In this guide, we’ll take you through a step-by-step plan to help you confidently prepare for the AMC MCQ exam, avoid common pitfalls, and optimize your chances of success.
Step 1: Understand the Exam Structure and Purpose
Before diving into preparation, it’s crucial to know what you're preparing for. The AMC MCQ exam is designed to assess your knowledge of medical science and clinical practice relevant to the Australian healthcare system.
- Format: The AMC MCQ is a computer-based test consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) delivered in a single 3.5-hour session.
- Content: Questions cover disciplines like general practice, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics, and gynecology.
- Goal: It evaluates your ability to apply clinical knowledge in real-world situations.
Understanding the structure will help you build a focused study plan and reduce anxiety about the unknown.
Step 2: Register Early and Choose a Date Strategically
Timing matters. Register for the AMC MCQ exam well in advance through the AMC portal. This gives you ample time to prepare and psychologically commit to a fixed date — a key motivator for staying on track.
When selecting a date:
- Avoid busy personal or professional periods.
- Consider allowing 4–6 months for solid preparation.
- Choose a date that gives you time to revise, take mock exams, and deal with unexpected setbacks.
Step 3: Gather the Right Resources
AMC preparation is not about reading everything — it’s about reading the right things. Here are the key resources you should consider:
- AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions – The official and most reliable resource.
- John Murtagh’s General Practice – A cornerstone for general medicine in Australia.
- AMC Qbank and other online question banks like AMBOSS, Lecturio, or Kaplan.
- Clinical guidelines from Australian sources such as RACGP and Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG).
Avoid overwhelming yourself with too many books. Choose a few and master them well.
Step 4: Create a Personalized Study Schedule
Your study schedule should be:
- Realistic: Factor in your job, family, and other commitments.
- Consistent: Studying 2–4 hours a day consistently is better than cramming on weekends.
- Structured: Break your schedule into phases: theory review, practice questions, and revision.
A sample 4-month plan could look like this:
- Month 1: Focus on general medicine, surgery, and psychiatry.
- Month 2: Cover pediatrics, OBGYN, and emergency medicine.
- Month 3: Start heavy question practice and mock exams.
- Month 4: Focus entirely on review, weak areas, and time management.
Use apps like Notion, Google Calendar, or even a traditional planner to track your progress.
Step 5: Build Your Foundation with Theory
Before tackling questions, ensure you understand the foundational medical knowledge. Don’t just memorize — aim to comprehend how, why, and when certain decisions are made.
Tips for effective studying:
- Use flowcharts and mnemonics for better retention.
- Make your own notes or summary sheets.
- Watch explainer videos for complex topics — YouTube channels like Armando Hasudungan are great for visual learners.
Remember: Strong theoretical knowledge leads to better application in clinical scenarios.
Step 6: Practice Questions — Early and Often
MCQs are a skill — and skills improve with practice.
Start solving questions early in your preparation to identify gaps and become familiar with the exam format. Use online question banks that provide explanations for each answer. Focus not only on why an answer is correct, but also why the others are wrong.
Strategies for MCQ practice:
- Start with untimed sets to understand concepts.
- Gradually move to timed sessions to build stamina.
- Review every single answer — understanding your mistakes is the secret sauce to progress.
- Aim to complete at least 3000–4000 MCQs before the exam.
Step 7: Simulate the Exam with Mock Tests
A common mistake is not training under exam-like conditions. Simulating the real test builds confidence and reduces surprises.
Take at least 3–4 full-length mock exams in the weeks leading up to the test. Treat them as real exams:
- No interruptions.
- Strict timing (3.5 hours for 150 questions).
- No looking up answers.
Analyze each mock test thoroughly. Look for patterns in your mistakes — are they due to content gaps, poor time management, or misreading questions?
Step 8: Review, Revise, Repeat
The final month should be all about consolidation.
- Revisit your notes and high-yield topics.
- Focus on areas where you consistently struggle.
- Use flashcards (like Anki) for quick memory refreshers.
- Continue with practice questions but reduce volume to avoid burnout.
A solid revision strategy can elevate your score significantly. It's better to revise well than to try learning new topics at the last minute.
Step 9: Sharpen Exam-Day Strategies
Even with all the right prep, poor test-day tactics can throw you off. Go in with a plan:
- Time Management: Aim to answer each question in about 80 seconds. Don’t dwell too long on one.
- Flag and Move: If unsure, mark the question and move on. Return later with a fresh perspective.
- Elimination: Narrow options down by ruling out the obviously wrong ones.
- Don’t Leave Any Question Blank: There's no negative marking, so always answer every question.
Practice these techniques during your mocks to make them second nature.
Step 10: Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health
Your brain is your most valuable asset — take care of it.
- Sleep: Get at least 7–8 hours nightly, especially the week before the exam.
- Exercise: Light exercise or walks can boost mood and cognition.
- Diet: Eat balanced meals; avoid high sugar or overly processed foods.
- Mindfulness: Try meditation or breathing exercises to manage stress.
Burnout is real and can undo months of preparation. Listen to your body, rest when needed, and maintain balance.
Bonus Tip: Join a Community
AMC preparation can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Join online communities like:
- Facebook groups for AMC aspirants
- Reddit’s r/medicalschool or r/Australia
- WhatsApp study groups or local meetup groups
These platforms can provide encouragement, resources, shared experiences, and even moral support when the going gets tough.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process
Preparing for the AMC MCQ exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Some days you’ll feel like a genius; other days you’ll question everything. That’s okay — it’s part of the journey.
Stick to your plan, adjust as needed, and keep your goal in sight. Thousands of IMGs have walked this path before you — and with the right mindset and preparation, you’ll join them on the other side.