The Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) consist of two main components: the Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) Exam and the Clinical Exam. Here’s an overview of the exam pattern:
- Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) MCQ Exam:
- Format: Computer-based, adaptive testing.
- Questions: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Adaptability: The difficulty of questions adapts based on the candidate’s performance. Correct answers lead to more challenging questions, while incorrect answers lead to less difficult ones.
- Content: Covers a broad range of medical topics to assess the candidate’s knowledge.
- Clinical Exam:
- Format: Divided into an Online Clinical Exam and an In-Person Clinical Exam.
- Online Clinical Exam:
- Conducted online, allowing candidates to interact with virtual patients.
- Assesses clinical skills, decision-making, and communication.
- In-Person Clinical Exam:
- Conducted in a clinical setting with real patients.
- Assesses clinical and communication skills.
- Content: Focuses on evaluating the candidate’s ability to apply medical knowledge in a clinical context.
- Exam Scoring:
- CAT MCQ Exam:
- Scores are based on the number of correct responses.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Results are provided as a scaled score.
- Clinical Exam:
- Evaluation includes observation by examiners and standardized patients.
- Candidates are assessed on clinical skills, communication, and overall performance.
- Results are reported as pass or fail.
- CAT MCQ Exam:
- Preparation:
- Comprehensive study materials and guidelines are provided by the AMC.
- Many candidates also opt for additional preparatory courses or resources.
- Exam Dates and Locations:
- Exam dates are scheduled periodically, and candidates can choose a suitable date.
- The CAT MCQ Exam is usually held multiple times throughout the year.
- Clinical Exams have specific dates and may have limited availability.
- Eligibility:
- Eligibility criteria vary based on the pathway chosen (Standard, Competent Authority, Specialist, Short-Term Training).