How Long Does the Standard AMC Pathway Take?
The Standard AMC pathway is the registration route for IMGs whose country of training is not recognised by the Medical Board as a Competent Authority. It takes 2–5 years from first exam sitting to general registration, depending on exam performance and how quickly you can complete supervision.
The four stages
| Stage | What happens | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| AMC Part 1 | Computer-based MCQ exam (150 questions) | Weeks to months of preparation; sit when ready |
| AMC Part 2 | Structured clinical examination (OSCE-format) | Offered 3–4 times per year in Australia |
| AHPRA provisional registration | Application after passing both AMC parts | 4–8 weeks processing once documents are complete |
| Supervised practice | 12–24 months under an approved supervisor | Typically 12 months for GP |
Stage 1 — AMC Part 1
Part 1 is a 150-question multiple choice examination testing basic and clinical medical sciences. It is delivered at Pearson VUE test centres globally, so you can sit it from your home country before arriving in Australia.
The pass rate per sitting is approximately 50–60%. Many candidates require two or more attempts. Each attempt involves a new sitting fee, preparation time, and — critically — additional months before you can proceed to Part 2.
Key variable: how many Part 1 attempts you need is the biggest factor in total pathway length. Candidates who pass first time are typically ready for Part 2 within 6–9 months of starting preparation. Candidates who need three attempts may spend 2+ years on Part 1 alone.
Stage 2 — AMC Part 2 (Clinical)
Part 2 is a structured clinical skills examination conducted at AMC-approved venues in Australia. It tests communication, history taking, physical examination, and clinical reasoning across a series of timed stations.
Part 2 is only offered a limited number of times each year. Failing a sitting and waiting for the next available date can add 3–6 months per attempt. Candidates must typically travel to Australia to sit Part 2, or be already resident.
Stage 3 — AHPRA provisional registration
Once both AMC parts are passed, you apply to AHPRA for provisional registration. You will also need:
- An approved supervisor and practice location confirmed
- English proficiency evidence (if not from an English-speaking country)
- Identity verification documents
- Criminal history check
AHPRA typically processes complete provisional registration applications within 4–8 weeks. Incomplete applications take longer — missing a single certified document can restart the clock.
Stage 4 — Supervised practice
Provisional registration requires practice under an approved supervisor. For general practice (GP), this is typically 12 months. Supervision levels work identically to the CA pathway: most IMGs with recent full-scope clinical experience start at Level 3 (independent practice, supervisor available remotely). See the supervision level guide for detail.
Medicare billing under your own provider number begins at the start of supervised practice — not after general registration. The 19AB restriction applies to Standard AMC doctors in exactly the same way as to CA pathway doctors.
Realistic total timelines
Best case — pass each exam first attempt, preparation done in advance:
- Part 1 preparation + sitting: 6 months
- Part 2 preparation + sitting: 3–6 months
- AHPRA application processing: 6–8 weeks
- Supervised practice: 12 months
- Total: approximately 22–26 months
Typical case — one re-sit on Part 1 or Part 2:
- Total: 3–4 years
Challenging case — multiple re-sits:
- Total: 4–5+ years
How this compares to the Competent Authority pathway
The Competent Authority pathway is available to doctors from recognised training countries (UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, New Zealand) with appropriate specialist college membership. For eligible UK GPs with MRCGP, the CA pathway bypasses both AMC exams entirely — see the CA pathway timeline guide for comparison.
For doctors not eligible for the CA pathway, the Standard AMC pathway is the primary route. There is no shortcut through Part 1 and Part 2; the exams are mandatory for all non-CA country doctors.
What to do before you arrive in Australia
The most common mistake is arriving in Australia before exam preparation is complete. You cannot work clinically without registration, and you cannot register without passing the AMC exams. The optimal sequence:
- Sit and pass AMC Part 1 from your home country
- If possible, sit Part 2 in Australia on a short visit (or plan arrival around a sitting date)
- Submit your AHPRA application immediately after passing both parts
- Arrive once provisional registration is imminent or already granted
Source: AMC Examination Handbook · AHPRA Registration Process