Steps for IMGs to Register as Doctors in Australia

This article is written by OET Bank, where we specialize in helping healthcare professionals prepare for OET and support their overseas career opportunities.

To be eligible to work in Australia, international medical graduates (IMGs) must ultimately register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

This article summarizes the requirements for registration with AHPRA.

About Pathways

For those who did not graduate from medical schools in Australia or New Zealand, there are four main routes to AHPRA registration. These are referred to as “Pathways”:

Competent Authority Pathway
Standard Pathway
Specialist Pathway
Short-Term Training in a Medical Specialty Pathway

The appropriate pathway depends on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. For permanent practice in Australia, candidates usually pursue either the Standard Pathway or the Specialist Pathway (the Competent Authority Pathway is rarely an option for IMGs).

1. Competent Authority Pathway

This pathway applies to candidates who obtained their primary medical qualification in specific countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Ireland. These applicants are exempt from the AMC written examination and can proceed directly to the clinical exam.

For most IMGs, this pathway is not applicable.

2. Standard Pathway

This is the most common route for IMGs who wish to register in Australia. Candidates must pass both the written and clinical examinations conducted by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).

It applies to graduates from countries not listed under the Competent Authority Pathway, as well as those without specialist recognition.

3. Specialist Pathway

This pathway is designed for overseas-trained specialists who already hold recognized specialist qualifications and wish to practice in that specialty in Australia.

Applicants are assessed by the relevant Australian specialist medical college. Depending on the evaluation, they may be allowed to register in their specialty. Assessment criteria and processes vary by specialty.

4. Short-Term Training in a Medical Specialty Pathway

This pathway is intended for overseas-trained specialists who are not seeking permanent specialist registration in Australia but want short-term training (typically up to 12 months).

While this does not lead to permanent registration, candidates may later transition to the Specialist Pathway after completing their training.

In summary:

IMGs without specialist qualifications typically pursue the Standard Pathway and pass the AMC exams.
IMGs with specialist qualifications may go through the Specialist Pathway or Short-Term Training Pathway, depending on their goals.

English Language Requirements

Regardless of the chosen pathway, candidates must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:

IELTS: Overall 7.0, L 7.0+, R 7.0+, W 6.5+, S7.0+
OET: L 350+, R 350+, W 300+, S 350+
TOEFL iBT: Total 94, with L 24+, R 24+, W 24+, S 23+
PTE Academic: Overall 66＋, L 66+, R 66+, W 56+, S 66+

Reference: English language skills registration standards

⚠️ Note: AHPRA accepts test-center internet-based tests (IBT), but does not accept at-home versions.

IELTS

One of the most widely used international English tests. Key features include:

Writing tasks often involve describing data or qualifications.
Speaking is conducted face-to-face.

Because of the wide range of topics, preparation cannot rely solely on templates. For many IMGs, achieving 6.5+ in Speaking is particularly challenging.

OET

The Occupational English Test is designed for healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses.

Graded from A (high) to E (low).
Writing and speaking tasks are based on medical scenarios, making it more accessible for healthcare candidates.

However, many IMGs struggle with Listening, as topics often involve internal medicine or surgery.

TOEFL

Another globally recognized exam, fully computer-based.

Scored out of 120 (30 per section).
Strong listening skills are essential since all sections except Reading involve listening components.
Achieving 24+ in Writing is a common barrier for many candidates.

PTE

A computer-based exam primarily recognized in Australia and New Zealand.

Scores range from 10 to 90.
Speaking and writing are assessed together.
Results are typically available within 5 days.

Some candidates report difficulties when the system misinterprets their speaking voice, leading to unexpectedly low scores.

In short, no exam is “easier.” All require strong vocabulary, reading comprehension, and listening skills as a foundation. Early and consistent preparation is highly recommended.

AMC Examinations

For IMGs pursuing the Standard Pathway, the AMC exams are mandatory. They consist of:

AMC MCQ Examination (Written)
AMC Clinical Examination

These are comparable to USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK, testing both knowledge and clinical reasoning.

1. AMC MCQ Examination

Computer-based multiple-choice test (150 questions)
Duration: ~3.5 hours
Topics: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and more
Test centers available in Australia and internationally, including Tokyo and Osaka

2. AMC Clinical Examination

Practical assessment with 16 stations (role-play with simulated patients)
Each station: 2 minutes reading, 8 minutes testing
Skills assessed: clinical reasoning, communication, professionalism, examination techniques
Pass rate: around 30%, making it highly competitive

Always confirm the latest exam details before preparing:
AMC Clinical Examination Specifications (2021)

Conclusion

To register as a doctor in Australia, international medical graduates must:

Select the appropriate Pathway based on qualifications and career goals
Prove English proficiency under the English language skills registration standards
Undergo assessment processes required by their chosen pathway

Ultimately, demonstrating English proficiency is the baseline requirement. Those aiming to work abroad should steadily build language skills well in advance.

In future articles, we will provide detailed guidance on AHPRA applications and pathway-specific requirements.

If you’re preparing for OET, consider exploring our practice resources at OET Bank. They’re designed not just as mock tests, but as powerful review tools that make it easier to analyze weaknesses and focus on what’s needed to pass.