Australian Medical Council
Assesses international medical graduates and runs the AMC CAT MCQ and Clinical examinations.
Home › IMG Pathways
IMG pathways to medical registration in Australia.
The main pathways to registration for international medical graduates are the Standard, Competent Authority and Specialist pathways. The Medical Board of Australia's self-assessment tool helps you confirm which one applies to you, and our guides and courses help you through each stage.
Who sets the rules
The regulators
Together they make sure every doctor working in Australia is suitably trained, qualified, registered and safe to practise.
Compare
The pathways at a glance
Most non-specialist IMGs
Standard Pathway
AMC CAT MCQ (Part 1), then the AMC Clinical Examination, PESCI for general practice positions, and employment with supervised practice. WBA is an express option after the MCQ.
UK · Ireland · NZ · USA · Canada
Competent Authority Pathway
For doctors trained in, or assessed by, a recognised competent authority. No AMC exams; supervised practice towards general registration.
Overseas-trained specialists
Specialist Pathway
The relevant specialist college assesses whether you are comparable to an Australian-trained specialist.
Pathway 1
Standard Pathway
The main route for most non-specialist IMGs. It runs in four stages, from the AMC CAT MCQ through to employment, and AIM has a course for each exam stage.
1
Part 1 · Everyone starts hereAMC CAT MCQ
A computer-adaptive multiple-choice exam on Australian clinical knowledge and safe practice.
2
After the MCQAMC Clinical Examination
Structured clinical stations testing clinical skills, communication and safe management.
3
General practice positionsPESCI
The Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview, usually needed before you start in a general practice position.
4
RegistrationEmployment & supervised practice
Start work in an approved position and complete 12 months of supervised practice (47 weeks full-time equivalent, including 10 weeks of medicine, 10 of surgery and 8 of emergency medicine) towards general registration.
Questions about this stage?Our team can point you in the right direction.
Express pathway · Already passed the AMC CAT MCQ?
Workplace Based Assessment (WBA)
Instead of sitting the AMC Clinical Examination, you are assessed while you work in an approved position with an AMC-accredited WBA provider. It leads to the AMC Certificate. Places are limited.
1 · AMC CAT MCQ ✓→WBA instead of the Clinical Exam→Employment & supervised practice
Pathway 2
Competent Authority Pathway
For IMGs trained in, or assessed by, a recognised competent authority system: currently the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, the USA and Canada. These doctors do not sit the AMC exams. They go directly to 12 months of supervised practice (minimum 47 weeks full-time equivalent) towards general registration.
Competent Authority
Questions about your Competent Authority pathway?Send us a free enquiry and our team will point you in the right direction.
Pathway 3
Specialist Pathway
Currently led by the relevant specialist college, which assesses whether you are comparable to an Australian-trained specialist. You may need supervised practice, upskilling or exams before specialist registration or fellowship.
Specialists
Questions about your specialist assessment?Send us a free enquiry before you apply for a college assessment.
Pathway → course map
Match your stage to the right AIM support
Find where you are, then take the next step with an AIM course.
| Where you are | Pathway | Your next step with AIM |
|---|---|---|
| Checking eligibility, MyIntealth, EPIC or AMC account | All pathways | Our Application Guide (for enrolled Doctors) covers every step. Questions? Contact us – free enquiry |
| Preparing for the AMC CAT MCQ | Standard Pathway | Now enrolling AMC CAT MCQ Complete View course |
| Passed the MCQ – AMC Clinical Examination (or WBA) | Standard Pathway | AMC Clinical Complete – coming soon Notify me |
| General practice job offer – PESCI | Standard Pathway | PESCI Complete Preparation – coming soon Notify me |
| Overseas-trained specialist | Specialist Pathway | Contact us – free enquiry |
Beyond registration
Other hurdles to plan for
Registration is only part of the picture. These often decide where and how fast an IMG can actually start working.
Reforms under way in 2026: the Medical Board consulted on changes to the Standard, Competent Authority and Specialist pathways in mid-2026. Final outcomes may have been published since, so always check the Medical Board's website.
Checklist
- English language: meet the Board's English language skills standard (IELTS, OET or an equivalent test).
- A suitable position: an employer and a position, often in a District of Workforce Shortage area.
- Visa sponsorship: check visa requirements with a registered migration agent.
- Medicare for GPs: GPs who want to bill Medicare usually face Section 19AB "10-year moratorium" restrictions on where they can practise.
Ready to start preparing?
Enrol in AMC CAT MCQ Complete or send us a free enquiry.
General educational guidance only, not legal or migration advice. AIM is independent of the AMC, ECFMG/Intealth, Ahpra, the Medical Board of Australia and the specialist colleges. Always confirm current requirements with the official bodies.