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AMC MCQ vs AMC Clinical Exam: What’s the Difference? (2026)
Last reviewed: May 2026 | Written by the MplusX Editorial Team
📌 Key Takeaways
– The AMC MCQ (Part 1) and the AMC Clinical Exam (Part 2) are two completely separate exams with different formats, locations, and preparation requirements.
– You must pass Part 1 before sitting Part 2.
– The MCQ tests clinical knowledge through computer-based multiple choice. The Clinical Exam tests clinical skills face-to-face in an OSCE format.
– Next step: If you are at the start of your AMC journey, read our Complete AMC MCQ Exam Guide first.
New to the AMC pathway? You will quickly encounter two exam names: the AMC MCQ Examination and the AMC Clinical Examination. They sound related. They are both run by the Australian Medical Council. They both use the word “AMC.”
But they are not the same exam. They are not the same format. They are not prepared for in the same way. And you cannot sit one without first passing the other.
This guide clarifies exactly what each exam is, how they differ, and what each one demands from you.
The Two Exams at a Glance
| Feature | AMC MCQ (Part 1) | AMC Clinical Exam (Part 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 150 multiple choice questions | Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) |
| Delivery | Computer-based, Pearson VUE centres | Face-to-face, AMC-approved centres in Australia |
| Location | Worldwide (Pearson VUE) | Australia only |
| Duration | 3.5 hours (210 minutes) | 1 day (multiple stations) |
| Scoring | 0–500 scale, pass at 250 | Pass/Fail per station, overall pass threshold |
| Fee | AUD $2,920 per attempt | AUD $3,500+ per attempt |
| Pre-requisite | None | Must pass AMC MCQ first |
| Testing focus | Clinical knowledge and reasoning | Clinical skills, communication, examination |
The AMC MCQ Examination (Part 1)
What It Tests
The AMC MCQ tests whether your clinical knowledge meets Australian medical standards. It is a cognitive exam — you are assessed on your ability to:
- Apply Australian clinical guidelines (eTG, RACGP, GPCCMP) to clinical scenarios
- Make safe clinical decisions under time pressure
- Identify correct management priorities across all six specialty domains
There is no patient interaction. No physical examination. No communication assessment. It is entirely knowledge and reasoning-based, delivered via computer.
How It Works
150 questions. Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) engine. 84 seconds per question. No backtracking. The difficulty adapts in real time to your performance — correct answers trigger harder questions, incorrect answers trigger easier ones.
Your score is reported on a 0–500 scale. Pass mark is 250.
Where You Sit It
At any Pearson VUE test centre worldwide. You do not need to be in Australia. Many IMGs sit the MCQ in their home country before migrating.
How to Prepare
QBank practice (MplusX — 5,500+ questions), John Murtagh‘s General Practice, eTG Therapeutic Guidelines. See our Best AMC MCQ Resources guide for the full stack.
The AMC Clinical Examination (Part 2)
What It Tests
The Clinical Exam tests whether you can apply your clinical knowledge in real patient interactions. It is a skills-based, communication-based assessment conducted face-to-face.
You are assessed on:
- History taking and communication
- Physical examination technique
- Clinical reasoning under observation
- Patient management discussions
- Professionalism and safety
How It Works
The Clinical Exam uses an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) format. You rotate through multiple clinical stations (typically 16), each lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Each station presents a simulated patient scenario with a trained actor (or real patient) and assessors observing.
Stations may include:
- History taking
- Physical examination (demonstrated on manikins or actors)
- Patient counselling and communication
- Clinical management discussion
You are scored on each station. Overall performance across all stations determines pass/fail.
Where You Sit It
In Australia only, at AMC-approved examination centres. You must be physically present in Australia. This exam cannot be sat internationally.
How to Prepare
Clinical Exam preparation is entirely different from MCQ preparation. It involves:
- Clinical skills practice with simulated patients
- Communication and history-taking structure refinement
- OSCE station practice with feedback
- Familiarity with Australian clinical communication norms and professionalism standards
MplusX and MCQ-focused resources are not the preparation tool for the Clinical Exam — they are MCQ-specific. The Clinical Exam requires dedicated OSCE preparation programs.
subgraph AMC MCQ Part 1
P1A[“Format: Computer-based MCQ
150 questions, CAT engine”]
P1B[“Location: Worldwide via Pearson VUE”]
P1C[“Duration: 3.5 hours”]
P1D[“Tests: Clinical knowledge & reasoning”]
P1E[“Fee: AUD 2,920 per attempt”]
end
subgraph AMC Clinical Exam Part 2
P2A[“Format: Face-to-face OSCE
16 clinical stations”]
P2B[“Location: Australia only”]
P2C[“Duration: Full day”]
P2D[“Tests: Clinical skills & communication”]
P2E[“Fee: AUD 3,500+ per attempt”]
end
style P1A fill:#0F2D5C,stroke:#fff,color:#fff
style P1B fill:#0F2D5C,stroke:#fff,color:#fff
style P1C fill:#0F2D5C,stroke:#fff,color:#fff
style P1D fill:#0F2D5C,stroke:#fff,color:#fff
style P1E fill:#0F2D5C,stroke:#fff,color:#fff
style P2A fill:#2A7D7B,stroke:#fff,color:#fff
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The AMC Pathway: How Both Exams Fit Together
The AMC MCQ and AMC Clinical Exam are sequential stages on the standard pathway to general medical registration in Australia.
A[“Qualification Verification via EPIC”] –> B[“AMC MCQ Examination — Part 1
Pass required before Part 2″]
B –> C[“AMC Clinical Examination — Part 2
OSCE format, Australia only”]
C –> D[“AMC Certificate Issued”]
D –> E[“AHPRA Provisional Registration”]
E –> F[“12 Months Supervised Practice”]
F –> G[“General Medical Registration
Unrestricted practice in Australia”]
style B fill:#0F2D5C,stroke:#fff,color:#fff
style C fill:#2A7D7B,stroke:#fff,color:#fff
style G fill:#166534,stroke:#fff,color:#fff
Common Questions Candidates Confuse Between the Two Exams
“Can I prepare for both at the same time?”
Not effectively. The MCQ requires months of systematic QBank practice and guideline alignment. The Clinical Exam requires OSCE-specific skills development. Trying to prepare for both simultaneously dilutes both. Pass the MCQ first, then begin Clinical Exam preparation.
“Is the Clinical Exam harder than the MCQ?”
Different in type, not comparable in absolute difficulty. The MCQ challenges knowledge depth and time management. The Clinical Exam challenges clinical communication, examination technique, and professional presentation under direct observation. Both are demanding. Many candidates find the Clinical Exam more stressful because performance anxiety is harder to manage face-to-face.
“Do I need to be in Australia to sit the MCQ?”
No. The MCQ is available internationally at Pearson VUE centres. The Clinical Exam is available in Australia only.
What Comes After Both Exams?
Passing both exams earns you the AMC Certificate — the primary evidence of clinical competence accepted by AHPRA for medical registration.
With the AMC Certificate, you apply to AHPRA for provisional registration. This allows you to work as a doctor in Australia under supervision.
After 12 months of supervised practice (the precise requirements vary by state and specialty), you become eligible to apply for general registration — the unrestricted right to practise medicine in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pass the AMC MCQ before the Clinical Exam?
Yes. The AMC MCQ (Part 1) must be passed before you can register for or sit the AMC Clinical Examination (Part 2). There is no option to sit them in parallel or in reverse order.How long after passing the AMC MCQ can I sit the Clinical Exam?
Your AMC MCQ result remains valid for 10 years. You do not need to sit the Clinical Exam immediately after passing Part 1 — but you do need to complete both exams to receive the AMC Certificate.Is there a Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) alternative to the Clinical Exam?
Yes. Eligible candidates who have obtained a supervised position in Australia may be able to complete the Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) pathway as an alternative to the traditional Clinical Exam. WBA requirements differ from the OSCE format. Check current AMC guidelines at amc.org.au for eligibility criteria.Does MplusX help with the AMC Clinical Exam?
MplusX is specifically designed for AMC MCQ (Part 1) preparation. It is not a Clinical Exam preparation tool. Clinical Exam candidates require dedicated OSCE preparation programs offered by clinical education providers in Australia.Disclaimer: This article is written for AMC MCQ examination preparation and general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Clinical decisions should always be based on individual patient assessment, current Australian Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG), and consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. MplusX is an exam preparation platform and is not a substitute for supervised clinical training.