The 0 to 500 scale and the 250 pass mark
Your AMC MCQ result is reported as a scaled score between 0 and 500. A passing score is set at 250 on that scale. There is one pass point for the whole exam: you do not need to pass each discipline separately.
The scale exists because every candidate sits a different adaptive exam. Converting results onto a common scale means a score of 250 represents the same standard whichever set of questions you happened to receive, and whichever sitting you took.
The AMC reviews its standard from time to time by benchmarking against graduates of Australian medical schools. The reported scale and the 250 pass point have stayed the same; check the AMC examination specifications for the version that applies to your sitting.
Why it is not a percentage
A computer adaptive test estimates your ability rather than counting your correct answers. Each question in the AMC pool has been calibrated for difficulty. After each response, the computer updates its estimate of your ability and chooses the next question to measure you more precisely.
| What you might assume | What actually happens |
|---|---|
| More correct answers always means a higher score | Answering harder questions correctly carries more weight, so two candidates with the same number correct can get different scores. |
| The pass mark is about 50% or 60% correct | Adaptive tests keep choosing questions close to your level, so you can expect to get a good share wrong even when you are on track. Your raw percentage does not tell you whether you passed. |
| Hard questions mean I am failing | Hard questions usually mean you are answering well and the test is moving you up. |
| Unanswered questions just score zero | You must answer all 150. An incomplete exam may be recorded as a fail because there is insufficient data to produce a result. |
At least half of each exam is drawn from questions the AMC has already calibrated. New questions are inspected and calibrated before they count towards scoring.
When and how results are released
- Results are released through your AMC account at 4.00pm on the Friday, three weeks after your exam.
- The AMC issues results, not Pearson VUE, and results are never given by telephone.
- You receive a computer-generated transcript with feedback on your performance.
- Your CAT MCQ result does not expire once issued.
- If a technical problem at the venue prevented a valid result, the AMC may arrange a new exam at no extra fee.
Reading your feedback report
Your transcript shows your scaled score and gives feedback on how you performed across areas of the exam. Use it as a map for your next block of study, not as a verdict on your medicine.
- List the areas where your performance was below the passing standard. These are your first priority.
- Compare them with the blueprint weights. A weak area worth 30% of the exam needs more hours than one worth 12.5%.
- Ask whether the gap is knowledge or approach. Many candidates know the medicine but choose a non-Australian first-line test or drug.
- Set a target date only after you have repeated timed mixed blocks and full papers at a consistently safe level.
If you did not pass
A fail is a result, not a verdict on you as a doctor, and you can apply again. The AMC does not publish a limit on the number of MCQ attempts, but you can only hold one exam application at a time and must wait for your result before applying again. Each new attempt needs a new authorisation, valid for 12 months, within which you schedule one exam event.
- Take a week away from questions, then sit a fresh diagnostic block.
- Rebuild weak disciplines with explanations that reference Australian guidance, then return to mixed timed practice.
- Practise the way the exam runs: 150 questions in order, no going back, 84 seconds each.
- Plan your booking around the authorisation window so you do not lose fees.
The authorisation, rescheduling and refund rules are set out in our AMC MCQ application guide.
Common questions
What score do I need to pass the AMC MCQ?
A scaled score of 250 on the AMC scale of 0 to 500.
What percentage of questions do I need to get right?
There is no fixed percentage. The adaptive test weights questions by difficulty, so your raw percentage correct does not determine whether you pass.
Why did my exam feel so hard?
The adaptive test picks harder questions after correct answers, so candidates performing well usually find the exam challenging throughout.
Can I get my AMC MCQ result by phone?
No. Results are released only through your AMC account, at 4.00pm on the Friday three weeks after the exam.
Is there a limit on AMC MCQ attempts?
The AMC does not publish a limit, but you can hold only one application at a time and must wait for your result before applying again.