AMC MCQ Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 28, 2026 against Australian Medical Council
AMC MCQ: upcoming dates and official changes
- Nov 16, 2026: The next AMC CAT MCQ examination event begins on Monday 16 November 2026 at Pearson VUE venues in Australia and overseas.[4]
- Jan 25, 2027: Scheduling for the February 2027 AMC CAT MCQ event closes on Monday 25 January 2027, because scheduling for the November 2026 event already closed on 26 October 2026.[4]
The AMC MCQ has 150 questions and costs 2920 AUD[1][2] (Australian Medical Council, verified Oct 28, 2026).
- The AMC CAT MCQ examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, each with one correct response from five options.[1]
- The AMC CAT MCQ is scored on a scale of 0 to 500, and the passing score is 250.[3]
- An AMC CAT MCQ examination authorisation costs AUD $2,920, GST-free.[2]
- AMC MCQ candidates may apply for only one examination at a time and cannot lodge another application until they receive the results of their scheduled exam.[3]
- An AMC CAT MCQ authorisation is valid for 12 months to schedule an examination event.[1]
- Pearson VUE delivers the AMC CAT MCQ as a computer-based exam at test centres in Australia and other countries.[1]
- International medical graduates whose primary qualification in medicine and surgery comes from a training institution recognised by the AMC are eligible to apply for the AMC MCQ.[3]
- The next AMC CAT MCQ examination event begins on Monday 16 November 2026 at Pearson VUE venues in Australia and overseas.[4]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
AMC MCQ Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 150 multiple-choice questions (one correct answer from five options)[1] | Australian Medical Council · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Passing score | 250 on a 0–500 scale[3] | Australian Medical Council · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Exam fee | AUD $2,920 per authorisation[2] | Australian Medical Council · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Retake policy | One exam at a time; reapply only after receiving results[3] | Australian Medical Council · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Validity | Authorisation valid 12 months to schedule an exam[1] | Australian Medical Council · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Delivery | Computer-based at Pearson VUE test centres (Australia and overseas)[1] | Australian Medical Council · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Eligibility | IMGs with a primary medical qualification from an AMC-recognised institution[3] | Australian Medical Council · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Next exam date | 16 November 2026 (first day of next event)[4] | Australian Medical Council · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Registration deadline | 25 January 2027 (scheduling close for February 2027 event)[4] | Australian Medical Council · Oct 28, 2026 |
What changed for AMC MCQ in 2026
- Oct 28, 2026: Number of questions changed to 150 multiple-choice questions (one correct answer from five options) (previously 150 multiple-choice questions (one best answer from five options)).[1]
- Oct 28, 2026: Validity changed to Authorisation valid 12 months to schedule an exam (previously Authorisation valid 12 months; no extensions).[1]
AMC Examinations
The AMC examinations are designed to assess the level of medical knowledge, clinical skills, and attitudes required of freshly qualified Australian medical school graduates who are ready to undertake intern training.
They include a computer adaptive test (CAT), a multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam, and either an AMC Clinical exam or a workplace-based evaluation. To proceed with the AMC examinations procedure, your examination status must be indicated as "Eligible":
‥ The AMC CAT MCQ Exam assesses knowledge of medical principles and practice in general practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology.
‥ The AMC Clinical Examination evaluates medical, surgical, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry clinical abilities. It also looks at how well you communicate with patients, their relatives, and other healthcare professionals.
‥ The AMC Workplace-Based Assessment — in order to be employed in an eligible clinical position for WBA, you must have completed the AMC CAT MCQ Examination and been awarded registration by the Medical Board of Australia before applying for a WBA program directly to a WBA provider.
- ✓Confirm your exam appointment and location
- ✓Bring required identification documents
- ✓Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
- ✓Read each question carefully before answering
- ✓Flag difficult questions and return to them later
- ✓Manage your time — don't spend too long on one question
- ✓Review flagged questions before submitting
Related Medical Practice Tests
If you are preparing for a career in medical, you may also find these related practice tests helpful: Practice with the free AMC MCQ practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (300+ questions with answer explanations).
Prepare for the USMLE - United States Medical Licensing Examination — the United States Medical Licensing Examination for medical school graduates seeking to practice medicine in the US.
Prepare for the MCAT - Medical College Admission Test — the Medical College Admission Test required for admission to medical schools in the US and Canada.
Prepare for the PLAB 1 - Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Part 1 — the PLAB Part 1 exam for international medical graduates seeking to practice in the United Kingdom.
Prepare for the PLAB 2 - Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Part 2 — the PLAB Part 2 clinical assessment for international doctors applying for UK medical registration.
Prepare for the PANCE Test — the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam for PA program graduates entering clinical practice.
How AMC MCQ Compares to PLAB for International Medical Graduates
International medical graduates often weigh the AMC MCQ against the PLAB exam when deciding which country to pursue medical registration in. While the PLAB is the primary pathway for practicing medicine in the United Kingdom, the AMC MCQ serves the same gatekeeping function for Australia. Both exams test applied clinical knowledge, but the AMC MCQ places greater emphasis on conditions prevalent in the Australian healthcare setting, whereas PLAB questions reflect UK clinical guidelines and NHS protocols.
If you are preparing for the Australian Medical Council assessment, our AMC Clinical practice test offers scenario-based questions that mirror the clinical reasoning skills tested on exam day.
Students exploring medical school admissions should also try our PREview practice test to practice the situational judgment questions used in the AAMC screening process.
Free AMC MCQ Study Tools
Interactive AMC MCQ resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- AMC MCQ PRACTICE TEST 1 — 25 questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
- AMC MCQ flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- AMC MCQ study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- AMC MCQ cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
According to Australian Medical Council, “The examination consists of 150 multiple choice questions where there is one correct response from five options.”[1]
AMC MCQ Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
AMC MCQ Exam Questions covering AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions Haematology and Oncology. Master AMC MCQ Test concepts for certification prep.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
AMC MCQ Mock Exam on AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions Infectious Diseases and Immunology. AMC MCQ Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
AMC MCQ Questions and Answers on - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions Cardiovascular Medicine. Free AMC MCQ practice for exam readiness.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
AMC MCQ Mock Test covering - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions Ethics and Professional Practice. Online AMC MCQ Test practice with instant feedback.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
Free AMC MCQ Quiz on - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions Gastroenterology and Surgery. AMC MCQ Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
AMC MCQ Practice Questions for - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions General Surgery Principles. Build confidence for your AMC MCQ certification exam.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
AMC MCQ Test Online for - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions Musculoskeletal and Dermatology. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
AMC MCQ Study Material on - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions Neurology and Mental Health. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
Free AMC MCQ Test covering - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Practice and track your AMC MCQ exam readiness.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
AMC MCQ Exam Questions covering - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions Paediatrics and Child Health. Master AMC MCQ Test concepts for certification prep.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
Free AMC MCQ Practice Test featuring - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions Population Health and Epidemiology. Improve your AMC MCQ Exam score with mock test prep.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
AMC MCQ Mock Exam on - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions Renal and Endocrine Disorders. AMC MCQ Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
AMC MCQ - Australian Medical Council Multi...
AMC MCQ Test Prep for - Australian Medical Council Multiple Choice Questions Respiratory Medicine. Practice AMC MCQ Quiz questions and boost your score.
Worked examples: how to reason through AMC MCQ questions
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Example 1
Question: Which feature distinguishes psoriasis plaques on examination?
- Silvery scale over extensor surfaces with Auspitz sign
- Honey-coloured crust
- Central clearing with raised border
- Greasy yellow scale on the scalp
Answer: A. Silvery scale over extensor surfaces with Auspitz sign
Explanation:
Option A is correct. Psoriasis plaques are well demarcated, with silvery scale over extensor surfaces such as the elbows and knees. Scraping the scale can produce pinpoint bleeding, which is the Auspitz sign.
Honey-coloured crust points to impetigo, so B is wrong. Central clearing with a raised border describes tinea corporis, so C is wrong. Greasy yellow scale on the scalp fits seborrhoeic dermatitis, so D is wrong.
Rule to remember: match the scale and its site to the diagnosis. Silvery scale on extensor surfaces suggests psoriasis, crust suggests impetigo, a clearing ring suggests tinea, and greasy scale suggests seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Example 2
Question: Which level of disease prevention does cervical cancer screening with Pap testing represent?
- Secondary prevention
- Primary prevention
- Tertiary prevention
- Quaternary prevention
Answer: A. Secondary prevention
Explanation:
Option A is correct. Pap testing looks for cervical changes in people who have no symptoms, so it finds disease early or at a pre-clinical stage. That is the definition of secondary prevention.
Primary prevention, option B, stops disease from occurring at all, for example through vaccination. Tertiary prevention, option C, limits the effects of established disease, such as rehabilitation after a complication. Quaternary prevention, option D, protects patients from unnecessary or excessive medical intervention, which is not what screening is.
Rule to remember: ask where in the disease course the action happens. Before disease is primary, early detection in the well is secondary, and managing established disease is tertiary.
Example 3
Question: What is the most appropriate prophylaxis for a woman with previous early-onset pre-eclampsia in her next pregnancy?
- High-dose folic acid
- Low-dose aspirin from the first trimester
- Routine antihypertensives
- Bed rest from 20 weeks
Answer: B. Low-dose aspirin from the first trimester
Explanation:
Option B is correct. Low-dose aspirin started early in pregnancy is the recommended preventive measure for a woman with previous early-onset pre-eclampsia, because it lowers the risk of recurrence.
Folic acid, option A, is given to reduce neural tube defects. It does not prevent pre-eclampsia. Routine antihypertensives, option C, treat raised blood pressure once it is present, but they do not prevent the condition. Bed rest from 20 weeks, option D, has not been shown to prevent pre-eclampsia and carries its own risks.
Rule to remember: separate prevention from treatment. For high-risk women, think of the prophylactic agent first, then of blood pressure control and monitoring if disease develops.
How to use these practice tests
Start with the official material. Read the AMC MCQ examination page and the MCQ specifications document so you know the format, the scoring scale and the rules before you study content.
Then take a mixed sitting on the main practice test to see which areas are weak. Do not treat the score as a prediction. Use it only to decide where to spend time.
Work through the topic sets in your weakest areas first, for example Cardiovascular Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology or Population Health and Epidemiology. After each set, read every explanation, including those for questions you got right, and write down the rule behind each miss in a short notebook.
- Review that notebook on a regular schedule so older mistakes do not return.
- Practise Ethics and Professional Practice using Australian practice standards, not the rules of the country where you trained.
- Repeat a set only after some days, so you are recalling the idea and not the answer you remember.
In the final stretch, sit mixed sets in one sitting, with a timer, on a computer, to get used to the screen format.
- +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- +Increases job market competitiveness
- +Provides structured learning goals
- +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
- −Study materials can be expensive
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance
- −Requires dedicated preparation time
- −Retake fees apply if you don't pass
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Sample AMC MCQ Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free AMC MCQ practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Which test is used in the antenatal screening combined test for trisomy 21?
- A. Maternal blood glucose
- B. Nuchal translucency with PAPP-A and beta-hCG
- C. Amniotic fluid index
- D. Cervical length measurement
Answer: B. Nuchal translucency with PAPP-A and beta-hCG
The first-trimester combined test uses nuchal translucency, PAPP-A and free beta-hCG to estimate Down syndrome risk.
A 28-year-old primigravida attends her first antenatal visit at 10 weeks' gestation. She is interested in screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. According to Australian guidelines, which of the following is the most commonly offered and recommended initial screening test?
- A. Amniocentesis at 16 weeks
- B. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) alone
- C. Combined first-trimester screening (nuchal translucency ultrasound and maternal serum markers)
- D. Fetal morphology ultrasound at 20 weeks
Answer: C. Combined first-trimester screening (nuchal translucency ultrasound and maternal serum markers)
Combined first-trimester screening (cFTS) is the standard initial screening test for chromosomal abnormalities offered in Australia. It combines a maternal blood test (measuring PAPP-A and free β-hCG) between 9 and 13 weeks with a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound scan between 11 and 13 weeks. This combination provides a risk assessment for conditions like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18). Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test, not a screening test, and is offered if screening indicates a high risk. MSAFP alone is part of second-trimester screening, which is less accurate than cFTS. The 20-week morphology scan can detect structural anomalies but is not the primary screening tool for chromosomal aneuploidy.
A 45-year-old woman presents with a 2-week history of epigastric pain, nausea, and early satiety. A urea breath test is positive for Helicobacter pylori. She has no known drug allergies. According to current Australian Therapeutic Guidelines, which of the following is the most appropriate first-line eradication therapy?
- A. A proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, and metronidazole for 7 days.
- B. A proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and metronidazole for 14 days.
- C. A proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin for 7-14 days.
- D. Bismuth quadruple therapy for 14 days.
Answer: C. A proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin for 7-14 days.
Current Australian guidelines recommend standard triple therapy as the first-line treatment for H. pylori eradication. This regimen consists of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) combined with amoxicillin and clarithromycin. The recommended duration is typically 7 to 14 days, with 14 days potentially offering higher eradication rates. While other regimens exist, they are generally considered for second-line therapy or in areas with high clarithromycin resistance.
Which test is most sensitive for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis in a sputum sample?
- A. Tuberculin skin test (Mantoux)
- B. Ziehl-Neelsen stain
- C. Mycobacterial culture
- D. Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)
Answer: C. Mycobacterial culture
Mycobacterial culture (Lowenstein-Jensen or liquid MGIT) remains the gold standard for diagnosing active TB due to its highest sensitivity.
Take the full AMC MCQ practice test
📝 How many questions are on the AMC MCQ exam?
The AMC CAT MCQ has 150 multiple-choice questions, each with one correct answer from five options. You are expected to answer all 150 in a single 3.5-hour session.
START AMC MCQ PRACTICE TEST🎯 What is the AMC MCQ passing score?
Results are reported on a scale of 0 to 500, and the passing score sits at 250. The cut score is fixed for the whole exam, so you are measured against the standard, not against other candidates.
START AMC MCQ PRACTICE TEST🧠 How does the AMC computer adaptive test work?
The first question is drawn at random; a correct answer brings a harder next question and a wrong one an easier question. Your score is an ability estimate, so it is not simply the number of correct answers.
START AMC MCQ PRACTICE TEST⏪ Can you go back and review answers on the AMC MCQ?
No. Every question must be answered before the next one appears, and you cannot return to change a response. Marks are not deducted for wrong answers, so never leave time unused on a single item.
START AMC MCQ PRACTICE TEST📊 What is the AMC MCQ blueprint by subject?
Adult health medicine is 30% and adult health surgery 20%. Women’s health (obstetrics and gynaecology), child health, mental health and population health and ethics are 12.5% each.
START AMC MCQ PRACTICE TEST🤰 How much of the AMC MCQ is obstetrics and gynaecology?
Women’s health makes up 12.5% of the blueprint, roughly 19 of the 150 questions. It covers pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period as well as general gynaecology.
START AMC OBS & GYN PRACTICE TEST💰 How much does the AMC MCQ exam cost?
The AMC lists the CAT MCQ examination authorisation at AUD $2,920 (fees are free of GST and reviewed from time to time). Not attending your booked event consumes the authorisation with no refund.
START AMC MCQ PRACTICE TEST📅 How do you book the AMC MCQ exam?
You apply for an authorisation in your AMC account, which is valid for 12 months. You then schedule a specific date and venue directly with Pearson VUE, which delivers the exam at test centres in Australia and overseas.
START AMC MCQ PRACTICE TEST📬 When do AMC MCQ results come out?
Results are released in your AMC account at 4.00pm on the Friday three weeks after your exam event. They are issued by the AMC, not Pearson VUE, and include feedback on your performance.
START AMC MCQ PRACTICE TEST🏫 What should you bring on AMC MCQ exam day?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment with your ID; late arrivals cannot start. Pens, paper and tissues are not allowed in the room. A whiteboard and pen are provided for notes.
START AMC MCQ PRACTICE TESTAMC MCQ Questions and Answers
Official Resources
- Australian Medical Council – CAT MCQ Examination: the AMC’s official page on exam format, how to apply, venues and results release.
- AMC Examination Specifications: download the official MCQ specifications with the blueprint, scoring scale and sample questions.
- Medical Board of Australia: the national regulator that registers doctors, including international medical graduates on the standard pathway.
Sources & last verified
- Australian Medical Council — number of questions, validity, delivery (official source). “The examination consists of 150 multiple choice questions where there is one correct response from five options.” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
- Australian Medical Council — exam fee (official source). “CAT MCQ examination authorisation 2,920” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
- Australian Medical Council — passing score, retake policy, eligibility (official source). “represented on a scale of 0 to 500. A passing score is represented on the scale at 250.” Verified Oct 28, 2026.
- Australian Medical Council — next exam date, registration deadline (official source). “November 2026 Venues Scheduling Close Event Date Results Released Australia Mon 26th October Mon 16th November Fri 11th December” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 27, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- amc.org.au — Eligibility, passing score, retake policy, test delivery, exam format, score validity, fees · verified Oct 2026
- candidates.amc.org.au — Exam dates, registration deadline · verified Oct 2026