessment a valid alternative to AMC 2?

    Ans: Yes. The Australian Medical Council accepts workplace-based assessment as an alternative pathway to the AMC clinical examination (AMC 2) for eligible candidates.

    Q: Which exam should I choose - USMLE or AMC?

    Ans: The choice depends on your preferred destination and long-term career goals. If you wish to practise in the United States, the USMLE is the pathway. If Australia is your goal, the AMC exam is the route. Consider factors such as lifestyle, visa requirements, career opportunities, and personal preferences before making your decision. But to be honest, you should go to Australia, since the examination and duration of becoming a doctor is shorter when compared to the US.
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    Dr. Indu K
    about the author

    Dr. Indu K is a dentist with one year of clinical experience. She seamlessly transitioned into content writing three years ago. Her passion lies in making complex medical information accessible to everyone. She uses her unique blend of medical knowledge and exceptional writing skills to bridge the gap between healthcare and the general audience.

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