EMedBuddyPassing the AMC clinical exam is the milestone most of the pathway has been building toward. It's also where a new, less-discussed set of steps begins. Here is what to do next, in a practical order, following on from what to do after passing AMC Part 1.
Key takeaways
- Passing AMC 2 completes your AMC qualification, but registration with Ahpra is a separate step you must actively apply for.
- Start your supervised-position job search in parallel with registration, not after it finishes.
- Documentation gathering for registration takes longer than expected, start it immediately, not once you feel ready.
- The path from here typically runs supervised registration → general registration → optional specialty training.
1. Confirm and save your result
As with AMC 1, download and safely store your result the moment it's available. You'll need it repeatedly for registration and employer paperwork.
2. Understand what you've actually completed
Passing AMC 2 typically completes your AMC primary qualification requirement. Registration itself is a separate step, applied for and granted by Ahpra, not the AMC. Don't assume one automatically triggers the other, you need to actively apply.
3. Apply for medical registration
Most IMGs at this stage apply for limited or provisional registration, which allows supervised practice while you build toward general registration. Gather your documentation (identity, qualifications, AMC results, English test result, any required health/character checks) early, since incomplete applications are a common source of delay. See our step-by-step registration and document checklist guide for the broad document categories and where delays usually happen.
4. Line up a supervised position
Start this in parallel with your registration application rather than waiting for it to finalise. Regional and rural hospitals often have more openings and can be a strong starting point. Our guide to working as a doctor in Australia, IMG salary and career prospects guide and job interview prep guide cover the job search, pay structure and interview process in more detail.
5. Prepare for your first supervised rotation
Expect an orientation period, defined supervision requirements, and likely regular appraisals or logbook-style check-ins depending on your role and state. This is also where the structure, safety-netting and plain-language communication habits from clinical exam prep pay off directly, they're the same skills the job itself rewards.
6. Plan your longer path
From supervised practice, most IMGs progress toward general registration over time, and some go on to pursue specialty college training. Timeframes vary a lot here, it's worth researching your target specialty college's specific IMG pathway early rather than assuming a default route.
The two things people delay too long
- Starting the registration application. Documentation gathering takes longer than expected, don't wait until you feel "fully ready" to begin.
- Starting the job search before registration finalises. Running both in parallel, rather than sequentially, is what actually shortens your time to your first pay cheque.
Does passing AMC 2 automatically give me registration?
No. Passing the clinical exam typically completes your AMC primary qualification requirement, but medical registration is a separate application you make to Ahpra, it does not happen automatically.
Should I look for a job before my registration is finalised?
Yes, running the job search in parallel with your registration application, rather than waiting for registration to finish first, is what actually shortens your time to a first pay cheque.
What comes after supervised practice?
Most IMGs progress from supervised or limited registration toward general registration over time, and some go on to pursue specialty college training. Timeframes vary a lot by specialty, so check your target college's specific IMG pathway.