How to Prep for Australian Medical Council (AMC) Exams in 2026: Preparation Guide
Are you planning a medical career in Australia? Then the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams are your only pathway. Whether you’re from India, the UK, or anywhere else, it is crucial to crack the AMC 2026 exams to qualify as a medical practitioner in Australia. These aren’t just tests; they’re the make-or-break deal for practising medicine in Australia. Candidates must prepare for the AMC exams properly to ace the test. A study plan is a must, which should bifurcate weak and strong topics and create a schedule to cover the AMC exam syllabus correctly. Also, candidates must budget for the AMC exam while preparing, as the in-person clinical exam fee has been reduced from AUD 3,991 to AUD 3,000 and the online clinical from AUD 4,391 to AUD 3,400 from 1 July 2025.
This Story also Contains
- AMC Exam Pattern: Candidates Must Check Before Starting AMC Prep!
- AMC Exam Dates 2026: Important Timeline
- How to Prepare for the AMC Exam: Study Plan
- Top 5 Mistakes Most Candidates Make While Preparing for AMC Exams
- Tips and Strategies to Maximise Your AMC 2026 Score
- Conclusion: Final Tips to Pass AMC Exam in 2026
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As per AMC, thousands of international medical graduates apply for the test each year, but only well-prepared candidates of 20-30% make it to the end. With more competition and a low AMC passing rate, the exam is difficult, and there is a need for preparation aligned with your skills, knowledge, and abilities. In this article, we have included the tips and tricks and the complete pathways on how you can prepare for the AMC exam in 2026 correctly.
Also Read: How to Apply for the AMC Exam?
AMC Exam Pattern: Candidates Must Check Before Starting AMC Prep!
It is crucial for IMGs to understand the pattern of the exam before appearing for it. It helps them to know what they will expect in the test. Generally, the AMC exams are categorised into two major exams. Check the format of the AMC exam in 2026 for candidates:
AMC Part 1 MCQ Exam
Mode of Exam: Online and computer-adaptive test
Format: 150 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours
Eligibility Qualification: Australian final-year MBBS level
Availability: Throughout the year, at Pearson VUE centres worldwide
AMC Part 2 Clinical Examination
Format: 16 clinical stations (plus 4 rest stations)
Each Station: 2 min reading + 8 min performance
Syllabus: History taking, examination, counselling, management, emergency skills, and professional behaviour
Location: AMC National Test Centre, Melbourne.
Also Read:
AMC Exam Dates 2026: Important Timeline
The latest dates for online clinical exams are 28 to 29 October 2025 and 18 November 2025 to 19 November 2025. ON the other hand, the next scheduling of the AMC exam will be for the February, March, and April 2026 examination dates. The exact dates are not released yet and will be available on 10th November 2025. You must apply for the exam as early as possible, as delaying means you might miss a 2026 session entirely.
How to Prepare for the AMC Exam: Study Plan
Still confused on what to cover and what to give more importance to in AMC exam syllabus. No need to worry! Check the 6-week AMC study plan for better prep tips:
Focus on Basics and Core Topics: Weeks 1–8
Thoroughly study Australian clinical guidelines (RACGP, RCH, RANZCOG). This helps in covering the syllabus better.
Use the AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions. It is the official book used by examiners. So, it comes in handy with practice questions and ideal answers for candidates.
Master the core subjects such as medicine, surgery, O&G, paediatrics, and psychiatry.
Practise Mocks and Sample Papers: Weeks 9–16
Candidates must try to attempt at least 150 MCQs daily under exam conditions.
You can record yourself performing mock stations, focusing on communication and cultural safety primarily for clinical tests.
You can also join online AMC study groups or mock OSCE bootcamps, which help in solving doubts with peers.
Simulate and Strategise: 4–6 weeks
Candidates must do at least 3 to 4 full mock exams under timed conditions.
They must focus on refining time management during this time as every second counts in an OSCE station.
Rest properly before exam day, as tiredness is one of the top reasons candidates underperform in the AMC exam.
Also, Check Other Licensing Exams:
Top 5 Mistakes Most Candidates Make While Preparing for AMC Exams
Ignoring the Australian context of the medical syllabus. AMC exams include the local guidelines and cultural safety matters.
Underestimating the booking scramble as slots fill fast, especially for online/remote sessions.
Getting MCQ only and assuming you’re done. The clinical part of the AMC exam is separate and tougher.
Relying on “just medical knowledge”. Communication and reasoning carry heavy score weightage in the exam.
Thinking that passing the AMC exam is directly equivalent to a job in the Australian medical industry. Even after clearing exams, you’ll still need registration and placement.
Tips and Strategies to Maximise Your AMC 2026 Score
Start verification early as EPIC can take 2–3 months to process the application.
Practise in timed conditions, discipline beats talent. This means you can attempt the AMC test in the exact replica of exam conditions.
Learn Australian medical ethics and cultural etiquette.
Watch Australian health-system simulations through different sources ,including YouTube & AMC webinars.
Revise with study partners as peer feedback improves clarity.
Book your AMC slot the moment scheduling opens as slots vanish fast.
Also Read:
Conclusion: Final Tips to Pass AMC Exam in 2026
Although the AMC exam is quite tough for candidates, you can qualify the exam with the right approach. If you commit now and follow through, you can break into Australia’s medical workforce. Start prep as soon as possible to crack the AMC exam in 2026, and you can definitely do it. Always commit to the AMC study plan and do not break it, no matter what.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How to study for the AMC test?
A:
Generally, candidates must divide the syllabus into weak and strong topics. They must focus on the weak topics while consistently revising the strong ones. Also, they must give more importance to the topics with high mark weightage in the AMC exam. Rest, they must divide their day with solving mock tests, sample papers, and previous year question papers.
Q: Which book is best for AMC preparation?
A:
The best book for preparing for AMC exams in 2026 is “AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions”. It is published by the Australian Medical Council itself and is used by examiners to design real questions. You can pair it with another book, “John Murtagh’s General Practice and Talley & O’Connor’s Clinical Examination” for clinical skills.
Q: How to start preparing for an AMC exam?
A:
You can begin your AMC exam preparation by understanding the syllabus and format of the test. Then, you are required to create a study plan that includes the complete syllabus and time for revision.
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If you have completed your MD from the Philippines and wish to practice or further study in Australia, you will need to follow the Australian Medical Council (AMC) process. First, verify your degree with ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) through EPIC verification. Then, choose the AMC pathway — typically the Standard Pathway (for non-specialists) which involves the AMC MCQ Exam and AMC Clinical Exam, or the Competent Authority Pathway if you qualify. If your aim is postgraduate training, you should also explore specialist medical colleges in Australia for recognition of prior training. Additionally, you will need to meet English proficiency requirements through IELTS or OET. Visa requirements will vary depending on whether you apply for work, training, or further studies. It’s a detailed process, so starting early and following official AMC guidelines is key.
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So if you are interested India currently and wants to work as a doctor in Australia in future then:
1. Complete MBBS in India from a recognized medical college.
2. Pass the Australian Medical Council exams
First exam is MCQ based and second one is Clinical exam which assesses your practical skills.
3. English Proficiency Test for that you have to clear IELTS.
4. Apply for registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
5. Apply for internship or position according to your qualification.
6. Apply for Visa and move to Australia once selected.
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