The Intern Pharmacy Oral Exam in Australia is the final step towards pharmacist registration. This exam tests real workplace skills. It checks how a candidate speaks with patients, solves problems, and applies Australian pharmacy law in daily practice.
Both Australian pharmacy interns and overseas-qualified pharmacists must pass this exam before full registration. With the right plan and clear knowledge, success remains achievable.
Let us see what the exam format is and how you should prepare for the Intern Pharmacy Oral Exam.
Why the Intern Pharmacy Oral Exam Is Important
The intern pharmacy oral exam confirms that a pharmacist can work safely and professionally in Australia.
This exam matters because it:
- Confirms safe patient care skills
- Test communication with patients and health staff
- Checks knowledge of Australian pharmacy law and ethics
- Acts as a final step before general registration
Who Must Sit the Pharmacy Oral Exam
Two main groups appear for the oral exam:
- Australian Pharmacy Interns
Intern pharmacists must pass the oral exam after completion of required internship hours and the Intern Written Exam. - Overseas-Qualified Pharmacists
Overseas candidates must first complete skills assessment and written exams such as the OPRA exam before eligibility for internship and oral assessment.
Eligibility Criteria
- Provisional Registration- You must be registered as a pharmacy intern with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
- Supervised Practice Hours- You must have completed at least 75% of the required supervised practice hours by the first day of the Oral Exam period.
- Written Exam Requirement- Passing the written exam is not mandatory before sitting the oral exam. However, both exams must be passed within the allowed time frame to gain general registration.
- Application Submission- You must submit the official oral exam application form (APOE-60) by the published closing date for your state or territory.
The Pharmacy Board of Australia uses this exam to ensure that every registered pharmacist meets national standards and protects public health.
Pharmacy Oral Exam Structure and Components
The oral exam follows a structured format. Examiners ask practical questions based on real pharmacy situations.
Main areas tested include:
- Patient communication and medicine advice
- Clinical problem solving
- Pharmacy law and professional ethics
- Safe supply of medicines
A candidate may need to explain medicine use, respond to side effects, or handle ethical issues in a pharmacy setting.
Intern Pharmacy Oral Exam Format
The exam is approximately 35 minutes long and is divided into three parts.
| Exam Part | Focus Area | Duration | References Allowed |
| Part A | Primary Healthcare | ~10 minutes | No |
| Part B | Legal & Professional Practice | ~10 minutes | No |
| Part C | Problem Solving & Communication | ~20 minutes | Yes |
Part A: Primary Healthcare
This section involves a role-play scenario where the examiner acts as a patient. You are expected to:
- Take a structured patient history
- Identify common primary healthcare conditions
- Recommend appropriate non-prescription treatments
- Provide clear counselling and safety advice
- Demonstrate professional communication skills
No reference materials are allowed in this section.
Part B: Legal and Professional Practice
This short section assesses your understanding of:
- Pharmacy laws and regulations
- Professional and ethical responsibilities
- Decision-making in legal or ethical situations
You will be asked to explain how you would manage a situation and justify your actions. Reference materials are not permitted.
Part C: Problem Solving and Communication
This is the longest and most detailed part of the exam. You may be given scenarios involving:
- Prescriptions and medication histories
- Drug interactions or contraindications
- Patient counselling
- Communication with prescribers or carers
In this section, you are allowed to use reference materials, provided they are used appropriately and professionally.
What Skills Are Assessed?
Across all three parts, examiners assess whether you can:
- Apply clinical knowledge safely
- Communicate clearly with patients and healthcare professionals
- Demonstrate sound clinical reasoning
- Practise ethically and legally
- Prioritise patient safety
The focus is on how you think, communicate, and justify your decisions.
Intern Pharmacy Oral Exam 2026 Schedule: Key Dates
The Pharmacy Board of Australia releases three oral examination periods each year. Here is the official 2026 timeline for exam periods and application windows:
| Oral Exam Period (2026) | 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 |
Intern Pharmacy Oral Exam Fees
Fees may change each year. The table below shows average fees based on official sources.
| Exam Type | Fee (AUD) | Approx. Fee (INR) |
| Oral Exam – Practice | $475 | ₹27,000 |
| Oral Exam – Law & Ethics | $225 | ₹13,000 |
| Appeal Fee (if required) | $195 | ₹12,000 |
Overseas pharmacists may also pay extra fees for skills assessment and OPRA exams before internship eligibility.
Preparation Tips for Success
Strong preparation builds confidence and clarity.
1. Use approved study resources. You should study Australian references such as:
- Australian Medicines Handbook
- Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary
- Therapeutic Guidelines
These resources reflect daily pharmacy practice in Australia.
2. Practice oral answers with peers and mentors. Clear speech matters a lot. You should speak your answers aloud and explain the steps in simple language.
3. Focus on patient safety.Examiners value safe decisions, clear advice, and ethical judgment over complex detail.
4. Learn pharmacy law and legislation.Knowledge of prescription rules, controlled medicines, and professional duties remains essential.
5. Attempt mock oral exams. It will help you understand the structure and time management.
6. Enrol In Oral Exam Preparation Classes . This will help you practice for the test with experts and peers. Group study also boosts confidence and improves communication skills.
7. Practice patient counselling and clinical reasoning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushed answers without a clear structure
- Overuse of technical words with patients
- Weak knowledge of Australian law
- Lack of confidence during communication
Simple explanations and calm behavior create a positive examiner impression. Upon completing the assessment successfully, you can apply to verified jobs at Jobslly.
Final Thoughts
The Pharmacy Oral Exam in Australia serves as a final professional check before full registration. It ensures readiness for real pharmacy work.
You have already cleared most of the path to registration. You can pass this exam with a clear study strategy, steady practice, and building strong communication skills. Once cleared, you can move forward as registered pharmacists in Australia.
