Introduction to the AMC Part 2 Clinical Exam: Format, Content, and loopholes

So, you’ve just cleared the AMC Part 1 MCQ exam and you’re now eligible to sit for the AMC clinical exam. If you thought the MCQ exam was a difficult one, then buckle up because pass rates for the clinical exam are far lower, exactly half to be exact (28%). In its current format, a candidate is graded as either clear pass or clear fail (in the past, borderline candidates were offered a retest).

The Clinical exam format is a 20-station multidisciplinary structured clinical exam which assesses your skills in Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry.

Format:

Given below is a brief overview of the clinical examination format:

There is a total of 20 stations that you’ll have to complete

o 14 stations are scored stations

o 2 stations are pilot (non-scored) stations

o 4 stations are rest (non-scored) stations to give you a break between the scored ones

· Each station will be of 10 minutes duration

o 8 for the actual assessment

o 2 for the changeover and reading the written information for the next station

Each station may utilize actual patients, standardized patients or role-playing patients.

Scoring:

Scoring of each station is structured under the following broad headings:

· history

· physical examination

· investigations

· diagnosis/differential diagnosis

· therapeutics/management

· counseling/patient education

· Clinical procedures

The cost of sitting for the Clinical Examination is $3,530 so you want to make sure that you clear it on your first go, especially in light of the very low pass rate of 28%. Resources to help you clear the exam are discussed here.

Loopholes:

A caveat you should be aware of is that you could actually apply for a job and begin working before you’ve cleared the clinical exam, but you will still have to clear it in order to gain general registration. Furthermore, employers will generally prefer candidates who’ve cleared both the AMC MCQ and clinical exams.

The only way to do away with the clinical exam completely is to go through the workplace-based assessment. Keep in mind that there are 10 programs accredited by the AMC to offer workplace-based assessment and you will have to secure it on your own. You can find a list of program providers that offer workplace-based assessment in the table below.