In this guide, we’ll explore tried-and-tested study tips and a curated list of recommended books to help you conquer the AMC CAT MCQ exam with confidence.
Understanding the AMC CAT MCQ Exam Format
Before diving into study techniques, it's essential to understand what you're up against.
The AMC MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) Examination is a computer-administered, adaptive test comprising 150 questions over 3.5 hours. The questions are designed to assess your clinical reasoning, medical knowledge, and decision-making in real-world scenarios similar to those in Australian healthcare settings.
The exam is adaptive, which means the difficulty level of the next question is influenced by your previous answer. The better you do, the harder the questions become – and that’s a good thing, because higher difficulty questions carry more weight in scoring.
- Start Early with a Strategic Study Plan
The AMC exam isn’t one you can cram for in a few weeks. Ideally, give yourself 4 to 6 months of preparation time. Break your study schedule into manageable phases:
- Phase 1: Foundation Building (1-2 months)
Focus on reading standard textbooks and understanding key medical concepts across all disciplines. - Phase 2: Core Study (2-3 months)
Dive into AMC-specific MCQs, practice case-based questions, and simulate exam-like scenarios. - Phase 3: Final Review (2-4 weeks)
Revise high-yield topics, take full-length practice exams, and focus on weak areas.
Consistency is key. Even if you can only study 3-4 hours a day, make it regular and purposeful.
- Understand the Blueprint and Prioritize Topics
The AMC provides a detailed examination blueprint that outlines the domains and subdomains the exam covers. This includes:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Psychiatry
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- General Practice and Preventive Medicine
Prioritize high-yield areas and understand the clinical context of each topic. Don’t just memorize facts – focus on why certain clinical decisions are made.
- Use AMC-Style Practice Questions Extensively
One of the best ways to prepare is to practice using AMC-style MCQs. These questions are often case-based and test your ability to interpret clinical data, identify diagnoses, and choose appropriate investigations or treatments.
Use question banks that closely simulate the real exam in terms of format and difficulty. Each time you attempt questions:
- Review every answer explanation, even the ones you got right.
- Keep a notebook or flashcards for topics you get wrong.
- Identify patterns in your mistakes (e.g., misinterpreting labs, rushing through details).
- Master Time Management and Exam Techniques
3.5 hours for 150 questions means you have about 1.4 minutes per question. To manage this:
- Practice timed exams regularly. It helps you build stamina and avoid burnout mid-exam.
- Don’t dwell too long on a single question. Mark it and move on.
- Learn to eliminate wrong answers quickly and make educated guesses when needed.
The AMC exam rewards sound clinical judgment, not perfection.
- Make Group Study and Discussions a Part of Your Routine
Studying alone can become isolating and monotonous. Consider joining or forming a study group with fellow AMC aspirants. Group study offers:
- Exposure to different perspectives and problem-solving approaches.
- Motivation and accountability.
- Opportunities to teach others, which reinforces your own knowledge.
Online forums and WhatsApp/Telegram groups for AMC prep are active and can be excellent platforms for collaboration.
- Revise Smart, Not Hard
During the revision phase, focus on high-yield and weak areas. Techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, and mind maps can make revision more effective.
Here’s what works best:
- Anki flashcards for quick recall.
- Case summaries to revise clinical pathways.
- Flowcharts for decision-making algorithms (e.g., ACLS, sepsis management, antenatal care).
Avoid passive rereading. Always test yourself and retrieve information without looking at notes first.
- Prioritize Self-Care and Mental Health
Preparing for the AMC CAT MCQ exam can be mentally taxing. Don’t underestimate the power of rest, exercise, and a healthy routine:
- Maintain a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.
- Incorporate physical activity into your day – even a short walk can help clear your mind.
- Practice stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing.
Your brain functions better when your body is taken care of.
- Recommended Books for AMC CAT MCQ Preparation
Having the right books can make a big difference. Here’s a list of trusted resources used by successful AMC candidates:
Core Medical Textbooks
- Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine
A concise and reliable reference for all medical disciplines, with a focus on practical application. - Murtagh's General Practice
Excellent for general practice scenarios and preventive medicine – a high-yield area in the AMC exam. - Talley and O’Connor’s Clinical Examination
Helps with clinical reasoning and physical examination skills. - Kumar & Clark’s Clinical Medicine
More detailed, great for building foundational understanding.
AMC-Specific Resources
- AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions
Official resource from AMC with authentic question types and answer explanations. - John Murtagh’s Practice Questions
Companion to Murtagh’s textbook, focused on GP and real-life scenarios. - PrepEM AMC MCQ Banks (Online)
Highly recommended for practicing timed MCQ exams. Platforms like AMCQBank and ExamSuccess are widely used. - Toronto Notes
Not AMC-specific but a solid resource for revising core concepts quickly.
- Mock Exams Are a Must
Simulating the real test is one of the best ways to boost your confidence. Schedule at least 3-4 full-length mock exams during your preparation. Treat them like the real thing:
- Sit in a quiet space.
- Time yourself strictly.
- Avoid interruptions.
Afterward, analyze your performance – note which sections slowed you down, which questions you missed, and why.
- Stay Updated with Australian Clinical Guidelines
The AMC exam tests your familiarity with current Australian clinical practice. Stay up to date by reviewing:
- RACGP Guidelines
- Therapeutic Guidelines Australia (eTG)
- Australian Immunisation Handbook
- NSW Health and other state-based clinical pathways
Knowledge of local standards helps you answer questions in the way AMC expects.
Final Thoughts: Stay Positive and Persistent
The AMC CAT MCQ exam is rigorous, but thousands pass it each year with careful planning and consistent effort. Don’t be discouraged by low scores early on — improvement comes with time and dedication.
Stay focused, use the right tools, practice smart, and remember that every question you practice brings you closer to success.