Who needs the AMC Standard Pathway?

IMGs who do not qualify for the Competent Authority pathway (UK, Ireland, US, Canada, New Zealand) or the Specialist Pathway — generally doctors trained elsewhere. It is the exam-based route, centred on the AMC CAT MCQ plus a clinical examination or Workplace-Based Assessment.

How long does the AMC Standard Pathway take?

Typically two to five years from first exam sitting to general registration, driven mostly by exam scheduling and securing a supervised post.

The AMC Standard Pathway: Complete Guide for IMGs

The AMC Standard Pathway is the route to Australian medical registration for international medical graduates who do not qualify for the Competent Authority or Specialist pathways — typically doctors trained outside the UK, Ireland, US, Canada, and New Zealand. It is run by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and centres on two assessments.

The pathway in one line

Pass the AMC CAT MCQ (a computer-adaptive multiple-choice exam), then either the AMC Clinical Examination or a Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA), then complete supervised practice to move from provisional to general AHPRA registration.

The stages

1. Primary source verification and AMC application

Your medical qualification is verified at source (via ECFMG/Intealth) and you open an AMC portal account. See AMC Pathways Overview.

2. AMC CAT MCQ (Part 1)

A computer-adaptive multiple-choice exam covering the breadth of clinical medicine, sat at a Pearson VUE centre. Details: AMC CAT MCQ.

3. Clinical assessment (Part 2)

Either the AMC Clinical Examination (a structured OSCE) or a Workplace-Based Assessment at an accredited site — increasingly the preferred route because it lets you earn while assessed. See WBA overview.

4. Provisional registration and supervised practice

With the AMC requirements met, AHPRA grants provisional registration. You then complete a period of supervised practice before applying for general registration.

How long does it take?

Typically 2–5 years end to end, driven mostly by exam scheduling and securing a supervised post. Our Standard AMC timeline breaks down each stage, and the focused article on the Standard AMC timeline covers the realistic waits.

How it differs from the other pathways

Competent Authority (UK/Ireland/US/Canada/NZ) skips the AMC exams entirely.
Specialist Pathway is for those seeking recognition of an overseas specialist qualification.
Standard is the general route for everyone else and is exam-based.

Fees

AMC charges per-stage fees (application, CAT MCQ, clinical/WBA), and AHPRA charges separate registration fees. Always confirm current amounts against the official schedules rather than third-party summaries: AMC Fees & Charges · MBA Schedule of Fees.

Sources: AMC Standard Pathway · AMC Handbook · AHPRA Registration Process