Standard pathway

The Standard pathway is for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking general registration as a medical practitioner in Australia. It involves completion of a written examination (CAT MCQ) and structured clinical examination of the Australian Medical Council (AMC) or approved workplace based assessment program.

Eligibility

The Standard pathway is for IMGs who are not eligible for the Competent Authority pathway or the Specialist pathway.

IMGs who have a primary qualification in medicine and surgery awarded by a training institution recognised by both the Australian Medical Council and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) can apply for assessment under this pathway.

The Standard pathway has two alternative processes leading to the award of the AMC Certificate:

• Standard pathway (AMC examinations) - Assessment is by examination only - the AMC CAT MCQ Examination and the AMC Clinical Examination. Most non-specialist applicants will be assessed through this method. 
• Standard pathway (workplace-based assessment) - Assessment is by examination and workplace-based assessment - the AMC CAT MCQ Examination and workplace-based assessment of clinical skills and knowledge by an AMC-accredited authority. There are limited numbers of assessment programs, and as a result, relatively few applicants are assessed through this pathway. The AMC accredited authorities are:
  • Central Coast Local Health District
  • Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service
  • Flinders Rural Health South Australia (in partnership with Mt Gambier Hospital)
  • Hunter New England Local Health District
  • Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
  • Joondalup Health Campus (WA)
  • Latrobe Regional Hospital
  • Launceston General Hospital
  • Mildura Base Public Hospital
  • Monash Health
  • Mid North Coast Local Health District
  • Northern Adelaide Local Health Network
  • Northern New South Wales Local Health District (Richmond Medical Workforce)
  • South Western Sydney Local Health District
  • Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service
  • Top End Regional Health Service
  • Western Australia Country Health Service
  • Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service

IMGs on the Standard pathway must successfully complete 12 months of supervised practice (minimum of 47 weeks full-time service) in an approved position.

Primary source verification

Part of the Standard pathway process is the primary source verification of an IMG’s primary qualifications by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).

The AMC verify qualifications through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC). 

Further information is available on the AMC website.

How to apply for the Standard pathway

IMGs on the Standard pathway apply directly to the AMC.

Information on how to apply is available on the AMC website.

(See below under 'General registration' for the requirements for general registration)

Download a PDF of the Overview of pathways to registration for IMGs wishing to practise medicine in Australia - Standard pathway (194 KB,PDF)

Medical registration

All IMGs on the Standard pathway must pass the AMC CAT MCQ Examination before they can apply to the Board for registration. IMGs who have passed the AMC CAT MCQ can apply for limited registration.

IMGs who have passed both the AMC CAT MCQ and the AMC Clinical Examinations before commencing their period of supervised practice in Australia, must apply for provisional registration (they are not eligible to apply for limited registration).

IMGs who receive their AMC Certificate during their period of supervised practice cannot renew limited registration, they must apply for provisional registration if they need more time to complete their period of supervised practice.

Applicants for registration pay the relevant application fee and registration fee.

IMGs work under supervision in general practice positions or hospital based positions. Further information about supervision is available on the Supervision page.

IMGs may be required to undertake a pre-employment structured clinical interview (PESCI) prior to applying for limited or provisional registration. Further information is available on the PESCI page.

Limited registration

IMGs must pass the AMC CAT MCQ Examination before they can apply to the Board for limited registration. In addition, the IMG must have secured an offer of employment.

The type of limited registration depends on the position:

• Limited registration for postgraduate training or supervised practice 
• Limited registration for area of need - if working in an area of need

Further information on limited registration is available on the Board’s website.

Provisional registration

IMGs who have successfully completed both the AMC CAT MCQ and the AMC Clinical Examinations (AMC Certificate holders) must apply for provisional registration. The IMG also needs to have secured an offer of employment.

Further information on provisional registration is available on the Board’s website.

General registration

IMGs on the Standard pathway must successfully complete 12 months of supervised practice (minimum of 47 weeks full-time service) in an approved position before being eligible to apply for general registration. The requirements for general registration are outlined in the Board’s Registration standard Granting general registration to medical practitioners who hold an Australian Medical Council certificate.

Regardless of whether an IMG has completed the AMC exams or the WBA, they must demonstrate that they have achieved the expected learning outcomes – either during completion of core rotations or through other learning experiences.

The Board has developed guidance on the documentary evidence required to support an application for general registration.

• Guidance - Evidence of supervised practice to support applications for general registration from AMC certificate holders (101 KB,PDF), Word version (82.3 KB,DOCX)

In addition, all IMGs are required to comply with the Board's registration standards.

Further information

More information about the AMC exams and primary source verification of qualifications is available on the AMC website.