Pathways for IMGs to Register and Work in Australia: Standard vs. Competent Authority

If you’re a doctor trained overseas and looking to work in Australia, the two main routes to medical registration are the Standard Pathway and the Competent Authority Pathway. These pathways are regulated by the Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) and the Australian Medical Council (AMC).

This guide breaks down both options — including what exams are required, what type of registration you can get, and how much experience you need.

✅ 1. Standard Pathway (AMC Exams Route)

This is the most common pathway for IMGs who are not eligible for the Competent Authority or Specialist pathways. It is ideal for those who completed their medical training in countries that are not part of Australia’s “recognized” authority group (e.g. India, Iran, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.).

Who can apply?

• You have a primary medical degree from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
• You do not meet the Competent Authority criteria (see below)
• You want to gain general registration in Australia

Steps involved:

🧪 Step 1: Pass AMC Part 1 (MCQ Exam)

• A computer-based multiple-choice exam (CAT format)
• You can take this test from several countries around the world
• Once you pass AMC 1, you’re eligible for Limited Registration and can begin working under supervision

🧑‍⚕️ Step 2: Pass AMC Clinical (Part 2) OR Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA)

• AMC Clinical: a practical OSCE-style exam with 16 stations (requires you to be in Australia)
• WBA: an alternative assessment over 6 months in a hospital setting (limited slots available, but less exam pressure)

✅ After passing this step, you receive the AMC Certificate

📝 Step 3: Apply for Provisional Registration

• With your AMC Certificate in hand, you can apply to AHPRA for provisional registration
• You must complete 12 months of supervised practice (minimum 47 weeks full-time)

🎯 Step 4: General Registration

• After successful supervision and performance reviews, you are eligible for General Registration, which allows independent medical practice in Australia

🌍 2. Competent Authority Pathway

This pathway is designed for IMGs who have already been assessed and registered by a trusted international authority. It’s a much faster route to provisional registration, but only applies to specific countries and credentials.

Who qualifies for the Competent Authority Pathway?

You must meet both of the following:

1. ✅ Medical degree from a recognized medical school
   AND
2. ✅ Passed a licensing exam (like PLAB or USMLE) and have clinical experience in the same system

Recognized Competent Authorities:

• United Kingdom: PLAB + at least 12 months supervised practice in the NHS
• United States: USMLE Step 1 + Step 2 CK + at least 2 years of ACGME-accredited training
• Canada: LMCC + minimum 12 months of postgraduate clinical training
• New Zealand: NZREX or NZ primary medical degree + clinical experience
• Ireland: Irish-accredited medical degrees (only some programs)

⚠️ Experience Requirement

It’s not enough to just pass PLAB or USMLE. You must also have worked in that system under supervision for example:

• At least 12 months NHS Foundation Year post-PLAB in the UK
• At least 2 years ACGME-accredited residency post-USMLE in the US

If you haven’t completed this post-exam supervised experience, you are not eligible for this pathway.

🔄 What Happens After Competent Authority Recognition?

1. Apply directly to AHPRA under the Competent Authority Pathway
2. You’ll be granted Provisional Registration
3. Complete 12 months of supervised work in Australia
4. Apply for General Registration (same endpoint as Standard Pathway)

👉 You skip the AMC exams entirely, but only if you meet all the requirements.

🔍 Standard vs. Competent Authority – Quick Comparison

💡 Bonus: Can You Work After AMC Part 1?

Yes!
Once you pass AMC Part 1, you can apply for Limited Registration and start working under supervision while you prepare for your AMC Clinical exam or WBA. This is a great way to get local Australian experience early in your journey.

🧭 Final Advice

• If you qualify for the Competent Authority Pathway, it can save you time and effort but be aware that you still need post-exam experience in that system.
• If not, the Standard Pathway is reliable and widely used. It takes more time and exams but gets you to the same endpoint: general registration in Australia.

Both routes require 12 months of supervised work in Australia before you’re fully registered.