the knowledge platform

competent authority pathway: when you can skip amc exams (eligibility + proof)

a precise guide to the competent authority pathway: who qualifies, what “practised in a competent authority country” means, and what to prepare.

The Bottom Line

  • The Medical Board states IMGs on the Competent Authority pathway do not need to sit AMC exams.
  • Eligibility requires that you have been assessed by a competent authority and have practised in a competent authority country.
  • You still must meet mandatory registration standards (e.g., English language skills, recency of practice, professional indemnity insurance) for the relevant registration type.

Do not assume you qualify because you trained in an “English-speaking country”

Competent Authority is a defined framework with explicit criteria. Verify your category using the Board’s official guidance and (where applicable) the AHPRA/Medical Board documents.

Competent Authority pathway workflow

1

1) Validate eligibility against the Board’s criteria

Confirm you have been assessed by a competent authority and have practised in the relevant system.
2

2) Prepare evidence for your application

Build an “assessable file”: proof of assessment, proof of practice location/time, and all registration standard evidence.
3

3) Apply under the correct registration type

Competent Authority can be used toward general registration pathways, but you must still satisfy the standards and supervised practice requirements where applicable.
Practice

Test your knowledge

Apply this concept immediately with a high-yield question block from the iatroX Q-Bank.

Generate Questions

Official Sources

Medical Board — Competent Authority pathway (no AMC exams)
Medical Board — Provisional registration via competent authority (standards list)