Planning to Practice Medicine in Australia?
The AMC MCQ exam is your first step on the path to being recognized as a certified medical practitioner—a big moment, we believe. In our experience, this guide spills out all the key bits you need, like who qualifies, how to sign up, when to pencil in your exam date, and even some down-to-earth tips on how best to prepare, making the whole process seem a bit less overwhelming.
What Is the AMC MCQ Examination?
Internationally trained doctors eyeing a career in Australia now have this computer-based test by the Australian Medical Council; it’s essentially their gateway to the local scene. You have to;
- Sit through an exam that lasts roughly 3.5 hours
- You need to answer 150 multiple-choice questions.
- Out of five options provided, only one is right, which, in most cases, makes the pressure pretty real.
Interestingly, the test isn’t confined to one spot—it’s hosted at Pearson VUE centers around the world, so you can usually find one near you. Generally speaking, this exam isn’t just a hurdle but also a definitive step toward practicing medicine in Australia. We’ve seen many professionals describe it as a critical, if sometimes daunting, passage into their new medical journey.
📌 More Info: Australian Medical Council MCQ Exam Details
Eligibility & Authorisation Process
Before you, as a candidate, schedule the AMC MCQ Exam, you must receive authorisation from the AMC. Like mentioned below;
- Register on the AMC Portal.
- Submit your primary medical qualifications.
- Get verified through ECFMG (via EPIC)
- Apply for exam authorisation.
Once approved, you will receive an authorisation notification email from Pearson VUE.
📝 Related Reading: How to Register for AMC Exams – Step-by-Step Guide
How to Schedule Your AMC MCQ Exam with Pearson VUE
After getting authorised, you can schedule your exam through:
- ✅ Online Booking
- 📞 Phone Scheduling
⚠️ Important: Your authorisation allows you to schedule only one exam event. Since seats are limited, we strongly recommend scheduling immediately after receiving authorisation.
Once booked, the AMC will email you a placement letter—useful for Visa applications and travel arrangements.
Need a Travel Visa? Read This First
If you’re travelling internationally to take your AMC MCQ exam, make sure to:
- Apply for a Visa early
- Use the AMC placement letter as support documentation.
- Reschedule before the event closing date if Visa delays occu.r
TIP: Check Visa wait times in your country to avoid last-minute stress.
Can a Candidate Reschedule or Cancel an Exam?
Yes, candidates can always reschedule or cancel the exam—but only up to 21 days before the scheduled date of the amc exam. After that, the candidate may lose both your authorization and exam fee.
So, plan wisely!
U.S.A. Embargo Restrictions
If you’re a citizen of a sanctioned country, you may not be allowed to sit the exam. However, exemptions may apply if:
- You hold permanent residency in a non-sanctioned country
- You provide valid documentation.
For the latest updates, refer to the official OFAC Sanctions List.
AMC MCQ Results – When & How?
Your results are processed directly by the AMC, not Pearson VUE. You’ll be notified via email; results are accessible through your AMC candidate account.
Tip: Check the AMC website for exact result release dates.
Want to Ace the AMC MCQ? Here’s How!
Passing the AMC MCQ requires a strategic approach:
- ✅ Use high-yield AMC MCQ prep books
- ✅ Take full-length mock tests
- ✅ Join online study groups
- ✅ Enroll in AMC coaching programs for expert guidance
Looking for expert prep support? Check out this resource:
👉 AMC MCQ Preparation Guide & Coaching Options
Final Thoughts: Start Your Medical Career in Australia
The AMC MCQ exam can be that unexpected door to a thriving med career in Australia. In our experience, putting in some solid prep and sorting out your schedule just might nudge you a step closer to your medical registration and a future you’ve been dreaming about. Don’t wait—kick off your prep today!
FAQ About the AMC MCQ Examination
The AMC MCQ (Multiple-Choice Questions) Exam is a computer-based test for internationally qualified doctors or out-of-Australia qualified doctors planning medical registration in Australia. It assesses candidates’ clinical knowledge across key medical disciplines.
It is 3.5 hours long, and the candidate needs to answer 150 multiple-choice questions.
International medical graduates (IMGs) with a recognized medical degree who have completed the EPIC verification process through ECFMG are eligible to apply for the AMC MCQ exam.
A candidate must first create an AMC candidate account, submit the documents, and complete EPIC verification. Once approved, the candidate can apply for exam authorisation from the AMC.
The AMC MCQ Exam is conducted worldwide through Pearson VUE test centers, including India. Locations and available slots are shown once a candidate receives authorisation via email
The exam fee for registration is approximately AUD 2,920, but fees may vary. Refer to the official AMC website for the latest pricing and other costs.
Qualifying for the MCQ exam makes a candidate eligible to proceed to the AMC Clinical Exam or AMC 2 (for standard pathway candidates) to seek pathways for provisional registration in Australia.
Results are typically released within 4–6 weeks from the exam date. The candidate will be notified via email and can also check the AMC candidate portal.
Some of the top-rated resources include:
- Past question banks and online mock exams.
- AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions.
- John Murtagh’s General Practice
- AMC Prep guidance by amcexam.au
