Evidence-Based Study Guide

Your Complete AMC MCQ
Study Guide

A structured, evidence-based approach to passing the AMC MCQ exam. Built from the official AMC blueprint, proven study techniques, and insights from doctors who have successfully passed.

AMC CAT Exam Format — Key Facts

150 questions in 3.5 hours (210 minutes) = 84 seconds per question
Computer Adaptive: Correct answers lead to harder questions; incorrect answers lead to easier questions.
March Recalls: ~50% of questions come from previous exams

Medicine and Surgery comprise 50% of the exam — allocate at least 60% of your study time here.

AMC Exam Blueprint

Understanding the exam weightings is the first step to efficient preparation. Allocate your study time proportionally.

Content Area%QsPriorityHours
Adult Health - Medicine
30%45HIGHEST18+
Adult Health - Surgery
20%30HIGHEST12+
Women's Health (OBGYN)
12.5%19MODERATE7.5+
Child Health (Paediatrics)
12.5%19MODERATE7.5+
Mental Health (Psychiatry)
12.5%19MODERATE7.5+
Population Health & Ethics
12.5%19MODERATE7.5+
Total100%15060+

Time Allocation Breakdown

Adult Health - Medicine18h (30%)
Adult Health - Surgery12h (20%)
Women's Health (OBGYN)7.5h (12.5%)
Child Health (Paediatrics)7.5h (12.5%)
Mental Health (Psychiatry)7.5h (12.5%)
Population Health & Ethics7.5h (12.5%)

Study Strategy: The plan allocates 60+ hours of content review plus ~20 hours of MCQ practice. At 2 hours per day, this takes approximately 30 days. At 1 hour per day, allow 60 days.

7 Evidence-Based Study Techniques

These techniques are backed by cognitive science research and specifically adapted for medical exam preparation.

Chunking

Group related information into meaningful clusters

Pomodoro Technique

Structured intervals to maintain peak focus

Active Recall & Spaced Repetition

Test yourself repeatedly at increasing intervals

Interleaved Practice

Mix topics to build flexible clinical reasoning

Topic-by-Topic Breakdown

Every discipline broken down into focused study topics with prioritised question targets.

Medicine

20 topics

Study Hours18h
Exam Questions45
Study Sessions18
Cardiology 1Cardiology 2Cardiology 3Respiratory 1+16 more

Surgery

10 topics

Study Hours12h
Exam Questions30
Study Sessions10
Acute Abdomen 1Acute Abdomen 2Upper GIColorectal+6 more

OBGYN

6 topics

Study Hours7.5h
Exam Questions19
Study Sessions10
Prenatal CareLabourPostpartumHigh-Risk Pregnancy+2 more

Paediatrics

6 topics

Study Hours7.5h
Exam Questions19
Study Sessions8
NeonatalGrowth & DevelopmentImmunisationsCommon Presentations+2 more

Psychiatry

6 topics

Study Hours7.5h
Exam Questions19
Study Sessions8
Mood DisordersMood TreatmentAnxietyPsychosis+2 more

Population Health & Ethics

6 topics

Study Hours7.5h
Exam Questions19
Study Sessions8
Screening 1Screening 2PreventionEthics 1+2 more

12-Week Master Study Plan

A structured, week-by-week plan that covers every topic systematically. Adjustable to your timeline and baseline knowledge.

12 Weeks

Total Duration

60+

Content Hours

20+ Hours

MCQ Practice

5+

Full Mock Exams

Essential Resources

Key references and guidelines you should be familiar with for the AMC exam.

AMC Official Website

Official exam information, registration, and handbook

Visit Resource

RACGP Red Book

Preventive health guidelines for general practice

Visit Resource

Australian Immunisation Handbook

Complete immunisation schedule and recommendations

Visit Resource

Therapeutic Guidelines

Evidence-based treatment guidelines used across Australia

Visit Resource

Murtagh's General Practice

Comprehensive reference for primary care — essential AMC resource

eTG Complete

Electronic Therapeutic Guidelines — drug dosing and management

Visit Resource