If you are an Indian MBBS graduate aiming to practice medicine in Australia, passing the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams is a crucial step. This blog provides a detailed preparation strategy to help you crack the AMC MCQ Exam (AMC 1) and the AMC Clinical Exam (AMC 2) efficiently.
Step 1: Understand the AMC Exam Structure
Before starting your preparation, it’s important to understand the exam format:
AMC MCQ Exam (AMC 1)
- Type: Computer-based multiple-choice exam
- Questions: 150 MCQs
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Focus Areas: Clinical sciences, diagnosis, and treatment based on Australian medical guidelines.
AMC Clinical Exam (AMC 2)
- Type: OSCE-style practical exam
- Stations: 16 patient case scenarios (out of which 12 are scored)
- Focus Areas: Clinical reasoning, communication, and patient-centered care.
Alternative to AMC 2: Work-Based Assessment (WBA)
- If you secure a hospital position, you can complete a 6-month supervised training instead of AMC 2.
Step 2: Create an Effective Study Plan
A well-structured study schedule is key to success. Follow these steps:
📝 Assess the Syllabus & Prioritize Topics
- Identify strong and weak areas.
- Focus on high-yield topics like cardiology, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and pharmacology.
⏳ Daily Study Routine (8-10 hours/day)
- 4-5 hours: Theory & Conceptual Study
- 2-3 hours: MCQ Practice
- 1-2 hours: Revision & Notes Making
- Breaks: Avoid burnout by taking small breaks.
📆 Weekly Self-Assessment
- Attempt mock tests every week.
- Analyze mistakes and improve weak areas.
Step 3: Best Study Resources for AMC Preparation
Studying the right resources makes preparation easier. Use these high-yield books:
📚 Books to Refer:
- AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions – Official exam resource
- John Murtagh’s General Practice – Covers clinical approach & management
- Australian Therapeutic Guidelines – Important for treatment & prescribing
- Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine – Great for quick revision
🎥 Additional Learning Tools:
- Online AMC Question Banks for daily MCQ practice.
- OSCE videos & case scenarios to improve clinical reasoning.
Step 4: Master Clinical Communication & Patient-Centered Care
Unlike the Indian MBBS exam, the AMC Clinical Exam focuses more on communication skills and patient-centered care.
💬 Key Areas to Focus On:
- Patient Communication – Learn how to break bad news & counsel patients.
- Medical Ethics & Australian Healthcare System – Know the protocols used in Australia.
- Clinical Reasoning & Case Discussions – Develop a structured approach to diagnosis.
🔍 How to Improve?
- Join AMC OSCE study groups and practice scenarios.
- Role-play cases with peers or mentors.
Step 5: Group Study & Expert Coaching
Self-study is important, but expert guidance can accelerate your preparation.
👥 Join a Study Group
- Helps with case discussions & OSCE role-plays.
- Keeps you motivated & accountable.
👨🏫 Enroll in an AMC Preparation Course by Academically Global
Step 6: Revise, Practice & Stay Consistent
Daily Revision Plan
- Revise key concepts every day.
- Create summary notes for quick reference.
Daily Practice Routine
- Attempt at least 50-100 MCQs per day.
- Practice 1-2 OSCE cases daily.
Maintain Work-Life Balance
- Exercise & Meditate to stay mentally fit.
- Get Proper Sleep to boost memory retention.
Good News: You Can Work After AMC 1!
Unlike USMLE or PLAB, after clearing AMC 1 + an English proficiency test, you can start working in Australia as a:
Junior Medical Officer (JMO) or Resident Medical Officer (RMO) 💰 Salary: $80,000 – $120,000 AUD per year
This allows you to gain experience & earn while preparing for AMC 2 or WBA pathways.
Final Thoughts: Your Pathway to an Australian Medical Career
Clearing the AMC exam requires dedication, smart preparation, and the right strategy. Thousands of Indian doctors have successfully passed AMC and are now thriving in Australia. If you need personalized guidance, study resources, or coaching, reach out to us at Academically Global for expert support.
