The exam structure
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stations | 16 assessed stations plus 4 rest stations |
| Scored stations | 14; two are pilot stations that are usually not scored |
| Timing | 2 minutes reading and 8 minutes in the station |
| Content | Medicine, surgery, women's health, paediatrics and mental health, in hospital and community settings |
| Station focus | History taking, examination, diagnostic formulation, or management, counselling and education |
| Delivery | In person (A$3,000) or online (A$3,400), with online places prioritised for rural and remote candidates |
| Pass standard | A pass on 9 or more of the 14 scored stations |
| Results | 4.00pm on the Friday three weeks after the exam, in your AMC account |
From the AMC Clinical examination page, clinical examination specifications and fees page at the date above.
Three layers of marking
Each station is marked in three layers, but only one decides whether you pass the station.
| Layer | What it is | Does it decide the station? |
|---|---|---|
| Key steps | 2 to 5 essential actions per station, marked as observed or not observed | No, but missing them pulls the global rating down |
| Assessment domains | Usually 3 to 5 domains per station, each rated on a 7-point scale | No pass or fail point on any single domain |
| Global rating | One overall 7-point rating of your performance in that station | Yes: 4 or above is a pass, 3 or below is a fail |
The global rating reflects the whole performance, informed by the key steps and domains. That is why finishing all the tasks matters: the AMC notes that incomplete performance of the tasks is unlikely to be judged satisfactory overall.
The 13 assessment domains
| Domain | What examiners look for |
|---|---|
| Approach to the patient, relative, carer or health professional | Empathy, respect, cultural sensitivity, plain language, checking understanding |
| History | Key symptoms, relevant positives and negatives, questions guided by earlier answers |
| Choice and technique of examination, organisation and sequence | Choosing the relevant examination, protecting comfort and modesty, logical order |
| Accuracy of examination | Correct technique, recognising signs and their severity |
| Familiarity with test equipment | Correct handling and use of equipment relevant to the task |
| Performance of procedure | Safe, accurate technique with explanation to the patient |
| Explanation of procedure | Purpose, steps and risks explained clearly |
| Commentary to examiner | Clear, concise description of findings and justified decisions |
| Choice of investigations | Tests chosen from the history and findings, including serious possibilities, avoiding irrelevant ones |
| Interpretation of investigation | Reading results correctly and using them in decisions |
| Diagnosis or differential diagnoses | A justified diagnosis and a prioritised differential that includes serious conditions |
| Management plan | Evidence-informed options, urgency matched to severity, follow-up, patient preferences |
| Patient counselling and education | Explaining diagnosis and options, addressing concerns, consent, risks and benefits |
Domain names from the AMC assessment domains page. Each station uses only the domains relevant to its tasks.
Using the domains in practice
In the 2 minutes of reading time, work out which domains the tasks point to. A station that asks you to take a history and explain the likely diagnosis is testing history, approach to the patient, diagnosis and counselling. Plan your 8 minutes around them.
- History stations: open questions first, then focused ones; avoid a scattergun list of closed questions.
- Examination stations: examine the systems the case needs, perform each step rather than announcing it, and describe findings precisely.
- Diagnosis stations: give one diagnosis when asked for the most likely, and justify it with this patient's findings.
- Management stations: give specific, prioritised recommendations with reasons; "refer to a specialist" on its own is not a plan.
Communication runs through every domain; our guide to AMC Clinical communication skills covers it in detail.
Common reasons stations are failed
The AMC "Tips from Examiners" document describes patterns examiners see repeatedly:
- Taking a cursory history and jumping to a diagnosis or next step.
- Saying "I am going to examine..." instead of examining, or presuming findings.
- Generic advice, such as "antibiotics" or "a good diet", without specifics for this patient.
- Reassurance alone, and not addressing the patient's actual concern or question.
- Jargon, euphemisms such as avoiding the word "cancer", and not checking understanding.
- Ignoring time prompts and leaving tasks incomplete.
- Relying on scripts recalled from past candidates instead of responding to the station in front of you.
Results, attempts and alternatives
Results are released at 4.00pm on the Friday three weeks after the exam. The AMC does not set a limit on attempts. If you hold a clinical position with an AMC-accredited provider, workplace-based assessment is an alternative to the exam, but you cannot do both at the same time.
Common questions
How many stations do I need to pass in the AMC Clinical exam?
You need a pass on at least 9 of the 14 scored stations. Two of the 16 assessed stations are pilot stations that are usually not scored.
How is each AMC Clinical station passed or failed?
By the examiner's global rating on a 7-point scale: 4 or above is a pass and 3 or below is a fail. Key steps and domain ratings inform it but do not decide it alone.
How many assessment domains are there?
The AMC lists 13 domains. Each station usually assesses 3 to 5 of them.
Is the AMC Clinical exam online or in person?
Both formats exist. In-person exams cost A$3,000 and online exams A$3,400, with online places prioritised for rural and remote candidates.
Can I tell which stations are pilot stations?
No. Pilot stations are not identified, so treat every station as scored.