NZREX vs AMC Clinical: What’s the Difference - and Which Should You Take?
Sep 22, 2025
If you’re an international medical graduate (IMG) deciding between New Zealand’s NZREX Clinical Exam and Australia’s AMC Clinical Exam, the choice can feel overwhelming.
At first glance, they seem similar: both are OSCE-style exams designed to assess whether you're safe to practise as a junior doctor. But there are key differences - in format, difficulty, flexibility, and long-term impact on your medical career.
According to A/Prof George Eskander, PassGP Chief Examiner and former AMC examiner:
“The NZREX and AMC Clinical exams assess similar domains - but AMC Clinical tends to be more complex in reasoning, and NZREX more communication-focused. Your long-term goals should drive your choice.”
Let’s compare the two to help you decide which is right for you. Other post to check
Side-by-Side Comparison: NZREX vs AMC Clinical
|
Feature |
NZREX Clinical |
AMC Clinical Exam |
|
Country of use |
New Zealand |
Australia |
|
Required for |
MCNZ general registration |
AHPRA general registration |
|
Format |
12 x 8-minute OSCE stations |
16 x 8-minute stations (8 history + 8 exam/counselling) |
|
Patient type |
Simulated patients / actors |
Simulated patients / actors |
|
Marking focus |
Communication, safety, cultural competence |
Clinical reasoning, diagnosis, structured management |
|
Flexibility |
Fewer sittings, more limited re-sit opportunities |
More frequent sittings, more prep resources available |
|
Long-term pathways |
NZ only (some reciprocity) |
Opens AHPRA + Competent Authority pathway to NZ |
|
Cost |
~NZD $3,700+ |
~AUD $3,500+ |
|
Prep support (2025) |
Growing slowly (limited structured courses) |
Broad (e.g. PassGP, bridging courses, mock banks) |
When to Choose NZREX
NZREX may be a better fit if you:
- Want to practise in New Zealand only
- Have no postgraduate clinical experience in a comparable country
- Already passed USMLE, PLAB, or AMC MCQ but have not passed AMC Clinical
- Need a shorter path to supervised work in NZ (without waiting for AMC Clinical sittings)
Watch out: NZREX sittings are infrequent, and clinical roles may be limited post-exam - planning is essential.
When to Choose AMC Clinical
AMC Clinical is ideal if you:
- Want flexibility to work in both Australia and New Zealand
- Plan to enter RACGP, ACRRM or RANZCOG specialist training
- May later apply via Competent Authority to NZ (no need for NZREX)
- Want structured exam prep and mock exam options (e.g., PassGP)
As A/Prof Eskander advises:
“Passing AMC Clinical not only opens AHPRA registration - but it also often unlocks your future in NZ via Competent Authority. It gives you more choices, especially if you’re unsure.”
Career Tip
If you're undecided, consider sitting AMC Clinical first.
This can:
- Open AHPRA pathways to work in Australia
- Allow entry into NZ via Competent Authority, avoiding NZREX
- Give you access to structured prep like PassGP, improving your chances of success
How PassGP Helps You Decide and Prepare
PassGP supports IMGs through both exam routes:
- AMC Clinical prep: over 200+ cases, mock OSCEs, and video feedback
- NZREX coaching: 1:1 sessions on cultural competence and pacing
- Strategic advice on whether to pursue NZREX or AMC, based on your location, goals, and timeline
With guidance from A/Prof Eskander and experienced mentors, we help you choose the right pathway - and pass it with confidence.
Learn more at PassGP.au
