AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1) Pass Rate 2026
The headline figure
The AMC publishes per-component pass rates for the AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1). These are the most recent verified figures:
- MCQ (Part 1): 47% (2022-23) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
- Clinical (Part 2): 24% (recent AMC annual reports) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
AMC publishes MCQ pass rates in its Annual Report: ~46-47% overall in 2022-23 (historically ~62-64% in 2017-19). The clinical (Part 2) pass rate is ~21-24% per recent reports. No single "first-attempt 50-60%" figure is published; from 2026 the MCQ cut score is slightly raised (pass still reported as 250/500).
How the standard is set
For the AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1), AMC assesses candidates against a defined competency standard rather than ranking them against each other, so the proportion who pass reflects how a cohort performs against that bar and varies between sittings. Where a verified figure is published it appears above with its source; where the examining body publishes none, PRIMEX states that plainly rather than estimating one.
What separates pass-tier from fail-tier candidates
The AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1) is Part 1 is a computer-adaptive MCQ exam; Part 2 is a 20-station clinical OSCE. Across multiple examination sittings, the following patterns distinguish candidates who pass from those who do not:
- 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 helps you cross the pass line
- 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 your sitting.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1) and find out exactly where your preparation stands.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
How long should I study for the AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1)?
Most candidates dedicate 16-52 weeks of structured preparation for the AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1). The exact duration depends on your prior knowledge base, clinical experience, and available study time per week. Starting earlier generally produces better outcomes than compressing preparation into a short period.
What is the format of the AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1)?
Part 1 is a computer-adaptive MCQ exam; Part 2 is a 20-station clinical OSCE.
What is the pass rate for the AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1)?
The AMC publishes per-component pass rates for the AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1). These are the most recent verified figures:
- MCQ (Part 1): 47% (2022-23) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
- Clinical (Part 2): 24% (recent AMC annual reports) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
AMC publishes MCQ pass rates in its Annual Report: ~46-47% overall in 2022-23 (historically ~62-64% in 2017-19). The clinical (Part 2) pass rate is ~21-24% per recent reports. No single "first-attempt 50-60%" figure is published; from 2026 the MCQ cut score is slightly raised (pass still reported as 250/500).
What are the most common failure modes in the AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1)?
- 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.
What resources does PRIMEX provide for the AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1)?
PRIMEX provides a curriculum-mapped question bank, AI-graded practice, and structured study resources for the AMC CAT MCQ Examination (Part 1). Start with a 7-day free trial to access the full platform.