Australian patients are set to benefit from a new, state-of-the-art examination test centre for international medical graduates which officially opened today. This new Australian Medical Council (AMC) test centre will allow for an increase in the number of international medical graduates being assessed so they can qualify to work as doctors in Australia, strengthening the nation’s healthcare workforce.
“International medical graduates are a vital part of our medical workforce and make significant contributions to communities, especially in regional and remote areas,” said Professor Geoff McColl, President of the Australian Medical Council.
“This new test centre is part of our commitment to building our assessment capacity and supporting international medical graduates in their journeys to practising medicine in Australia. “The new test centre brings together the best of technology and talent to improve the experience for candidates while maintaining the highest possible standards to protect the health of the Australian community.”
The Australian Medical Council clinical examination has long been a crucial step for international medical graduates seeking medical registration in Australia. The previous test centre, established in 2013, was a direct response to the House of Representatives Standing Commitee on Health and Ageing report Lost in the Labyrinth (March 2012), which identified key challenges for international medical graduates in navigating assessment and registration pathways.
Over the past decade, the AMC’s clinical examination has played a pivotal role in evaluating the clinical skills and competencies of international medical graduates, ensuring they can deliver safe and effective patient care. On average, 2,000 international medical graduates have undertaken the examination each year since 2013.
Following the closure of the previous test centre in 2023, the AMC transitioned to online clinical examination delivery only, allowing international medical graduates to continue their registration journey uninterrupted. In 2024, the AMC delivered a record number of online clinical examinations, with more than 120 days of examinations conducted.
“The new test centre is part of a suite of initiatives that the AMC is delivering to support government workforce reforms aimed at addressing medical workforce shortages and improving access to high-quality medical care for all Australians,” said Professor McColl.
“The AMC continues to work closely with the Medical Board of Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and specialist medical colleges to develop expedited pathways for specialist international medical graduates in key medical specialties.”
Additionally, the AMC has reviewed and adjusted the pass mark for the clinical examination, ensuring that more qualified doctors can enter the workforce while maintaining patient safety. The AMC is also expanding its suite of resources to support international medical graduates in examination preparation and successful integration into the Australian healthcare system.
“This new test centre marks a significant step forward in ensuring that highly skilled international medical graduates can contribute to Australia’s healthcare system and deliver safe care where it’s needed,” said Professor McColl.
Media Contact:
Rachel Ippoliti
Communications Manager, Australian Medical Council
E: communications@amc.org.au
