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AMC Standard Pathway: CAT MCQ → Clinical Exam or WBA → AMC Certificate (The Clean Sequence)

A practical Standard Pathway guide: what you must pass, what the AMC Certificate unlocks, and how to plan around supervision and jobs.

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IMG pathwayThis guide is updated for 2026 regulations (UK/US/Aus/Can). Always verify with official bodies.

Key points

  • The Standard Pathway (for most non-specialist IMGs) involves AMC CAT MCQ plus either AMC Clinical Exam or AMC-accredited Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) to obtain the AMC Certificate.
  • The Medical Board notes most non-specialist IMGs are assessed via AMC exams and that the clinical exam can be completed before or after registration is granted.
  • After AMC Certificate, you typically move into provisional registration and complete a period of approved supervised practice to become eligible for general registration.

Key concept: “assessment” and “registration” are linked but not identical

Passing exams is not the same as being registered. Standard Pathway is an integrated journey: AMC assessment → registration class → supervised practice → general registration.

Standard Pathway — the low-risk sequence

1

1) Open your AMC account and build the portfolio (if applicable)

Treat this as your master record. Identity consistency matters (names, documents, dates).
2

2) Pass AMC CAT MCQ (the gateway)

This unlocks your progression to either the AMC Clinical Exam or an AMC-accredited WBA program.
3

3) Choose Clinical Exam vs WBA based on your employment reality

Clinical Exam is a standalone examination route; WBA requires being in an appointed hospital or general practice position and is conducted in the workplace.
4

4) Obtain the AMC Certificate

AMC Certificate is a core milestone used in subsequent registration steps.
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5) Provisional registration + supervised practice → general registration

AMC Certificate holders apply for provisional registration to complete approved supervised practice and progress toward general registration.

Standard Pathway “operational excellence” checklist

  • I understand: CAT MCQ is required before Clinical Exam or WBA to obtain the AMC Certificate.
  • If choosing WBA, I have a realistic plan to secure an eligible job position (hospital/GP) and meet WBA program requirements.
  • I have accounted for supervised practice requirements after provisional registration.

Official Sources

Medical Board of Australia — Standard Pathway (AMC Certificate routes)
AMC — Standard Pathway (AMC Certificate requirements)
AMC — Workplace Based Assessment (WBA)
Medical Board of Australia — AMC Certificate holders (provisional registration)
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  • Treat this as your master record. Identity consistency matters (names, documents, dates).

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  • This unlocks your progression to either the AMC Clinical Exam or an AMC-accredited WBA program.

    Return to this section
  • Clinical Exam is a standalone examination route; WBA requires being in an appointed hospital or general practice position and is conducted in the workplace.

    Return to this section
  • AMC Certificate is a core milestone used in subsequent registration steps.

    Return to this section
  • AMC Certificate holders apply for provisional registration to complete approved supervised practice and progress toward general registration.

    Return to this section
  • Return to this section
  • Return to this section
  • Return to this section

Australia · Exams · Article 3 of 4