Intern Written Exam Dates 2026: Full Schedule, Registration & Important Deadlines

Are you an intern pharmacist preparing to take the next big step toward full registration in Australia? The Intern Written Exam 2026 is more than just a test; it’s a checkpoint that evaluates whether you’re ready to practice safely and effectively in the Australian healthcare system.

This blog will take you through everything you need to know: eligibility requirements, exam structure, important dates, locations,and preparation strategies. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to approach the exam with confidence and plan your study strategy effectively.

Learn About the Exam: What It Tests

The Intern Written Exam is designed to evaluate your skills, knowledge, and practical understanding as a pharmacy intern. Think of it as a checkpoint to ensure that you’re ready to practice safely and effectively in the Australian healthcare system.

Here’s a quick overview:

• Duration: 2 hours
• Number of Questions: 75
• Cost: AUD 770 per attempt

Passing the written exam is mandatory to move toward full registration. Alongside this, you’ll need to:

• Complete your supervised practice hours, signed off by your preceptors
• Complete your Intern Training Program
• Pass the Oral Exam conducted by the Pharmacy Board of Australia

Eligibility: Who Can Sit for the Exam?

You can register for the Intern Written Exam if you:

1. Are provisionally registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (or were registered in the past), and
2. Have completed at least 75% of your required supervised practice hours, or will have done so by the exam date

Tip: If you register but haven’t completed the required hours, a cancellation fee will apply.

This ensures that all candidates are on track with their internship experience, which is crucial for real-world pharmacy practice.

Major Updates 

The APC has revised the Intern Written Exam conditions from January 2026 to enhance the exam’s fairness, validity, and relevance to professional practice. Here’s what’s new:

• Restricted open-book format: Only one original paper copy each of the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) and Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook (APF). No notes, loose pages, or printed PDFs allowed. Small sticky flags are permitted.
• In-person delivery only: You must attend an approved test centre in Australia.
• Calculation questions: Now in Fill-in-the-Blank (FIB) format to ensure precision and understanding.

These changes are designed to simulate real-world scenarios and assess your independent clinical decision-making skills.

Exam Structure & Key Details

• Total time: 120 minutes (plus 5 minutes for NDA, 10 minutes tutorial, and 5 minutes post-exam feedback).
• Question types: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and Fill-in-the-Blank (FIB) for calculations.
• Scoring: 90% scored questions, 10% unscored (calibration) questions. Only scored questions count toward your result.

Remember: Success depends on meeting the national passing standard, not on how other candidates perform.

Competency Standards and Weightage

Here’s a breakdown of what the exam assesses:

Content Areas You Need to Know

The exam tests a broad range of topics, including:

• Therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, respiratory, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, haematology, ophthalmology, ENT, urology, nervous system, malignant diseases
• Medication management: assessing and implementing safe treatment plans
• Pharmaceutical calculations for dosing, compounding, and monitoring
• Patient care and counselling: culturally responsive approaches, adherence, lifestyle advice
• Health promotion and preventive care

Exam Dates and Registration

Important Registration Notes

• Registration opens at 9am AEDT/AEST and closes at 5pm AEDT/AEST
• Late registrations are not accepted
• Popular test centres may fill quickly, book as soon as possible

Test Centres Across Australia

The Intern Written Exam is offered only in Australia, at the following locations:

• Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Townsville

How to Prepare Effectively

1. Master your reference books – AMH and APF are essential, but don’t rely solely on them.
2. Practice calculations daily – precision matters in FIB questions.
3. Understand legal and ethical requirements – PBS, Schedules, privacy, and Pharmacy Board codes.
4. Use mock exams under timed conditions – simulate the 120-minute pressure.
5. Discuss and study with peers – sharing strategies and case discussions can improve understanding.

Understanding Results

• Exam results are reported as pass or unsuccessful; raw scores are not disclosed.
• The passing standard is evidence-based and ensures fairness across all exam forms.
• If unsuccessful, you can re-register and pay the fee to attempt the exam again.

Remember: The goal is competency, not competition. Your success is based on meeting national standards, not on other candidates’ performance.

Parting Thoughts

Preparing for the Intern Written Exam 2026 requires a strategic approach, combining a solid understanding of pharmacy practice, competency standards, and the practical application of knowledge. By familiarising yourself with the exam structure, content areas, and key dates, and by practising calculations, patient scenarios, and legal frameworks, you can approach the exam with confidence. 

For interns seeking structured guidance, expert mentorship, and comprehensive preparation resources, our Academically Australian Pharmacy Intern Written & Oral Exam Preparation provides targeted modules, mock exams, and personalised support to help you succeed on your first attempt. Investing in a systematic, evidence-based preparation plan is the most effective way to ensure you meet the standards required for full pharmacist registration in Australia.