A simple visual roadmap from medical qualification to employment in Australia.
PESCI (Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview) is not an AMC examination. It is a position-specific clinical assessment conducted by an AMC-accredited provider to determine whether an international medical graduate (IMG) can practise safely in a particular job under the proposed level of supervision. The Medical Board of Australia decides whether a PESCI is required for a registration application.
A PESCI evaluates whether you have the clinical knowledge, experience, communication skills, and professional judgement needed for that specific position. It typically uses structured clinical scenarios and discussion rather than a written exam. The panel also considers:
A PESCI is commonly required for:
Most doctors on the Specialist Pathway or Expedited Specialist Pathway do not require a PESCI because their suitability is assessed through the relevant specialist college.
Only AMC-accredited providers can conduct a PESCI. Current accredited providers include:
Preparation is generally focused on Australian general practice and safe clinical decision-making rather than memorising facts. Candidates often prepare by:
The interview is designed to determine whether you can practise safely within the scope of the advertised position, rather than to test every aspect of medical knowledge.
Passing the AMC MCQ does not automatically mean a PESCI is required. A PESCI is typically needed only after a candidate has secured an eligible job offer for a position where the Medical Board requires one, particularly in general practice.
Framework for Clinical Competency Assessment
PESCI assessment overview: five domains for organising preparation and feedback.
What is assessed?
What is assessed?
What is assessed?
What is assessed?
What is assessed?
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) can work in a range of medical positions across Australia, including public hospitals, private hospitals, general practices, community health services and regional or rural health services. However, an IMG must hold the appropriate Medical Board of Australia/Ahpra registration before commencing medical practice. The registration available depends on whether the doctor is following the Standard, Competent Authority, Specialist, Expedited Specialist or another approved pathway.
For doctors on the Standard Pathway, passing the AMC CAT MCQ can be an important employment milestone. The Medical Board states that IMGs who have passed the AMC CAT MCQ may be eligible to apply for certain forms of limited registration for postgraduate training/supervised practice or an Area of Need position, provided the other registration requirements are satisfied. Completing the full AMC Certificate pathway and required supervised practice can lead toward general registration.
For doctors on the Competent Authority Pathway, securing a suitable Australian position is part of preparing for registration. After provisional registration is granted, the doctor generally completes 12 months (minimum 47 weeks full-time equivalent) of supervised practice before applying for general registration.
For doctors on the Competent Authority Pathway, securing a suitable Australian position is part of preparing for registration. After provisional registration is granted, the doctor generally completes 12 months (minimum 47 weeks full-time equivalent) of supervised practice before applying for general registration.
An IMG seeking employment should generally be prepared to provide evidence of medical qualifications and primary-source verification, registration or eligibility for registration, English-language compliance, recent clinical experience, CV and references, identity/right-to-work documentation, and any required supervision arrangements. The exact requirements vary according to the position and registration pathway.
GP employment can have additional requirements. For example, IMGs on the Standard or Competent Authority pathway applying for provisional or limited registration to work in general practice generally require a Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI).
Regional and rural Australia can be particularly important for IMG employment. Overseas-trained doctors may be affected by section 19AB Medicare restrictions, commonly referred to as the 10-year moratorium. For Medicare access, affected GPs generally need to work in a Distribution Priority Area (DPA) and affected non-GP specialists in a District of Workforce Shortage (DWS), subject to exemptions and other rules. Importantly, the restriction does not apply in the same way to salaried positions that do not attract Medicare benefits, such as many public hospital positions.
The Medical Board specifically directs IMGs seeking employment information to Australian state and territory health departments, as these are major sources of public hospital employment opportunities.
Australian Government – DoctorConnect and IMG employment information
Australian Government – Section 19AB and Medicare restrictions
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) pathway is one of the assessment pathways available for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who wish to pursue medical registration in Australia.
The pathway involves understanding eligibility requirements, completing required assessments, and progressing towards registration opportunities.
International Medical Graduates who completed their medical qualification outside Australia or New Zealand may need to complete AMC assessments as part of their pathway towards medical registration.
Requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances.
The first step is understanding your eligibility, pathway options, and preparation requirements.
A typical starting process includes:
The AMC assessment pathway includes examinations designed to assess medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and practical clinical skills.
Candidates should review current AMC requirements and choose preparation strategies suitable for their pathway.
Effective preparation usually involves:
Our AMC preparation resources are designed to help candidates organise their preparation effectively.
Preparation time varies depending on:
A structured study plan can help candidates prepare more efficiently.
A strong preparation approach may include:
Clinical preparation focuses on developing:
Practice, feedback, and structured preparation are important components of clinical readiness.
Candidates are assessed on their ability to:
Practice, feedback, and structured preparation are important components of clinical readiness.
Passing AMC assessments is an important milestone, but medical employment also depends on factors such as:
A strong Australian medical CV should clearly present:
Our medical CV resources help IMGs create professional applications.
Preparation can include:
