AMC Clinical Exam: Complete Guide To Passing On First Attempt

Introduction

For many international doctors, the AMC Clinical Exam feels like a single gate between years of training overseas and real work in Australia. It is the point where medical theory is tested against Australian practice, and where every station can move a career forward or hold it back. With pass rates around 21% for IMGs in recent years, it is no surprise that this exam creates a lot of pressure.

We often see candidates who know medicine very well but still struggle. The reason is simple: this assessment does not test facts alone. It checks communication, clinical reasoning, time management, cultural awareness, and whether a doctor works safely within the Australian health system. Passing on the first attempt takes more than long hours of study; it needs a clear, structured plan.

In this guide, we walk through what the AMC Clinical Exam covers, who can sit it, how it is structured and scored, and how to prepare in a focused way. We draw on our experience at LearnMedicine, working with IMGs through recall-based teaching, structured OSCE practice, and career support. By the end, you will know what examiners look for, how to avoid common mistakes, and how a systematic approach can make a first-time pass a realistic target.

“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.”
— Confucius

Key Takeaways

• The AMC Clinical Exam is an OSCE-style exam with 20 stations: 16 assessed and 4 rest stations. Current scoring uses 14 scored stations, and you need to pass at least 9 of those to pass overall. You can miss several stations and still pass, as long as performance stays steady across the circuit.

• A confirmed pass in the AMC CAT MCQ exam is required before booking the clinical exam. Stations target four main domains: history taking, physical examination, diagnostic reasoning, and management with counselling. Examiners also expect clear English, knowledge of Australian guidelines, and awareness of local systems. Most IMGs benefit from at least four months of structured practice.

• Successful candidates usually combine official AMC resources, repeated timed practice, and, where possible, a guided program such as LearnMedicine that reflects real recall patterns. Online candidates must also meet strict technical and room rules to avoid being turned away. Knowing both the clinical and non-clinical requirements early keeps preparation focused on what the AMC actually tests.

What Is The AMC Clinical Exam?

The AMC Clinical Exam is a practical, performance-based assessment using an OSCE format to check whether International Medical Graduates (IMGs) can work safely at intern level in Australia. It follows the AMC CAT MCQ exam in the Standard Pathway, so only candidates who have already passed the written exam can progress.

During the exam, you move through a circuit of short clinical stations based on common Australian presentations. Each station gives you a task such as:

• Taking a focused history

• Performing a relevant physical exam

• Forming a differential diagnosis

• Explaining investigations and management plans

Content spans general medicine, surgery, women’s health, paediatrics, and mental health, in both hospital and community settings.

Examiners look at more than clinical steps. They watch:

• How you listen and respond

• How clearly you explain options

• How you show empathy

• Whether your decisions match Australian standards and safety expectations

In simple terms, the exam asks: Can this IMG function as a safe, professional junior doctor in Australia? It is not just a test of textbook recall.

AMC Clinical Exam Eligibility And Scheduling

Eligibility for the AMC Clinical Exam is straightforward:

• You must have a confirmed pass in the AMC CAT MCQ exam.

• Without this, you cannot book a clinical exam place.

Scheduling, however, can be tricky. The AMC opens booking windows for specific exam periods across the year, with a regular pause during December and January. Demand is high, so:

• Places can disappear within minutes.

• On busy days, the booking system may slow or time out.

• When system issues occur, the AMC can review logs and manually place affected candidates into later sessions.

If you miss a place, you can usually join an Expression of Interest list for future openings. Some online sessions give priority to IMGs already working in rural and remote Australian areas, to help them progress to full registration.

Practical tips:

• Check the AMC website often.

• Keep login details and payment cards ready before each release.

• Have backup months in mind.

• Keep travel plans flexible until your booking feels secure, as dates can move or be cancelled.

Understanding The Exam Structure And Format

The AMC Clinical Exam uses a classic Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) format. You move around a fixed circuit of 20 stations:

• 16 assessed stations

• 4 rest stations

Each station runs for 10 minutes, divided into:

• 2 minutes reading time outside the room

• 8 minutes performance time inside the station under direct observation

How you use the reading time matters. Those two minutes are when you skim the stem, identify the main task, plan a focused structure, and decide the priorities for questions, examination steps, and management.

Stations may use:

• Simulated patients played by trained actors

• Video clips of patient encounters

• Charts, blood results, imaging, and photos

The content reflects both general practice and hospital work across multiple disciplines.

Rest stations are spaced through the circuit to give a short mental break. Many candidates use this time to replay previous stations, which often increases anxiety. A more helpful approach is to:

• Take a few slow breaths

• Let go of the last station

• Look ahead to the type of task coming next

Regular timed OSCE practice before the exam builds comfort with this rhythm and reduces on-the-day stress.

What The Exam Assesses: Key Competencies And Domains

The AMC Clinical Exam focuses on four major domains that mirror everyday junior doctor work in Australia.

History Taking

In history-focused stations, examiners look for a clear, logical, patient-centred interview. Strong candidates:

• Begin with the main concern

• Use open questions first, then focused closed questions

• Cover past medical, medication, family, and social history where relevant

• Keep questions relevant to the stem, not random

• Listen carefully and respond to verbal and non-verbal cues

• Summarise and check understanding

Respectful language and a calm manner matter as much as ticking off key questions.

“The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.”
— William Osler

Physical Examination

Physical examination stations test whether you can perform a focused, safe, efficient exam that matches the scenario. Examiners watch for:

• Correct technique and logical order

• Attention to important signs

• Clear explanations of what you are doing

• Consent and privacy, including proper draping

• Verbalising important findings

Rough handling, missed red flags, or disorganised technique can lead to low scores even when knowledge is strong.

Diagnostic Formulation

Diagnostic formulation is where you pull information together into a coherent clinical picture. The AMC expects you to:

• State a short, sensible list of differential diagnoses

• Explain why one diagnosis is most likely

• Link your thinking to key positive and negative findings

• Outline appropriate investigations in a logical order

• Match investigations to the Australian setting

Examiners prefer safe, structured thinking over guesses at rare conditions.

Management, Counseling, And Education

Management and counselling stations test how you turn a diagnosis into action and communicate that plan. Strong performance usually includes:

• Immediate safety steps (red flags, emergency care if needed)

• Medication choices consistent with Australian guidelines (e.g. Heart Foundation, RACGP, eTG)

• Non-drug measures and lifestyle advice

• Clear follow-up plans and when to seek urgent help

• Shared decision-making and checking understanding

• Addressing the patient’s worries and arranging referrals

Examiners look closely at whether the plan is safe, realistic, and clearly explained in plain language.

How The Exam Is Scored: Pass Requirements And Results

The AMC Clinical Exam uses 16 assessed stations, including 2 pilot stations. Pilot stations are new or updated scenarios the AMC is testing:

• They look and feel like normal stations.

• Marks from pilot stations are usually not counted in the final result while data is collected.

For most sittings, your final score is based on 14 scored stations (16 assessed minus 2 pilots). If a non-pilot station has serious problems (for example, unclear instructions), the Clinical Results Panel may replace it with a pilot station so every candidate still has 14 valid scores.

From 21 March 2024, the pass mark changed:

• Pass: at least 9 passed stations out of 14

• Fail: 8 or fewer passed stations

This replaces the older requirement of 10 passed stations. Even with this change, the pass rate for IMGs remains around 21%, which shows how demanding the exam is.

In each station, the examiner awards a global rating reflecting how safe and competent you appeared. This rating considers:

• Key steps in the main domain

• Overall structure and reasoning

• Professionalism and communication

Results are usually released at 4 pm on the Friday three weeks after the exam and can be downloaded from your AMC account. A pass in the AMC Clinical Exam, combined with the MCQ pass, leads to the AMC Certificate, which is required for AHPRA registration.

Essential Preparation Strategies For First-Time Success

Passing the AMC Clinical Exam on the first attempt requires more than random case practice, as outlined in this Complete Guide to Passing the AMC MCQ Exam which emphasizes structured preparation approaches. It needs a deliberate plan covering time, content, skills, and official guidance.

Study Timeline And Planning

Most IMGs need at least four months of focused preparation; some benefit from six months if they are new to OSCEs or have been out of clinical work.

Helpful planning steps:

• Map out weekly goals by system or topic

• Balance reading with speaking practice

• Schedule mock circuits every 2–3 weeks

• Build in review weeks for weaker domains

A simple weekly plan that you can consistently follow is far better than intense, irregular study.

Mastering Australian Clinical Guidelines

Examiners want to hear what a safe doctor in Australia would actually do. That means knowing local guidance from sources such as:

• RACGP (including the Red Book)

• Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG)

• Heart Foundation and other national bodies

Drug names, first-line choices, screening intervals, and follow-up plans may differ from your home country. It helps to:

• Create one-page summaries for common conditions using Australian sources

• Focus on first-line management, safety netting, and follow-up timing

• Practice saying these plans aloud in clear, simple English

Using correct Australian terms and first-line plans quickly builds examiner confidence in your safety.

Practicing Clinical Scenarios Under Timed Conditions

Reading cases is not enough. You need to practice thinking and speaking under an eight-minute clock.

Try to:

• Practice regularly with partners, taking turns as doctor, patient, and examiner

• Use 2 minutes reading + 8 minutes performance for each station

• Record sessions on video for honest review

• Repeat high-yield scenarios many times until structure feels automatic

“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.”
— Vince Lombardi

Repeated, realistic practice trains your brain to stay structured even when stressed.

Utilizing Official AMC Resources

The official AMC resources are essential reading:

• Clinical Examination Specifications – explains format, domains, expected level, and sample cases.

• Briefing video – shows the flow of exam day so nothing feels unfamiliar.

• Tips from Examiners – highlights frequent errors and what experienced examiners value.

• Suggested reading list – guides your textbook and guideline choices.

• Indigenous Health pages – clarify expectations for culturally safe care with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

Return to these resources regularly so your study stays aligned with AMC standards, not guesswork.

Leveraging Structured Preparation Courses For Success

Self-study works for some candidates, but many IMGs find that a structured course is the difference between repeated attempts and a clear pass. Courses offer:

• Organised content and study order

• Regular timed practice

• Feedback from experienced tutors

• A community of peers working toward the same exam

The AMC lists some bridging providers but does not endorse individual programs, so you still need to choose carefully.

At LearnMedicine, our programs are built around what IMGs say they need and what recall data from past sittings show. Our AMC Clinical Course and PESCI courses are AMA CPD Home approved and offer around 15–25 CPD hours, which also supports GPs with CPD requirements. Members gain access to more than 500 hours of video content focused on high-yield cases, Australian guidelines, and safe reasoning.

Key features include:

• Essential Case Summaries with structured history, examination, investigations, and management plans, plus timing tips

• Four or more live interactive classes each week (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Melbourne/Sydney time) with role-play and live feedback

• A complete library that supports both AMC Clinical Exam and PESCI preparation

We also support the wider career path:

• CV and cover letter review to match Australian expectations

• Guidance on AHPRA registration, supervision levels, and state recruitment

• A Telegram community for questions, peer practice, and encouragement, with alumni access and quick support from our team

For many IMGs, this mix of structure, feedback, and community makes preparation feel more organised and less isolating.

Technical Requirements For Online Examinations

For online sittings of the AMC Clinical Exam, the technical setup is as important as clinical knowledge. If requirements are not met, you may not be allowed to sit the exam, even if you have travelled or taken leave from work.

Key requirements include:

• Computer

  • Desktop or laptop only (no tablets or phones)

  • Administrator rights to install exam software

  • Operating system: Windows 11, or Apple computer running Windows 10 or 11

  • Screen size at least 14 inches for comfortable reading

• Camera And Audio

  • Working webcam at eye level so examiners can see your face

  • Wired headphones with microphone – no wireless or Bluetooth

  • A second wired headset tested in advance as backup

• Internet Connection

  • Stable, high-speed connection for the full session

  • Test at the same time of day as your scheduled exam

  • Close other programs, pause automatic updates, and ask others not to stream video

  • Keep the AMC contact phone number printed near your desk

• Exam Room

  • Quiet, private room used by you alone

  • Camera sweep at the start to show no other people or study materials

  • One mobile phone allowed on silent (no vibration), only for AMC contact if needed

  • Full practice run in the chosen room at least a week before the real exam

Professional Conduct And Exam Day Expectations

The AMC Clinical Exam assesses professional behaviour as well as clinical skill. From the first email or phone call with exam staff to the final station, you are expected to act with respect and courtesy toward:

• AMC staff

• Examiners

• Simulated patients

• Fellow candidates

This applies to both online and in-person sittings.

During the exam, you must follow all instructions from staff and comply with the Clinical Examination Specifications. Problems such as ignoring directions, arguing with supervisors, or trying to bend rules about materials can be treated as breaches.

Serious breaches—like sharing exam content or crossing professional boundaries with simulated patients—may lead to:

• Withdrawal of current results

• Exclusion from that exam session

• Bans from future AMC exams

• Possible reports to regulatory bodies for professional misconduct

For in-person exams, the AMC COVID Safe Workplace Policy applies, which may include vaccination and other public health requirements. Punctual arrival is vital, as late candidates may not be admitted once the briefing starts.

If a station goes badly or a technical issue appears:

• Stay calm and inform the invigilator if needed

• Move on to the next station without carrying frustration forward

Examiners pay attention to steady, respectful behaviour under stress, and this influences their global rating of your readiness for practice.

Withdrawal, Fees, And Administrative Policies

Sitting the AMC Clinical Exam is a major financial step, so it pays to understand fees and withdrawal rules.

• Exam fees must be paid in full at the time of scheduling.

• Payment is usually by credit card (e.g. Mastercard or Visa).

• Exam dates can change, so watch for AMC updates even after paying.

If you need to withdraw:

• You must submit the official Clinical Examination Withdrawal Notification form.

• Refunds are not automatic and are granted only in special situations at the discretion of the AMC Chief Executive Officer.

• Minor illness, travel changes, or a change of mind are not usually accepted reasons.

• Requests must be in writing with supporting documents (e.g. medical certificate, statutory declaration).

• An administrative fee is deducted from any approved refund.

In practice, you should try to book when:

• Preparation is on track

• Personal and work timelines are realistic

Rushing into the earliest date without being ready can lead to a fail, wasted fees, and months of delay.

Common Mistakes To Avoid And Expert Tips

After observing many AMC Clinical Exam attempts, we see the same problems repeating. Most can be avoided with awareness and practice.

Common issues include:

• Poor Time Management

  • Spending 6–7 minutes on one task and rushing the rest into the final minute

  • Fix: practice with a timer and a fixed structure for each station type.

• Weak Communication

  • Using jargon without explanation, minimal empathy, or not checking understanding

  • Fix: use plain language, open body posture, and quick “teach-back” questions.

• Non-Australian Management

  • Recommending drugs, tests, or pathways not standard in Australia

  • Fix: read about PBS, Medicare, and referral pathways; align answers with local practice.

• Unsafe Examination Technique

  • Touching without explanation, skipping consent, or random order of steps

  • Fix: practice full examinations on partners, verbalise each step, and protect privacy.

• Unstructured Diagnostic Reasoning

  • Jumping straight to one diagnosis or listing rare causes without justification

  • Fix: give a short list of likely diagnoses with clear reasons linked to findings.

• Incomplete Management Plans

  • Ignoring the patient’s main concern, missing follow-up, or unsafe prescribing

  • Fix: always include side effects, safety-net advice, and a clear follow-up plan.

Examiners often say they pass candidates who show safe practice, honesty about limits, and a readiness to escalate to seniors when needed. Treat simulated patients like real ones, stay calm after a weak station, and speak your thinking aloud so examiners can follow your reasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many IMGs share similar questions about the AMC Clinical Exam. Here are clear answers to the most common ones.

Question 1: How Long Should I Prepare For The AMC Clinical Exam?

Most candidates need at least four months of focused preparation. Doctors who are less familiar with OSCEs or have been out of practice may benefit from six months or more. Steady, planned study with regular speaking practice is more important than the total number of months.

Question 2: What Happens If I Fail The AMC Clinical Exam?

If you fail, you can sit the exam again. There is no official limit on attempts, but each sitting needs a new booking and full fee. Before rebooking, review the station feedback, look for patterns in weaker domains, and adjust your preparation. Many repeat candidates progress faster when they join a structured program such as LearnMedicine to focus on those gaps.

Question 3: Can I Take Notes During The Examination Stations?

In most sittings, you receive paper for brief notes. Short prompts can help maintain structure, but long note-taking often hurts performance by breaking eye contact. Examiners want to see active listening and engagement. Practice using minimal notes during preparation to find the right balance.

Question 4: What Is The Difference Between AMC Clinical Exam And PESCI?

• The AMC Clinical Exam is a national assessment for AMC certification and readiness for intern-level practice.

• PESCI (Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview) is usually required by employers or colleges such as RACGP and ACRRM for specific positions, especially in general practice and rural roles. It focuses on whether you are safe for a particular job context.

At LearnMedicine, we provide courses for both the AMC Clinical Exam and PESCI so candidates can prepare for each step in a coordinated way.

Question 5: Are The Simulated Patients Real Patients Or Actors?

Simulated patients are usually trained actors, not real patients. They are prepared to present specific histories, symptoms, and emotional responses in a consistent way for all candidates. You should treat them with full respect and professionalism, just as you would real patients.

Question 6: How Soon Can I Apply For Medical Registration After Passing?

After passing both the AMC CAT MCQ and the AMC Clinical Exam, you become eligible for the AMC Certificate. Once issued, you can apply for registration with AHPRA, provided you meet other requirements such as English language and recency of practice. Because AHPRA has its own timelines, it helps to start collecting documents early. LearnMedicine supports members with guidance on AHPRA steps and on finding supervised positions.

Question 7: What Should I Do If I Experience Technical Difficulties During An Online Exam?

If a technical problem occurs:

• Contact the AMC immediately using the allowed mobile phone.

• Keep the contact number printed near your desk.

• Use tested backup equipment, especially a second wired headset, to reduce disruption.

The AMC has procedures to manage genuine technical issues fairly, but they depend on prompt communication from you.

Conclusion

The AMC Clinical Exam is a demanding step for any IMG, but it is also a clear way to show readiness for Australian practice. The shift to a pass mark of 9 out of 14 scored stations from March 2024 reflects the AMC’s effort to balance safety with realistic expectations. With the right approach, a first-time pass is very possible.

Success rests on several pillars:

• Understanding the exam structure

• Knowing common conditions framed by Australian guidelines

• Completing many hours of timed OSCE practice

• Communicating clearly, behaving professionally, and making safe decisions

Using official AMC resources keeps your preparation aligned with what is actually tested, while structured courses can speed up progress and provide feedback that self-study often misses.

At LearnMedicine, our AMC Clinical Exam and PESCI programs are built to support IMGs through each part of this path. Members receive access to more than 500 hours of recall-based teaching, weekly live interactive classes, Essential Case Summaries, and a supportive Telegram community. Our AMA CPD Home–certified courses also include help with CVs, cover letters, AHPRA steps, and career planning.

Preparation for this exam is not only about passing a test. It is about becoming a safe, confident doctor for Australian patients. With steady effort, the right guidance, and belief in your skills, you can cross this milestone and move on to the next stage of your medical career in Australia.