TL;DR: Band 6 isn't enough for registration: Ahpra needs IELTS Academic 7 overall, with at least 7 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing. The AMC sets no English score, so you can still sit the AMC MCQ at band 6.
A band or more short? Start English exam preparation now, alongside AMC Part 1, rather than waiting for the results window.
Writing is often the gap, especially Task 2, which carries twice the weight of Task 1.
Ahpra accepts two sittings of the same test no more than 12 months apart, with 7 overall in each and no section below 6.5.
AMC Academic's IELTS Academic course scores writing and speaking against the band descriptors and tracks each skill towards 7.
What band 6 means for your AMC pathway
| Step | Is band 6 enough? |
|---|---|
| Sitting the AMC CAT MCQ | Yes. The AMC sets no English score |
| Registering with Ahpra | No. You need IELTS Academic 7 overall (6.5 in writing) or the equivalent |
You'll still read 150 AMC exam questions in English in 3.5 hours, about 84 seconds each, so reading speed matters on the day too. The rules for every accepted English exam are in do you need an English exam for the AMC exam?
Start now if you're a band or more short
Our IELTS Academic plan for doctors is clear: if you're a band or more short, often in writing, start English exam preparation now, in parallel with AMC Part 1. Don't leave it for the three weeks after your AMC MCQ. That window suits candidates who are already close to 7.
Book the real test only when your practice scores meet the target.
The eight-week plan, stretched for band 6
The plan runs 45 to 60 minutes a day, six days a week:
1. Week 1: a full timed diagnostic in all four skills.
2. Weeks 2–3: your weakest skill.
3. Week 4: re-test.
4. Weeks 5–6: your next weakest skill.
5. Week 7: timed sets at the time of day you'll sit the real test.
6. Week 8: taper.
From band 6, stretch weeks 2 to 6 until your practice bands reach 7.
Where doctors usually lose marks
| Section | Where IMGs lose marks |
|---|---|
| Listening | Concentration over 30 minutes, and mishearing numbers or names |
| Reading | Time: many candidates run out on the third passage |
| Writing | Task 2, where doctors under-develop the argument |
| Speaking | Part 3, where questions turn abstract and opinion-based |
Writing is often the gap. Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1, so plan it for five minutes before you write. Keep clinical shorthand such as "HbA1c" out of your essays, and always give Task 1 an overview; without one, it's hard to score above 5 for Task Achievement. More section-by-section tips, with 16 free practice questions, are in IELTS Academic tips for doctors.
Rules that help when you're close
Ahpra accepts up to two sittings of the same English exam, no more than 12 months apart. For IELTS, each sitting needs 7 overall, with no section below 6.5.
An IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days is accepted.
Sit at a test centre, on paper or computer. IELTS Online isn't accepted.
Your result must be under two years old when you lodge your registration application.
How AMC Academic helps
Every AMC Academic plan includes the full IELTS Academic course. Writing and speaking are scored against the band descriptors, with an estimated band and AI-powered feedback, and speaking records straight from your device. Band tracking shows each skill moving towards 7.
Astra, our AI study companion, reads your record across both exams, including where your IELTS band is drifting (how Astra works). It's a study aid, not a substitute for timed practice. Try 20 AMC Part 1 questions free, or see what's in each plan.
Common questions
Is IELTS band 6 enough for Ahpra?
No. Ahpra needs IELTS Academic 7 overall, with at least 7 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing.
Can I sit the AMC exam with IELTS band 6?
Yes. The AMC doesn't require an English exam to sit the AMC CAT MCQ. English is a Medical Board requirement for registration.
How do I get from band 6 to 7?
Start now, in parallel with AMC Part 1. Follow the eight-week plan, stretch the middle weeks, and book the test once your practice scores reach 7.
Which section do doctors find hardest?
Writing is often the gap, especially Task 2, which carries twice the weight of Task 1.
Can I take OET instead of IELTS?
Yes. Ahpra accepts OET. For tests from 23 April 2026, you need 350 in listening and writing and 360 in reading and speaking.
Related guides
Sources: Ahpra: accepted English language tests (updated 23 April 2026) · AMC: English language proficiency