AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1) Format Explained

Overall structure

Part 1 is a computer-adaptive MCQ exam; Part 2 is a 20-station clinical OSCE.

Components and structure

The AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1) is assessed across the following components:

• Part 1 AMC CAT MCQ (single-best-answer MCQ) - 150 questions, 210 min. 130 scored + 20 unscored pilot; single-best-answer of 5 options; ability score 0-500, pass mark 250. Computer-adaptive; cannot return to previous questions.
• Part 2 Clinical OSCE (OSCE) - 20 stations, 10 min. 16 clinical encounters (14 scored + 2 pilot) + 4 rest; each 10 min (2 min reading + 8 min assessment). Pass standard = pass 9 of 14 scored stations.

Must pass the Part 1 MCQ before becoming eligible to sit the Part 2 Clinical Examination.

Structure per the official examination materials: AMC source.

Exam format glossary

Key assessment formats used in the AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1), defined. Each definition is general and applies across colleges.

Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)

A written item that presents a clinical or factual stem with several answer options, of which one or more are correct, marked automatically against a key.

Single Best Answer (SBA)

A multiple-choice format in which several options are plausible but the candidate must choose the single best answer for the scenario.

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

A circuit of timed stations, using real or simulated patients, that assesses clinical, procedural and communication skills against a standardised marking scheme.

What the format means for your preparation

The single most common preparation mistake is studying as if the examination only had an MCQ component. Format-aware preparation looks like this:

• MCQ components reward high question volume and pattern recognition. Read explanations, not just answers, and revisit weak domains with spaced repetition.
• Short answer / SAQ components reward a prioritised, structured response under time pressure. Practise writing complete answers in the available time, not just outlining points.
• Viva or OSCE components reward verbalised structured reasoning. Practise aloud, ideally with feedback, rather than rehearsing silently.
• Practical or image-based components reward repeated exposure under time pressure. Build a routine that includes timed slide or image interpretation.

What separates pass from fail under this format

Examiner reports and feedback consistently flag these preparation pitfalls:

• Insufficient MCQ volume: the AMC CAT is computer-adaptive, which means weak areas are probed aggressively - breadth matters as much as depth.
• Unfamiliarity with Australian clinical guidelines and healthcare context, which differ from other countries' standards.
• Poor elimination technique in clinical MCQs - structured distractor elimination is a learnable strategy.
• Underestimating the breadth of the curriculum: all organ systems and age groups are tested, and preparation must be comprehensive.

How PRIMEX maps to the format

• AMC CAT-mapped MCQ bank with spaced repetition across all clinical medicine domains.
• Australian guideline-aligned explanations to help internationally trained doctors adapt to local clinical context.
• Performance analytics to identify and address weak curriculum areas before exam day.

Frequently asked questions