If you’ve recently cleared the APC Intern Written Exam, you’re probably feeling a mix of relief, excitement and a big question mark about what comes next. The AHPRA Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam is the final step before full registration. This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about the AHPRA Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam, including 2026 dates, locations, eligibility, and application timelines, while also helping you understand how this exam fits into your transition from intern to employed pharmacist in Australia.
What Is the AHPRA Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam?
The Pharmacy Intern Oral Examination is conducted by the AHPRA to assess whether intern pharmacists are competent to practise safely and independently in Australia.
The exam focuses on:
- Clinical reasoning
- Ethical decision-making
- Communication skills
- Real-life pharmacy scenarios
It’s not about memorising facts, it’s about how you think and respond as a pharmacist.
Pharmacy Oral Exam Locations (By State & Territory)
The oral exam is conducted in major cities across Australia. You’ll select your preferred location during the application.
| State or Territory | Oral Exam Location |
| Australian Capital Territory | Canberra |
| New South Wales | Sydney |
| Northern Territory | Darwin |
| Queensland | Brisbane |
| South Australia | Adelaide |
| Tasmania | Hobart |
| Victoria | Melbourne |
| Western Australia | Perth |
AHPRA Pharmacy Oral Exam Dates – 2026
AHPRA offers three oral examination periods in 2026. These schedules may differ from previous years.
| Oral Exam Period | Applications Open | Applications Close |
| 2 Feb – 27 Feb 2026 | 16 Nov 2025 | 19 Dec 2025 |
| 1 Jun – 26 Jun 2026 | 2 Mar 2026 | 3 Apr 2026 |
| 5 Oct – 30 Oct 2026 | 29 Jun 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 |
Written Exam Requirement for Oral Exam Eligibility
Before applying for the oral exam, you must meet this requirement:
You are eligible only if you:
- Hold a current pass in the APC Intern Written Examination
- The pass must be valid at the oral exam application closing date
Validity reminder:
A written exam pass is valid for 18 months from the date of passing.
If your pass expires before applications close, you won’t be eligible.
Important Notes You Must Know
Before applying, keep these points in mind:
- Exams are not held every day during the listed periods
- The number of exam days per location depends on:
- Candidate numbers
- Examiner and venue availability
- You must remain available for the entire exam period
- Missing your allocated date may mean waiting months for the next cycle
How to Submit Your Application
You can apply in two ways:
- Online file upload portal (recommended)
- Postal application
If applying by post:
- Send your application well before the closing date
- Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances
Best practice: Use the file upload portal to avoid delays, postal issues, or missed deadlines.
What Happens After You Clear the Oral Exam?
Clearing the AHPRA Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam is a huge achievement, but it’s not the final step in your professional journey.
Once you pass:
- You become eligible for general registration
- Employers expect you to transition quickly into a pharmacist role
- Many candidates realise that securing the right job is the next real challenge
At this stage, having Australian pharmacy experience, employer sponsorship awareness, and location flexibility becomes just as important as exam success.
Why Early Job Planning Matters
Many interns wait until after the oral exam results to start job hunting. However, competitive roles especially in hospitals, regional pharmacies, and sponsored positions often require early applications and networking.
Planning ahead helps you:
- Move smoothly from intern to registered pharmacist
- Avoid gaps in employment
- Understand employer expectations across different states
- Identify roles that support visa, PR, or long-term career growth
From Exam Success to Career Success
Passing the oral exam proves you’re clinically and professionally ready, but exam clearance alone doesn’t guarantee a job many pharmacists struggle with where to apply, which locations are hiring, and how to meet employer expectations. Jobslly bridges this gap by connecting newly registered pharmacists with active job opportunities across Australia, guiding them toward high-demand locations, and supporting them with job-ready CVs and interview preparation, so you can move straight from exam success to employment without delay.
Final Thoughts
The AHPRA Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam is less about perfection and more about safe, professional decision-making. With the right preparation and awareness of timelines, it’s absolutely manageable.
Start early, and track your written exam validity. Apply on time and stay available during your chosen exam period. You’re closer than you think to becoming a fully registered pharmacist in Australia
