Australia Doctor Registration Pathways Guide
Australia IMG Guide • Registration + Training Entry

Australia Pathways for Doctors

A practical roadmap for international medical graduates (IMGs) who want to practise in Australia: registration pathways, AMC exams, supervised practice, specialist routes, fees, certificate verification, marks, resources, and how to plan your next step.

Start the roadmap Official links
Main IMG pathways
3+
Competent Authority, Standard, Specialist, plus Expedited Specialist.
AMC MCQ guide score
250
Reported on a 0–500 scale, with a slightly higher cut score from 2026.
AMC CAT MCQ fee
AUD 2,920
Current AMC fee.
Annual Medical Board fee
AUD 1,058
2025/26 national fee for most practitioners outside NSW.

Overview

To practise medicine in Australia, most IMGs go through one of the Medical Board of Australia pathways. Your route depends on your qualifications, whether you are a specialist, and whether you have already been assessed by a competent authority country. Applications are managed through the Ahpra portal.

Australia does not use a single U.S.-style residency match for IMGs. Registration and employment are related but separate: first identify the right registration pathway, then apply for supervised jobs, hospital roles, or college training positions that fit your scope and eligibility.

Ahpra portal application AMC exams for standard pathway Supervised practice matters Specialist route is separate

Best first move

Use the Medical Board self-assessment tool before paying for exams or documents.

IMG pathway page Ahpra portal

Main Australia Pathways

Competent Authority pathway

For IMGs who have been assessed by a competent authority and practised in a competent authority country. This pathway leads toward general registration and does not require AMC exams.

Standard pathway

For IMGs who are not eligible for the Competent Authority or Specialist pathways. It requires the AMC CAT MCQ, the AMC clinical exam or workplace-based assessment, and 12 months of specified supervised practice.

Specialist / Expedited Specialist

For overseas specialists. The expedited route applies only to accepted specialist qualifications and includes direct application to specialist registration, followed by six months of supervised practice and related requirements.

Step-by-Step Preparation Roadmap

1

Check your pathway

Confirm whether you fit Competent Authority, Standard, Specialist, or Expedited Specialist.

2

Create your AMC / Ahpra setup

Use the AMC account for exam and verification processes, and the Ahpra portal for registration applications.

3

Arrange primary source verification

This is especially important for specialist routes and accepted qualifications lists.

4

Pass the AMC MCQ if on the Standard pathway

This is the first major exam step for most non-competent-authority IMGs.

5

Pass the clinical requirement

Complete either the AMC clinical exam or a workplace-based assessment, depending on your route.

6

Complete supervised practice

The Standard pathway includes 12 months of specified supervised practice before progression to general registration.

7

Apply for registration through Ahpra

Use the Ahpra portal to apply, upload documents, and manage your registration process.

8

Then target jobs and training

Once your registration route is clear, apply for supervised hospital roles, service positions, or college-linked training posts.

Costs

Fees can change. Always recheck the official AMC and Medical Board / Ahpra pages before paying.
Item Typical fee Notes
AMC CAT MCQ exam AUD 2,920 Current AMC fee.
AMC Clinical Exam (in person) AUD 3,000 Current AMC fee.
AMC Clinical Exam (online) AUD 3,400 Current AMC fee including levy.
Annual Medical Board registration fee AUD 1,058 2025/26 national fee for most practitioners outside NSW.

Simple cost estimator

Estimated total: AUD 0

Not included here

  • Primary source verification or portfolio-related charges
  • Travel, relocation, and visa costs
  • Employer-specific onboarding costs
  • College assessment fees for specialist pathways
  • Extra document and identity certification costs

Certificate Verification

What matters

Qualification verification is a key step. For expedited specialist applicants, the Board says you must apply to the AMC for primary source verification of primary and specialist qualifications, and establish MyIntealth / EPIC verification for those qualifications.

Common delay points

  • Name mismatch across passport and qualifications
  • Incorrect qualification documents
  • Slow institution responses
  • Applying to the wrong pathway first
Start verification early. It can delay registration even when your exam or pathway eligibility is otherwise fine.

How Much Mark Is Needed?

AMC MCQ

250

The pass mark is described as 250 on a 0–500 scale, with a slightly higher cut score from 2026.

Clinical step

Pass

AMC clinical or WBA is pass-based, not a “high-score” application contest like U.S. Step 2 CK.

Jobs / training

No single cutoff

Employers and colleges assess CV, supervision needs, experience, and pathway status.

Resources

Official planning tools

  • Medical Board IMG pathway overview
  • Ahpra application portal
  • AMC pathway pages

Exam preparation focus

  • AMC MCQ exam specifications
  • AMC preparation resources
  • Clinical communication and management practice

Practical strategy

  • Choose the correct pathway early
  • Do not assume specialist status equals fast registration
  • Build your application around employability and supervision readiness

Notes

  • This page is for planning and education, not legal or immigration advice.
  • Pathway eligibility can change based on your exact qualification history.
  • Always confirm the latest requirements directly on the official site before paying fees.