What Is the AMC MCQ Examination?

AMC MCQ Exam is an assessment exam conducted by autralian medical council to assess IMGs who wish to work in Australia. This is the first step IMGs need to take to work as Health practitioner in Australia. The Exam is held round the year (Except Jan and December) in multiple centres around the globe But knowing Exam Dates is Crucial as most of the centres are booked.

AMC MCQ Exam Dates 2026

The 2026 AMC MCQ exam dates announced by the Australian Medical Council are crucial for international medical graduates planning their pathway to medical registration in Australia. Knowing the official schedule early helps candidates align preparation, booking, and visa timelines efficiently.

When are the AMC MCQ exam dates for 2026?

Commonly asked questions regarding AMC MCQs Exam Dates Scheduling:

How often is the AMC MCQ exam conducted in 2026?
The AMC MCQs Exam is conducted round the year from FEB to November ( Except Jan and December: there is no exams on these Dates)

How early should I book my AMC MCQ exam slot?
Once you receive your 12-month MCQ authorisation, you can schedule your exam directly through the Pearson VUE system,  seats are allocated first come, first served, so it’s essential to book as soon as possible. Since most of the times all the slots are already booked which makes it difficult to book a date within your window period. Many candidates report that popular exam windows (especially in major cities or peak months) can fill up quickly  booking 3–6 months before your preferred test date increases the chances of securing a good slot.

• Reschedule Before Closing Deadlines: You’re allowed to change your exam date or venue without penalty before the official closing date (typically around 3 weeks before the exam), but after that, changes aren’t permitted , another reason to schedule early.
  Deadline: You must reschedule before the specific closing date for your examination event.
• Method: Contact Pearson VUE directly to change your exam date or venue.
• Eligibility: You can change your date multiple times, provided seats are available in your preferred venue and it is before the closing date.
• Fees: Generally, no penalty applies if changed before the closing date.

How to Book AMC MCQ Exam Dates (Step-by-Step)

1. Register/Login to AMC Portal: Create or log into your account at the AMC website.
2. Verify Qualifications: Complete your primary medical qualification verification through MyIntealth (EPIC: before it used to be ECFMG).
3. Apply for Authorization: Within your account, select the option to apply for the MCQ examination. Pay the required fees to receive authorization,which is valid for 12 months to schedule your exam.
4. Schedule with Pearson VUE: Once authorized, log in to the Pearson VUE website to select your preferred date, time, and test center.
5. Confirm Booking: After finalizing the date with Pearson VUE, the AMC will issue a confirmation, which can be viewed in your account.

AMC MCQ Exam Centers (2026)

The Australian Medical Council MCQ exam is delivered worldwide at Pearson VUE testing centers. Locating your preferred center is thereby essential so you can book your exam in your preferres center on time.
below are all the currently available pearson Vue centre for the Delivery of Amc Mcq exam:

AMC Exam Centers in Australia

AMC Exam Centers Outside Australia

When Should You Take the AMC MCQ in 2026?

The common miscoception among IMGs is that you can take this exam only after completing your internship which is not true. You can take yourexamafter your final year during your internship/house job. For the newly graduate, the ideal time is during their intership given a 6-8 month of proper preparation. The subjects tested in the exam are clearly the ones taught in your last 2 years of your Med school so it’s advisable to take the exam soon after the graduation while the knowledge is still fresh.

Common Mistakes While Choosing AMC MCQ Dates:

Booking Too Early Without Adequate Preparation

Many candidates rush to book an early slot immediately after receiving authorization. The AMC MCQ tests applied clinical reasoning, not rote recall. Booking before consolidating core systems (medicine, surgery, OBGYN, pediatrics, psych) often leads to a first-attempt failure, which has financial, Time and psychological costs. A realistic preparation window for most IMGs is 4–6 months of focused study.

Waiting Too Long → No Nearby Test Centers

Although the AMC MCQ is available year-round, popular Pearson VUE centers fill quickly, especially in South Asia and the Middle East. You should bok your exam approximately 3-4 months before your exam to avoid any conveniences.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. The AMC MCQ exam is conducted from February to November 2026, with no exam dates in January and December.
2. Exam dates are released as monthly exam windows, each with a defined scheduling close date and result release timeline.
3. Seats are limited at Pearson VUE test centers, and popular locations often fill up several months in advance.
4. You must complete EPIC/MyIntealth verification before receiving MCQ authorization, which is required to book an exam date.
5. MCQ authorization is valid for 12 months, during which you can schedule your exam at any available testing window.
6. Booking the exam 3–6 months in advance significantly increases the chance of securing your preferred date and test center.
7. Rescheduling is allowed without penalty only before the official closing date for that exam window, subject to availability.
8. You can take the AMC MCQ during internship or house job; completion of internship is not mandatory before the exam.
9. The exam tests applied clinical reasoning, not rote memorization, so adequate preparation time (4–6 months) is essential before booking.
10. Poor planning—not exam difficulty—is a common reason for failure, including late booking, ignored verification timelines, and travel issues.