Latest AMC Exam Format Changes and What They Mean for You
Staying informed about updates to the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams is essential—as format changes can affect your preparation strategy. Here’s what’s new and how you can adapt effectively.
Key Format Change: Clinical Exam Pass Requirement Adjusted
As of 21 March 2024, the pass requirement for the AMC Clinical Examination has been revised:
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Previous requirement: 10 out of 14 stations passed
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Updated requirement: 9 out of 14 stations passed 
What this means for you:
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Slightly reduced pass threshold offers more flexibility.
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Still emphasises competence across core domains including paediatrics, women’s health, mental health, and emergency scenarios.
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Preparation must still cover all critical areas—reducing one station doesn’t reduce your overall workload.
No Major Changes to MCQ Format (as of 2025–26)
The AMC CAT MCQ Exam continues as:
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150 questions (120 scored + 30 pilot questions)
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Computer-adaptive format over 3.5 hours 
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Scoring: Scaled score out of 500; pass mark remains 250
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Syllabus: Balanced across systems—Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, O&G, Psychiatry, Preventive Medicine, Ethics, and Emergency Medicine 
No structural changes in section types or timing have been announced.
What You Should Do Now
| Change | Actionable Insight |
|---|---|
| Clinical Exam Pass Threshold Lowered | Continue comprehensive preparation across all stations. One less station to pass helps, but you still need thorough coverage and consistency. |
| MCQ Format Unchanged | Maintain current study strategies—focus on clinical reasoning, system-based review, and timing. No need to adjust your MCQ prep plan. |
| AMC Syllabus Remains Consistent | Use the AMC’s 2025–26 blueprint to ensure balanced study across disciplines. Allocate time to each category based on weightage. |
Bottom Line
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The only confirmed change is the lowered Clinical Exam pass requirement—you must pass 9 out of 14 scored stations.
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The MCQ exam format and structure remain unchanged based on official updates.
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Continue with structured, guideline-based preparation across all stations and systems.
