The AMC CAT (Computer Adaptive Test) is the first exam in the standard pathway to Australian general medical registration for international medical graduates.
Adaptive Format
The AMC CAT is a genuine Computer Adaptive Test — question difficulty adjusts in real-time based on your performance during the exam. Correct answers lead to harder questions; incorrect answers lead to easier ones. This means every candidate receives a different exam tailored to their ability level. The adaptive format makes the exam feel different from static MCQ exams — early questions may feel straightforward, then difficulty increases rapidly.
150 questions. 3.5 hours. Computer-based at Pearson VUE centres.
Eligibility
IMGs seeking Australian general medical registration through the standard pathway. Your medical degree must be verified by AMC. Important: the Competent Authority pathway (for UK, Irish, US, and Canadian trained doctors) may bypass the AMC CAT entirely — check your eligibility before starting CAT preparation.
Content
Broad, generalist, primary care-weighted — covering the full breadth of medicine: internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, public health, and emergency medicine. Australian clinical context: PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) formulary, Medicare system, Australian clinical guidelines (which differ from NICE and USPSTF on some conditions). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is a significant content area.
How AMC CAT Differs from USMLE/MCCQE
More generalist and primary-care-weighted. Less specialist depth. Australian pharmacology (PBS formulary — different from BNF or US formulary). Australian screening guidelines. Aboriginal health content (unique to Australia). The adaptive format itself is distinctive — USMLE Step 3 uses adaptive delivery, but Steps 1 and 2 CK do not.
Study Plan (3-4 Months)
Systematic clinical coverage using Australian clinical references. 30-50 questions daily from iatroX Australia Q-bank (adaptive, spaced repetition) and AMC guide books. Focus on breadth over depth — the exam tests generalist knowledge across all specialties.
Post-CAT
AMC Clinical Exam → workplace-based assessment in supervised practice → general medical registration. The CAT is step one, not the final step.