If you’re a medical student abroad or an aspiring international doctor dreaming of practicing medicine in the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia — this guide is for you!
We’ll walk you through every step, exam, and requirement you need to know to make your dream a reality.

Whether you’re wondering how to become a doctor in USA, understanding medical licensing Canada, or figuring out the PLAB exam requirements for the UK, we’ve got you covered!

✨ Table of Contents

1. Becoming a Doctor in the USA

2. Becoming a Doctor in the UK

3. Becoming a Doctor in Canada

4. Becoming a Doctor in Australia

5. Final Tips for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

Becoming a Doctor in the USA

The United States offers amazing career opportunities for doctors, but the pathway can be complex, especially for international medical graduates (IMGs).

Step 1: Complete Medical School

• You must graduate from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

• It’s crucial to attend an institution recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Step 2: ECFMG Certification

Before you can apply for residency or take licensing exams, you need ECFMG certification:

• Submit your credentials (diploma, transcripts).

• Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge).

Step 3: Pass the USMLE Exams

Here’s the breakdown:

• USMLE Step 1: Focuses on basic medical sciences (anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, etc.).

• USMLE Step 2 CK: Tests your clinical knowledge and skills.

• USMLE Step 3 (later in residency): Tests your ability to apply medical knowledge in an unsupervised setting.

Pro Tip: Start preparing early — USMLE exams are notoriously challenging!

Step 4: Apply for Residency (The Match)

Once certified:

• Apply via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

• Participate in The Match (NRMP), which pairs applicants with residency programs.

Step 5: Complete Residency

• Residency programs last 3–7 years, depending on your specialty.

• During this time, you are a licensed intern/trainee doctor under supervision.

Step 6: Obtain a Full Medical License

After completing residency and USMLE Step 3:

• Apply for full licensure through your state’s medical board.

• Requirements vary slightly between states, so research your desired state.

Keywords used: become a doctor in USA

Becoming a Doctor in the UK

Dreaming of the NHS or private healthcare system? Here’s how to get there!

Step 1: Medical Degree Recognition

• Your medical school must be recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC).

• Check if your qualifications meet their standards.

Step 2: Pass the PLAB Exam

The PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) test is essential for most IMGs.

PLAB Exam Requirements:

• English Proficiency: Pass IELTS (minimum 7.5 overall) or OET.

• Medical Knowledge: Take and pass:

  • PLAB 1: Multiple-choice exam focusing on clinical scenarios.

  • PLAB 2: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

Fun Fact: You can book PLAB 1 in several countries, but PLAB 2 must be taken in the UK.

Keywords used: PLAB exam requirements

Step 3: Apply for GMC Registration

After passing PLAB:

• Apply for Full Registration with a license to practice.

• Submit proof of identity, qualifications, and PLAB results.

Step 4: Find a Job

• Start as a Foundation Year 1 (F1) doctor or enter directly into specialty training, depending on your experience.

• NHS job websites are a great place to begin.

Becoming a Doctor in Canada

Canada offers excellent healthcare systems and high doctor salaries — but medical licensing Canada is highly competitive for IMGs.

Step 1: Confirm Medical Degree Eligibility

• Your school must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

• Certification from the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) is needed.

Step 2: Pass the Required Exams

You must clear:

• Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I: Computer-based test assessing medical knowledge and decision-making.

• National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Exam: A clinical skills exam for those entering residency.

Optional but recommended:

• MCCQE Part II: (Currently paused but historically required for full licensure.)

Step 3: Apply for Residency

• Through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).

• Some provinces like British Columbia or Ontario offer special IMG residency programs.

Important: You may need to complete additional assessments or bridging programs in certain provinces.

Step 4: Complete Residency Training

• Usually 2–6 years based on specialty.

• Training is rigorous but rewarding.

Step 5: Obtain Provincial Medical License

• After residency, apply for full licensure from a provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Keywords used: medical licensing Canada

Becoming a Doctor in Australia

Australia is known for its high standard of healthcare and beautiful lifestyle!

Step 1: Verify Your Medical Degree

• Check if your medical school is recognized by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).

Step 2: Choose Your Assessment Pathway

International medical graduates have three main pathways:

1. Competent Authority Pathway:

   • For doctors from approved countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Ireland).

   • Typically easier with fewer exams.

2. Standard Pathway:

   • Requires passing:

     • AMC CAT MCQ Exam (multiple choice)

     • AMC Clinical Exam (OSCE-style)

3. Specialist Pathway:

   • For doctors seeking specialist recognition.

Step 3: Pass the AMC Exams (Standard Pathway)

• AMC MCQ Exam: Tests clinical knowledge.

• AMC Clinical Exam: Assesses practical skills.

Step 4: Apply for Registration

• After passing the exams, apply for limited registration for supervised practice.

• Later, apply for general registration.

Step 5: Complete Additional Requirements

• Complete a period of supervised practice (usually 12 months).

• Some candidates also need to pass an English proficiency test (IELTS/OET).

Final Tips for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

• Start early: Begin exam preparations during your final years of medical school.

• Strong English skills are essential: Almost every country requires an English language exam.

• Budget carefully: Exam fees, travel, and application costs can add up.

• Clinical experience matters: Gain internships or electives in your target country if possible.

• Stay persistent: The journey is tough, but the reward is enormous!

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed doctor in the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia as an international medical graduate is a challenging but achievable dream.
Whether you’re focused on understanding how to become a doctor in USA, tackling medical licensing Canada, or meeting PLAB exam requirements for the UK, preparation, patience, and passion are key to your success.