Hi @carina_MD
That's an excellent summary of the Standard Pathway.
To answer your questions...
"Hi everyone. I just passed the PLE this Sept. 2019. No working experience yet - no moonlighting, residency, etc. Planning to work ASAP on my dream to settle in Australia in the future. I'd like to summarize what I researched (for my plan) but I have some clarifications in between. Looking forward to your inputs!
STANDARD PATHWAY
Apply to AMC, make portfolio (AUD 500)
Pass the AMC MCQ exam (Exam fee: AUD 2720)
Secure an employment offer
(What happens if I fail to secure an employment immediately? Is there an expiry date to my AMC MCQ passing?) - There is no expiry date for the AMC MCQ. You can either secure a job offer after passing the MCQ or after passing the Clinical exam. I would suggest that you clear both MCQ and Clinical exams first before getting a job offer as I have noticed that most people who are on a limited registration (those who are practicing and have not yet passed the clinical exam) find it more difficult to clear the Clinical exam while working as compared to those who are not yet working as a doctor as they have more time to prepare, review and practice/roleplay for the Clinical exam.
Apply for limited registration
Complete 12 months supervised practice
(Is there salary or allowance in this 12-month training already?) - Yes, starting salary for a resident working in a hospital is around AUD75,000 per year depending on the state you are working in
- AMC Clinical exam (AUD 3,530) OR Workplace-based assessment (AUD 650)
(After completing the 12-month training, what happens if you do not take the Clinical Exam immediately?)
(Is it difficult to do the Workplace-based assessment? As it seems to be the better next-step than the clinical exam) - If you do not take the Clinical exam immediately, AHPRA will look for proof of your progress in obtaining a general registration and being stuck with a limited registration means you have to regularly submit performance reports to AHPRA. I did not do a workplace-based assessment but those whom I know that have done it, passed it but you would need to be employed by the hospital accredited to do WBA before you can apply for it.
- Apply for general registration
Another option I'm looking at is taking the COMPETENT PATHWAY by taking the NZREX (New Zealand Registration Exam) first. I've read somewhere that NZREX has a better passing rate than AMC clinical exam.
Take NZREX (Application: NZD 747.50, Exam fee: NZD 4312.50)
Do 1-2 years of supervised training in New Zealand
Apply to AMC
Secure employment in Australia
Apply for provisional registration
Complete 12 months supervised practice
Apply for general registration
I'd like to hear your thoughts! Thank you!"
Hope this helps!