Preparing For The AMC Clinical Exam: Ultimate Guide For IMGs (Standard Pathway)

Starting the process of practising medicine in Australia as an international medical graduate (IMG) via the Standard Pathway is both exciting and demanding. A major milestone is passing the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Clinical Examination, which checks whether you can work safely at intern level in the Australian healthcare system.

Success depends on more than medical theory. You need to:

• Show safe, structured clinical reasoning under time pressure

• Apply Australian guidelines and drug choices

• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and with cultural awareness

This guide is written for IMGs preparing for the AMC Clinical Exam. You’ll find:

• A clear overview of the exam format and passing standard

• Practical advice on eligibility, registration, and scheduling

• The key Australian clinical resources you should study

• A realistic 3‑ and 6‑month study plan

• High‑yield study tips and common mistakes to avoid

• Cultural safety and Indigenous health expectations

• Exam‑day strategies and what to do after you pass

The aim is to give you a structured, realistic plan so preparation feels organised rather than overwhelming.

Eligibility, Registration And Scheduling The AMC Clinical Exam

Before you invest serious time and money, make sure you understand who can sit the exam and how booking works.

Eligibility: Who Can Sit The AMC Clinical Exam?

To sit the AMC Clinical Exam (Standard Pathway), you must:

• Hold a verified AMC portfolio and primary medical qualification

• Have passed the AMC CAT MCQ Examination

• Meet current AMC administrative and identity requirements

There is no formal cap on attempts, but each sitting is stressful and costly. Try to reach the expected standard before you book. Always confirm current rules on the official AMC website, as policies may change.

Where And How The Exam Is Held

• Primary location: Most exams are held face to face at the National Test Centre (NTC) in Melbourne.

• Online sessions: A small number of online circuits are offered, usually for IMGs already working in rural or remote Australian settings.

Session dates and formats are updated on the AMC website through the year.

Scheduling A Session: What To Expect

When new dates are released, competition for places can be intense:

• Many candidates log in at the same time, so the system may slow or time out.

• Sometimes payment fails after a place appears to be reserved; AMC staff can often identify these cases and fix them manually.

• If you miss out, you can email the AMC clinical team to join an Expression Of Interest (EOI) list and state preferred months.

Practical tips:

• Do not wait for a confirmed date to start preparing.

• Treat the period after passing the MCQ as valuable preparation time.

• Have your payment details ready and log in exactly at the release time.

Withdrawals, Refunds And Changes

If your circumstances change:

• You must submit a formal Clinical Examination Withdrawal Notification form to cancel your session. Non‑attendance without withdrawal counts as a non‑appearance.

• Refunds are considered only in exceptional situations (for example, serious illness or major events) and require documentation such as a detailed medical certificate or statutory declaration.

• An administrative fee applies if a refund is approved.

• Routine issues like minor illness, work conflicts, or travel problems are usually not accepted.

The AMC may also change dates or formats if needed (for example, for safety reasons). Read AMC emails carefully in the weeks before your exam.

Understanding The AMC Clinical Exam Format: More Than Just Questions

The AMC Clinical Exam is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE): a circuit of short, focused scenarios that test how you perform as a junior doctor, not just what you remember from books.

The standard is that of an Australian medical graduate at the end of intern year: a safe, supervised doctor who can recognise risk, communicate clearly, and follow local guidelines.

Stations And Timing: The Rhythm Of The Exam

Structure

• About 20 stations in total

• 16 assessed clinical stations

• 4 rest stations

Everyone sees the same cases but starts at different points in the circuit.

Timing

Each station follows a strict 10‑minute cycle:

• 2 minutes reading time outside the room or on screen

• 8 minutes interaction time with a simulated patient while examiners observe

During reading time, quickly:

• Identify the core problem (for example, chest pain in ED, shortness of breath in a clinic)

• Note red flags already given

• Underline the verbs in the task (take a history, examine, explain, manage)

• Roughly divide your 8 minutes between history, exam, and management

This simple plan stops you from spending the whole station on history alone.

Exam Delivery: Face‑To‑Face And Limited Online Options

Face‑To‑Face Exams (Standard)

Most candidates sit a face‑to‑face circuit at the NTC:

• You interact with a standardised patient (actor) and one or two examiners.

• Tasks may include:

  • Focused history

  • Focused physical examination

  • Explaining a diagnosis or results

  • Obtaining consent or counselling

Online Exams (Limited)

A small number of candidates sit online via video platform, usually IMGs practising in rural or remote areas:

• The focus is still on communication, reasoning, and safety.

• Physical examination is often described rather than performed, including what you would look for and how you would interpret signs or images.

Do not assume you will be given an online circuit; plan for face‑to‑face unless the AMC confirms otherwise.

Content Covered: Breadth And Depth Of Australian Practice

Stations sample the main areas a junior doctor sees in Australia, including:

• Adult medicine: chest pain, dyspnoea, diabetes, hypertension, stroke/TIA, common infections, abdominal pain

• Surgery and emergency: pre‑operative assessment, post‑operative complications, common acute abdomens, simple trauma and fracture principles

• Women’s health: antenatal care, pregnancy complications (for example, GDM, pre‑eclampsia), contraception, cervical screening follow‑up, menopause discussions

• Paediatrics: fever, rashes, respiratory distress, gastroenteritis, dehydration, growth and development concerns, immunisation topics

• Mental health: depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicide and self‑harm risk assessment, behavioural disturbance, capacity assessment

Cases may use:

• Simulated patients

• Short video clips

• ECGs, imaging, blood results, growth charts, or rash photographs

You are expected to integrate history, examination, and investigations into a safe management plan.

Skill Domains: What Each Station Is Really Testing

Most stations focus on one or two main domains, such as:

• History‑taking – focused, empathetic, and efficient

• Physical examination – logical, dignified, and explained clearly

• Diagnostic formulation – key findings, differentials, and “must not miss” diagnoses

• Investigations – appropriate, justified, and interpreted correctly

• Management planning – immediate steps, longer‑term plan, and follow‑up using Australian guidelines

• Counselling and education – clear explanations, risks and benefits, prevention

• Safe prescribing – correct drugs, doses, interactions, and allergies

• Communication and professionalism – rapport, empathy, and ethical behaviour

Nearly every station includes a heavy communication component, even if the title sounds “clinical”.

Station Structure: Deconstructing The Task

Outside each station you receive:

• A short scenario (setting, patient age, main complaint)

• A list of tasks, usually 2–4 instructions

Read the tasks very carefully:

• Are you mainly asked to assess, examine, explain, counsel, or manage?

• Do you speak to the patient, the examiner, or both?

• Are there time prompts (for example, “spend about 5 minutes taking a focused history”)?

Try to address every task. Ignoring one key task can lead to a station fail even if other parts were strong.

Examiners:

• Observe quietly using a structured marking guide and global rating scale

• May ask you to summarise or clarify at the end

• Focus on task completion, reasoning, communication, professionalism, and safety

“Medicine is a science of uncertainty and an art of probability.”
— Sir William Osler

The exam is not trying to trick you; it checks whether your clinical thinking is safe and organised.

Passing Criteria: Consistency Matters

Your overall result for the exam is Pass or Fail; there is no partial credit.

Key points:

• You complete 16 assessed stations.

• 2 of these are pilot stations, used for future calibration.

• Your score comes from 14 scored stations.

From 21 March 2024:

• You must pass at least 9 of the 14 scored stations.

• Passing 8 or fewer leads to an overall Fail.

• This standard does not apply retrospectively to exams before that date.

Each station receives a global Pass/Fail based on task completion, reasoning, communication, professionalism, and safety. There is no averaging between stations, so you need broad, consistent performance rather than relying on a few strong topics.

Standard And Expectations: The ‘Safe Intern’ Benchmark

Examiners judge whether you can function as a safe, supervised intern in Australia, looking for:

• Patient safety first – recognise red flags, avoid dangerous decisions, and escalate appropriately

• Evidence‑based care using Australian guidelines – local drug names, doses, and protocols

• Effective communication – clear explanations and structured discussions

• Professionalism and cultural awareness – respect, honesty, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients

• Competent management of common problems – the conditions interns see every week

You must show your thinking: gather information, interpret it logically, make a plan, and explain it clearly.

Preparing For The Online AMC Clinical Exam

Only a minority of candidates sit the AMC Clinical Exam online, but if you are one of them, preparation must also cover technical and environmental requirements.

Who Usually Sits The Online Exam?

Online clinical exams are generally prioritised for IMGs who:

• Are already employed in the Australian medical workforce

• Work in rural or remote locations where travel to Melbourne is difficult

If this is not you, expect a face‑to‑face exam unless the AMC confirms an online place.

Technical Requirements: Non‑Negotiable Basics

Requirements change, so always check the AMC website. Common expectations include:

• Computer: desktop or laptop with administrator rights (no tablets/phones)

• Operating system: supported version of Windows 11 (Macs only if dual‑booting into supported Windows)

• Screen: at least 14 inches

• Webcam: stable, at eye level, showing your face and upper body

• Audio: wired headphones with in‑built microphone, plus a second wired backup pair

• Internet: reliable, high‑speed connection; wired Ethernet is better than Wi‑Fi

Test the full setup well in advance as part of your study plan.

Room Setup And Exam Environment

Your room must meet strict conditions:

• You must be alone in a quiet, well‑lit space.

• Non‑essential devices must be turned off.

• Your phone can stay only for emergency contact:

  • Show it to the invigilator at the start

  • Keep it on silent with vibration off

The invigilator may ask you to rotate your webcam to show the room and desk. If you cannot meet these conditions, do not book an online exam.

Practical Tips For Online Candidates

If your AMC Clinical Exam is online:

• Practise OSCE cases via webcam, not just face to face.

• Record short sessions to review:

  • Eye contact with the camera

  • Voice clarity and speed

  • Body language within the frame

• Do at least one full mock circuit using the same computer, headphones, internet, and room you will use on the day.

This reduces the chance that technical issues will distract you or cost you valuable time.

Key Australian Resources For AMC Clinical Prep: Your Local Knowledge Toolkit

To pass the AMC Clinical Exam, you must align your practice with Australian standards—especially guidelines, drug names, and management pathways.

AMC Official Clinical Exam Resources: Start Here

Begin with resources written by the AMC:

• Clinical Examination Specifications – format, domains, expected level, professional behaviours, and a reading list

• AMC Clinical Briefing Video – shows how a typical exam day and station run

• “Tips From Examiners” document – practical advice on what strong candidates do and common reasons for failing stations

• AMC Indigenous Health webpage – expectations for culturally safe care and health equity

Read these early; they frame all your later study.

1. RACGP Guidelines: The GP Perspective

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) provides core community medicine guidance, including:

• The “Red Book” for preventive care and screening

• Condition‑specific guidance for diabetes, asthma/COPD, cardiovascular risk, and more

• HANDI, a handbook of effective non‑drug interventions

When practising primary‑care cases, ask: “What does the Red Book recommend for this age and risk group?”

2. Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG): The Prescribing Reference

Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) is the standard Australian prescribing reference. It gives:

• First‑line and alternative treatments for common conditions

• Exact drug names, routes, doses, durations, and adjustments

• Contraindications and important interactions

When you plan management, get into the habit of asking, “What does eTG recommend for this condition?”

3. Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Clinical Guidelines: Paediatric Standard

RCH Melbourne hosts free, high‑quality paediatric guidelines that cover:

• Acute conditions such as croup, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and gastroenteritis

• Fever and serious infection red flags

• Weight‑based drug dosing and fluid plans

• Indications for admission, transfer, or discharge

Use them as your default paediatric reference unless another Australian guideline clearly overrides them.

4. Australian Immunisation Handbook: Vaccine Schedules And Safety

The Australian Immunisation Handbook includes:

• National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedules for all age groups

• Catch‑up plans

• Vaccine recommendations for pregnancy, immunocompromise, and First Nations peoples

• Contraindications, side effects, and how to deal with vaccine hesitancy

Immunisation scenarios are common, so this handbook is essential.

5. Australian STI Management Guidelines: Sexual Health Standards

These guidelines explain:

• Which tests to order for each infection

• First‑line and alternative regimens for conditions like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis

• Partner notification, contact tracing, and follow‑up

• Safer sex counselling points

They are especially valuable for sexual health and young‑adult cases.

6. Specialist College Guidelines: Deeper Specialty Knowledge

Useful sources include:

• RANZCOG – antenatal schedules, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, GDM, cervical screening pathways

• ACEM – structured approaches to common emergency presentations

• ARC (Australian Resuscitation Council) – adult and paediatric life support, anaphylaxis, drowning, and trauma algorithms

Be comfortable with basic ARC algorithms, even though the AMC exam is not a pure ALS assessment.

7. John Murtagh’s General Practice: Symptom‑Based Thinking

John Murtagh’s General Practice is widely used in Australia and helps you:

• Approach symptoms (chest pain, dizziness, back pain) with safe diagnostic strategies

• Structure history and examination

• Build initial management plans in a GP setting

Use it to practise constructing differential lists and systematic approaches to undifferentiated problems.

8. Australian Journals And Articles: Staying Current

Useful journals include:

• Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP) – practical clinical reviews and case discussions

• Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) – national guidelines, position statements, and clinically relevant research

You do not need to memorise everything; focus on recent updates for diabetes, cardiovascular prevention, cancer screening, mental health, and Indigenous health.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
— Benjamin Franklin

Turn what you read into practice by immediately role‑playing a case, then summarising key points in your own words.

Quick Resource Summary

Resource	Main Focus	Why It Matters For The AMC Clinical Exam
AMC Specifications & Briefing	Exam format and expectations	Defines the exact standard you are assessed against
RACGP “Red Book” & GP guidance	Preventive and chronic care	Frames GP‑style stations and screening questions
Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG)	Prescribing and drug therapy	Aligns your management with Australian prescribing practice
RCH Clinical Guidelines	Paediatric care	Sets the standard for common paediatric presentations
Australian Immunisation & STI guides	Vaccines and sexual health	Frequent topics in OSCE stations and counselling discussions

Structured AMC Clinical Study Plan (3 And 6 Months): Your Preparation Blueprint

You need structured, deliberate practice—not just reading. The outline below describes a 3‑month intensive plan with notes on stretching it to 6 months.

Month 1 (Weeks 1–4): Foundations And Australian Context

Goal: Build a strong base in core topics and align your thinking with Australian practice.

Week 1: Orientation, Planning And Resources

• Read the AMC Clinical Examination Specifications, watch the briefing video, and review the “Tips From Examiners” document.

• Create a realistic timetable with:

  • Daily case practice

  • Guideline reading

  • Time for feedback and rest

• Arrange access to key resources: eTG, RCH guidelines, Immunisation Handbook, STI guidelines, RACGP tools.

• Consider structured support such as the LearnMedicine AMC Clinical Course at LearnMedicine.com.au for curated cases, feedback, and mock circuits.

• Join peer groups (for example, AMC Clinical Prep Telegram: t.me/+4diQsqVKecU3N2Vl) and find 1–3 serious study partners.

Week 2: General Practice And Internal Medicine

Focus on common adult presentations:

• Chest pain, dyspnoea, diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorders

• Abdominal pain, anaemia, headache, dizziness/syncope

For each, practise:

• Focused history and examination

• Key differentials and investigations

• Management aligned with RACGP, eTG, and relevant Australian guidelines

Aim for 2–3 full role‑play cases per day.

Week 3: Surgery And Emergency Medicine Essentials

Cover:

• Pre‑operative assessment and consent

• Early and late post‑operative complications

• Basic trauma assessment (ABCDE)

• Anaphylaxis, sepsis, acute coronary syndromes, acute asthma

Practise explaining procedures and risks, and rehearse emergency algorithms out loud.

Week 4: Women’s Health, Mental Health And Ethics

Women’s health:

• Antenatal visits, routine screening, GDM, pre‑eclampsia

• Abnormal uterine bleeding, contraception, cervical screening results

Mental health:

• Assessment of depression, anxiety, psychosis

• Suicide and self‑harm risk assessment, safety planning, and referral options

Ethics and communication:

• Capacity, consent, confidentiality, mandatory reporting

• Breaking bad news and managing anger or distress with clear frameworks.

For a 6‑month plan, stretch this “foundations” phase across about 3 months, spending longer on each major domain and, if possible, adding observerships to see Australian practice first hand.

Month 2 (Weeks 5–8): Intensive Skill Practice And System Refinement

Goal: Shift from knowledge review to timed performance.

Week 5: Paediatrics Deep Dive

Practise cases on:

• Neonatal jaundice, febrile infants, respiratory distress

• Gastroenteritis and dehydration, accidental ingestions

Use RCH guidelines to rehearse:

• Paediatric history from parents/carers

• Growth chart interpretation and developmental milestones

• Weight‑based dosing for common medications and fluids

Week 6: Focused History And Physical Examination

• Run rapid histories (4–5 minutes) for a variety of symptoms: falls, memory problems, chronic back pain, chest pain, psychiatric presentations.

• Verbalise full examination sequences (cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal, neurology, thyroid, major joints) as if you were performing them.

Week 7: Management And Counselling Skills

Practise stations where you:

• Explain new diagnoses (for example, asthma, Type 2 diabetes)

• Demonstrate inhaler technique (verbally)

• Counsel on smoking, alcohol, and lifestyle change

• Discuss investigations and medication side effects

Keep plans structured and simple, frequently checking the patient’s understanding.

Week 8: Mini Mocks And Weakness Review

• Run mini‑circuits of 4–8 stations with proper timing and rest breaks.

• After each circuit, identify patterns: weak timing, poor summaries, missing red flags, or vague plans.

• Target those issues in the following week.

If you are enrolled in a course such as the LearnMedicine AMC Clinical Course, use formal mocks and feedback to guide your revision.

For a 6‑month plan, use Months 4–5 for this intensive phase, dedicating full weeks to each domain (medicine, surgery/ED, paediatrics, mental health) and steadily increasing the number of consecutive stations.

Month 3 (Weeks 9–12): Final Refinement, Mocks And Mental Readiness

Goal: Polish technique, consolidate knowledge, and arrive at the exam confident but rested.

Week 9: Targeted Review And Logistics

• Do a gap analysis: which topics and exam skills still feel weak?

• Refresh:

  • High‑yield guideline summaries

  • Emergency algorithms (ARC, sepsis, ACS)

  • Common drug doses and contraindications

• Confirm all logistics: exam date, time, venue or online details, travel, ID, and paperwork.

Week 10: Full‑Length Mock Exams And Timing Mastery

• Aim for 2–3 full mock circuits of 16+ stations.

• Dress professionally and follow strict 2‑minute reading/8‑minute interaction cycles with rest stations.

• Refine your internal timing (for example, move to management by around 4 minutes).

Week 11: Consolidation And Stress Management

• Avoid brand‑new topics. Review your notes, flashcards, and concise checklists.

• Gently reduce study hours while keeping daily contact with material.

• Prioritise sleep, exercise, and simple relaxation techniques.

Week 12: Light Review, Rest And Final Checks

• Skim emergency algorithms and key differential lists.

• Rehearse your standard opening and closing phrases.

• Run a full exam‑day rehearsal (clothes, transport, login, timing).

• Keep the final 24 hours light, with early sleep and minimal new material.

For a 6‑month plan, Month 6 looks similar but with more spaced mock circuits and a slower taper to reduce fatigue.

Effective Study Tips For AMC Clinical Exam Success

How you study matters as much as what you study. These strategies can make your preparation more efficient and realistic.

1. Practise Actively And Daily

• Do daily timed case practice, even short ones.

• Treat each as a performance: read the stem, plan, then speak out loud under time pressure.

Active, spoken practice builds fluency and confidence far better than silent reading.

2. Use Study Partners: Collaborate Smartly

A small group (2–4 people) can speed up learning. Rotate roles:

• Candidate – performs the station

• Patient – follows a script and responds realistically

• Examiner – times the station and gives feedback using AMC domains

Groups can form through the AMC Clinical Prep Telegram community: t.me/+4diQsqVKecU3N2Vl or through structured courses.

3. Simulate Exam Conditions Regularly

• Use a stopwatch for every practice station.

• Practise in professional clothing sometimes.

• Rehearse both standing and sitting consultations.

• If your exam is online, practise via webcam with exam‑style lighting and background.

Include rest stations in longer practice circuits and use them to reset mentally.

4. Master Communication And Empathy

Strong communication often separates borderline passes from clear passes. Focus on:

• Active listening – reflect key points and emotions

• Empathetic phrases – “I’m sorry this has been so hard for you.”

• Plain language – avoid jargon and check understanding regularly

• Non‑verbal skills – open posture, calm tone, appropriate eye contact

• Shared decision‑making – present options and invite preferences

Make sure you practise difficult conversations: breaking bad news, anger, fear, vaccine hesitancy, and end‑of‑life discussions.

5. Understand The Australian Context Deeply

Learn how medicine is organised and spoken about in Australia:

• Language and terminology: drug names like paracetamol, salbutamol, local abbreviations, SI units.

• System knowledge: roles of GPs, specialists, and allied health; referral pathways; community supports (Quitline, Lifeline, Beyond Blue, NDIS).

• Cultural awareness: multicultural society, interpreter use, and particular needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This background often appears indirectly through realistic expectations of referral and follow‑up.

6. Use Checklists And Flashcards Strategically

Create concise aids for:

• Common differentials (chest pain, syncope, headache, dyspnoea)

• Emergency steps for anaphylaxis, seizures, ACS, and sepsis

• Paediatric drug doses and fluid plans

• Preventive screening and immunisation by age

• Diagnostic criteria (for example, GDM, major depressive disorder)

Also prepare:

• A standard introduction (“Hello, I’m Dr …, one of the junior doctors…”)

• A standard closing summary and safety‑netting script

These structures support you when nerves are high.

7. Prioritise Self‑Care: This Is A Marathon

• Plan at least one full rest day per week.

• Maintain basic routines: sleep, exercise, and nutrition.

• Stay connected socially and seek professional help early if mood or anxiety become overwhelming.

Looking after yourself is part of being a safe doctor.

8. Common Preparation Mistakes To Avoid

Avoid:

1. Waiting for a confirmed exam date to start – skills like communication and timing cannot be crammed.

2. Studying only theory – reading without speaking or role‑playing is not enough for an OSCE.

3. Ignoring timing – if you never use a timer, you will probably overrun on the day.

4. Underestimating communication – unclear or insensitive interactions can fail a station despite good knowledge.

5. Neglecting Australian standards – using non‑Australian guidelines or drug names can undermine your performance.

Cultural Safety, Indigenous Health And The Australian Healthcare System

The AMC strongly emphasises cultural safety, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You must understand not just diseases, but the context in which people seek care.

Cultural Safety And Indigenous Health

Cultural safety involves:

• Recognising the effects of colonisation, discrimination, and social disadvantage on health

• Being aware of power imbalances in clinical encounters

• Making sure patients feel respected, heard, and safe

In stations, you can:

• Ask respectfully about cultural background and preferences:

  • “Is there anything important from a cultural or community point of view that you’d like me to know while we look after you?”

• Recognise the importance of family and community roles.

• Support requests for Aboriginal Health Workers, interpreters, or a same‑gender clinician where possible.

Common themes include higher rates of chronic disease, barriers to access, and the need to build trust over time. Review the AMC’s Indigenous Health resources and relevant Australian guidelines as part of your preparation.

Understanding The Australian Healthcare System

You do not need to be a policy expert, but you should know:

• The central role of GPs as first contact and coordinators of care

• The mix of public hospitals (state/territory funded) and private providers

• Basic Medicare concepts, GP referrals to specialists, and the idea of bulk‑billing versus private fees

• Community supports such as mental health hotlines, drug and alcohol services, social workers, and community health centres

In stations, show that you:

• Know when to refer to ED versus managing in primary care

• Involve allied health where appropriate

• Arrange realistic follow‑up with GP or specialist

“First, do no harm” remains the core principle of clinical work, especially when caring for patients from communities that have experienced disadvantage.

Demonstrating system awareness reassures examiners that you can practise safely within the Australian context.

AMC Clinical Exam Day Strategy: Performing Under Pressure

After months of work, exam day is about using your skills under stress. Planning your logistics and mindset is part of exam strategy.

Before The Exam: Set Yourself Up Well

• Arrive early – 30–60 minutes for face‑to‑face; log in early for online.

• Bring required ID and documents as specified by the AMC.

• Dress professionally in comfortable business attire and closed shoes.

• Listen carefully to the briefing about timing, rotation, and conduct.

Use this time to slow your breathing and focus.

During Each Station: Execute Your Plan

Reading time (2 minutes):

• Identify setting, urgency, and tasks.

• Decide quickly how much time you will spend on history, exam, and management.

Interaction time (8 minutes):

• Start with a clear introduction and consent.

• Keep an eye on time and move on if you are getting stuck.

• Stick closely to the listed tasks.

• Put safety and clarity first; if unsure, say you would discuss with a senior.

• Close with a brief summary, plan, and a chance for questions.

Between Stations: Reset Effectively

At rest stations:

• Breathe slowly, sip water if allowed, and consciously let go of the previous case.

• Do not analyse every detail; save that for after results. Focus on the next station.

Professional Conduct And Exam Rules

Throughout the exam:

• Be polite and respectful to staff, simulated patients, and other candidates.

• Follow instructions immediately.

• Do not record, copy, or share station content.

• Do not discuss cases with other candidates on the same day.

Misconduct or sharing cases can lead to removal from the exam, loss of results, bans from future exams, and notification to regulators such as AHPRA.

Mindset Management: Your Inner Approach

• Accept that some anxiety is normal; use it as a reminder to focus, not as a sign you will fail.

• If you blank on a detail, rely on basic safe principles and escalate early.

• Remember the standard is intern level, not specialist. Safe practice and clear communication matter more than rare diagnoses.

After The Exam: What To Do Next

After the exam:

• Acknowledge that completing the circuit is a big step.

• Avoid intense answer‑checking with others; it usually raises anxiety.

• Spend the following days reconnecting with supportive people and non‑exam activities.

After You Pass: Registration, Jobs And Long‑Term Planning

Passing the AMC Clinical Exam moves you closer to long‑term practice in Australia. Knowing the next steps helps you plan ahead.

Receiving Your Results And AMC Certificate

• Results are usually released at 4:00 pm (AEST/AEDT) on the Friday three weeks after your exam.

• Log in to your AMC account to view and download your Clinical Examination Result letter.

• If you pass, follow the instructions to obtain your AMC Certificate, which confirms completion of the AMC examinations.

Registration With The Medical Board Of Australia

With a pass in the AMC Clinical Exam, you may be eligible for provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia (via AHPRA), provided you meet other requirements such as:

• English language standards

• Criminal history checks

• Recency of practice criteria

Provisional registration allows you to work in approved supervised positions, usually at PGY1/PGY2 level.

Job Prospects: Before And After Passing The Clinical Exam

After MCQ only:

• Work may be possible, but competition is intense, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed both AMC parts.

• Roles are often more available in rural or regional hospitals and smaller jurisdictions.

After passing the Clinical Exam:

• Your prospects usually improve because you have completed the AMC assessment suite.

• Apply widely and early, consider rural or regional posts, and present a CV tailored to Australian expectations.

Relationship To PESCI And GP Fellowship Pathways

Many IMGs preparing for the AMC Clinical Exam also plan to:

• Sit a PESCI (Pre‑Employment Structured Clinical Interview)

• Enter GP fellowship pathways such as RACGP or ACRRM

The skills you develop—structured consultations, guideline‑based management, and clear communication—feed directly into PESCIs and college exams. Keep records of your learning and seek feedback from supervisors once you start working.

If You Do Not Pass

A fail is painful, but it is not final:

• There is no strict attempt limit, but repeating the exam without changing your approach is rarely helpful.

• Reflect honestly on weaker domains (knowledge, examinations, management, communication, timing, or Australian context).

• Consider structured help: courses, targeted coaching, or clinical mentoring.

• Adjust your study plan rather than simply increasing hours.

Staying kind to yourself and seeking support early will make the next attempt more effective.

Preparing for the AMC Clinical Exam is demanding but achievable with clear structure, the right resources, and steady practice. By:

• Understanding the exam format and expectations

• Using Australian guidelines as your reference

• Practising realistic, timed OSCE scenarios

• Focusing on communication and cultural safety

• Looking after your own wellbeing

you can present yourself as the safe, thoughtful, and compassionate doctor the Australian system needs.

For a structured pathway with curated case libraries, detailed feedback, and realistic mock exams designed for IMGs, explore the LearnMedicine AMC Clinical Course at LearnMedicine.com.au.

Staying connected with other IMGs through supportive communities such as the Telegram group at t.me/+4diQsqVKecU3N2Vl can provide practical tips, shared resources, and encouragement.

You have already shown commitment by reaching this stage. With focused preparation and persistence, passing the AMC Clinical Exam and progressing in your Australian medical career is well within your reach.