The following advice is provided to AMC candidates on proposed changes to the AMC Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examination, commencing with the 2011 MCQ examination series. The change in the examination process has been approved after extensive trial tests with Australian University students and will come into effect commencing with the February 2011 MCQ examination. Trial examinations were used to test the examination delivery system and blueprint (content) requirements, and to ensure the AMC standard is maintained.

The present AMC MCQ examination (2010) is a computer-administered fully integrated examination that consists of:

• 300 A-type MCQs (one correct response from five options)
• 240 scored MCQs and 60 pilot (non-scored) MCQs
• delivered in two 3½ hour sessions, each containing 150 MCQs – (7 hours duration) over one day.

Commencing with the 2011 series MCQ examinations, the new examination format, known as Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), will be implemented.

The future AMC MCQ CAT examination (2011) is a computer-administered fully integrated examination that consists of:

• 150 A-type MCQs (one correct response from five options)
• 120 scored MCQs and 30 pilot (non-scored) MCQs
• delivered in one (3½ hour) session.

The CAT format provides a number of advantages over the present MCQ examination including:

• Improved precision of measurement
• Reduced testing time
• Improved test security
• Flexible delivery by expanded capacity to administer tests, including multiple test sessions rather than major event testing on a single day.

The examinations will continue to be conducted via the presently available examination centres worldwide. Increased availability will be considered after the initial six month period of the CAT examination being implemented. Although the new AMC CAT MCQ examination and its associated on-line scheduling procedures are substantially more sophisticated than the current AMC MCQ examinations, the AMC does not propose to change the examination fee for the CAT MCQ at this time.

The November 2010 series of the AMC MCQ examination will be the last AMC MCQ examination to be conducted using the 300 A-type MCQs undertaken in two 3½ hour sessions. If AMC candidates wish to apply for the November series, the closing dates can be viewed on the AMC website. The AMC Multiple Choice Question Examination Specifications booklet is presently being updated to reflect these changes, it is anticipated the booklet will be available for candidates to download via the AMC website after 1st November 2010.

The AMC has prepared Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] on the Computer Adaptive Test [CAT] MCQ examination in order to provide additional information to AMC candidates.

Candidates are requested NOT to ring the AMC with enquiries regarding the changes to the MCQ examination and the CAT format as no further information is available at present and as a result the Call Centre will not be able to deal with enquiries over the telephone.

The format of the AMC CAT MCQ examination is outlined in the AMC Information Sheet.
Click to download the AMC MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION [MCQ] COMPUTER ADAPTIVE TEST [CAT] PROCESS.

The standard of the AMC examination is formally defined as the level of medical knowledge and clinical skills of the graduate of an Australian medical school at the point of commencing intern training. The AMC Multiple Choice Question [MCQ] examination operates as a pass/fail examination.