Pathway to Medical Registration in Australia
The Big Picture
If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG) aiming to practise medicine in Australia, your journey follows a defined pathway managed by two separate bodies: the Australian Medical Council (AMC), which assesses your knowledge and clinical competence, and the Medical Board of Australia (via AHPRA), which grants registration.
The most common route is the Standard Pathway: confirm eligibility → pass AMC Part 1 → pass AMC Part 2 (or complete a Workplace Based Assessment) → receive the AMC Certificate → apply for general registration. There are also a Competent Authority Pathway (for graduates from the UK, Ireland, US, Canada, or New Zealand) and a Specialist Pathway (for overseas-trained specialists seeking recognition through specialist colleges). This page focuses on the Standard Pathway, which is the route most IMGs follow and the one AMC Part 1 belongs to.
Understanding the full journey before you begin helps you plan realistically — not just for the first exam, but for the years that follow.
The Pathway in Steps
Step 1: Eligibility and Registration
Before you sit any exam, you must meet the AMC's eligibility requirements and complete their verification process. The core requirements are:
- A primary medical qualification from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
- Completion of your medical degree (students are not eligible)
- At least 12 months of supervised clinical practice (internship or equivalent) after graduation
- Completion of primary source verification (PSV) through the ECFMG's EPIC system, which confirms your qualifications directly with your medical school
English language proficiency is not required to sit the AMC MCQ examination. However, it is required later for AHPRA registration when you apply to work in Australia. Many candidates complete their English test (IELTS, OET, or PTE Academic) in parallel with exam preparation to avoid delays later.
PSV is the most time-consuming step — it can take several months depending on your medical school's responsiveness. Start it as early as possible. The Eligibility page covers the full criteria, and the AMC Registration Guide walks you through the application process step by step. For the verification timeline and documents, see AMC Primary Source Verification.
Step 2: AMC Part 1
AMC Part 1 — formally the AMC CAT MCQ Examination — is the first of two assessments on the Standard Pathway. It is a computer-adaptive, single best answer MCQ exam consisting of 150 questions over approximately 3.5 hours, delivered at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide. The exam tests clinical knowledge across six patient groups, weighted toward conditions commonly encountered in Australian practice.
Most candidates spend 6–12 months preparing. The exam costs AUD $2,920 per attempt, and results are reported on a 0–500 scale.
Passing Part 1 is a prerequisite for sitting AMC Part 2. But it also unlocks something more immediate: eligibility for limited registration with AHPRA. With a hospital job offer, limited registration allows you to work in Australia as a doctor under supervision — typically as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) or Hospital Medical Officer (HMO) — while you continue toward completing the pathway. For many IMGs, Part 1 is the point at which their Australian medical career begins.
For a full overview of the exam, see the AMC Part 1 hub and the AMC Part 1 Exam Guide. For a structured study framework, use the 6-Month Study Plan or 3-Month Study Plan.
Step 3: AMC Part 2
AMC Part 2 is the clinical examination. It assesses your clinical skills, communication, and patient management through 16 assessed stations and 4 rest stations, each lasting 10 minutes. The exam uses simulated patients, video cases, and supporting clinical materials. It is held at the AMC Test Centre in Melbourne, with online options also available.
You can only apply for Part 2 after passing Part 1. The fee is AUD $3,000 (in-person) or AUD $3,400 (online).
Alternatively, you can complete a Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) instead of AMC Part 2. The WBA is a 6–12 month supervised program at an accredited Australian hospital or general practice, with continuous assessment across multiple clinical areas. You only need to complete one — Part 2 or WBA — not both. The choice depends on your circumstances, location, and preference. WBA may suit candidates already working in Australian hospitals under limited registration.
Step 4: Medical Board of Australia Registration
After passing AMC Part 2 or completing a WBA, the AMC issues the AMC Certificate. This certificate confirms that you have met the AMC's assessment requirements and is the document you present when applying for registration.
Registration is granted by the Medical Board of Australia through AHPRA — not by the AMC. The AMC's role is assessment; the Board decides whether to grant registration.
There are several registration types relevant to IMGs:
| Registration Type | When It Applies | What It Allows |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Registration | After AMC Part 1 + hospital job offer | Supervised practice only |
| General Registration | After full AMC pathway completed + AMC Certificate | Full unsupervised practice |
General registration is the end goal — it allows you to practise medicine in Australia without supervision. The AHPRA application process typically takes 3–6 months, including document verification and assessment. At this stage, you will also need to meet the English language proficiency requirements if you have not already done so.
Step 5: Supervised Practice (If Required)
Most IMGs work under supervised practice for a period before achieving general registration. This is not a penalty — it is a structured integration into the Australian healthcare system.
For many IMGs, supervised practice begins after AMC Part 1, not after Part 2. Once you have passed Part 1 and secured a hospital job offer, you can apply for limited registration and begin working as an RMO, HMO, or Junior Medical Officer while you prepare for Part 2 or a WBA program. Common initial placements include emergency departments, internal medicine, and rural or regional hospitals.
The length and nature of supervision depend on your pathway, your registration type, and the Medical Board's assessment of your training and experience. Supervised practice is also where many candidates gain the clinical exposure and familiarity with Australian healthcare that strengthens their AMC Part 2 or WBA performance.
Where AMC Part 1 Fits
AMC Part 1 is the first examination on the Standard Pathway and the gateway to both further assessment and clinical work in Australia. It is knowledge-based, can be sat at test centres globally, and is the step that most directly determines how quickly your pathway progresses.
Focus on:
- Confirming your eligibility and completing registration.
- Understanding the exam format and syllabus.
- Following a preparation strategy and study plan.
If you are comparing Australia with the UK or USA, see AMC vs PLAB vs USMLE for a side-by-side overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the full IMG pathway to Australian registration take?
From eligibility check to full registration, most IMGs allow 2–4 years. This includes AMC Part 1 preparation and sitting, AMC Part 2 preparation and sitting, and any required period of supervised practice. Timelines vary with preparation quality, exam availability, and employer placement.
Can I skip AMC Part 1 if I have other qualifications?
In limited cases, the AMC or Medical Board may recognise alternative assessments or competencies. These are exceptional and usually apply to specific bilateral agreements or specialist pathways. For the standard pathway, AMC Part 1 and Part 2 are required.
Is the AMC pathway the same for all IMGs?
The core sequence — eligibility, AMC Part 1, AMC Part 2, then Medical Board registration — applies to most IMGs. Country-specific agreements (e.g. NZ, UK, Canada) may offer modified or streamlined pathways. Always confirm your situation with the AMC and the Medical Board of Australia.
Where does AMC Part 1 fit in the pathway?
AMC Part 1 is the first examination hurdle after you have confirmed eligibility. You must pass Part 1 before you can sit AMC Part 2. Passing both, plus meeting any supervised practice requirements, leads to eligibility for medical registration with the Medical Board of Australia.