Becoming a registered doctor in Australia is a dream for many international medical professionals. With its world-class healthcare infrastructure, competitive salaries, and immigration-friendly policies, Australia offers a golden opportunity to doctors seeking career growth. To practice medicine in Australia, however, you must successfully pass the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Exam.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to appear for the AMC exam, get your credentials verified, pass both parts of the exam, and begin your medical journey in Australia.
What is the AMC Exam?
The Australian Medical Council Exam is a standardized assessment for international medical graduates (IMGs) who wish to practice medicine in Australia. It ensures that overseas-trained doctors possess the necessary skills and knowledge equivalent to Australian medical graduates.
There are two parts to the AMC exam:
- AMC Part 1 – a multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam
- AMC Part 2 – a clinical examination
Both are essential to prove your competence in clinical skills and theoretical knowledge.
Who is Eligible for the AMC Exam?
To be eligible for the AMC exam, you must:
- Be a qualified medical graduate (MBBS, MD, MS, or equivalent).
- Hold a Medical Registration Certificate in your home country.
- Provide documentary proof of your education, clinical training, and work experience.
This pathway is specifically designed for international doctors, not for those who have graduated from Australian medical schools.
Why Choose Australia?
Australia’s healthcare system is known for its innovation, patient safety, and global standards. Here’s why it’s a preferred destination for doctors:
- Over 10,000 job vacancies for doctors across states
- Attractive average salary ranging between AUD 380,000 – AUD 400,000
- 200,000+ skilled visas issued annually
- Faster Permanent Residency (PR) pathways for healthcare professionals
- Comprehensive job and relocation benefits
6 Steps to Become a Doctor in Australia via the AMC Exam
Step 1: Document Verification by ECFMG and EPIC
Before applying for the AMC exam, your qualifications must be verified through EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials), which is managed by ECFMG.
You’ll need to submit:
- Your medical degree (MBBS, MD, etc.)
- Transcripts from your university
- Passport
- Medical Registration Certificate
- Government-issued ID proof
- Work experience letters (if any)
- Passport-size photographs
Pro Tip: Ensure your documents are clear, authentic, and professionally scanned to avoid rejection. This process costs around AUD 1,000.
Step 2: Apply for AMC MCQ Exam (AMC Part 1)
Once your documents are approved, you can apply for the AMC MCQ Exam, also known as AMC Part 1.
- It’s a computer-based test with 150 multiple-choice questions.
- Conducted at authorized test centers globally or online.
- You’ll receive an Authorisation to Schedule (ATS) email after your application is accepted.
- You must schedule your exam within 12 months of ATS receipt.
To learn more about the AMC MCQ Exam Syllabus, visit AMC Exam Syllabus.
Step 3: English Language Proficiency Test
The Australian Government mandates proof of English proficiency. Accepted exams include:
- IELTS Academic – Minimum 7 in each band
- PTE Academic – Minimum score of 65
- OET for Medicine – Grade B in each component
Tip: Make sure your English test results are recent (within the last 2 years).
Step 4: Apply for AMC Clinical Exam (AMC Part 2)
After clearing the AMC Part 1, you’re eligible to apply for AMC Part 2, which is the Clinical Examination.
This part evaluates:
- Clinical decision-making
- Communication with patients
- Practical medical procedures
- Ethics and professionalism
It’s a structured clinical assessment with 16 stations, and passing it confirms your readiness to practice in real-time clinical settings.
Step 5: Find Job Opportunities and Apply for Visa
Once you’ve cleared both exams, the next step is finding a job in Australia. Many international doctors:
- Apply to regional hospitals
- Use job boards and recruitment agencies
- Partner with educational institutions or AMC coaching providers who offer job placement support
Once you have a job offer:
- Apply for a skilled work visa (subclass 482 or 186)
- Include your Expression of Interest (EOI) for PR if eligible
- Visa costs typically start from AUD 300
Australia prioritizes doctors for skilled migration, especially in states like:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Western Australia
Step 6: Expression of Interest (EOI) for Permanent Residency
The final step is submitting your EOI through the SkillSelect platform. It’s not a visa application, but a formal declaration of your interest to migrate.
Your EOI should include:
- Preferred Australian state or territory
- Occupation (Doctor)
- Skills and education
- Language proficiency
- AMC exam clearance
Depending on your points and occupation demand, you may receive an invitation to apply for:
- Subclass 189 (Independent)
- Subclass 190 (State-sponsored)
- Subclass 186 (Employer-nominated)
Challenges in the AMC Pathway – And How to Overcome Them
The AMC pathway, while structured, can be complex and time-consuming. Common challenges include:
- Document rejections due to errors
- Difficulty understanding clinical exam patterns
- Time management while preparing for both parts
- Confusion around visa and EOI procedures
To make the process smoother, it’s highly recommended to enroll in an AMC exam preparation course and work with experts familiar with the Australian medical registration system.
Benefits of Partnering with AMC Coaching Experts
A professional AMC course provider can help you:
- Navigate the EPIC verification process
- Access updated MCQ and clinical question banks
- Receive expert feedback and personalized mentoring
- Understand visa options and apply correctly
- Get placed in reputed Australian hospitals
Final Thoughts
Migrating to Australia as a doctor is one of the most rewarding career decisions you can make. While the process may seem challenging at first, following these six clear steps will put you on the right track toward professional success in Australia’s healthcare system.
From document verification to job placement, and from exam preparation to visa applications, every stage requires careful planning and professional support.
If you are a doctor aiming to practice in Australia, start your journey with structured guidance and expert mentorship.
Ready to Begin?
Enroll in our AMC Exam Course By Academically, designed by professionals who have helped hundreds of international doctors achieve success in Australia. Our program includes:
- AMC Part 1 and Part 2 coaching
- Personalized study plans
- English proficiency support
- Visa & EOI assistance
- Job placement services
Take the first step toward your dream today!
FAQs
Q. How long does it take to complete the AMC process?
Ans. It generally takes 12–24 months, depending on document verification, exam clearance, and job search time.
Q. Can I work while waiting for the AMC Clinical Exam?
Ans. Yes, under specific visa conditions. You may also consider supervised roles in non-accredited positions.
Q. Is PR guaranteed after clearing AMC?
Ans. No, but clearing AMC and securing a job increases your eligibility significantly for PR through Subclass 186 or 190.
Q. Do I need to repeat the AMC exam after moving to Australia?
Ans. No. Once passed, AMC exam results are valid for registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
