The AMC CAT MCQ is the gateway exam for international medical graduates who want to practise in Australia — 150 questions, computer-adaptive, covering medicine, surgery, obstetrics & gynaecology, paediatrics and psychiatry at the standard of an Australian medical graduate. Preparing for it means paying for question banks and references that quickly add up to over AUD $1,000.
This guide explains how to prepare for the AMC exam using iMD App, which of the 45,000+ included resources matter for AMC candidates, and a realistic study plan.
What Is the AMC CAT MCQ Exam?
- Format: 150 multiple-choice questions (120 scored), computer-adaptive
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Pass mark: scaled score of 250
- Content: adult medicine, surgery, O&G, paediatrics, psychiatry — weighted toward clinical management in the Australian context
- Fee: AUD $3,010 (2026) — which is exactly why you cannot afford to fail it over inadequate resources
AMC-Relevant Resources Inside iMD App
| Resource | Why It Matters for AMC | Retail Price | In iMD? |
|---|---|---|---|
| UpToDate | Management questions dominate the AMC — UpToDate is the reference AMC recalls consistently align with | $599/yr | ✅ |
| AMBOSS | Clinical library + QBank for systematic topic coverage | $448/yr | ✅ |
| UWorld | Builds the clinical reasoning engine AMC questions test — the same skill, different accent | $299–$599 | ✅ |
| Osmosis | Rapid video review across all five AMC subject areas | $299/yr | ✅ |
| Sketchy | Micro and pharm retention — heavily tested in AMC medicine questions | $330/yr | ✅ |
| Boards & Beyond | Foundation videos for weaker systems | $199/yr | ✅ |
Alongside these, most AMC candidates use the official AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions and Australian-specific recalls from study groups. iMD App covers the expensive clinical-knowledge layer, so your out-of-pocket spend goes only to the small Australia-specific extras.
A 4-Month AMC Study Plan Using iMD App
Months 1–2 — Build the Knowledge Base
- Work through AMBOSS library system by system, matched to the AMC syllabus (medicine → surgery → O&G → paeds → psych)
- Watch Osmosis or Boards & Beyond videos for weak topics
- Begin UWorld questions (30–40/day) to train clinical reasoning early
Month 3 — Australianise Your Preparation
- Cross-check every management answer against UpToDate — AMC answers follow current international guidelines, and UpToDate is the fastest way to verify them
- Learn the Australian specifics: immunisation schedule, Medicare context, mental health act basics, notifiable diseases
- Work the official AMC Handbook questions alongside iMD resources
Month 4 — Question Sprint
- High-volume mixed question blocks daily
- UpToDate deep dives only on repeated errors
- Final two weeks: recall review + rapid-fire flashcards
What Does It Cost?
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Months | $50 (~AUD $76) | AMC CAT within 6 months |
| 1 Year | $75 (~AUD $114) | AMC CAT + start of Clinical exam prep |
| 2 Years | $129 (~AUD $196) | Full pathway: CAT MCQ + AMC Clinical |
Compare that with a single year of UpToDate alone at $599. Every plan includes the full 45,000+ resource library, no auto-renewal, and a 7-day money-back guarantee.
FAQs from AMC Candidates
Does iMD include Australian-specific AMC question banks?
iMD's strength is the international clinical layer (UWorld, AMBOSS, UpToDate, Osmosis). Pair it with the official AMC Handbook for Australian question style — that combination covers both knowledge and format at a fraction of the usual cost.
I'm doing USMLE and AMC in parallel. Does one subscription cover both?
Yes — this is one of iMD's biggest advantages for IMGs keeping multiple pathways open. The same subscription includes the complete USMLE stack and the references AMC preparation depends on.
Can I use it offline in a rural placement?
Downloaded databases work fully offline through the Lab Range app.
Bottom Line
The AMC exam costs AUD $3,010 to sit. Giving yourself the full UpToDate + AMBOSS + UWorld preparation layer costs from $50 through iMD App — with a 7-day money-back guarantee if it is not right for you.