Applying to the Amc

A u s t r a l i a n M e d i c a l C o u n c i l

Q U I C K G U I D E O N A P P L Y I N GT O T H E A U S T R A L I A N

M E D I C A L C O U N C I L

“The purpose of the Australian Medical Council is to ensure that standards of education, trainingand assessment of the medical profession promote and protect the health of the Australian community.”

“The purpose of the Australian Medical Council is to ensure that standards of education, training and assessment of the medical profession promote and protect the health of the Australian community.”

© 2010 by the Australian Medical Council Limited.

First edition June 2010.

Copyright for this publication rests with the Australian Medical Council Limited.

Published and distributed by:

Australian Medical Council Limited PO Box 4810 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 2 6270 7878 Fax: +61 2 6270 9799 Website: www.amc.org.au

ABN: 97 131 796 980 ISBN: 978-1-875440-76-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted,in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

mailto:[email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTSForeword .................................................................................................................................1Important note: Change in registration requirements .............................................................3

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL COUNCIL ........................................................4Primary Source Verification .....................................................................................................4Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Examination .......................................................................4Clinical Examination ................................................................................................................5AMC Pathways overview ........................................................................................................5

Competent Authority Pathway ...........................................................................................6Standard Pathway (AMC Examination) ............................................................................6Standard Pathway (Workplace-based assessment) ........................................................7Specialist Pathway ............................................................................................................7Specialist Area of Need Pathway ......................................................................................8

English Language Proficiency requirements ...........................................................................8

APPLYING THROUGH THE STANDARD PATHWAY (AMC EXAMINATION) ............10Section 1: Getting started – applying to the AMC and providing the documentation needed ..10

Step 1: Requirements .....................................................................................................10Step 2: Apply online .......................................................................................................10Step 3: Complete Form P-1 (Non-specialist) .................................................................11Step 4: Complete form for Primary Source Verification ...................................................11Step 5: Provide supporting documentation .....................................................................12Step 6: Provide other information that may be needed to support application ................13Step 7: Send in application forms ...................................................................................13

Section 2: Applying to sit for the MCQ Examination in the Standard Pathway (AMC Examination) .........................................................................................................................15

Overview of the MCQ Examination .................................................................................15How to Schedule for an MCQ Examination .....................................................................16Candidates scheduled in an Australian or New Zealand (on-shore) venue ....................16Candidates scheduled in a Non-Australian (off-shore) venue .........................................16Change of venue .............................................................................................................16Withdrawal fees ...............................................................................................................16Results ............................................................................................................................17Verification of Results ......................................................................................................17Request for duplicate copies of AMC results ..................................................................18

Section 3: Applying to sit for the Clinical Examination in the Standard Pathway (AMC Examination) .........................................................................................................................18

Overview of Clinical Examination ....................................................................................18How to apply for the Clinical Examination .......................................................................19Scheduling Criteria for the AMC Clinical Examination ....................................................19Results – AMC Clinical Examination ..............................................................................19AMC Certificate ...............................................................................................................20Request for duplicate copies of AMC results ..................................................................20Summary of Standard (AMC Examination) Pathway ......................................................20Primary Source Verification of qualifications ...................................................................22

APPLYING IN THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY PATHWAY .......................................23Step 1: Requirements ...........................................................................................................23Step 2: Apply online ..............................................................................................................23Step 3: Complete Form P-1 (Competent Authority) .............................................................24Step 4: Complete form for Primary Source Verification ........................................................24

Form P-1 (Competent Authority) checklist ......................................................................24STEP 5: Provide supporting documentation .........................................................................25

Qualifications: Primary Medical Degree/Diploma ............................................................25Identity: Personal Identification .......................................................................................25Name Confirmation .........................................................................................................25

Step 6: Provide other information that may be needed to support application .....................26Name and change of address on application forms ........................................................26

Step 7: Send in application forms .........................................................................................26Eligibility for Advanced Standing .....................................................................................27Eligibility for AMC Certificate ...........................................................................................27Third Party Consent (Authority to Receive Information) ..................................................27Summary of Competent Authority Pathway ....................................................................27

APPLYING THROUGH THE AMC SPECIALIST PATHWAY .......................................30Step 1: Requirements ...........................................................................................................30Step 2: Apply online ..............................................................................................................30Step 3: Complete Form P-1 (Specialist) ..............................................................................31

Form P-1 ........................................................................................................................31Step 4: Complete form for Primary Source Verification ........................................................31

Form SB ..........................................................................................................................31Form SC ..........................................................................................................................31

Form P-1 (specialist) checklist .............................................................................................32Step 5: Provide supporting documentation along with Form SB ...........................................33

Requirements for Lodgement of Form SB ......................................................................33Documentary evidence of specialist qualifications ..........................................................33

Step 6: Provide all other supporting documentation .............................................................35Qualifications: .................................................................................................................35Identity: Personal Identification .......................................................................................35English Language Proficiency .........................................................................................35


Step 8: Send in application forms .........................................................................................36Schedule of fees for specialist assessment ....................................................................37Advice Regarding Timing of Form SC Lodgement .........................................................37Australian or Australasian Specialist Qualifications .......................................................38Common Errors made when lodging Application Forms ................................................38Third Party Consent (Authority to Receive Information) ..................................................38Summary of Specialist Pathway ......................................................................................38

APPLYING THROUGH THE AREA OF NEED (AON) SPECIALIST PATHWAY .........41Step 1: Requirements ...........................................................................................................41

Action by State and Territory Health Authorities ..............................................................42Step 3: Arrangements relating to the issuing of visas to overseas trained doctors ...............43Step 4: Apply online ..............................................................................................................43Step 5: Complete application forms .....................................................................................44

Form P-1 (AON) .............................................................................................................44Form P-1 (AON) .............................................................................................................44Primary Source Verification .............................................................................................44Form AON-SB .................................................................................................................44Attachment to Application Form ......................................................................................45Schedule of fees for AON specialist assessment ............................................................45Form P-1 (AON) checklist ...............................................................................................46

Step 6: Provide supporting documentation along with Form AON-SB ..................................47Requirements for Lodgement of Form AON-SB ..............................................................47Documentary evidence of specialist qualifications ..........................................................47Concurrent Area of Need/Specialist assessment ............................................................49

Step 7: Provide all other supporting documentation ............................................................49Qualifications: .................................................................................................................49


Step 9: Send in application forms .........................................................................................51Australian or Australasian Specialist Qualifications .......................................................52Common Errors made when lodging Application Forms ................................................52Third Party Consent (Authority to Receive Information) ..................................................52Summary of AON Specialist Pathway .............................................................................52

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ...........................................................................55EICS ......................................................................................................................................55Standard Pathway (Non-specialist) .......................................................................................55Competent Authority .............................................................................................................55MCQ Examinations ...............................................................................................................55Clinical Examinations ............................................................................................................56Primary Source Verification ...................................................................................................56

APPENDIX A: PREPARATION FOR THE AMC EXAMINATION ................................57General References/Textbooks .............................................................................................57AMC Publications ..................................................................................................................57

AMC Anthology of Medical Conditions ............................................................................57AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions ...............................................................58AMC Handbook of Clinical Assessment .........................................................................58The Multi-station Structured Clinical Assessment Video/DVD: A guide to preparation for the AMC Clinical Examination. ...................................................................................58

APPENDIX B: NEW PROOF OF IDENTITY REQUIREMENTS FOR AMC ASSESSMENT PATHWAYS .........................................................................................59

Acceptable Documents .........................................................................................................59Requirements and Common Problems ..........................................................................59Photographs ....................................................................................................................60

Requirements for Certifying Documentation ........................................................................61Statutory Declarations Witnessed in Australia ................................................................61Statutory Declarations/Affidavit Witnessed Overseas .....................................................62

APPENDIX C: STATUTORY DECLARATIONS ............................................................63Statutory Declarations Witnessed in Australia ......................................................................63Statutory Declarations/Affidavit Witnessed Overseas ...........................................................63

APPENDIX D: CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES ..........................................................64Name change requires a Statutory Declaration/Affidavit Form .............................................64Change of Address requires a Notification of Change of Address Form ...............................64

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FOREWORDThe Australian Medical Council (AMC) has introduced a range of process improvements and changes in requirements for Primary Source Verification, Competent Authority assessments and AMC Examinations for international medical graduates (IMGs). The changes aim to increase the efficiency of AMC processes, significantly reduce application processing times; improve services to IMGs, medical boards and specialist colleges; and support uniformity of standards and candidate requirements. The AMC has also introduced changes to the timing of requirements for English language testing, making them consistent with national standards set by medical boards. The changes aim to close gaps in the expectations of candidates between the boards and specialist colleges in relation to registration through the Specialist Pathway; and to ensure consistency of standards. Since January 2009, medical practitioners seeking registration through the Specialist Pathway must have demonstrated their English language proficiency before assessment by specialist colleges. The standard required is set by medical boards and is nationally consistent.Introducing the upfront English language test ensures college assessment resources are focused on candidates who meet national language standards. For candidates on the Standard Pathway in Australia, English language proficiency is one of the prerequisites for medical registration.Other changes being introduced by the AMC include: • on-line 24 hour application processing introduced in March

2008. 73% of all applications are now being processed through this system, with a significant reduction in incomplete applications. The AMC is now exploring the extension of this facility to include migration agents and recruiters, subject to privacy laws

• the introduction of a telephone call centre to provide information to IMGs. The AMC Call Centre operates during the hours 9am–4.30pm.The AMC Call Centre telephone number is +61 (0)2 6270 7878

• AMC processing changes to enable IMGs to schedule to sit the MCQ Examination as soon as the Primary Source Verification process has begun

• a new database accessible to medical boards, enabling tracking status of all Primary Source Verification applications, to fast track board registration processes

• 24 hour access to the online examination scheduling system – so candidates can register for AMC Examinations in Australia and off-shore.

These changes aim to increase flexibility and efficiency for IMGs and registration boards while maintaining a firm focus on standards. While the timing and sequence of AMC processes have been changed, IMGs seeking registration in Australia must still have their primary qualifications verified. The 100-point National Identification check will still be required. False or misleading

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information on medical qualifications and registration data can incur severe penalties in Australia.This booklet outlines procedures for applying to the AMC. It should be read in conjunction with other AMC publications, listed below:Examination Specifications – These are available at:

www.amc.org.au/images/publications/amc_exam_spec.pdf• The Anthology of Medical Conditions lists over 130 clinical

presentations of clinical conditions which are classified to assist IMGs in a problem-solving approach to diagnosis and management.

• The Annotated Multiple Choice Questions is a selection of MCQ items with commentaries and explanations on each question. It provides a comprehensive guide to the format, scope and standard of the MCQ Examination.

• The Handbook of Clinical Assessment is a comprehensive guide to clinical medical practice in Australia. It is designed around self-test clinical tasks with accompanying commentaries and performance guidelines reflecting best practice principles.

• The new Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions. This publication is based on real examination questions. Included are chapters on the AMC Examination process, pathways to medical registration in Australia; over 600 multidisciplinary MCQ, correct answers and comprehensive commentaries for each question.

Professor Richard Smallwood AMC President

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IMPORTANT NOTE: CHANGE IN REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS From 1 July 2010 a new national framework for the registration of health professions in Australia came into force. A single national registration board – the Medical Board of Australia – has replaced the existing state and territory medical boards from that date. Similarly, a single national law has replaced the state and territory legislation.Registration with the Medical Board of Australia will entitle medical practitioners to practise in all participating state and territories without having to register in each separate state and territory. Existing categories of registration and requirements relating to proof of identity, English language proficiency, and Primary Source Verification of medical qualifications will continue under the new national regulatory scheme.

How to Apply4

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL COUNCIL The Australian Medical Council (AMC) is an independent national standards body which undertakes:• assessment of international medical graduates• accreditation of medical schools and specialist medical

colleges.

PRIMARY SOURCE VERIFICATIONThe Primary Source Verification section of the AMC assesses all pathway applications received:• to ensure applications are complete and accurate, and that

supporting documents comply with AMC requirements• to check candidates’ identity and primary medical qualifications

through the International Credentials Services (EICS) of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates of the United States of America.

Applications can only be processed when all AMC requirements are met. It is in the interests of candidates to familiarise themselves with these requirements before submitting applications, as delays in the verification process may be costly. When documentation requirements for Primary Source Verification are complete, candidates are able to progress along the relevant AMC Pathway whilst the AMC waits to receive final ECIS confirmation of verification. The AMC advises candidates of the outcome of the verification process in writing.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION (MCQ) EXAMINATIONFor the purposes of the AMC MCQ Examination, the MCQ section of the AMC maintains and updates file records of candidates eligible for the MCQ Examination. The MCQ section works with the Board of Examiners on the structure and standard of the MCQ Examination and also:• schedules candidates for the MCQ Examination (processing

Form C-1 applications)• arranges the examination invigilators in Australia and New

Zealand• liases with an overseas vendor for all MCQ Examinations• liaises with an overseas vendor for all MCQ Examination

venues.

The AMC cannot issue the AMC Certificate until final confirmation of verification is received through the EICS process.

Note: Applicants who submit an incomplete application will incur an administration fee as per the AMC fee structure. An application is incomplete if, for example, required documenta-tion is not attached, signatures are missing, or documentation is incor-rectly certified or illegible. The creden-tialing process cannot be finalised until the AMC receives the correct documen-tation and payment of the fee.

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CLINICAL EXAMINATIONThe Clinical Examination section of the AMC oversees the integrated multidisciplinary structured clinical assessment of the AMC Examination, consisting of a 16 component multi-station assessment.The clinical section works with the Board of Examiners on the structure and standard of the Clinical Examination and also:• maintains and updates clinical candidate records • schedules candidates for the Clinical Examination • arranges the examination venues • coordinates the release of AMC Certificates.

AMC PATHWAYS OVERVIEWThe AMC assesses IMGs who want to practise medicine in Australia. The assessment process follows one of four different pathways currently in place:1. Competent Authority Pathway2. Standard Pathway (AMC Examination)3. Specialist Pathway 4. Specialist Area of Need Pathway. A further pathway, the Standard Pathway (Workplace-based Assessment) is currently under development.

Pathways

PRIMARY SOURCEVERIFICATION

COMPETENT AUTHORITY PATHWAY

WORKPLACE PERFORMANCEASSESSMENT

AMC CERTIFICATEADVANCED STANDINGCERTIFICATE

PRIMARY SOURCEVERIFICATION MCQ EXAMINATION CLINICAL

EXAMINATION AMC CERTIFICATE

STANDARD PATHWAY (AMC EXAMINATIONS) Note: May change to ‘Specialist Pathway’ depending on additional quali�cations

PRIMARY SOURCEVERIFICATION MCQ EXAMINATION

PRE EMPLOYMENTSTRUCTUREDCLINICAL INTERVIEW

WORKPLACE BASEDASSESSMENT AMC CERTIFICATE

STANDARD PATHWAY (WORKPLACE ASSESSMENT) Note: this pathway is currently under development

SPECIALIST COLLEGEASSESSMENT

SPECIALIST COLLEGEOUTCOME

PRIMARY SOURCEVERIFICATION

SPECIALIST COLLEGEASSESSMENT

SPECIALIST COLLEGEOUTCOME AMC REPORT

SPECIALIST (FULL RECOGNITION)

AMC PRIMARY SOURCEVERIFICATION

SPECIALIST AREA OF NEED Note: may be lodged by employer/agent

PARALLEL PROCESS

AMC/COLLEGE REPORT

The AMC also offers a service to the Australian state and territory medical boards, by conducting Primary Source Verification of the primary and specialist medical qualifications of international medical graduates wishing to register with the boards (the EICS service). This service is not an alternate assessment pathway, and is facilitated by the AMC to provide verification only.

How to Apply6

COMPETENT AUTHORITY PATHWAYIn July 2006, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) (a meeting of Australia’s national, state and territory leaders) announced a new national process to assess international medical graduates.The Competent Authority Pathway is for international medical graduates applying for non-specialist positions who have completed specified training and assessment through approved overseas ‘competent authorities’. Such graduates are eligible to apply for 'advanced standing' towards the AMC Certificate. A person granted advanced standing is not required to sit the AMC MCQ or Clinical Examinations; but must undertake a workplace-based performance assessment by an AMC accredited authority while working under supervision, in order to be eligible for the award of the AMC Certificate.

STANDARD PATHWAY (AMC EXAMINATION) The Standard Pathway (AMC Examination) has been available for some time. In this pathway, the AMC administers national MCQ and Clinical Examinations for IMGs to qualify for the AMC Certificate. Medical boards will then require 12 months of supervised practice prior to general registration. The AMC Examinations are designed to assess the medical knowledge and clinical skills of overseas-trained doctors whose basic medical qualifications are not recognised by state and territory medical boards; that is, doctors trained in medical schools that have not been formally reviewed and accredited by the AMC.The examinations are set at the level of attainment of medical knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes required of newly qualified graduates of Australian medical schools, who are about to begin intern training.The AMC Examination is a sequential test consisting of two sections – a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Examination and a Clinical Examination:1. The MCQ Examination is a test of the principles and practice

of medicine in the fields of general practice, internal medicine and paediatrics; psychiatry, surgery; and obstetrics and gynaecology. The examination is administered by computer and is in two parts (a morning session and an afternoon session held on the same day), each three and a half hours long. The MCQ Examination focuses on essential medical knowledge involving understanding of the disease process, clinical examination and diagnosis; investigation, therapy and management; as well as on the candidates ability to exercise discrimination, judgement and reasoning in distinguishing between the correct diagnosis and plausible alternatives.

2. The Clinical Examination evaluates clinical competence in medical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attitudes for the safe and effective clinical practice of medicine in the Australian community. The Clinical Examination is in the form of a multi-station structured clinical assessment of clinical skills. Disciplines covered include medicine and surgery; obstetrics and gynaecology; paediatrics and psychiatry. Candidates are scheduled for a single morning or afternoon examination. The Clinical Examination also assesses the candidates’ capacity

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to communicate with patients, their families and other health workers.

The examinations are designed as a comprehensive test of medical knowledge, clinical competency and performance. Both are multidisciplinary and integrated. A candidate must pass the MCQ Examination before they can proceed to the Clinical Examination.The range of topics covered is based on the clinical curricula of Australian medical schools, with an emphasis on conditions that are common in the Australian community. The AMC Anthology of Medical Conditions lists and classifies over 130 clinical presentations of clinical conditions to assist IMGs in a problem-solving approach to diagnosis and management. The AMCs Board of Examiners ensures that the format and content of the examinations are consistent with undergraduate medical courses and the standard of examinations in Australian medical schools. Members of the Board have broad expertise over the full range of disciplines covered in the AMC and medical school examinations. (See Appendix A — preparation for the AMC Examination).

STANDARD PATHWAY (WORKPLACE-BASED ASSESSMENT) An alternate Standard Pathway currently under development is the Standard Pathway (Workplace-based Assessment). This pathway is intended for IMGs who are not specialists; who are not eligible for the Competent Authority Pathway; and who are currently appointed to a hospital or general practice position. The goal of the Standard Pathway (Workplace-based Assessment) is to ensure that an IMG possesses an adequate and appropriate set of clinical skills and other essential attributes to practise safely within the Australian health care environment and cultural setting. Workplace-based assessment is additional to normal supervision requirements that apply to all IMGs and doctors in training, and will be a more comprehensive assessment than that required for the Competent Authority Pathway.

SPECIALIST PATHWAYSpecialist medical training and practice in Australia arose from the model of postgraduate advanced clinical training developed in the United Kingdom. National specialist medical colleges set the standards of training and coordinate the education, training and examination of medical specialists in Australia. The fields of specialist practice that are recognised for registration purposes in Australia and are assessed by the specialist colleges are set out in the approved standard list of specialties and is available for download at: www.medicalboard.gov.auThe areas of approved medical specialties are listed in the AMC List of Australian Recognised Medical Specialties. The list includes those organisations, specialties and qualifications that are recognised and approved by the Australian Minister for Health and Ageing.Candidates for specialist assessment are expected to have satisfied all the training and examination requirements to practise in their field of specialty in their country of training. The standard applied to the assessment of overseas-trained specialists will be a standard of comparability to an Australian-trained specialist in that field. Where components of the college’s examination and assessment

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procedures are applied, they are the same as, or derived from, those that apply to local specialist trainees.

SPECIALIST AREA OF NEED PATHWAYSince June 2002, arrangements have been in place to fast-track the processing of applications for assessment from overseas-trained specialists (whose primary medical qualifications are not recognised in Australia) for Area of Need specialist positions.The documentation requirements and arrangements for processing Area of Need applications are broadly similar to those for applications through the Specialist Pathway for overseas-trained specialists. However, there are some differences because of the need to process these applications rapidly and in parallel with the assessing college. Candidates considering applying for the AMC Area of Need Specialist Pathway should note carefully the requirements and the steps involved.Before an application can be processed, the applicant must have been selected by an employer as suitable for consideration for appointment to a designated Area of Need specialist position.Details of the position must be provided on the Attachment to Application for Assessment as Area of Need Specialist Form at the time the employer lodges the required documentation on the applicant's behalf.Full details of the arrangements are set out in the User’s Guide - Assessment Process for Area of Need Specialists.Application forms for assessment as an Area of Need specialist are available on request to the AMC, or from the AMC website at: www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/aon/apply

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTSFrom January 2009, medical practitioners seeking registration through the Specialist Pathway must have demonstrated their English language proficiency before assessment by specialist colleges. The standard required is set by medical boards and is nationally consistent.The AMC will require proof (IELTS or OET at the agreed national standard) in accordance with the national policy on English language proficiency:• before assessment by colleges for Specialist registration• before the AMC Certificate is granted.The AMC advises candidates to undertake English language testing before undertaking the MCQ Examination, in order to expedite registration through the Standard Pathway (AMC Examination).Introducing an upfront English language test in the Specialist Pathway aims to ensure that college assessment resources are focused on candidates who meet existing national language proficiency requirements.It will also ensure the same standards are expected by the specialist colleges and medical registration boards for English language requirements for the Specialist Registration Pathway.

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A review of the AMC Examination performance data shows that most (more than 80%) candidates who pass the MCQ Examination do so within two attempts.As a result, it is in the best interests of candidates to undertake English language proficiency testing before they undertake the MCQ Examination, as their language proficiency result will remain valid for the period required by medical registration boards.However, given there may be some exceptions, the AMC is advising, but not requiring candidates applying for registration in Australia through the Standard Pathway (AMC Examination), to undertake the English language proficiency and MCQ Examination in sequence. In other words, a candidate who has not completed the English language proficiency requirement will still be permitted to commence the MCQ Examination, but will not be eligible to receive the AMC Certificate or apply for registration (including Area of Need registration) until they have satisfied the national English language proficiency requirements.

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APPLYING THROUGH THE STANDARD PATHWAY (AMC EXAMINATION) This first section is relevant to IMGs who are seeking general registration and wish to apply to undertake the AMC Examinations through the Standard Pathway. It is structured in three sections:Section 1: Getting started – Applying to the AMC and providing the documentation needed.Section 2: Applying to undertake the MCQ Examination.Section 3: Applying to undertake the Clinical Examination.

SECTION 1: GETTING STARTED – APPLYING TO THE AMC AND PROVIDING THE DOCUMENTATION NEEDED

STEP 1: REQUIREMENTSCredentialing requirements and application procedures may change at any time without notice. Intending applicants are strongly advised to check the AMC website: www.amc.org.au and obtain information on current requirements before lodging an application.An applicant for non-specialist assessment MUST:• possess a primary degree in medicine and surgery following

an approved course, and awarded by a medical school listed in the AVICENNA Directory of the World Health Organization (WHO); or the International Medical Education Directory (IMED) of the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER); or in other publications approved by the Council.

STEP 2: APPLY ONLINE

Listing by WHO or FAIMER of medical schools in a particular country indicates ONLY that qualifications obtained from the schools are acceptable in that country. It does NOT imply that the schools provide a standard of education and training equivalent to that provided in Australian medical schools.

Candidates who have previously applied with the AMC cannot apply online. Those who do not have access to apply online or are previous AMC candidates must obtain the Form A from the AMC website at: http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

For those who do apply online, Form P-1 (Non-specialist) will be generated during the online application and replaces Form A.


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Apply online via the AMC Online Application Wizard at: http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/faqs/apply

Application procedures are similar for both Australian and overseas residents. Applicants should apply online using the AMC Online Application Wizard and follow the prompts to complete the first stages of an application under the Standard Pathway (AMC Examination). Following the online application process, candidates will receive a Form P-1 (Non-specialist) by email and an AMC candidate number.

STEP 3: COMPLETE FORM P-1 (NON-SPECIALIST) This is an application form to determine an applicant’s eligibility to undertake the AMC Examination and is available for the applicant to download and print following completion of the AMC Online Application Wizard process for non-specialist assessment.Form P-1 MUST:1. include a signed Declaration by the applicant. This Declaration

MUST be witnessed by one of the persons able to witness Statutory Declarations/Affidavit. Please see Appendix B.

STEP 4: COMPLETE FORM FOR PRIMARY SOURCE VERIFICATIONSince January 2006 all applications received by the AMC for assessment must be verified by the International Credentials Services of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (EICS).1. Complete and sign a Primary Source Verification of Medical

Qualification – Authorisation for Release of Information Form (EICS verification).

2. This form gives authority to the AMC to electronically send an applicant’s primary degree/diploma to the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates of the United States of America (ECFMG) for verification. Form P-1 (Non-specialist)

The following checklist assists candidates collate the required application documents to accompany the Form P-1. Failure to provide these documents may delay the processing of applications.

1. Has the Declaration on Form P-1 (Non-specialist) been signed in front of an eligible witness? Please see Appendix B.

2. Are two current colour passport-sized photographs, with the applicant's name clearly printed on the back included? – One colour photograph attached to Form P-1. – One colour photograph attached to Authorisation

for Release of Information Form (EICS verification).

Note: The AMC reserves the right to verify the authenticity of formal qualifications directly with the award-ing institution through the recog-nised international agency, Inter-national Credentials Services of the United States of America Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Grad-uates (ECFMG).

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3. Is a certified copy of the original primary degree/diploma attached to the application?

4. Is a certified copy of the English translation (if required) attached to the application? The translation should be done by an authorised translation service.

5. Has proof of identity as per the AMC Identity Requirements been included by the applicant, as outlined in Appendix B?

6. Is the name that appears on Form P-1 (Non-specialist) exactly the same as on all other supporting documentation? If not, is there a Statutory Declaration/Affidavit, deed of name change or marriage certificate attached?

7. Has all supporting documentation been signed by the Form P-1 witness?

STEP 5: PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATIONQUALIFICATIONS: PRIMARY MEDICAL DEGREE/DIPLOMAProvide a certified copy of the original primary medical degree/diploma (equivalent to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - MBBS) awarded by the medical school or university on completion of the medical course. If the degree awarded is not in English, a certified copy of the translated document is required. The translation must be carried out by an approved translation service or professional translator. The translation must be in full; an extract is NOT acceptable. The primary medical degree and translation (if required) must be certified by the same person who witnessed Form P-1 (Non-specialist). These documents are to be attached to Form P-1 (Non-specialist).IDENTITY: PERSONAL IDENTIFICATIONAn applicant must provide certified documentary evidence of proof of identity as per the AMC Identification Requirements. Please see Appendix B for detailed information on acceptable proof of identification.NAME CONFIRMATIONIf the name of an applicant is different from that shown on any document, or photograph submitted with the application, or in any other identification documents including passport; then the applicant must provide certified documentary evidence of all name variations (such as: initials, incorrect spelling and name change).

Note: Application forms and docu-ments which have not been correctly witnessed are not legally recognised in Australia and will not be accepted.

Note: A transcript of an academic record, license to practice, registration certificate or statement that the appli-cant has qualified for the award of the degree in medicine is NOT sufficient proof of formal qualifications.

Note: Name confirmation documen-tation must be certified by the same person who witnessed Form P-1. Please ensure the surname/family name and given name(s) are the same as stated on Form P-1.

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Name confirmation can be submitted in the form of:• marriage certificate • deed of name change• Statutory Declaration/Affidavit Form stating all variations of

name. (Refer to Appendix C).

STEP 6: PROVIDE OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY BE NEEDED TO SUPPORT APPLICATIONName and change of address on application forms The name used in all formal correspondence, including correspondence with the Medical Board of Australia, will be the same as that recorded on the Form P-1. Please see Appendix D for the documentation required to be submitted to the AMC as evidence of change of name. It is important that candidates ensure that any change of personal contact details is communicated promptly in writing to the AMC Secretariat (for further information contact the AMC Call Centre. Ph: +61 (0)2 6270 7878). This will ensure that contact can be made quickly with candidates as the occasion arises to notify rule or eligibility changes, or to confirm information provided by candidates. When advising a change of address, include the following details:• candidate number• full name• previous address• new address• candidate's signature.Notification of Change of Address Forms are available for download from the AMC’s website at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

STEP 7: SEND IN APPLICATION FORMSThe applicant must complete and lodge the following application forms in accordance with the procedures outlined in this booklet:• Form P-1 (Non-specialist)• Primary Source Verification of Medical Qualification –

Authorisation for Release of Information Form (EICS verification)• supporting documentation.

Note: All documentation included must be legibly certified photocop-ies. Original documents are not to be submitted in place of photocopies. If original documents are submitted and subsequently lost, the AMC will not take responsibility for their loss.

How to Apply14

POST THE APPLICATION FORMS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION TO:

Chief Executive OfficerAustralian Medical Council LimitedPO Box 4810KINGSTON ACT 2604AUSTRALIAIf the application is found to be incomplete or to contain inadequate documentation, the applicant will be advised in writing via email or by post. Assessment will be suspended at this stage. Return of this documentation to the AMC should be forwarded as soon as possible to avoid further delays to the Primary Source Verification process. An administration fee of $110 will be incurred for all incomplete applications. If the AMC determines that the applicant is eligible to present for the MCQ Examination, the applicant will be forwarded notification of this in writing via email or post. The applicant will also be forwarded information on how to schedule for the MCQ Examination via the AMC Online Scheduling Portal.Any application that is received by the AMC after the closing date for an examination will not be accepted for that examination series.

THIRD PARTY CONSENT (AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE INFORMATION)Under the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988, the AMC is generally not permitted to disclose personal information about an applicant to a third party (Agent) without the applicant’s formal consent. The applicant may authorise a third party (Agent) to communicate and/or act on the applicant’s behalf by completing an Authority to Receive Information Concerning an AMC Candidate/Applicant Form. This Authority to Receive Information Concerning an AMC Applicant/Candidate Form can be found at the AMC website at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

The original document must be recieved by the AMC before consent is actioned.

The AMC will not be able to issue a final AMC Certificate until the EICS verification has been confirmed and acceptable evidence of English language proficiency; or evidence of an acceptable exemption, has been submitted to the AMC.

The AMC processes all applications strictly in the order they are received. While every effort is made by the AMC to reduce the processing time for applications, many applications submitted to the AMC are incomplete or do not comply with the prescribed requirements; thereby adding to the processing times and causing unnecessary delays to the application.

http://www.amc.org.au/images/FormsGeneral/AuthoritytoAct.pdf

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SECTION 2: APPLYING TO SIT FOR THE MCQ EXAMINATION IN THE STANDARD PATHWAY (AMC EXAMINATION)To apply to undertake the AMC Examinations, candidates must have submitted all of the documentation required in Section 1, and must have been issued with an AMC candidate number. For information on the MCQ Examination please visit the following AMC website link:www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/mcq

OVERVIEW OF THE MCQ EXAMINATIONThe AMC MCQ Examination consists of 2 x 3.5 hour examination sessions – Part 1 in the morning and Part 2 in the afternoon on the same day. Questions are multiple choice, with one correct answer to be selected from five. The AMC MCQ Examination is administered by computer and is not available as a written (pencil and paper) examination.The MCQ Examination is fully integrated. Questions in each of the major component subjects are not grouped according to subject, but are placed throughout the examination. 60 of the 300 questions are pilot items which are used to test and calibrate new questions for possible use in future examinations and are not counted towards the candidate’s overall score.The MCQ Examination is a test of the principles and practise of medicine in the fields of general practice and internal medicine; paediatrics, psychiatry and surgery; obstetrics and gynaecology. The MCQ Examination focuses on essential medical knowledge involving understanding of the disease process, clinical examination and diagnosis; investigation, therapy and management; as well as on the candidate’s ability to exercise discrimination, judgement and reasoning in distinguishing between the correct diagnosis and plausible alternatives.Some questions within the MCQ Examination represent ‘core knowledge’; that is, they deal with key or critical issues which are regarded as critical to the safety, clinical outcome, or threat to life for the patient; or are based upon important common conditions. These core knowledge or ‘key issue’ questions are categorised as ‘mastery' questions. Mastery questions are individually identified in the examination with an asterisk (*). The required standard of performance reflects the level of attainment of medical knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes required of newly qualified graduates of Australian medical schools who are about to commence intern training. 80 of the 240 scored items in the AMC MCQ Examination are mastery questions. Candidates are expected to answer a high proportion of these mastery questions correctly.

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/mcq

How to Apply16

HOW TO SCHEDULE FOR AN MCQ EXAMINATIONThe MCQ Examinations are conducted on-shore (Australia and New Zealand) and off-shore (Non-Australian).Candidates with an AMC candidate number can schedule for an MCQ Examination series by:• using the AMC Online Scheduling Portal:

https://exams.amc.org.au/login • by completing a Form C-1 (Form C-1 application can be

obtained by submitting a request to [email protected]).Candidates can then apply for the next available AMC MCQ Examination before the stated closing date for the examination series. The application, together with the examination fee, must be received by the AMC before the closing date for the examination. Application forms received after the closing date for an MCQ Examination will not be processed for the selected examination. MCQ Examination dates and availability of application Form C-1 are listed on the AMC website at:www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/mcq/dv

For the MCQ Examination, candidates are scheduled to undertake the examination at the venue nominated. A letter confirming placement in the MCQ Examination is forwarded to the candidate via email.

CANDIDATES SCHEDULED IN AN AUSTRALIAN OR NEW ZEALAND (ON-SHORE) VENUEThe candidate is forwarded an email confirming the examination date, venue information and reporting time. An ID entrance ticket will be mailed to candidates; therefore candidates should provide the AMC with an Australian or New Zealand address.

CANDIDATES SCHEDULED IN A NON-AUSTRALIAN (OFF-SHORE) VENUEThe candidate is forwarded an email confirming the examination date, venue information, reporting time and identity requirements.For current information on scheduling for an on-shore or off-shore venue, visit the AMC website at: www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/mcq/off

CHANGE OF VENUEA change in venue is not accepted after the examination closing date. A fee is payable if a candidate wishes to change the nominated venue for the examination prior to the examination closing date.

WITHDRAWAL FEESA withdrawal fee is incurred if a candidate elects to withdraw from an MCQ Examination for which the candidate has been scheduled. A withdrawal is not accepted via telephone or email. An AMC MCQ Withdrawal Form must be submitted to the AMC Secretariat. AMC MCQ Withdrawal Forms are available through the AMC website at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

https://exams.amc.org.au/login


http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/mcq/dv

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/mcq/off

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The AMC will refund the examination fee, less the withdrawal fee (for administrative costs), when:• the MCQ Withdrawal Form is received before the close of

business on the closing date for the examination• the MCQ Withdrawal Form is received by midnight on the

closing date, and acceptable certified evidence is submitted. If a candidate withdraws from an MCQ Examination after the closing date, the candidate must submit evidence of severe illness or pressing domestic circumstances, in the form of a doctor’s certificate or Statutory Declaration.

If the candidate does not attend an examination session, the candidate cannot claim a refund of the examination fee. Examination fees cannot be transferred from one MCQ Examination to another.

RESULTSAll MCQ Examination results are discussed and confirmed by the AMC Board of Examiners. A candidate’s result is determined on the basis of the overall result in the scored questions and the score of correct responses in the identified mastery questions, which are part of the scored questions. To pass the examination, a candidate must correctly answer 50% or more of the scored questions and not less than 66% of the mastery questions. A candidate must complete both parts of the examination (Part 1 and Part 2) to obtain an overall score and satisfy the requirements of the MCQ Examination.Each candidate receives a computer-generated transcript of their results and feedback on their performance in the MCQ Examination. MCQ results letters are forwarded to candidates approximately four weeks after an MCQ Examination. A listing of successful candidates will appear on the AMC website four weeks after an AMC Examination, after which time they will be removed.

VERIFICATION OF RESULTSAMC candidates who fail the MCQ Examination are offered the opportunity of a verification of their results.The AMC MCQ Examination is computer-administered and a candidate’s answer to any question is the response keyed by that candidate at the time of the examination. The computer records this response and compares it against the specified correct response in order to determine the overall score for that candidate.Since there is no answer sheet, there is no ‘manual verification’ of a written answer sheet for the computer-administered examination. However, the AMC computer-administered MCQ Examination produces a log file for each key stroke made by a candidate. The log file can be accessed to provide a printout of the final key stroke for each of the question items, as keyed by a candidate. An application for verification authorises the AMC to check the log file with a printout of the final keystroke for each item answered. The printout is viewed by authorised personnel in order to verify the result.The verification of results does not provide candidates with the questions and answers from the examination as the AMC is not in a position to release examination material to candidates.

How to Apply18

REQUEST FOR DUPLICATE COPIES OF AMC RESULTSFor reasons of privacy, the AMC will not send copies of a candidate’s official examination results to anyone but the candidate. However, upon request for duplicate copies of results, the AMC will issue candidates with an application form, which should be completed and returned to the AMC with the appropriate fee. Application for Duplicate Copies Forms are available at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

SECTION 3: APPLYING TO SIT FOR THE CLINICAL EXAMINATION IN THE STANDARD PATHWAY (AMC EXAMINATION)To be eligible to sit the Clinical Examination, candidates must have passed the MCQ Examination. For information on the Clinical Examination please visit the AMC website at: www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/clin

OVERVIEW OF CLINICAL EXAMINATIONThe AMC Clinical Examination is an integrated multidisciplinary structured clinical assessment consisting of a 16 component multi-station assessment; including 3 obstetrics/gynaecology stations and 3 paediatrics stations. Candidates are scheduled for the structured clinical assessment examination in a single morning or afternoon session; and are required to wait at the venue of the examination at the direction of the AMC examination supervisors in attendance. Candidates will rotate through a series of 20 stations, of which 16 will be marked stations and 4 are rest stations. Rest stations will not be scored, but will provide candidates with an opportunity to have a break between the scored stations. In the marked stations, a variety of clinical tasks will be undertaken. All candidates in a Clinical Examination session will be assessed against the same stations.Each station will be of 10 minutes duration (8 minutes for the actual assessment, and 2 minutes for change over and reading of the written information for the next station). Stations may utilise actual patients, standardised patients or examiners role-playing patients. Candidates should regard the actual patients, standardised patients or role-playing patients as they would treat real patients. Stations assess clinical skills in medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology, general practice and psychiatry. The structured clinical assessments will make use of examiners from all disciplines.To assist in preparation for the Clinical Examination the AMC has produced a DVD titled Multi-station Structured Clinical Assessment and a book titled The AMC Handbook of Clinical Assessment. The book and DVD are available for purchase from the AMC website on the following link: https://store.amc.org.au/

http://www.amc.org.au/images/FormsGeneral/FORM-ISS.pdf

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/clin

https://store.amc.org.au/

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HOW TO APPLY FOR THE CLINICAL EXAMINATIONIf an applicant has passed the MCQ Examination they are eligible to apply to attend the AMC Clinical Examination by lodging a Form C-2. The Form C-2 is available at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

A completed Form C-2 will be needed for the first and each subsequent attempt at the clinical section of the examination. The completed Form C-2 must be received by the AMC before the closing date for the relevant series of the examination. Please DO NOT lodge the examination fee with Form C-2.Application forms received after the closing date for a particular series of the AMC Examination will not be processed for that series.

SCHEDULING CRITERIA FOR THE AMC CLINICAL EXAMINATIONPlacement in the Clinical Examination is done in accordance with scheduling criteria (see below). Refer to the AMC website at: www.amc.org.au for further information. Candidates should note that where the number of applications for Clinical Examination places in a specific examination series exceeds the availability of examination places, scheduling will be on a priority basis along the following lines:• First attempt candidates will have priority over repeat attempt

candidates.• The scheduling of first attempt candidates will take into

consideration the time since they sat and qualified at the MCQ Examination.

• Candidates will be ranked in merit order of performance at the MCQ Examination.

• Candidates with fewer repeat attempts at the Clinical Examination will have priority over candidates with a higher number of repeats.

The aim of this approach is to ensure that all candidates have an opportunity to complete the Clinical Examination as quickly as possible. Candidates will be notified by mail if they have successfully obtained a place in a Clinical Examination.

RESULTS – AMC CLINICAL EXAMINATION Listing of candidates’ results will be available on the AMC website at: www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/clin/clinical-results

from 9am (AEST) on the Thursday following the examination, showing which candidates have passed, failed or need to present for a re-test at a future date. The results will remain for a period of four weeks. The candidates’ listing will be shown by AMC candidate reference number only, in compliance with Commonwealth Privacy Legislation. Examination results will be posted to all candidates approximately two weeks after the examination. All candidates should ensure that the AMC has their current address details.

Note: Under NO circumstances will final results be given over the tele-phone or by e-mail; nor will examina-tion results be provided to a third party (Agent) who is authorised to commu-nicate and/or act on the candidate/applicant's behalf.

http://www.amc.org.au/images/FormsClinicalExam/formc2.pdf


http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/clin/clinical-results

How to Apply20

AMC CERTIFICATEOnce satisfying the AMC eligibility criteria, including Primary Source Verification of medical qualifications, candidates who have passed both the MCQ and Clinical Examinations are eligible for the AMC Certificate.Candidates are sent result letters including the Certificate Request Form two weeks after the Clinical Examination date.The Certificate Request Form and any amendments to a candidate name or updated photographs must be received four weeks after the examination date by the AMC. After this date amendments will not be accepted.Candidates’ certificates will be sent to the nominated medical board office approximately six to eight weeks after successful completion of the Clinical Examination. A candidate who resides more than 100 km from their nearest medical board office can contact the AMC to make an alternative certificate collection arrangement.For candidates who are not residing in Australia, or are not able to collect their certificates; the AMC Certificate will be stored under high security conditions at the AMC. Once residing in Australia the candidate will need to contact the clinical section of the AMC regarding the collection of their AMC Certificate.

REQUEST FOR DUPLICATE COPIES OF AMC RESULTSFor reasons of privacy, the AMC will not send copies of a candidate’s official examination results to anyone but the candidate. However, upon request for duplicate copies of results, the AMC will issue candidates with an application form:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

which should be completed and returned to the AMC with the appropriate fee.

SUMMARY OF STANDARD (AMC EXAMINATION) PATHWAYA summary of the Standard Pathway is illustrated on the following page.

http://www.amc.org.au/images/FormsGeneral/FORM-ISS.pdf

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Applying through the Standard Pathway (AMC Examination)

Section 1: Preparing your documentation to apply for the Standard Pathway (AMC Examination)

Section 2: Applying to sit for the AMC MCQ Examination in the Standard Pathway (AMC Examination)

Before you start

Examination Scheduling

Change of venue

The Standard Pathway (AMC Examination) is relevant to IMGs who are seeking general registration. This summary outlines the steps necessary to complete this application process.

Withdrawal Fees

Examination Results

Send in application forms

Third Party Consent

Send in all completed application forms to the AMC.7

i

Requirements1 Visit the AMC website at www.amc.org.au to �nd out if you meet current application requirements.

Apply Online via AMC website2 If you have previously applied with the AMC, you cannot apply online. Previous applicantsand those who cannot apply online can download a form from the AMC website.

Provide supporting documentation5 Provide a Primary Medical Degree or Diploma and identi�cation documents.Documents must be certi�ed and attached to Form P-1 (Non-specialist).

Provide additional information6 If your personal details are di�erent to those on your identifying documents, provide supporting documents to show why.

If you require a third party to communicate with the AMC or act on your behalf regardingyour application, you need to �ll out an Authority to Act Form from the AMC website.

3 Form P-1 must include a signed declaration from the applicant. This declaration also needs to be witnessed.Complete Form P-1 (Non-specialist)

4

1

2

5

3

4

1

2

3

4

The EICS form gives the AMC authority to send the applicant’s primary degree/diploma to the ECFMG for veri�cation.Complete EICS Form

Make sure you have submitted all the documentation listed in Section 1. You will also need to have been issued with an AMC candidate number.

If you have passed the MCQ examination you are eligible to apply for the clinicalexamination. Download Form C-2 from the AMC website and lodge it with the AMC.

On recepit and processing of Form C-2, you will be scheduled into an examinationbased on scheduling criteria. To �nd out more about this process, refer to the AMC website.

On completion of the clinical examination, results are made available to candidates on theAMC website from 9am (AEST) on the Thursday following the examination.

Once AMC eligibility criteria have been met and you have passed both the MCQ andclinical examinations, you will receive your results and an application for a certi�cate twoweeks after the examination date. Certi�cates wil be issued six to eight weeks after theexamination date.

To apply for the next available MCQ examination, use either the AMC Online Scheduling Portal (available from the AMC website) or apply for a Form C-1 via email.

If you need to change venue, you must declare this prior to the examination closing date.There is a fee applicable to changing venue.

If you need to withdraw, �ll in a withdrawal form available from the AMC website and pay a fee. You will be unable to do this after the closing date for the examination.

You will receive your results by mail approximately four weeks after the examination. Youwill have the opportunity to verify your results and obtain duplicates.

Section 3: Applying for the AMC Clinical Examination in the Standard Pathway (AMC Examination)

How to apply

Scheduling criteria

Results

AMC Certi�cate

How to Apply22

PRIMARY SOURCE VERIFICATION OF QUALIFICATIONSProvided the applicant has submitted the Authorisation for Release of Information Form and an appropriate qualification, the AMC will commence EICS verification via Educational Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).When EICS verification has been requested, the applicant will be advised of eligibility to schedule for the MCQ Examination either by email or post, as a 'conditional candidate' pending further assessment of supporting documentation.If after assessment additional information is required, the AMC will email a request for further documentation. Incomplete documentation will incur an administrative fee of $110. The applicant will be unable to receive the results of their MCQ Examination until all outstanding documentation has been received and assessed.When all required information is provided, a letter will be posted (standard mail) advising that the candidate is no longer a conditional candidate. The candidate will then be able to receive the MCQ Examination results.EICS verification will continue via ECFMG until the candidate's medical school has verified their medical degree. This process may take several months to several years (this is largely determined by the medical school responding to the EICS request – the AMC is unable to contact medical schools to speed this process up).When EICS is verified, a Certificate of Verification is sent to the candidate's postal address.The MCQ and Clinical Examinations can be undertaken while EICS is being verified. MCQ Examinations are held in Australia and overseas approximately every two months.When the AMC MCQ Examination has been completed with acceptable pass marks, the candidate may approach the state or territory medical board to apply for registration.Clinical Examination applications can be submitted once a pass has been obtained in the MCQ Examination. Average time to be accepted and offered a Clinical Examination position is 18 months.When the Clinical Examination has been passed, a results letter will be sent to the candidate with a form asking which medical board office their final AMC Certificate is to be issued to. Certificates are released when all eligibility criteria have been met (EICS verification must be completed). This certificate issue process takes approximately eight weeks after the form is returned to the AMC.After delivery to the relevant medical board office, a collection letter will be sent to the candidate. The candidate should contact the relevant medical board office to arrange an appointment for collection.

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APPLYING IN THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY PATHWAY

STEP 1: REQUIREMENTSAll international medical graduates are requested to complete the competent authority self-assessment before applying for the Competent Authority Pathway.Please go to: www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/ca to check the eligibility requirements to apply under the Competent Authority Pathway.An applicant for Competent Authority Pathway assessment MUST:1. possess a primary degree in medicine and surgery following

an approved course; and awarded by a medical school listed in the AVICENNA Directory of the World Health Organization (WHO); the International Medical Education Directory (IMED) of the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER); or in other publications approved by the council

2. meet the requirements for the Competent Authority Pathway (see AMC website).


Apply online via the AMC Online Application Wizard at: www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/faqs/apply

Application procedures are similar for both Australian and overseas residents. Applicants should apply online using the AMC Online Application Wizard and follow the prompts to complete the first stages of an application under the Standard Pathway.

Following the online application process, candidates will receive a Form P-1 (Competent Authority) by email and an AMC candidate number.

Note: Listing by WHO or FAIMER of medical schools in a particular coun-try indicates ONLY that qualifications obtained from the schools are accept-able in that country. It does NOT imply that the schools provide a standard of education and training equivalent to that provided in Australian medical schools.

Candidates who have previously applied with the AMC cannot apply online. Those who do not have access to apply online or are previous AMC candidates must obtain the Form CA: http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

For those who do apply online, Form P-1 (Competent Authority) will be generated during the online application and replaces Form CA.

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/ca


How to Apply24

STEP 3: COMPLETE FORM P-1 (COMPETENT AUTHORITY) This is an application form to determine an applicant’s eligibility for the AMC Certificate via the Competent Authority Pathway; and is available for the applicant to download and print following completion of the Online Application Wizard process for Competent Authority.Form P-1 MUST:• include a signed Declaration by the applicant. This Declaration

MUST be witnessed by one of the persons able to witness Statutory Declarations/Affidavit. Please see Appendix B.

STEP 4: COMPLETE FORM FOR PRIMARY SOURCE VERIFICATIONComplete and sign a Primary Source Verification of Medical Qualification – Authorisation for Release of Information Form (EICS verification).This form gives authority to the AMC to electronically send an applicant’s primary degree/diploma to the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates of the United States of America (ECFMG) for verification. All applications received by the AMC for assessment must be verified by the International Credentials Services of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (EICS).

FORM P-1 (COMPETENT AUTHORITY) CHECKLISTThe following checklist assists candidates collate the required application documents to accompany the Form P-1. Failure to provide these documents may delay the processing of the application.

1. Has the Declaration on Form P-1 (Competent Authority) been signed in front of an eligible witness? See Appendix B.




4. Is a certified copy of the English translation (if required) attached to the application? The translation should be done by an authorised translation service.


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6. Is the name that appears on Form P-1 (Competent Authority) exactly the same as on all other supporting documentation? If not, is there a Statutory Declaration/Affidavit, deed of name change or marriage certificate attached?

7. Other documentation required as outlined under the relevant categories in the self-assessment which can be found at: www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/ca


STEP 5: PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

QUALIFICATIONS: PRIMARY MEDICAL DEGREE/DIPLOMAProvide a certified copy of the original primary medical degree/diploma (equivalent to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery – MBBS) awarded by the medical school or university on completion of the medical course. If the degree awarded is not in English, a certified copy of the translated document is required. The translation must be carried out by an approved translation service or professional translator. The translation must be in full; an extract is NOT acceptable. The primary medical degree and translation (if required) must be certified by the same person who witnessed Form P-1 (Competent Authority). These documents are to be attached to Form P-1 (Competent Authority).

IDENTITY: PERSONAL IDENTIFICATIONAn applicant must provide certified documentary evidence of proof of identity as per the AMC Identification Requirements. Please see Appendix B for detailed information on acceptable proof of identification.

NAME CONFIRMATIONIf the name of an applicant is different from that shown on any document, or photograph submitted with the application; or in any other identification documents including passport, then the applicant must provide certified documentary evidence of all name variations such as: initials, incorrect spelling, and name change. Please see Appendix D.Name confirmation can be submitted in the form of:• marriage certificate • deed of name change• Statutory Declaration/Affidavit Form stating all variations of

name.

Note: A transcript of an academic record, license to practice, registration certificate or statement that the appli-cant has qualified for the award of the degree in medicine is NOT sufficient proof of formal qualifications.




How to Apply26

STEP 6: PROVIDE OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY BE NEEDED TO SUPPORT APPLICATION

NAME AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS ON APPLICATION FORMSThe name used in all formal correspondence, including correspondence with the Medical Board of Australia, will be the same as that recorded on the Form P-1. Please see Appendix D for the documentation required to be submitted to the AMC as evidence of change of name. It is important that candidates ensure that any change of personal contact details is communicated promptly in writing to the AMC Secretariat (for further information contact the AMC Call Centre. Ph: +61 (0)2 6270 7878). This will ensure that contact can be made quickly with candidates as the occasion arises to notify rule or eligibility changes, or to confirm information provided by candidates. When advising a change of address, include the following details:• candidate number• full name• previous address• new address• candidate's signature.Forms for Notification of Change of Address are available for downloading from the AMC’s website at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

STEP 7: SEND IN APPLICATION FORMSThe applicant must complete and lodge the following application forms in accordance with the procedures outlined in this booklet:• Form P-1 (Competent Authority)• Primary Source Verification of Medical Qualification –

Authorisation for Release of Information Form (EICS verification)

• supporting documentation. POST THE APPLICATION FORMS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION TO:

Chief Executive OfficerAustralian Medical Council LimitedPO Box 4810KINGSTON ACT 2604AUSTRALIAIf the application is found to be incomplete or to contain inadequate documentation, the applicant will be advised in writing via email or by post. Assessment will be suspended at this stage. Return of this documentation to the AMC should be forwarded as soon as possible to avoid further delays to the Primary Source Verification


27

process. An administration fee of $110 will be incurred for all incomplete applications. If the AMC determines that the applicant is eligible for the Advanced Standing/AMC Certificate the applicant will be forwarded notification of this in writing via email or post.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADVANCED STANDINGWhen the AMC forwards an EICS verification request, the ECFMG takes approximately 10–14 days to respond to the request by issuing an EICS number. The EICS number is required for the issuing of the Advanced Standing Certificate. The AMC cannot issue an Advanced Standing Certificate without the EICS number.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AMC CERTIFICATEAll candidates are required to submit a letter from their relevant medical board office as evidence of completion of 12 months experience within Australia to be eligible to be awarded the AMC Certificate.The AMC will not be able to issue a final AMC Certificate until the EICS verification has been confirmed

THIRD PARTY CONSENT (AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE INFORMATION)Under the Commonwealth’s Privacy Act 1988, the AMC is generally not permitted to disclose personal information about an applicant to a third party (Agent) without the applicant’s formal consent. The applicant may authorise a third party (Agent) to communicate and/or act on the applicant’s behalf by completing an Authority to Receive Information Concerning an AMC Candidate/Applicant Form. This Authority to Receive Information Concerning an AMC Applicant/Candidate Form can be found at the AMC website: http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

The original document must be sent to the AMC before consent is actioned.

SUMMARY OF COMPETENT AUTHORITY PATHWAYA summary of the Competent Authority Pathway is illustrated on the following page.

The AMC processes all applications strictly in the order they are received. While every effort is made by the AMC to reduce the processing time for applications, many applications submitted to the AMC are incomplete or do not comply with the prescribed requirements; thereby adding to the processing times and causing unnecessary delays to applications.

How to Apply28

Applying through the Competent Authority Pathway

Section 1: Preparing your documentation to apply for the Competent Authority Pathway

Eligibility for Advanced Standing

The Competent Authority Pathway is relevant to IMGs who are seeking general registration. This summary outlines the steps necessary to complete this application process.

Send in application forms Send in all completed application forms to the AMC.7

Requirements

If the AMC determined you are eligible for advanced standing based on your application, you will be noti�ed of this by post.

Eligibility for AMC Certi�cate

A letter of proof from the relevant Australian medical board office showing 12 months experience of practice within Australia is necessary beforethe AMC will be able to send a certi�cate to you. EICS veri�caton must also have been completed.

1 Visit the AMC website at www.amc.org.au to complete the competent authority self-assessment. Further information on requirements is also available at this website.

Apply Online via AMC website2 If you have previously applied with the AMC, you cannot apply online. Previous applicantsand those who cannot apply online can download Form CA from the AMC website.

Provide supporting documentation5 Provide all documentation as outlined in the eligibility criteria on the self assessment form and checklist on P-1/CA

Provide additional information6 If your personal details are di�erent to those on your identifying documents, provide supporting documents to show why.

3 Form P-1 must include a signed declaration from the applicant. This declaration also needs to be witnessed.Complete Form P-1 (Competent Authority)

4 The EICS form gives the AMC authority to send the applicant’s primary degree/diploma to the ECFMG for veri�cation.Complete EICS Form

Third Party Consenti If you require a third party to communicate with the AMC or act on your behalf regardingyour application, you need to �ll out an Authority to Act Form from the AMC website.

!

!

29

If the candidate has provided the Authorisation for Release of Information Form and an appropriate qualification, the AMC will commence EICS verification via the Educational Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), pending further assessment of supporting documentation.If after assessment additional information is required, the AMC will email a request for further documentation. Incomplete documentation will incur an administrative fee of $110. EICS verification will continue via ECFMG until the candidate's medical school has verified their medical degree. This process may take several months to several years (this is largely determined by the medical school responding to the EICS request – the AMC is unable to contact medical schools to speed this process up). Eligibility for advanced standing will be assessed. If eligible, an Advanced Standing Certificate will be posted to the candidate (standard mail).When the relevant medical board office confirms successful completion of requirements for AMC Certificate (12 months supervised training in Australia), eligibility for AMC Certificate is confirmed.A request form for the AMC Certificate will be sent to the candidate asking them to identify a medical board which the AMC Certificate will be issued to for final collection.Certificates are released when all eligibility criteria have been met (EICS verification must be completed). This certificate issue process takes approximately eight weeks after the return of the request form to the AMC.After delivery to the relevant medical board office, a collection letter will be sent to the candidate. The candidate should contact the relevant medical board office to arrange an appointment for collection.

How to Apply30

APPLYING THROUGH THE AMC SPECIALIST PATHWAY

STEP 1: REQUIREMENTSAssessment requirements and application procedures may change at any time without notice. Intending applicants are strongly advised to check the AMC website: www.amc.org.au and obtain information on current requirements before lodging an application.The requirements for eligibility to present for assessment for recognition as a specialist are set out below. An applicant for specialist assessment MUST:• possess a primary degree in medicine and surgery following

an approved course; and awarded by a medical school listed in the AVICENNA Directory of the World Health Organization (WHO); or the International Medical Education Directory (IMED) of the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER); or in other publications approved by the council

• possess the required specialist degree(s) and have completed all training requirements in their country of training to be recognised as a specialist in that country.

A list of medical specialties and the colleges responsible for assessments can be found on the AMC website at: www.amc.org.au/index.php/img#table1


Apply online via the AMC Online Application Wizard at:www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/faqs/apply

Application procedures are similar for both Australian and overseas residents. Applicants should apply online using the AMC Online Application Wizard and follow the prompts to complete the first stages of an application under the Specialist Pathway.

Note: Listing by WHO or FAIMER of medical schools in a particular coun-try indicates ONLY that qualifications obtained from the schools listed are acceptable in that country. It does NOT imply that the schools provide a standard of education and training equivalent to that provided in Austra-lian medical schools.

Candidates who have previously applied with the AMC cannot apply online. Those who do not have access to apply online or are previous AMC candidates must obtain the Form SA:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

and Form SB:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms from the AMC website.

For those who do apply online, Form P-1 (Specialist) will be generated during the online application and replaces Form SA. A link will be provided to Form SB.


http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img#table1


http://www.amc.org.au/images/FormsSpecialistCandidate/form-sa.pdf

http://www.amc.org.au/images/FormsSpecialistCandidate/formsb.pdf

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Following the online application process, candidates will recieve a Form P-1 (Specialist) by email, a link to the Form SB and an AMC candidate number.

STEP 3: COMPLETE FORM P-1 (SPECIALIST) This is an application form to determine an applicant’s eligibility for recognition as a specialist. The form is available for the applicant to download and print following completion of the Online Application Wizard process for specialist assessment.

FORM P-1 Form P-1 must include a signed Declaration by the applicant. This Declaration MUST be witnessed by one of the persons able to witness Statutory Declarations/Affidavit. Please see Appendix B.

STEP 4: COMPLETE FORM FOR PRIMARY SOURCE VERIFICATION• Complete and sign a Primary Source Verification of Medical

Qualification – Authorisation for Release of Information Form (EICS verification).

• This form gives authority to the AMC to electronically send an applicant’s primary degree/diploma to the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates of the United States of America (ECFMG) for verification.

All applications received by the AMC for assessment must be verified by the International Credentials Services of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (EICS).

FORM SBThis is an application form requiring the applicant to provide a summary of basic medical training and specialist training and experience. The form can be downloaded from the AMC website at: http://http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

FORM SCThe applicant will be provided with the Form SC after the AMC determines that the applicant is eligible to present for assessment for recognition as a specialist by the relevant specialist medical college. The Form SC must be completed by the applicant and returned to the relevant specialist medical college to initiate the college assessment process.

Note: The AMC reserves the right to verify the authenticity of formal qualifications directly with the award-ing institution through the recog-nised international agency; Inter-national Credentials Services of the United States of America Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Grad-uates (ECFMG).

Applications for assessment by the Adult Medicine Division or the Paediatrics and Child Health Division of the Royal Australian College of Physicians will be required by the College to complete an Application Form for an Overseas-Trained Physician/Paediatrics Seeking Assessment by the Royal Australian College of Physicians. Copies will be sent to candidates at the same time as Form SC.

http://www.amc.org.au/images/FormsSpecialistCandidate/formsb.pdf

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FORM P-1 (SPECIALIST) CHECKLIST The following checklist assists candidates collate the required application documents to accompany the Form P-1. Failure to provide these documents may delay the processing of applications.

1. Has the Declaration on Form P-1 (Specialist) been signed in front of an eligible witness? See Appendix B.

2. Is the Form P-1 (Specialist) accompanied by a Form SB and copies of the required documents? The original Form SB is to be sent to the college, with a copy to the AMC.



If applying for assessment through more than one college please provide one photograph for each additional college.


5. Is a certified copy of the English translation (if required) of the primary degree and/or the specialist qualification attached to the application? The translation should be done by an authorised translation service.


7. Has evidence of English language proficiency, or evidence of an acceptable exemption been included by the applicant? The National Policy on English language proficiency for registration can be found on the AMC website at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

8. Is the name that appears on Form P-1 (Specialist) exactly the same as on all other supporting documentation? If not, is there a Statutory Declaration/Affidavit, deed of name change or marriage certificate attached?

Note: Medical boards will not issue an exemption for English language profi-ciency until the applicant has applied for registration.

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

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STEP 5: PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ALONG WITH FORM SB

REQUIREMENTS FOR LODGEMENT OF FORM SBA Form SB must be accompanied by documentary proof of qualifications and experience. Curriculum vitae data attached to the Form will ONLY be accepted if relevant entries are summarised on Form SB.

DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONSTo enable the assessing specialist medical college to conduct an initial assessment of the application; the following documentation, in the form of certified photocopies – NOT originals, must be provided by the applicant under the following headings and lodged with Form SB – Summary of Basic Medical Training and Specialist Training and Experience:• proof of completion of 12 months training as an intern and

details of the training program• certificates of completion of training programs conducted by

the specialist medical body• details of:

– basic specialist training (or equivalent) covering – advanced specialist training (or equivalent) covering, in

each case, wherever possible: ~ periods of training ~ status of hospitals/institutions ~ number and nature of clinics ~ levels of appointment ~ clinical responsibility to inpatients ~ logbooks of procedures carried out ~ special studies/research undertaken ~ forms of supervision and names, positions and

qualification of supervisors ~ supervisors’ reports for each training period

– certificates of specialist examination passed and names of specialist medical bodies conducting the examinations

– details of specialist examinations, including: ~ number and type of examination (MCQ, viva voce,

clinical) ~ subject areas of each examination

– published research papers and other specialist papers – certificates of Fellowship of specialist medical bodies and/

or specialist qualifications

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– post-Fellowship experience, including the location, nature and duration of specialist practice

– Certificate of Good Standing/Registration Status from the appropriate registration body or bodies covering the most recent two year period of practice. The Certificate of Good Standing/Registration Status must be dated within six months from the date of receipt of the application

– names and current contact details of (preferably three) referees

• a curriculum vitae. This must include: – list of primary and specialist qualifications including dates

awarded – details of primary and specialist training – full employment history in chronological order (mm/yy) and

brief description of each job held – list of current registering authorities – list of publications, research papers, examinations taken

and any other activities – minimum of three referee’s

• Please note that any gaps in an applicant's employment history will require an explanation.

• a description of involvement in MOPS/CME/CPD programs• other relevant supporting material.If difficulties are encountered in compiling the documentation requested in Form SB, the AMC should be advised of the steps taken to obtain them and be provided with an explanation the problems encountered. The key step in the application process is for the applicant to provide the documentation required by the AMC and the assessing specialist medical college, both for the initial review of qualifications and experience, and for the interview. It is in the interest of the applicant to make every endeavour to supply as much of the documentation as possible. If the information includes documents issued in a language other than English they must be accompanied by certified English translations. Professional documents must be provided in the original language. If they are issued in a language other than English, they must be translated into English by an authorised translation service or professional translator. Copies of these translations must be verified and both the translation and the certified copy of the professional documents in the original language should be stapled together and submitted with the application.

Note: Certificates and reports should be submitted as certified copies.

Note: All documentation included must be legibly certified photocop-ies. Original documents are not to be submitted in place of photocopies. If original documents are submitted and lost, the AMC will not take responsibil-ity for the loss.

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STEP 6: PROVIDE ALL OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

QUALIFICATIONS: PRIMARY MEDICAL DEGREE/DIPLOMA AND SPECIALIST QUALIFICATION(S)A certified copy of the original primary medical degree/diploma (equivalent to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery – MBBS) awarded by the medical school or university on completion of the medical course; along with a certified copy of the specialist qualification(s) obtained by the applicant should be provided to the AMC. If the degree or qualification awarded is not in English, a certified copy of the translated document is required. The translation must be carried out by an approved translation service or professional translator. The translation must be in full; an extract is NOT acceptable.The primary medical degree and translation (if required), and specialist qualification(s) and translation(s) (if required) must be certified by the same person who witnessed Form P-1 (Specialist). These documents are to be attached to Form P-1 (Specialist).

IDENTITY: PERSONAL IDENTIFICATIONAn applicant must provide certified documentary evidence of proof of identity as per the AMC Identification Requirements. Please see Appendix B for detailed information on acceptable proof of identification.NAME CONFIRMATIONIf the name of an applicant is different from that shown on any document, or photograph submitted with the application, or in any other identification documents including passport; then the applicant must provide certified documentary evidence of all name variations such as: initials, incorrect spelling, and name change. Please see Appendix D.NAME CONFIRMATION CAN BE SUBMITTED IN THE FORM OF:

• marriage certificate • deed of name change• Statutory Declaration/Affidavit Form stating all variations of

name.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCYMedical practitioners seeking registration through the Specialist Pathway must have demonstrated their English language proficiency before assessment by specialist medical colleges. The standard required is set by the medical boards and is nationally consistent.The AMC will require proof in accordance with the national policy on English language proficiency before assessment by colleges for Specialist Registration.Introducing an upfront English language test in the Specialist Pathway aims to ensure that college assessment resources are


How to Apply36

focused on candidates who meet existing national language proficiency requirements.It will also ensure the same standards are expected by specialist medical colleges and medical registration boards for English language requirements for the Specialist Pathway.


NAME AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS ON APPLICATION FORMSThe name used in all formal correspondence, including correspondence with specialist medical colleges and medical boards, will be the same as that recorded on the Form P-1. Please see Appendix D for the documentation required to be submitted to the AMC as evidence of change of name. It is important that candidates ensure that any change of personal contact details is communicated promptly in writing to the AMC. This will ensure that contact can be made quickly with candidates as the occasion arises to notify rule or eligibility changes, or to confirm information provided by candidates. The assessing specialist medical college should also be notified at the same time as the AMC. WHEN ADVISING A CHANGE OF ADDRESS, INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:

• candidate number• full name• previous address• new address• candidate's signature.Forms for Notification of Change of Address are available for downloading from the AMC’s website at:http://http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

STEP 8: SEND IN APPLICATION FORMSTo determine eligibility to sit the AMC Examination an applicant must complete and lodge the following application forms in accordance with the procedures outlined in this booklet:• Form P-1 (Specialist) • Form SB• Primary Source Verification – Authorisation for Release of

Information Form (EICS verification)• supporting documentation.POST THE APPLICATION FORMS, SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND FEE TO:

Chief Executive OfficerAustralian Medical Council LimitedPO Box 4810KINGSTON ACT 2604

http://www.amc.org.au/images/FormsGeneral/08-09coaform.pdf

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AUSTRALIAIf the application is found to be incomplete or to contain inadequate documentation, the applicant will be advised in writing, via email or by post. Assessment will be suspended at this stage. Return of this documentation to the AMC should be forwarded as soon as possible to avoid further delays to the Primary Source Verification process. An administration fee of $110 will be incurred for all incomplete applications.The AMC will NOT process applications or forward them to the relevant specialist medical college for assessment until candidates have taken all necessary action and returned completed documentation to the AMC.

SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR SPECIALIST ASSESSMENTThe AMC’s assessment fee is payable at the time of completion of the AMC Online Application Wizard. Please refer to the AMC’s website: www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/fees for current information. This fee is non-refundable.A schedule of college fees for specialist assessment is available at the AMC’s website at:www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/spec/assessment-mainmenu-200#Table3

College fees are subject to variation from time to time and colleges may charge additional fees following the initial specialist assessment. Further information should be sought direct from the relevant college.Information regarding withdrawal fees and refunds that may be payable in certain circumstances by colleges, is available direct from the relevant college.Assessing colleges may not be able to provide a facility for deferring fees for the interview, nor assist candidates in obtaining financial assistance to present for assessment.The AMC and specialist medical colleges reserve the right to introduce, alter, amend or make other changes to fees at any time without notice.Candidates wishing to defer their interview or application process are required to notify the AMC in writing of their request.

ADVICE REGARDING TIMING OF FORM SC LODGEMENT After the AMC determines that the applicant is eligible to present for assessment for recognition as a specialist, and that documentation requested by the assessing specialist medical college is complete, the AMC will refer Form SB and documentation to the college. The AMC will also advise the applicant of this step by letter, and

The AMC processes all applications strictly in the order they are received. While every effort is made by the AMC to reduce the processing time for applications, many applications submitted to the AMC are incomplete or do not comply with the prescribed requirements; thereby adding to the processing times and causing unnecessary delays to applications.

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/fees

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/spec/assessment-mainmenu-200#Table3


How to Apply38

enclose a Form SC – Application for assessment by specialist medical college. The college is not obliged to initiate its assessment process until it has received Form SC and the initial assessment and interview fee (made payable in Australian dollars by bank draft to the assessing college) has been paid along with any other relevant college application form.

AUSTRALIAN OR AUSTRALASIAN SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS A specialist holding a Fellowship of an Australian or Australasian specialist medical college in a recognised field of specialisation may apply direct to the relevant state or territory medical board for conditional registration to practice in their field of specialty only. If an applicant has been awarded a primary medical degree from an Australian or New Zealand medical school and are eligible for registration in Australia, they may approach the relevant specialist medical college directly, as an assessment by the AMC may not be required.

COMMON ERRORS MADE WHEN LODGING APPLICATION FORMS The most likely cause of delay in the processing of applications is incorrectly completed application forms and incorrectly certified documents. It is in the applicant’s interest to ensure that all application forms and copies of documents are completed correctly. Declarations and copies of formal documents must be certified in accordance with the directions given in this booklet. Certified word for word English translations of foreign language documents must be provided, and a full description of specialist training must be given. An incorrect or incomplete application will NOT be processed until further documentation has been submitted to the AMC.

THIRD PARTY CONSENT (AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE INFORMATION)Under the Commonwealth’s Privacy Act 1988, the AMC is generally not permitted to disclose personal information about an applicant to a third party (Agent) without the applicant’s formal consent. The applicant may authorise a third party (Agent) to communicate and/or act on the applicant’s behalf by completing an Authority to Receive Information Concerning an AMC Candidate/Applicant Form. This Authority to Receive Information Concerning an AMC Applicant/Candidate Form can be found at the AMC website at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms


SUMMARY OF SPECIALIST PATHWAYA summary of the Specialist Pathway is illustrated on the following page.

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Send in application forms Send in all completed application forms to the AMC.

Applying through the Specialist Pathway

Section 1: Preparing your documentation to apply for the Specialist Pathway

The Specialist Pathway is relevant to IMGs who are seeking registrationto practise as a specialist. This summary outlines the steps necessary to complete this application process.

7

8


Apply Online via AMC website2 If you have previously applied with the AMC, you cannot apply online. Previous applicantsand those who cannot apply online can download Forms SA and SB from the AMC website.

Provide supporting documentation5 Provide documentary evidence of specialist quali�cations attached to Form SB.

Provide additionalsupporting documentation6 Provide a Primary Medical Degree or Diploma and Identi�cation documents.

Documents must be certi�ed and attached to Form P-1 (Specialist).

3 Form P-1 must include a signed declaration from the applicant. This declaration also needs to be witnessed.Complete Form P-1 (Specialist)

4 The EICS form gives the AMC authority to send the applicant’s specialist quali�cations to the ECFMG for veri�cation.Complete EICS Form

Provide furthersupporting documentation

If your personal details are di�erent to those on your identifying documents, provide supporting documents to show why.

Third Party Consenti

Lodging Form SCi After the AMC determines you are eligible for recognition as a specialist, you will be sentForm SC. This form needs to be sent to the relevant specialist college for processing.

Schedule of Fees

The AMC’s assessment fee is payable on completion of the Online Wizard application. This fee is non-refundable. For more information, refer to the AMC website. A listing of college fees is also available on the AMC website, and further information on college fees, processes and particularscan be found by contacting colleges directly or through their website.

Australian or Australasian Specialist Quali�cations

If you hold a Fellowship with an Australian or Australasian Specialist College, the process you will go through to practice in your �eld of specialtyis di�erent. Please refer to page 37 of this book for more details.


!

!

How to Apply40

If the applicant has provided the Authorisation for Release of Information Form and an appropriate qualification, the AMC will commence EICS verification via the Educational Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), pending further assessment of supporting documentation.If after assessment additional information is required, the AMC will email a request for further documentation. Incomplete documentation will incur an administrative fee of $110. EICS verification will continue via ECFMG until the candidate's medical school has verified their medical degree. This process may take several months to several years (this is largely determined by the medical school responding to the EICS request – the AMC is unable to contact medical schools to speed this process up).Assessment of supplied documents will take approximately two–four weeks. When the assessment is complete and all required information is supplied, the AMC will refer the candidate's application to the relevant specialist medical college for assessment.Specialist college assessment may take approximately 12 weeks.The specialist college will report the outcome of a specialist assessment to the AMC via a pro forma standard Report 1, which is then distributed to state and territory medical boards and the applicant directly by the AMC. The Report 1 will outline one of three possible outcomes: • substantially comparable • partially comparable• not comparable. When EICS is verified, a certificate of verification is sent to the candidate's postal address.Once an applicant is found to be substantially comparable and granted specialist recognition, they may apply to the relevant state/territory medical board for registration.Application with the AMC/specialist medical college is now complete.

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APPLYING THROUGH THE AREA OF NEED (AON) SPECIALIST PATHWAY

STEP 1: REQUIREMENTSAssessment requirements and application procedures may change at any time without notice. Intending applicants are strongly advised to check the AMC website: www.amc.org.au and obtain information on current requirements before lodging an application.The requirements for eligibility to present for assessment for recognition as an AON specialist are set out below. An applicant for AON specialist assessment MUST:• possess a primary degree in medicine and surgery following

an approved course, and awarded by a medical school listed in the AVICENNA Directory of the World Health Organization (WHO); or the International Medical Education Directory (IMED) of the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER); or in other publications approved by the Council

• possess the required specialist degree(s) and have completed all training requirements in their country of training to be recognised as a specialist in that country.

A list of medical specialties and the colleges responsible for assessments can be found on the AMC website at:www.amc.org.au/index.php/img#table1

The employer identifies a position requiring to be filled and contacts relevant specialist medical colleges for assistance with preparing a detailed position description and key selection criteria, in terms of clinical responsibility and qualifications, or experience required.Responsibility for identifying positions to be filled under Area of Need (AON) provisions rests, in the first instance, with employers. When approaching the relevant state or territory health authority for declaration of a position as AON, an employer will be expected to demonstrate that advertising has failed to attract a suitably qualified local applicant and that, unless the position is filled, service delivery will be affected adversely.If access to Medicare is required, the employer will need to contact the Department of Health and Ageing to confirm that the position identified as an AON is also in a District of Workforce Shortage.A detailed position description must be prepared (wherever possible) with the assistance of the relevant college.

Listing by WHO or FAIMER of medical schools in a particular country indicates ONLY that qualifications obtained from the schools listed are acceptable in that country. It does NOT imply that the schools provide a standard of education and training equivalent to that provided in Australian medical schools.

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img#table1

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The position description should include the following information such as:• the position title• a comprehensive statement of duties• qualifications and experience – identifying and distinguishing

between what selection criteria are regarded as ‘essential’ or ‘desirable’; and clarifying whether candidates must demonstrate either that they have practical experience, or show they have aptitude in a particular aspect of clinical practice

• special requirements of the position, which may be due to the geographic location or specific nature of the medical services to be provided

• clinical practice privileges or appointments relating to the position

• any special conditions of employment• the remuneration package for the position, including whether

the applicant will be providing services that need to attract Medicare rebates.

A number of colleges have documents available that describe their own internal AON application processes (which will be consistent with the agreed assessment process as set out in this guide). Employers should approach the relevant college to check whether such documents are available, and comply with college arrangements.Contact details for all colleges can be found on the AMC website at:www.amc.org.au/images/SpecialistCollegeReports/SpecialistCollegeDetails.pdf

STEP 2: POSITION DECLARED AS AREA OF NEEDThe employer then contacts the state/territory health authority to have the position declared as Area of Need. If the position is approved as such, the following process can proceed.

ACTION BY STATE AND TERRITORY HEALTH AUTHORITIESThese authorities are responsible for approving positions for the purpose of AON designation (in the Northern Territory, the medical board has this responsibility). An AON refers to a geographic area (in New South Wales, a medical position) in which the general population's need for health care is not met. It is determined by examining a range of factors, including Medicare statistics, health workforce data and evidence of unsuccessful attempts to recruit an Australian doctor to a position.As part of their applications to health authorities, employers will be required to provide evidence of reasonable efforts to recruit locally – for example:• copies of job advertisements and the dates and publications in

which they were placed• the outcome of placing the advertisements• an explanation as to why particular applicants (if any) were not

suitable

www.amc.org.au/images/SpecialistCollegeReports/SpecialistCollegeDetails.pdf

www.amc.org.au/images/SpecialistCollegeReports/SpecialistCollegeDetails.pdf

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• details of the health services to be provided; strategies that have been developed to explore other avenues of service provision; and an explanation of the progress of implementation of those strategies

• details of the impact (for example, on service delivery and staff rostering arrangements) of leaving the position unfilled – for example, necessity for additional rostering of existing staff and high cost of locum services.

Judgement will be made by the health authority concerning whether service delivery will be affected to the extent that the position must be filled. This will be based on information such as epidemiological and workforce analysis; and details provided by the employer.Inquiries relating to AON approvals can be directed to the AON/health workforce unit of the relevant medical board office.IF A POSITION IS APPROVED AS AON, THE EMPLOYER CAN PROCEED WITH THE PROCESS AS DESCRIBED IN THIS GUIDE.The employer matches applicants for Area of Need positions against the position description and selection criteria, and selects a suitable applicant. The applicant and employer complete the relevant documentation, including visa application, where necessary.

STEP 3: ARRANGEMENTS RELATING TO THE ISSUING OF VISAS TO OVERSEAS TRAINED DOCTORSEmployers and candidates will be expected to comply with the requirements of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) regarding respective responsibilities of candidates and employers; applications for entry visas, and permanent residency. For more information regarding visas, the contact details for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship can be found on the AMC website at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/australian-government


Candidates who have previously applied with the AMC cannot apply online. Those who do not have access to apply online or are previous AMC candidates must obtain Form AON-SA at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

and Form AON-SB at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms from the AMC website.

For those who do apply online, Form P-1 (Specialist) will be generated during the online application, and replaces Form AON-SA. A link will be provided to Form AON-SB.

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/australian-government

How to Apply44

Apply online via the AMC Online Application Wizard at:www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/faqs/apply

Application procedures are similar for both Australian and overseas residents. Applicants should apply online using the AMC Online Application Wizard and follow the prompts to complete the first stages of an application under the Specialist Pathway. Following the online application candidates will receive a Form P-1 (specialist) by email, a link to the Form AON-SB; and an AMC candidate number.

STEP 5: COMPLETE APPLICATION FORMS

FORM P-1 (AON) This is an application form to determine an applicant’s eligibility for recognition as an AON specialist. The form is available for the applicant to download and print following completion of the Online Application Wizard process for AON specialist assessment.

FORM P-1 (AON) Form P-1 MUST include a signed Declaration by the applicant. This Declaration MUST be witnessed by one of the persons able to witness Statutory Declarations/Affidavit. Please see Appendix B. When applications are submitted, the original Form P-1 should be sent to the AMC, with a copy to the relevant college.

PRIMARY SOURCE VERIFICATIONComplete and sign a Primary Source Verification of Medical Qualification – Authorisation for Release of Information Form (EICS verification).This form gives authority to the AMC to electronically send an applicant’s primary degree/diploma to the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates of the United States of America (ECFMG) for verification. All applications received by the AMC for assessment must be verified by the International Credentials Services of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (EICS).

FORM AON-SBThis is an application form requiring the applicant to provide a summary of basic medical training, and specialist training and experience. When applications are submitted, the original Form AON-SB should be sent to the relevant college, with a copy to the AMC. The form can be downloaded from the AMC website at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms



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ATTACHMENT TO APPLICATION FORMThe application to the college and the AMC must be accompanied by the following documents:• Attachment to Application for Assessment as Area of Need

Specialist Form• letter of offer• job description• Area of Need declaration.

SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR AON SPECIALIST ASSESSMENTThe AMC’s assessment fee is payable at the time of completion of the Online Application Wizard. Please refer to the AMC’s website: www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/fees for current information. This fee is non-refundable.Applications must be accompanied by the college’s interview/assessment fee (details available from the relevant college). Payment details must be given in the Attachment to Application for Assessment as Area of Need Specialist Form. A schedule of college’s fees for AON specialist assessment is available at the AMC’s website at:www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/spec/assessment-mainmenu-200#Table3

Further information should be sought direct from the relevant college.Payment of fees is the responsibility of the employer or applicant.Information regarding withdrawal fees and refunds that may be payable in certain circumstances by colleges, is available direct from the relevant college.Assessing colleges may not be able to provide a facility for deferring fees for the interview, nor assist candidates in obtaining financial assistance to present for assessment.The AMC and specialist medical colleges reserve the right to introduce, alter, amend or make other changes to fees at any time without notice.Candidates wishing to defer their interview or application process are required to notify the AMC in writing of their request.

Applications MUST be lodged to the relevant specialist medical college and the AMC simultaneously, accompanied by the supporting documentation.

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/fees



How to Apply46

FORM P-1 (AON) CHECKLISTThe following checklist assists candidates collate the required application documents to accompany the Form P-1. Failure to provide these documents may delay the processing of applications

1. Has the Declaration on Form P-1 (AON) been signed in front of an eligible witness?

See Appendix B.

2. Is the Form P-1 (AON) accompanied by a Form AON-SB and copies of the required documents? The original Form AON-SB is to be sent to the college, with a copy to the AMC.



If applying for assessment through more than one college please provide one photograph for each additional college.


5. Is a certified copy of the English translation (if required) of the primary degree and/or the specialist qualification attached to the application? The translation should be done by an authorised translation service.


7. Has evidence of English language proficiency, or evidence of an acceptable exemption been included by the applicant? The National Policy on English language proficiency can be found on the AMC website at: http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

8. Is the name that appears on Form P-1 (AON) exactly the same as on all other supporting documentation? If not, is there a Statutory Declaration/Affidavit, deed of name change or marriage certificate attached?

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10. Has the Attachment to Application for Assessment as Area of Need Specialist Form and the following documentation supplied by the employer, been included by the applicant:• letter of offer• job description• Area of Need Declaration.

STEP 6: PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ALONG WITH FORM AON-SB

REQUIREMENTS FOR LODGEMENT OF FORM AON-SBA Form AON-SB MUST be accompanied by documentary proof of qualifications and experience. Curriculum vitae data attached to the form will only be accepted if relevant entries are summarised on Form AON-SB.

DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONSTo enable the assessing specialist medical college to conduct an initial assessment of the application, the following documentation, in the form of certified photocopies – NOT originals, must be provided by the applicant under the following headings and lodged with Form AON-SB – Summary of Basic Medical Training and Specialist Training and Experience:• proof of completion of 12 months training as an intern and

details of the training program• certificates of completion of training programs conducted by

the specialist medical body• details of:

– basic specialist training (or equivalent), and – advanced specialist training (or equivalent) covering, in

each case, wherever possible: ~ periods of training ~ status of hospitals/institutions ~ number and nature of clinics ~ levels of appointment ~ clinical responsibility to inpatients ~ logbooks of procedures carried out ~ special studies/research undertaken ~ forms of supervision and names, positions and

qualification of supervisors ~ supervisors’ reports for each training period

• certificates of specialist examination passed; and the names of specialist medical bodies conducting the examinations

Note: Certificates and reports should be submitted as certified copies.

How to Apply48

• details of specialist examinations; including: – number and type of examination (MCQ, viva voce, clinical) – subject areas of each examination

• published research papers and other specialist papers• certificates of Fellowship of specialist medical bodies and/or

specialist qualifications• post-Fellowship experience, including the location, nature and

duration of specialist practice• Certificate of Good Standing/Registration Status from the

registration body/bodies covering the most recent two year period of practice. The Certificate of Good Standing/Registration Status must be dated within six months from the date of receipt of the application

• names and current contact details of (preferably three) referees• a curriculum vitae, this must include:

– a list of primary and specialist qualifications including dates awarded

– details of primary and specialist training – a full employment history in chronological order (mm/yy)

and brief description of each job held – a list of current registering authorities – a list of publications, research papers, examinations taken

and any other activities – a minimum of three referees

• Please note that any gaps in an applicant's employment history will require an explanation.

• a description of involvement in MOPS/CME/CPD programs• other relevant supporting material.If difficulties are encountered in compiling the documentation requested in Form AON-SB, the AMC should be advised of the steps taken to obtain them and provided with an explanation of the problems encountered. The key step in the application process is for the applicant to provide the documentation required by the AMC and the assessing specialist medical college; both for the initial review of qualifications and experience; and for the interview. It is in the interest of the applicant to make every endeavour to supply as much of the documentation as possible. If the information includes documents issued in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by certified English translations. Professional documents must be provided in the original language. If they are issued in a language other than English, they must be translated into English by an authorised translation service or professional translator. Copies of these translations must be verified, and both the translation and the certified copy of the professional documents in the original language should be stapled together and submitted with the application.


49

CONCURRENT AREA OF NEED/SPECIALIST ASSESSMENTWhen assessing candidates for suitability for Area of Need positions, those colleges who are in a position to do so will determine at the same time (or soon thereafter), what is required to meet standards for specialist recognition/Fellowship, in accordance with the Guidelines on the Specialist Assessment Pathways document endorsed by the COAG IMG Technical Committee and available on the AMC website.This means that some candidates for Area of Need assessment will also undertake a specialist assessment to determine their comparability to the standard of an Australian-trained specialist in that field.Colleges will report the outcome of a concurrent assessment to the AMC via a pro forma standard Combined Area of Need/specialist assessment report, which is then distributed to the Medical Board of Australia and the applicant directly by the AMC.

STEP 7: PROVIDE ALL OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

QUALIFICATIONS: PRIMARY MEDICAL DEGREE/DIPLOMA AND SPECIALIST QUALIFICATION(S)All candidates must provide a certified copy of the original primary medical degree/diploma (equivalent to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - MBBS) awarded by the medical school or university on completion of the medical course; along with a certified copy of the specialist qualification(s) obtained by the applicant. If the degree or qualification awarded is not in English, a certified copy of the translated document is required. The translation must be carried out by an approved translation service or professional translator. The translation must be in full; an extract is NOT acceptable.The primary medical degree and translation (if required), and specialist qualification(s) and translation(s) (if required) must be certified by the same person who witnessed Form P-1 (AON). These documents are to be attached to Form P-1 (AON).IDENTITY: PERSONAL IDENTIFICATIONAn applicant must provide certified documentary evidence of proof of identity as per the AMC Identification Requirements. Please see Appendix B for detailed information on acceptable proof of identification.NAME CONFIRMATIONIf the name of an applicant is different from that shown on any document, or photograph submitted with the application, or in any other identification documents including passport; then the applicant must provide certified documentary evidence of all name variations; such as: initials, incorrect spelling, and name change. Please see Appendix D.

How to Apply50

NAME CONFIRMATION CAN BE SUBMITTED IN THE FORM OF:

• marriage certificate • deed of name change• Statutory Declaration/Affidavit Form stating all variations of

name. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCYMedical practitioners seeking registration through the AON Specialist Pathway must have demonstrated their English language proficiency before assessment by specialist colleges. The standard required is set by the medical boards and is nationally consistent.The AMC will require proof in accordance with the national policy on English language proficiency before assessment by colleges for AON Specialist Pathway.Introducing an upfront English language test in the AON Specialist Pathway aims to ensure that college assessment resources are focused on candidates who meet existing national language proficiency requirements.It will also ensure the same standards are expected by specialist colleges and medical registration boards for English language requirements for the AON Specialist Pathway.


NAME AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS ON APPLICATION FORMSThe name used in all formal correspondence, including correspondence with specialist medical colleges and medical boards, will be the same as that recorded on the Form P-1. Should an applicant's name change, please see Appendix D for the documentation required to be submitted to the AMC as evidence. It is important that candidates ensure that any change of personal contact details is communicated promptly in writing to the AMC Secretariat (for further information contact the AMC Call Centre. Ph: +61 (0)2 6270 7878). This will ensure that contact can be made quickly with candidates as the occasion arises to notify rule or eligibility changes, or to confirm information provided by candidates. The assessing specialist medical college should also be notified at the same time as the AMC. WHEN ADVISING A CHANGE OF ADDRESS, INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:

• candidate number• full name• previous address• new address• candidate's signature.Forms for Notification of Change of Address are available for downloading from the AMC’s website at:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

Note: All name confirmation documen-tation must be certified by the same person who witnessed Form P-1. Please ensure the surname/family name and given name(s) are the same as stated on Form P-1.

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STEP 9: SEND IN APPLICATION FORMSTo determine eligibility to sit the AMC Examination, an applicant must complete and lodge the following application forms in accordance with the procedures outlined in this booklet:• Form P-1 (AON)• Form AON-SB• Primary Source Verification – Authorisation for Release of

Information Form (EICS verification)• supporting documentation. POST THE APPLICATION FORMS, SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND FEE TO:

Chief Executive OfficerAustralian Medical Council LimitedPO Box 4810KINGSTON ACT 2604AUSTRALIAIf the application is found to be incomplete or to contain inadequate documentation, the applicant will be advised in writing, via email or by post. Assessment will be suspended at this stage. Return of this documentation to the AMC should be forwarded as soon as possible to avoid further delays to the Primary Source Verification process. An administration fee of $110 will be incurred for all incomplete applications.

The AMC processes all applications for AON specialist assessment strictly in the order they are received. While every effort is made by the AMC to reduce the processing time for applications, many applications submitted to the AMC are incomplete or do not comply with the prescribed requirements; thereby adding to the processing times and causing unnecessary delays for other candidates.The AMC will not process applications or forward them to the relevant specialist medical college for assessment until candidates have taken all necessary action and returned completed documentation to the AMC.

How to Apply52

AUSTRALIAN OR AUSTRALASIAN SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS A specialist holding a Fellowship of an Australian or Australasian specialist medical college in a recognised field of specialisation may apply direct to the relevant medical board office for conditional registration to practice in their field of specialty only.

COMMON ERRORS MADE WHEN LODGING APPLICATION FORMS The most likely cause of delay in the processing of applications is incorrectly completed application forms and incorrectly certified documents. It is in the applicant’s interest to ensure that all application forms and copies of documents are completed correctly. Declarations and copies of formal documents MUST be certified in accordance with the directions given in this booklet. Certified word for word English translations of foreign language documents must be provided; and a full description of specialist training must be given. An incorrect or incomplete application will not be processed until further documentation has been submitted to the AMC.

THIRD PARTY CONSENT (AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE INFORMATION)Under the Commonwealth’s Privacy Act 1988, the AMC is generally not permitted to disclose personal information about an applicant to a third party (Agent) without the applicant’s formal consent. The applicant may authorise a third party (Agent) to communicate and/or act on the applicant’s behalf by completing an Authority to Receive Information Concerning an AMC Candidate/Applicant Form. This Authority to Receive Information Concerning an AMC Applicant/Candidate Form can be found at the AMC website:http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms


SUMMARY OF AON SPECIALIST PATHWAYA summary of the Specialist Area of Need (AON) Pathway is illustrated on the following page.

53

Send in all completed application forms to the AMC.

Applying through the Area of Need Specialist Pathway

Section 1: Preparing your documentation to apply for the Area of Need Specialist Pathway

The Area of Need Specialist Pathway is relevant to IMGs who are seeking registration in geographic areas in which general population healthcare needs are not being met. This summary outlines the steps necessary to complete this application process.

7

8

9


Apply for an advertised position in a geographical area declared an Area of Need by the State Health Authority.Position declared as Area of Need2

Complete application forms5 Provide documentary evidence of specialist quali�cations attached to Form SB.

Provide supporting documentation6 Provide a Primary Medical Degree or Diploma and identi�cation documents.Documents must be certi�ed and attached to Form P-1 (Specialist).

3 Overseas-trained doctors need to be issued visas to work in Australia. For informationregarding this process, visit the AMC website. Visas and overseas-trained doctors

4If you have previously applied with the AMC, you cannot apply online. Previous applicantsand those who cannot apply online must download Forms AON-SA and AON-SB from the AMC website.

Apply online

Provide additionalsupporting documentation

Provide furthersupporting documentation

If your personal details are di�erent to those on your identifying documents, provide supporting documents to show why.

Third Party Consenti

Lodging Form SCi After the AMC determines you are eligible for recognition as a specialist, you will be sentForm SC. This form needs to be sent to the relevant specialist college for processing.

Schedule of Fees

The AMC’s assessment fee is payable on completion of the Online Wizard application. This fee is non-refundable. For more information, refer to the AMC website. A listing of college fees is also available on the AMC website, and further information on college fees, processes and particularscan be found by contacting colleges directly or through their website.

Australian or Australasian Specialist Quali�cations

If you hold a Fellowship with an Ausralian or Australasian Specialist College, the process you will go through to practice in your �eld of specialtyis di�erent. Please refer to page 37 of this book for more details.


!

!

Send in application forms Send in all completed application forms to the AMC.

How to Apply54

If the applicant has provided the Authorisation for Release of Information Form and an appropriate qualification, the AMC will commence EICS verification via the Educational Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), pending further assessment of supporting documentation.If after assessment additional information is required, the AMC will email a request for further documentation to the applicant. Incomplete documentation will incur an administrative fee of $110.EICS verification will continue via ECFMG until the candidate's medical school has verified their medical degree. This process may take several months to several years (this is largely determined by the medical school responding to the EICS request – the AMC is unable to contact medical schools to speed this process up).Assessment of supplied documents will take approximately two weeks.When the assessment is complete and all required information supplied, the AMC will refer the candidate's application to the relevant specialist medical college for assessment.Specialist college assessment may take approximately eight weeks.Specialist colleges in a position to do so, will report the outcome of an AON specialist assessment via a pro forma standard combined AON/specialist assessment Report, which is then distributed to state and territory medical boards and the applicant directly by the AMC. Colleges not conducting a concurrent assessment will report an outcome of an AON specialist assessment directly to the applicant. When EICS is verified, a certificate of verification is sent to the applicant's postal address.Once an applicant is found to be suitably qualified for the AON position the candidate may apply to the relevant medical board office for registration.Application with AMC/specialist medical college is now complete.

55

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

EICS Q How long/why is it taking so long? A The AMC submits EICS verification request within three

working days of receiving complete applications.Assignment of EICS numbers by ECFMG may take approximately 10-14 days. Verification is sent to universities/medical schools – this is usually where delays are encountered.Contact with your medical school may be required to arrange administrative payments before they finalise the EICS verification.

Q ECFMG have received the verification from my medical school. How long until I get notified?

A ECFMG have advised that verification will occur approximately two weeks after receiving the documentation.

STANDARD PATHWAY (NON-SPECIALIST) Q I have a public health/traditional medicine degree – can I

apply? A The AMC will not accept qualifications in public health medicine

as they are not a primary medical degree in medicine and surgery. See www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/appinfo for additional information regarding what is deemed an approved course of study.

Q Did the AMC receive my mail? A All AMC candidates who have a valid email address will receive

an email to advise their documents have been received.

COMPETENT AUTHORITY Q How long before my Advanced Standing Certificate is

sent? A Advanced Standing Certificates are issued approximately four

weeks after all required documents have been submitted with your application.

Q I have been exempted from PLAB 1 and 2 by the General Medical Council (GMC). Am I eligible for the Competent Authority Pathway?

A If you have been exempted from partaking in the PLAB 1 and 2 by the General Medical Council (GMC) you are not eligible for the Australian Medical Council Competent Authority Pathway. You may wish to apply for the Standard Pathway (non-specialist).

MCQ EXAMINATIONS Q I have applied for an examination, and now need to

withdraw?

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/appinfo

How to Apply56

A Please complete the Withdrawal Form available on the Forms page of the AMC website at www.amc.org.au If withdrawing after the examination closing date, you must provide a medical certificate or Statutory Declaration with your withdrawal form – these documents must be original, and cannot be faxed.If withdrawing before the examination closing date, a faxed Withdrawal Form is acceptable (no Statutory Declaration or medical certificate is required if withdrawing before closing date).

Q How should I enrol for the MCQ Examination? A Please use the AMC Online Scheduling Portal at: https://

exams.amc.org.au/login. If you cannot pay by credit card, email your name, venue location, date and AMC candidate number to [email protected] to obtain a paper application form.

CLINICAL EXAMINATIONS Q I have applied for an examination, and now need to

withdraw? A Please complete the Withdrawal Form available on the Forms

page of the AMC website at: http://www.amc.org.au

Q When is workplace-based assessment coming in (non-specialist)?

A Elements of the Standard (Workplace-based Assessment) Pathway, such as the screening MCQ Examination and the Pre-employment Structured Clinical Interview (where applicable) became available from July 2008. Roll out of the workplace-based assessment (alternative to the AMC Clinical Examination) has been accredited for four sites in Australia. See the AMC website for details.

PRIMARY SOURCE VERIFICATION Q What will happen if I only need the Primary Source

Verification application? A When EICS is verified, a certificate of verification is sent to your

postal address.Application with the AMC is now complete.Please note – this pathway does not allow you to sit AMC Examinations. Please contact your relevant medical board office to ensure this is the correct pathway before submitting your application.


https://exams.amc.org.au

https://exams.amc.org.au



57

APPENDIX A: PREPARATION FOR THE AMC EXAMINATION

GENERAL REFERENCES/TEXTBOOKSCandidates preparing for the AMC Examination may find it useful to review major textbooks in the clinical disciplines covered by the examination. A list of textbooks, which are in common use in Australian medical schools, is set out in the AMC publication Examination Specifications. This list also identifies medical journals which candidates may find useful.Many of the Australian teaching hospitals hold regular seminars and clinical meetings, which may be attended with prior approval from the hospital administration.

AMC PUBLICATIONSThe AMC has published the following publications to assist candidates to prepare for the AMC Examination.

AMC ANTHOLOGY OF MEDICAL CONDITIONSAn expert multidisciplinary editorial committee and contributors have prepared the AMC publication Anthology of Medical Conditions, to assist problem solving based on presenting clinical conditions. Produced to assist international medical graduates in preparation for the AMC Examinations; and as an essential tool for clinical practice.The publication lists over 130 Clinical Presentations of clinical conditions and classifies them to assist in a problem-solving approach to diagnosis and management. It contains:• an integrated multidisciplinary index of clinical conditions and

presentations• guidelines for clinical problem solving• legal, ethical AMC Annotated Multiple Choice and organisational

aspects of clinical medicine. It is essential for all doctors to be familiar with the laws of the society in which they practise medicine and the ethics underpinning medical practice. It is also important to understand the organisational aspects of medicine in the Australian context. The Anthology of Medical Conditions contains a separate section dealing with these important issues, entitled 'Legal, Ethical and Organisational Aspects of the Practice of Medicine' (LEO). The publication is enhanced throughout with medical illustrations.All AMC multiple choice questions and Clinical Examination stations are linked to the clinical conditions and key objectives listed in the AMC Anthology of Medical Conditions. The Anthology of Medical Conditions is recommended to candidates preparing for the MCQ and Clinical Examinations.The Anthology of Medical Conditions can be ordered from AMC website: https://store.amc.org.au


How to Apply58

AMC HANDBOOK OF MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS This book, which continues the AMC series; contains in total almost 600 MCQ for self-testing, selected from the AMC International Medical Graduate (IMG) Examination Bank covering all disciplines and clinical categories; and containing a complete multidisciplinary 150 question MCQ paper.Annotated commentaries for each question have been prepared by an expert editorial committee and additional multidisciplinary contributors.The range of questions extends over the entire curriculum and covers the following disciplines:

Medicine Surgery PaediatricsGynaecology Psychiatry Population healthCommunity and General practice

Epidemiology Ethics and the Law

The AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions can be ordered from the AMC Store at: https://store.amc.org.au

AMC HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL ASSESSMENT The handbook is intended to prepare international medical graduates (IMGs) for the AMC Examination, but also to facilitate integration into the medical workforce in Australia. The publication is a comprehensive guide to clinical medical practice in Australia and contains a selection of over 150 case scenarios selected across all of the clinical disciplines, with full commentaries on each of the cases. It is designed around self-test clinical tasks with trial examinations, and a trial re-test assessment. The commentaries and performance guidelines reflect best practice principles and are designed to assist IMGs and local medical graduates preparing for clinical assessments. The AMC Handbook of Clinical Assessment is regarded as an essential tool for clinical practice.The AMC Handbook of Clinical Assessment can be ordered from the AMC Store at: https://store.amc.org.au

THE MULTI-STATION STRUCTURED CLINICAL ASSESSMENT VIDEO/DVD: A GUIDE TO PREPARATION FOR THE AMC CLINICAL EXAMINATION.The AMC, in association with the Educational Resource Centre of the Royal Children’s Hospital, has produced a videotape of the Multi-station Structured Clinical Assessments. The video shows three sample stations with two candidates performing at each station of the new Clinical Examination and complements the AMC Examination Specifications Booklet Clinical Supplement 2004 Series Examinations. The video/DVD has a running time of approximately 130 minutes. Copies of the DVD can be purchased from the AMC online store at:https://store.amc.org.au/dvds/multi-station-structured-clinical-assessment

Further information regarding all AMC publications may be found at: www.amc.org.au/index.php/pub

https://store.amc.org.au/dvds/multi-station-structured-clinical-assessment

https://store.amc.org.au/dvds/multi-station-structured-clinical-assessment

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/pub

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APPENDIX B: NEW PROOF OF IDENTITY REQUIREMENTS FOR AMC ASSESSMENT PATHWAYS

The Medical Board of Australia is responsible for the registration of medical practitioners in Australia. All applicants for medical registration will be required to satisfy the Proof of Identity Framework and Requirements of the Medical Board of Australia, which is separate to the AMC’s requirements, in order to obtain medical registration. Please note that some of the identification requirements set out by the Medical Board of Australia cannot be met by applicants applying from overseas. The AMC has therefore developed its own proof of identity requirements that can be met by doctors applying from overseas for assessment through the AMC.

ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTSYou MUST provide:• A certified copy of your PassportPLUS ONE of the following documents (issued in Australia or overseas)• A certified copy of your Drivers Licence • A certified copy of your Credit Card (front and back) • A certified copy of your International English Language Testing

System Test Report Form (IELTS-TRF) (with photograph only)• A certified copy of your Current registration/Certificate of Good

Standing from relevant medical regulatory authority

REQUIREMENTS AND COMMON PROBLEMS • All documents must be:

– certified copies of the original documents following the AMC’s requirements for document, AND

– current/valid at the date of submission• At least ONE document must:

– include a recent photograph – include a signature – be in the applicant’s current name

All applicants applying through the Australian Medical Council (AMC) must satisfy the AMC of their identity. Applicants will need to provide proof of personal identity by way of submission of two (2) types of identification documentation and two (2) current passport-sized colour photographs.

Note: Application forms and docu-ments not correctly certified by an eligible witness, are not legally recog-nised in Australia and will not be accepted.

How to Apply60

• You must submit a Statutory Declaration if: – your passport, drivers licence or credit card does not

contain a signature

OR – your signature differs to the signature on your application

form (you will need to explain the reason why)

OR – a document contains a previously used name (you will

need to explain the name variation) If a document submitted is not in English, then an English translation must be attached. It must be a translation conducted by an authorised translation service or professional translator.

PHOTOGRAPHSApplicants must provide two (2) current passport-sized colour photographs with name clearly printed on reversePlease attach:• One (1) photograph to the application form• One (1) photograph to the Authorisation for Release of

Information Form (EICS) verification• If you are applying to be assessed through more than one

Specialist College, you will need to provide one photograph for each additional College.

The AMC has set out requirements relating to photographs provided by applicants under the assessment pathways. Please ensure that your photographs meet the AMC requirements before submitting your application. All passport-sized photographs MUST be:• in colour• good quality• not more than twelve months old• not smaller than 35 x 45 mm and not larger 40 x 50 mm• good quality with no ink or marks on the edge• not too dark and not too light• not scanned or homemade photographs• in front of a plain light coloured background• sharply focused, clear-not blurred• full-front view of head and shoulders with eyes open and clearly

visible.The AMC certificate will include the submitted photograph and should represent a true likeness of the candidate. The AMC will provide one of these photographs to the assessing Specialist Medical College (if applicable) and Medical Board of Australia at appropriate points in the application process.

Note: Applicants who do not provide documentation that satisfies the AMC Proof of Identity requirements will be determined to have submitted an incomplete documentation and will be required to pay the incomplete docu-mentation fee of $110.00 and submit complete documentation before the application will be processed.

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REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFYING DOCUMENTATION Each page of the documentary evidence lodged must be certified by the same person witnessing the Declaration on the application form. This person must meet the requirements specified for Statutory Declarations/Affidavit witnessed in Australia and overseas (see below).The certification on each page must read:

I certify this document to be a true copy of the original sighted by me

...........................................................................................Signature of witness

...........................................................................................Please print title and number of witness (if applicable)

...........................................................................................Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

If the certification does not read with the exact wording shown above, the documentation will not be accepted by the AMC, which will determine your application to be incomplete until the correct certification is provided to the AMC. Applications deemed to be incomplete will incur the incomplete documentation fee of $110.00.

STATUTORY DECLARATIONS WITNESSED IN AUSTRALIAThe AMC accepts the following persons as eligible to witness Declarations in Australia:• Chief Magistrate • Police Magistrate• Resident Magistrate• Special Magistrate• Justice of the Peace• Person appointed under the Commonwealth Statutory

Declarations Act 1959 as amended, or under a State Act to be a Commissioner for Declarations

• Notary Public• Person appointed as a Commissioner for Declarations under the

Statutory Declarations Act 1911, or under that Act as amended, and holding office immediately before the commencement of the Statutory Declarations Act 1959

• Person before whom a Statutory Declaration may be made under the law of the State in which a Declaration is made.

Note: Certification must be made on each page of supporting documenta-tion. Certifications made on adhesive labels are not accepted.

How to Apply62

STATUTORY DECLARATIONS/AFFIDAVIT WITNESSED OVERSEASThe AMC accepts the following persons as eligible to witness declarations in countries other than Australia:• Notary Public• Commissioner of Oaths (South Africa and Canada only)• Person appointed to hold, or act in the office in a country or

place outside Australia • in an Australian Embassy, High Commission, Legation or other

post as:• Australian Consul-General, Consul or Vice-Consul• Australian Trade Commissioner or Consular Agent• Australian Ambassador or High Commissioner• Australian Minister, Head of Mission, Commissioner, Charge

d’affaires or Counselor• Australian Secretary or Attaché• Person authorised to perform notarial duties.


63

APPENDIX C: STATUTORY DECLARATIONSIn the event that a candidate is required to complete a Statutory Declaration to progress their application during the specialist assessment process, the AMC will only accept the following persons as eligible witnesses.

STATUTORY DECLARATIONS WITNESSED IN AUSTRALIAThe AMC accepts the following persons as eligible to witness Declarations in Australia:• Chief Magistrate • Police Magistrate• Resident Magistrate• Special Magistrate• Justice of the Peace• person appointed under the Commonwealth Statutory

Declarations Act 1959 as amended, or under a State Act to be a Commissioner for Declarations

• Notary Public;• person appointed as a Commissioner for Declarations under the

Statutory Declarations Act 1911, or under that Act as amended, and holding office immediately before the commencement of the Statutory Declarations Act 1959

• person before whom a Statutory Declaration may be made under the law of the state in which a Declaration is made.

STATUTORY DECLARATIONS/AFFIDAVIT WITNESSED OVERSEASThe AMC accepts the following persons as eligible to witness declarations in countries other than Australia:• Notary Public• Commissioner of Oaths (South Africa and Canada only)• person appointed to hold, or act in the office in a country or

place outside Australia • in an Australian Embassy, High Commission, Legation or other

post as: – Australian Consul-General, Consul or Vice-Consul – Australian Trade Commissioner or Consular Agent – Australian Ambassador or High Commissioner – Australian Minister, Head of Mission, Commissioner, Charge

d’affaires or Counsellor – Australian Secretary or Attaché – person authorised to perform notarial duties.


Note: A Justice of the Peace registered outside Australia is NOT accepted by the AMC for witnessing documenta-tions.

How to Apply64

APPENDIX D: CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCESThe AMC recognises that a change in an applicant’s individual circumstances may arise during an AMC Pathway assessment process. It is important that candidates ensure that any change of personal contact details is advised promptly in writing to the AMC Secretariat (for further information contact the AMC Call Centre. Ph: +61 (0)2 6270 7878). These changes will not be accepted over the telephone, facsimile or via email. Candidates should be aware that the following changes in circumstances will require formal notification to the AMC so that unnecessary delays to an application can be avoided:

NAME CHANGE REQUIRES A STATUTORY DECLARATION/AFFIDAVIT FORMThe name used in all formal correspondence, including correspondence with the AMC and medical boards, will be the same as that recorded on the application form.Should an applicant's name change, they are required to submit a Statutory Declaration/Affidavit Form, deed of name change or marriage certificate, stating all variations of their given and family name(s) and that (if it is true) the applicant is known by all of these name(s). This Statutory Declaration/Affidavit form can be found at:www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Statutory_declaration

This documentation must be certified by the same person who has witnessed the Form A.Please ensure the surname/family name and given name(s) are the same as stated on the application form.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS REQUIRES A NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORMIt is important that candidates ensure that any change of personal contact details is advised promptly in writing to the AMC Secretariat (for further information contact the AMC Call Centre. Ph: +61 (0)2 6270 7878). To advise the AMC of change of address details, the applicant must complete the Notification of Change of Address Form including:• AMC number• full name• previous address• new address• new contact telephone number/s • email address • signature.Notification of Change of Address Forms are available from the AMC website: http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms, or by contacting the AMC Secretariat.

Note: Change of address details cannot be accepted via email. This will ensure that the AMC can contact candidates quickly, as the occa-sion arises, to notify rule or eligibility changes, or to confirm information provided by candidates.

http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Statutory_declaration

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A u s t r a l i a n M e d i c a l C o u n c i l

Q U I C K G U I D E O N A P P L Y I N GT O T H E A U S T R A L I A N

M E D I C A L C O U N C I L

“The purpose of the Australian Medical Council is to ensure that standards of education, trainingand assessment of the medical profession promote and protect the health of the Australian community.”