Australian Medical Council (AMC) Assessments
Comprehensive Guide to AMC MCQs Examination
The AMC MCQs exam is one of the two compulsory exams for IMGs pursuing the standard pathway (Note: AMC Clinical can be bypassed via alternative pathways; refer to Part 2 of our Guide).
Overview of AMC MCQ Examination
The AMC CAT MCQ Examination tests understanding and application of medical principles across various specialties, including:
General Practice
Internal Medicine
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Surgery
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Recommended Books for AMC MCQ Preparation
1. Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions (AMC Handbook)
Contains 600+ MCQs from AMC exam banks.
Covers all disciplines and clinical categories.
Includes a 150-question multidisciplinary MCQ paper.
Note: Though old, many questions are still relevant and repeated. Excellent for familiarisation with question patterns.
2. John Murtagh’s General Practice (8th Edition)
Primary reference book for AMC.
Covers disease understanding, diagnosis, management, therapy.
Used in Australian healthcare context.
Recommendation: Don't study cover to cover. Focus on key topics, use alongside AMC Handbook.
JM Companion Handbook (condensed version) is useful for quick reviews.
3. Other Supplementary Books (use as references and resources)
Kaplan Step 2 CK Set
Annotated Multiple Choice Questions
Anthology of Medical Conditions
Good Medical Practice
AMC Handbook of Clinical Assessment (Though for AMC Clinical, useful for Part 1 as well).
Effective Use of Question Banks (QBanks)
Use from Day 1 of preparation.
First pass: Use QBanks as learning tools. Take notes of high-yield points.
Cross-reference with JM, Uptodate, and RACGP guidelines.
Flag difficult questions, revisit them.
Final phase: Timed mode practice for time management.
Focus on weaknesses in final weeks.
Tips:
Note high-yield explanations.
Review flagged and incorrect questions regularly.
Combine QBanks with other resources — QBanks alone are not sufficient.
Australian Guidelines: A Must-Study Resource
Align your knowledge with Australian clinical practice.
Updated regularly — always check for latest updates.
Vital for clinical scenario-based questions.
Sources to Study Guidelines:
John Murtagh’s General Practice topics
eTG Therapeutic Guidelines
Uptodate
RACGP RedBook
Australian websites: RACGP, RCH, RANZCOG, etc.
Recalls: Critical Component of Preparation
50% of AMC MCQs may be based on past recalls (variable: 10%-90%).
Recalls are sometimes modified in exams — understand topics, don’t memorize answers blindly.
Sources of Recalls:
Hard to find, but aim for at least two years' worth.
Verify answers — unverified recalls may contain mistakes.
Strategy:
Start early — don’t wait till last month.
Focus on understanding clinical scenarios.
AMC Mock Exams: Essential for Success - Try doing at least one mock exam a month!
Benefits of AMC Mocks:
Familiarity with exam format and structure.
Assessment of knowledge and skill levels.
Simulates real exam, reduces anxiety.
Time management practice — critical to attempt all 150 MCQs.
Application of knowledge through critical thinking.
Identify knowledge gaps — tailor future study.
Boost confidence through gradual score improvement.
Track progress to ensure consistent improvement.
Final Note
Stay motivated, prepared, and proactive. The more you engage with the system, the more opportunities you will find. Support others along the way — your network can be one of your greatest assets.
*NOT AFFILIATED WITH AMC or AHPHRA. Resources Have been collated from various Sources to Help IMGs. The information provided is advice only, so please check local AHPRA/AMC policies before proceeding or making a key decision.
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