The Australian Medical Council (AMC) is introducing a range of improvements and changes in requirements for Primary Source Verification, Competent Authority Assessments and MCQ examinations. These changes aim to increase the efficiency of AMC processes, improve services to exam candidates and other stakeholders and support uniformity of standards and requirements.

Since 1 July 2008, following a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) decision, there have been different assessment requirements for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking medical registration in Australia. Detailed information about the three pathways to gaining medical registration in Australia is available on this website.

To increase efficiencies and increase support to examination candidates, the AMC is introducing a range of process improvements and changes in requirements for Primary Source Verification, Competent Authority Assessments and MCQ examinations for International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

The changes support uniform standards and candidate requirements.

AMC candidate call centre

The AMC has opened a call centre, which is available from 9:00am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday to receive calls. Call centre staff will answer candidate questions about AMC requirements. The Call Centre number is 02 6270 7878

Parallel processing of applications

The information below applies to MCQ examination candidates. MCQ candidates must provide the AMC with detailed information, as set out in the information booklet for non-specialist applicants, so the AMC can verify their identity and their primary medical qualification.

The changes aim to minimise delays and increase the efficiency of verification checking.

Stage 1

The AMC will check to verify that documentation of primary medical qualification and the International Credentials Service of the ECFMG (EICS) Authorisation Form is completed according to AMC requirements.

If this form is complete, the AMC will request EICS verification within three days of receiving the candidates’ application. The AMC will notify the candidate by email that they are eligible to be placed in a multiple choice question (MCQ) examination as a provisional candidate, pending verification of their medical qualifications.

If any problems are identified with the primary medical qualification documentation or EICS Authorisation Form, the candidate will not be allowed to sit the MCQ until the problem has been resolved and the EICS verification is able to be requested by the AMC.

and

Stage 2

The AMC reviews certification of documents and supporting evidence, including application forms, supporting documentation and identification documentation provided to satisfaction of the 100 point National ID Policy.

Parallel processing: three possible outcomes

Outcome 1:
When a candidate is eligible to sit the MCQ, and has met Stage 2 requirements:

• The AMC can release the results of any completed MCQ examination. Candidates who have passed the MCQ and completed stage 2 requirements can progress through to sit the AMC Clinical Examination and may be eligible to apply for medical registration. Requirements for registration varies according to the type of registration sought and should be confirmed with the relevant state or territory medical board. Detailed information is published on medical board websites.

Outcome 2:
When a candidate is eligible to sit the AMC MCQ Examination, but Stage 2 requirements are incomplete/outstanding:

• The AMC will withhold the results of any completed MCQ examination. Until the candidate meets Stage 2 requirements, they cannot progress further through the AMC examination pathway, are not eligible for the AMC Certificate and may not be eligible to seek medical registration with the relevant State/Territory medical board.

Common problems with Stage 2 documentation include:

• Candidate has not provided enough documentation to meet the 100 point identification check required by national policy
• Certification of supporting documentation does not meet AMC Requirements
• The applicant has not signed the Application Form or EICS Authorisation Form correctly
• The AMC has not received a correct translation of documents.

Outcome 3:
If there is not enough documentation provided for the AMC to begin the EICS verification request (Stage 1 requirement):

• The candidate will not be placed in an MCQ examination until sufficient documentation is received, and progress along the pathway ceases. The AMC notifies the candidate of the problem by email within five business days of receiving the application.

Note:

• Incomplete applications submitted to the AMC will incur an administration fee of $110.00.
• Primary Source Verification AND the 100 point Identity Validation are pre-requisites for medical registration, including for applications for area of need, in Australia.
• The result of the MCQ examination and/or the award of the AMC Certificate will not be provided by the AMC until all Primary Source Verification and 100-point Identity Validation requirements are completed by the candidate.

Providing false or misleading information about medical qualifications and registration may result in severe penalties (including in at least one jurisdiction – a fine of up to $150,000 and up to three years imprisonment).

The Online Application Wizard

The Online Wizard is available for all new AMC candidates to apply online under an AMC pathway and has resulted in significant time reductions in the application process for candidates. As at September 2008, 73% of applications to the AMC are made through the Online Wizard.

The AMC is developing enhancements to make this system more readily available to migration agents and recruiters, subject to compliance with privacy legislation.

A Database Tracking System for EICS Verifications

The AMC has developed a PSV/EICS database that can both monitor status, and track, individual EICS applications. The AMC will make access to the database available to designated staff of Medical Boards on a password-controlled basis. This is expected to be implemented by Mid-September.

The AMC will implement the following changes to assist processing of applications:

An AMC Candidate Online Scheduling System for the AMC MCQ Examination

This system allows eligible candidates for the MCQ examination to schedule into an examination session at one of the listed venues. It is anticipated the Online Scheduling system will be operational via the AMC website, commencing with the 2009 series of MCQ examinations.