Update to the AMC MCQ Examination Pass Standard (Effective 2026)

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) has announced an upcoming update to the pass standard for the Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Examination. This change will come into effect from 2026 and represents a routine adjustment aligned with the AMC’s ongoing review processes.

This article summarizes what is changing, what remains the same, and how candidates can prepare.

What Is Changing From 2026?

From 2026, the AMC will introduce a slight increase in the pass standard for the MCQ Examination.

• • Candidate performance will continue to be reported on a 0–500 scale

• • The pass mark will still be described as 250

• • The updated, slightly higher cut score will be integrated within the existing scale

There is no change to the way results are reported to candidates.

Is the MCQ Examination Becoming Harder?

No.

• • The content, format, and structure of the MCQ Examination will remain unchanged

• • The adjustment reflects routine benchmarking and standard setting, not an increase in exam difficulty

The AMC periodically reviews the exam to ensure it reflects the level expected of graduating medical students in Australia.

Will the Scoring System Change?

No.

• • Results will continue to be reported on the 0–500 scale

• • The pass mark will continue to be referred to as 250

• • The revised standard will operate within this same scoring framework

Do Candidates Need to Answer More Questions Correctly?

No.
The MCQ Examination uses computer-adaptive testing, where questions are selected based on a candidate’s demonstrated ability.

A pass result indicates that a candidate has answered questions above the required difficulty level correctly, rather than achieving a fixed percentage score.

Why Is the AMC Making This Change?

The AMC regularly reviews the MCQ Examination to ensure that it remains:

• • Fair

• • Consistent over time

• • Aligned with the expected standard of Australian medical graduates

This includes benchmarking exercises with representatives from Australian medical schools.

Does This Affect Candidates Sitting the Exam in 2025?

No.

• • The updated pass standard applies only to examinations sat from 2026 onwards

• • Candidates who sat the MCQ Examination in 2025 were assessed under the previous standard

Will Previous MCQ Results Be Reassessed?

No.
All results are assessed against the pass standard in place at the time the examination was taken. Past results will not be reviewed or adjusted.

What Preparation Support Is Available?

To support candidates, the AMC introduced a free MCQ preparation app in 2025.

Key features include:

• • 210 practice questions

• • Feedback on each question

• • Available to all candidates scheduled for the MCQ Examination

The app has received positive feedback and will continue to be available in 2026, with a refreshed set of questions planned for April 2026.

Do Preparation Resources Need to Change?

No immediate changes are required.

• • Existing preparation strategies remain appropriate

• • The AMC MCQ preparation app continues to align with the exam blueprint and expected standard

Where Can Candidates Find More Information?

Candidates are advised to:

• • Refer to the AMC website for official updates

• • Contact the AMC MCQ team via the usual enquiry email for specific questions

Key takeaway:
The 2026 update represents a minor, routine adjustment to the pass standard, not a change in exam difficulty, structure, or reporting. Candidates preparing for the AMC MCQ Examination can continue their preparation with confidence using existing resources.