If you’re here, you’ve probably cleared the OPRA exam, and if that’s the case, congratulations. That’s a huge milestone and proof that you have the knowledge and determination to practice pharmacy in Australia, but clearing OPRA is not the end of the journey.
The next and most decisive step is the APC Intern Written and Oral Examination. This exam is where theory meets real-world pharmacy practice. It determines whether you’re ready to move from provisional registration to becoming a fully registered pharmacist in Australia.
For many interns, this stage raises the most questions: When can I sit the exam? Am I eligible yet? How difficult is it? What exactly do they test? This complete blog answers all of those questions.
So, if you’re an overseas-trained pharmacist (OPRA pathway), this blog will help you understand the exam process, plan your timeline, and prepare with confidence.
What Is the APC Intern Written and Oral Exam?
The Pharmacist Intern Written and Oral Examination is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) to assess whether pharmacy interns are ready for independent professional practice. Unlike university exams, this assessment focuses heavily on real-world pharmacy decision-making, patient safety, and professional judgement.
Passing the exam confirms that you meet the standards required by the Pharmacy Board of Australia, allowing you to progress from provisional registration to general pharmacist registration.
In simple terms, this exam answers one question: Are you ready to practice as a safe, competent pharmacist in the Australian healthcare system?
The assessment consists of two compulsory components:
- Intern Written Examination
- Intern Oral Examination
Both must be passed to complete the registration pathway.
Why This Exam Is So Important for Pharmacy Interns
The Australian pharmacist intern exams are not just another academic hurdle. They play a critical role in ensuring patient safety and professional accountability. The APC uses these assessments to evaluate how well interns can:
- Apply clinical knowledge in everyday pharmacy practice
- Interpret legislation and professional standards
- Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals
- Make sound decisions under pressure
Clearing these exams opens the door to permanent roles across community pharmacies, hospital settings, aged care facilities, and industry positions. Many interns also begin actively exploring pharmacist vacancies around this stage, as employers often request confirmation that candidates are exam-ready or recently registered.
Eligibility Criteria for the Pharmacy Intern Written Exam
You are eligible to apply for the Intern Written Exam if you meet the following conditions:
- You are currently or previously provisionally registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia
- You have completed at least 75% of the required 1,575 supervised practice hours, or will complete them by the exam date
Timing is crucial; registering without meeting the internship-hour requirement may result in application cancellation and fees, so it is essential to align your work schedule with exam dates.
Understanding the 2026 Exam Timeline
The APC offers multiple exam cycles throughout the year, giving interns flexibility to choose a suitable attempt. However, registration windows are fixed and strictly enforced.
Once you sit the Written Exam:
- Results are released on scheduled dates
- A pass remains valid for 18 months
- You must apply for and complete the Oral Exam within this validity period
Missing an application deadline can delay your registration by several months, which may also impact employment opportunities. Many interns, therefore, plan their exams alongside job-search timelines to ensure a smooth transition into registered roles.
Intern Oral Examination
While the Written Exam assesses your foundational knowledge, the Intern Oral Examination evaluates how well you apply that knowledge in real-life pharmacy practice. This is often considered the most practical and professionally relevant part of the APC assessment process.
The Oral Exam is designed to test your clinical reasoning, communication skills, ethical judgement, and decision-making ability in scenarios you are likely to encounter as a practising pharmacist in Australia.
Oral Exam Application and Scheduling
The APC opens oral exam applications several times a year. Important points to keep in mind:
- Exams are not conducted on every date within the published exam period
- Exam days vary by location, depending on candidate numbers and examiner availability
- Candidates must remain available for the entire exam period
Once applications close, candidates are randomly allocated a specific date and time. Allocation details are emailed approximately two weeks before the exam period begins, making it essential to keep your AHPRA contact details up to date.
Oral Exam Format and Assessment Style
The Intern Oral Examination is scenario-based and typically includes:
- Patient counselling scenarios
- Clinical case discussions
- Ethical and legal decision-making questions
- Professional communication assessments
You are assessed on how you think, explain, and justify your decisions not just on arriving at the correct answer. Clear communication, patient safety, and adherence to Australian pharmacy standards are critical.
Why the Oral Exam Matters
Passing the Oral Examination confirms that you can:
- Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals
- Apply legislation and professional guidelines appropriately
- Manage clinical risks and prioritise patient care
Successfully clearing both the Written and Oral Exams completes your APC assessment requirements and brings you one step closer to general pharmacist registration in Australia.
Step-by-Step Process: From Internship to General Registration
1. Complete Your Internship Hours
Begin your supervised practice under provisional registration and work toward completing 1,575 hours.
2. Apply for the Intern Written Exam
Monitor APC registration windows, confirm eligibility, and submit your application with the exam fee.
3. Sit the Written Examination
The written exam assesses:
- Clinical knowledge
- Calculations
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Professional judgement
4. Receive Written Exam Results
Once passed, your result remains valid for 18 months.
5. Apply for the Oral Examination
Applications open several months before each oral exam period. A valid written exam pass is mandatory.
6. Oral Exam Allocation
Exam dates and times are randomly assigned and communicated approximately two weeks before the exam period.
7. Sit the Oral Examination
The oral exam focuses on real-life pharmacy scenarios, communication skills, and decision-making ability.
8. Receive Final Results
Passing both components completes your APC assessment requirements.
9. Apply for General Registration
After clearing exams and completing all internship hours, apply to the Pharmacy Board of Australia for full registration.
Changes to the Intern Written Exam From January 2026
From January 2026, the APC has introduced updated exam conditions to strengthen assessment quality and integrity.
Key Changes Include:
- Restricted open-book format
- In-person exam delivery only
- Introduction of Fill in the Blank (FIB) calculation questions
These updates mean interns must focus on understanding concepts and efficient reference use rather than relying on memorisation alone.
Intern Written Exam Structure and Format
Exam Overview
- Computer-based assessment
- Conducted at approved test centres
- Total of 75 questions (MCQs and FIB calculations)
Permitted Reference Materials
Candidates may bring one physical copy each of:
- Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH)
- Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF)
Digital materials, handwritten notes, loose papers, and oversized tabs are not permitted.
Time Allocation
- 120 minutes of exam time
- Additional time for instructions and feedback (not counted)
Exam Content and Topic Areas
The written exam assesses competencies from Domains 1 and 3 of the National Competency Standards Framework, focusing on patient-centred medication management.
Common topic areas include:
- Calculations
- Cardiovascular, endocrine, and respiratory conditions
- Gastrointestinal and dermatological disorders
- Ophthalmology and ENT
- Vaccination and health promotion
- Statutory requirements and professional practice
Life After the Intern Exams: Career Planning Matters
Passing the Intern Written and Oral Exams is a turning point in your pharmacy career. Many interns begin preparing for registered pharmacist roles even before receiving final results. Having a clear view of current job trends, preferred locations, and employer expectations can make this transition smoother.
At this stage, many pharmacists start exploring dedicated pharmacy-focused job platforms to understand market demand, salary ranges, and role requirements across Australia. Keeping an eye on pharmacist vacancies early allows you to align your skills, registration timeline, and preferred work settings effectively.
Final Thoughts
The APC Intern Pharmacy Exam is challenging, but it is also a well-structured and fair assessment of real-world pharmacy practice. With the right preparation strategy, time management, and understanding of exam expectations, clearing both the Written and Oral Exams on your first attempt is entirely achievable.
Approach the exam as a professional milestone rather than an obstacle. Plan early, prepare smartly, and stay informed not just about the exam, but also about the career opportunities that follow.
Your journey from intern to registered pharmacist starts here.