Australian Medical Council CAT MCQ examination
Australian Medical Council (AMC) · computer-based at Pearson VUE test centres
The AMC CAT MCQ is the first exam on the Standard Pathway for international medical graduates who want general registration in Australia. It tests the medical knowledge and clinical reasoning expected of a graduate starting supervised practice (intern level) in the Australian health system.
✓ Facts checked Oct 2026 – always confirm on the AMC websiteThe exam at a glance
150 single-best-answer MCQs with five options (A–E); some are new items still being calibrated
3.5 hours in one sitting – about 84 seconds per question. All 150 must be answered, and you cannot go back to change an answer.
Each question is chosen from your earlier answers, so two candidates see different papers
Scaled score 0–500; pass mark 250. No negative marking – answer every question
On the candidate portal about 3 weeks after the exam
AMC Clinical Examination (16 stations of 8 minutes) or a workplace-based assessment in Australia
AMC blueprint – patient groups
Every question tests one clinician task – data gathering, data interpretation and synthesis, or management – and may show an ECG, X-ray, scan or photo.
Australian focus
- Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) for drugs and antibioticseTG
- Screening & prevention (Red Book, national screening programs)RACGP
- Australian Immunisation Handbook & NIP scheduleNIP
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, rural & remote careRFDS · ACCHS
- Medical Board code of conduct, open disclosure, mandatory notificationAHPRA
What’s new
The AMC raised the underlying pass standard. The 0–500 scale and the pass mark of 250 are unchanged, but reaching 250 now needs a slightly higher ability level. Earlier results are not changed.
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program started (low-dose CT, ages 50–70) – a new high-yield prevention topic.
Australian guidelines updated in several exam areas, e.g. the 2023 Australian CVD risk guideline (Aus CVD Risk), the April 2025 cervical screening update and ADIPS 2025 gestational diabetes criteria.
How to get to the exam
Check your medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools → create a MyIntealth account and request primary source verification (EPIC) of your degree, nominating the AMC → open an AMC candidate account and portfolio → choose the Standard Pathway → book the CAT MCQ.
Fees, dates and retakes
Fees, exam windows and retake rules change – check the current AMC fee schedule and booking calendar before you plan. We do not list them here so you never rely on an old number.
Your study path
Official sources
Independent exam prep. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Australian Medical Council. Facts summarised in our own words; always confirm details on the official AMC website.