Medical Licensing Exams
Becoming a licensed doctor requires more than just completing an MBBS degree. To practice medicine legally in different countries, medical graduates must pass specific licensing exams that assess their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide safe and effective healthcare.
These exams vary by country, ensuring that doctors meet the medical standards of their respective nations. If you are an aspiring medical professional planning to practice in India, the USA, the UK, Canada, Germany, or Australia, understanding the medical licensing process is crucial.
Below, we provide detailed insights into the most recognized medical licensing exams worldwide, including their structure and requirements.
NExT (National Exit Test) – India
NExT aims to be a single-window exit exam for medical graduates, serving as both a licensing exam and a test for postgraduate admissions.
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Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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NExT (National Exit Test) Details:
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It replaces the NEET PG (for postgraduate medical admissions) and the FMGE (for foreign medical graduates).
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It's a mandatory exam for all MBBS graduates, regardless of whether they completed their medical education in India or abroad.
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It is a qualifying exam for foreign medical graduates who want to practice in India.
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Current Status: The National Medical Commission (NMC) initially planned to implement NExT in 2023, but the implementation was delayed, and the exam is scheduled to be conducted in August 2025, according to the latest updates from the NMC. Officially, no date has been provided yet for the NExT exam.
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Structure:
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NExT Step 1: Will be a theory examination with multiple-choice questions.
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NExT Step 2: Will be a practical or clinical and viva voce examination covering seven disciplines.
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Who will conduct the exam? All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS Delhi) is expected to conduct the NExT exam.
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Purpose: The NExT is intended to ensure a uniform standard of competency for all medical graduates before they can practice independently in India. ​​
USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) – USA
The USMLE is required for medical graduates who wish to practice in the USA. It assesses a doctor’s ability to apply medical knowledge and patient care skills.
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Exam Structure:
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Step 1: Tests knowledge of basic medical sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc.).
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Step 2:
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Clinical Knowledge (CK): Tests diagnosis and treatment knowledge.
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Clinical Skills (CS): Assesses patient interaction, communication, and physical examination skills.
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Step 3: A final test that evaluates a candidate’s ability to practice medicine independently.
Passing all three steps is necessary to obtain a medical license in the USA.
PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) – UK
The PLAB exam is required for foreign medical graduates who want to practice in the United Kingdom. It ensures that international doctors meet UK medical standards.
Exam Structure:
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PLAB 1: A multiple-choice written exam covering clinical scenarios.
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PLAB 2: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) that tests practical skills and communication with patients.
Once both exams are cleared, candidates can apply for registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) to practice in the UK.
MCCQE (Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination) – Canada
The MCCQE is a licensing exam for medical graduates who wish to practice in Canada. It is required to obtain the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC).
Exam Structure:
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MCCQE Part 1: A computer-based test that assesses medical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
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MCCQE Part 2 (OSCE): A practical exam testing clinical skills, including patient interaction and diagnosis.
Candidates must complete additional residency training and certification to become fully licensed in Canada.
AMCCAT (Australian Medical Council Clinical Aptitude Test) – Australia
The AMCCAT is required for foreign medical graduates who want to practice in Australia. It ensures that international doctors meet Australian healthcare standards.
Exam Structure:
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AMC MCQ Exam: A multiple-choice test covering fundamental medical sciences and clinical knowledge.
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AMC Clinical Exam: A practical skills test using OSCE stations to assess patient management and diagnosis abilities.
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Successful candidates must complete an internship and meet Australian Medical Council (AMC) registration requirements.
TMS (Test for Medical Studies) – Germany
The TMS (Test für Medizinische Studiengänge) is an aptitude test for students seeking to study medicine in Germany. It does not directly grant a medical license but helps universities assess applicants’ logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Exam Structure:
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Sections include:
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Logical reasoning and problem-solving
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Memory and text comprehension
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Data interpretation and pattern recognition
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The TMS is not mandatory but improves the chances of admission to German medical universities.
A Step Closer to Your Medical Career
Choosing the right medical licensing exam depends on where you plan to practice as a doctor. Whether it’s NExT for India, USMLE for the USA, PLAB for the UK, MCCQE for Canada, AMCCAT for Australia, or TMS for Germany, each exam plays a crucial role in ensuring medical professionals meet the required standards. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your journey towards becoming a globally recognized doctor!
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