What documents do I need to apply for the AMC examinations?

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) standard pathway is the most common route international medical graduates take to general registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Before you can sit either the MCQ Part 1 or the Clinical OSCE Part 2 you need to assemble a specific set of documents, complete primary-source verification of your medical degree, and meet Ahpra's English language requirements.

This guide walks through every document you need, in the order you should obtain them, and explains where each one fits into the application process for the AMC MCQ Part 1 and the Clinical OSCE Part 2. Always cross-check current requirements on the AMC's official website and on the Ahpra website because requirements are updated periodically.

1. A current passport

You need a current, unexpired passport for two reasons. First, the AMC uses it as your primary identity document for the portfolio account and at the test centre. Second, the photo and biographic page form part of the EPIC primary-source verification application. Your name on every document (passport, degree, transcript, English test, Ahpra application) must match exactly. If you have changed your name since graduation, you will need supporting documents (marriage certificate, deed poll, or equivalent) certified to the AMC's standard.

The passport must be valid for the entire period from application through to your last expected sitting. If yours expires within a year, renew it before starting.

2. Your medical degree certificate

You need the original certificate of your primary medical qualification (MBBS, MD, BMBS, or country-specific equivalent), or a notarised copy depending on the AMC's current requirements. The degree must come from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognised by both the AMC and ECFMG. Make sure your certificate is in English; if not, you will need a certified translation.

3. Your medical school transcript

A complete, official academic transcript covering your entire medical degree, issued by your university registrar. Some applicants need additional documentation if their transcript is unusual in format (for example, separate transcripts per year, or pre-clinical and clinical components issued separately). Your transcript supports the EPIC primary-source verification and any later Ahpra assessment of training.

4. Primary-source verification via EPIC (ECFMG)

This is the single step that most candidates underestimate. The AMC does not verify your qualifications directly with your university. Instead, it relies on the Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC), a service run by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG, the same body that runs USMLE primary verification).

The process:

• Create an EPIC account at ecfmg.org/epic.
• Submit your identity documents (passport biographic page) for ECFMG to verify.
• Add your medical school and have your transcript and degree certificate uploaded.
• ECFMG sends a verification request directly to your medical school. The school confirms your qualification to ECFMG.
• Once verified, you authorise ECFMG (via a "Report Request") to share your verified record with the AMC.

This step typically takes weeks to months depending on how responsive your medical school is to ECFMG's verification requests. Older graduates, graduates of schools that have changed name or been amalgamated, and graduates of schools in countries with paper-based registrar systems often face longer waits. Start EPIC the day you decide to pursue AMC registration. Do not wait until you are studying for the MCQ.

5. Evidence of English language proficiency

You need to meet Ahpra's English language skills registration standard. Ahpra accepts several tests, and the accepted tests and minimum scores are reviewed periodically. As at the most recent update, accepted tests include:

• OET (Occupational English Test, Medicine version). Designed specifically for healthcare professionals; minimum grade B in all four sub-tests (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
• IELTS Academic. Overall band score 7.0 with minimum 7.0 in each sub-test.
• PTE Academic. Overall score 65 with minimum 65 in each communicative skill.
• TOEFL iBT. Total minimum 94 with specific sub-test minima for listening, reading, writing and speaking.
• Cambridge B2 First (formerly Cambridge English First) and C1 Advanced. Specific score thresholds.

Test results are typically valid for 2 years from the date of test. If you graduated from a medical school where the language of instruction and clinical training was English, you may be exempt under Ahpra's secondary or tertiary pathway rules; check the current Ahpra English language skills standard before paying for a test you may not need.

OET is the most common choice for medical graduates because the content (reading and listening passages, writing a referral letter, role-play patient interactions) is clinical and feels more relevant than the generic IELTS or PTE content. It is also widely available in test centres in Asia, the Middle East, the UK, and Australia, and is offered both at test centres and online (OET@Home).

6. AMC portfolio account

Create an AMC portfolio account at amc.org.au. The portfolio is the single online system through which you upload documents, link your EPIC record, apply for exams, pay fees, receive results, and download your AMC certificate after you pass both parts. The portfolio also tracks any conditions, extensions, or appeals.

7. MCQ Part 1 application

To apply for the MCQ Part 1 (the computer-adaptive MCQ exam, often abbreviated AMC CAT) you generally need:

• An active AMC portfolio account with verified identity.
• Linked EPIC primary-source verification record.
• Valid evidence of English language proficiency (if required at this stage; some pathways defer the English requirement to Ahpra registration rather than AMC).
• Payment of the MCQ application fee through the portfolio.
• A scheduled appointment at a Pearson VUE test centre. The AMC MCQ is delivered through Pearson VUE worldwide, so you can sit it close to wherever you live or work, not only in Australia.

Allow several months between starting the documentation and your preferred sitting date. For details on cost and timing see AMC cost and fees and AMC exam dates 2026 and 2027.

8. Clinical OSCE Part 2 application

The Clinical OSCE is the second hurdle. You become eligible to apply only after you have passed the MCQ Part 1. To apply for the OSCE through your AMC portfolio you generally need:

• A pass on the MCQ Part 1.
• An active AMC portfolio with current identity documents.
• A current valid English language test result if required by your pathway.
• Payment of the Clinical OSCE application fee (approximately A$3,000 in-person or A$3,400 online via Zoom, fees change annually; confirm on amc.org.au).
• Selection of in-person or online (Zoom) mode and a preferred sitting date.

Demand consistently outstrips supply for the Clinical OSCE, particularly the in-person Melbourne sittings. Apply as soon as the next round opens. For details on the format itself, see AMC Part 2 OSCE format and The 5 task types in the AMC OSCE.

9. Ahpra registration application

Passing both AMC examinations and obtaining your AMC certificate is necessary but not sufficient for practising in Australia. You then apply to Ahpra for general registration. Documents at this stage include:

• AMC certificate (issued by the AMC after you pass Part 2).
• Identity documents (passport, photo ID).
• Certified copies of your medical degree and transcript.
• Evidence of recency of practice.
• Evidence of professional indemnity insurance arrangement.
• Criminal history check (Ahpra arranges this).
• Proof of English language skills if not previously evidenced.
• Documentation of any periods of supervised practice or limited registration.

For most internationally trained doctors on the standard pathway, the next step after Ahpra registration is a period of supervised practice (typically 12 months as a postgraduate year 1 intern equivalent in an accredited Australian hospital) before becoming eligible for unconditional general registration.

10. Document checklist in order

If you are at the very start of the process, work through this list in order:

• Renew your passport so it is valid for the next 3 to 5 years.
• Obtain certified copies of your medical degree certificate and full academic transcript from your medical school. Order extras while you are at it.
• Create an EPIC account at ECFMG and start primary-source verification. Allow several months.
• Book an English language test (OET Medicine is the most common choice for AMC candidates) and sit it.
• Create your AMC portfolio account and upload documents as they become available.
• Link EPIC to AMC once verification is complete.
• Apply for the MCQ Part 1 through the portfolio, pay the fee, and schedule at Pearson VUE.
• Once you pass the MCQ, apply for the Clinical OSCE.
• After passing the OSCE, download your AMC certificate from the portfolio.
• Apply for Ahpra general registration, typically alongside applications for an Australian intern (PGY1) position.

Common pitfalls

• Name mismatches. Even a missing middle initial can stall verification. Get every document into one consistent form of your name.
• Starting EPIC late. EPIC is the long pole in the tent for most candidates. Start it first.
• Wrong English test or expired result. Confirm the Ahpra-accepted list, minimum scores, and validity window before booking.
• Forgetting to authorise EPIC report sharing with AMC. Verification alone does not transfer your record to AMC; you must request the report be sent.
• Underestimating OSCE demand. Sittings book out fast. Apply the moment registration opens.

How PRIMEX helps you focus on what counts

• Once your documents are sorted, your bottleneck becomes preparation. PRIMEX offers AMC MCQ-mapped question libraries, AI viva and OSCE simulation, and Australian guideline-aligned study notes.
• The free AMC AI grader lets you check structured-answer quality at no cost.
• AMC Study Notes cover the curriculum across Part 1 and Part 2 with Australian context.

Frequently asked questions