AMC Exams Explained: A Step-by-Step Guide for IMGs in Australia (2025)

If you're an international medical graduate (IMG) planning to practise in Australia, the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams are often your first major hurdle - and your first opportunity.

Whether you're aiming for General Registration or planning a long-term career as a GP, understanding the AMC pathway is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, with insight from A/Prof George Eskander, Chief Examiner at PassGP, we’ll walk you through:

• What the AMC exams are
• Who needs to sit them
• How they’re structured
• What happens after you pass

 What Are the AMC Exams?

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) oversees the standardised assessment of international medical graduates (IMGs) who wish to practise in Australia.

There are two main exams in the Standard Pathway:

Once you pass both, you become eligible for General Registration with AHPRA and can begin supervised practice, often in general practice roles.

Who Needs to Sit the AMC Exams?

You need to sit the AMC exams if:

• Your medical degree is not from a country deemed “substantially comparable” by the Medical Board of Australia
• You’re not eligible for the Specialist Pathway (e.g. FRCS, MRCGP, etc.)
• You’re applying via the Standard Pathway to obtain General Registration

If you're unsure, check your eligibility with AHPRA’s Self-Assessment Tool or consult a college like RACGP or ACRRM.

AMC Part 1 (MCQ Exam)

Part 1 is a knowledge-based exam, but it focuses on Australian context, not just textbook recall.

AMC Part 2 (Clinical Exam)

This is not just about diagnosis - it's about how you interact, explain, manage, and document. Communication, cultural sensitivity, and patient-centredness matter.

What Happens After AMC?

Once you pass both AMC exams, you’re eligible to:

• Apply for General Registration with AHPRA
• Seek jobs in general practice, hospital, or urgent care
• Begin your FSP (RACGP) or Independent Pathway (ACRRM)
• Complete a PESCI (if required)
• Start preparing for Fellowship exams: AKT, KFP, CCE or StAMPS

A/Prof Eskander explains:

“The AMC exams open the door - but they don’t get you to Fellowship. That’s where platforms like PassGP are essential. We support IMGs from AMC to PESCI to full Fellowship.”

How Long Does It Take to Complete the AMC Pathway?

PassGP: What We Offer for AMC Graduates

While PassGP doesn’t focus on AMC Part 1 or 2 prep, we’re the go-to platform the moment you pass and are ready for:

• PESCI prep (1:1 coaching, red flag training, simulated interviews)
• FSP onboarding (clinical readiness, referral letters, cultural safety)
• AKT, KFP MSQ and CCE preparation (over 4,500 exam-style questions)
• Rural/metro pathway coaching based on your practice location
• Support from real examiners, including Chief Examiner A/Prof George Eskander

Related Pathways: Do You Need a PESCI?

If you're applying for Limited or Provisional Registration (e.g., job before General Registration), you may need to complete a PESCI - an interview that assesses whether you're safe to work in a specific practice.

PassGP offers mock PESCI interviews and clinical scenario coaching tailored to current AHPRA and college standards.

Final Thoughts

The AMC exams are your entry point into Australian general practice - but they’re just the beginning of your journey.

Once you pass, you'll need support to:

• Transition safely into Australian practice
• Pass your Fellowship exams
• Build a rewarding, independent career

At PassGP, we’re here to help - from your first day on the job to the day you earn your FRACGP or FACRRM.

Start your free trial today at PassGP and take the next step towards becoming a fully qualified GP in Australia.