The Intern Written Exam is one of the most decisive checkpoints in a pharmacy intern’s journey to registration in Australia. It is not just an exam, it is a formal declaration by AHPRA that you are ready to move from supervised training toward independent professional practice.
Every year, capable interns delay their registration or lose exam fees simply because they misunderstand one thing: eligibility. Confusion around AHPRA requirements, provisional registration, and the supervised practice hours remains one of the most common and most costly mistakes in the intern year.
This blog cuts through the confusion. It explains, in clear and practical terms, exactly who is eligible to sit the Intern Written Exam, how the internship hours are assessed, and what you must have in place before you register. If you are planning your exam timeline, tracking your internship hours, or preparing for general registration, this is information you cannot afford to get wrong.
What Is the Intern Written Exam?
The Intern Written Exam is a nationally administered assessment designed to evaluate whether a pharmacy intern can apply knowledge and professional judgement in real-world Australian pharmacy practice.
The exam assesses an intern’s ability to:
- Apply clinical and therapeutic knowledge safely
- Make appropriate dispensing and medication management decisions
- Demonstrate professional and ethical judgement
- Understand and apply Australian pharmacy laws and practice standards
Successful completion of the Intern Written Exam is required before progressing further in the registration process.
Intern Written Exam: Key Details
- Duration: 2 hours
- Number of questions: 75 multiple-choice questions
- Exam format: Computer-based
- Exam availability: Australia only
- Exam fee: AUD 790 per attempt
The exam is delivered at approved test centres, with seat availability varying by location and session.
Eligibility Criteria for the Intern Written Exam
To register for the Intern Written Exam, candidates must meet both eligibility requirements set by AHPRA.
1. Provisional Registration with AHPRA
You must:
- Hold current provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia, or
- Have previously held provisional registration and be completing outstanding requirements
Your registration must be valid at the time of exam application and on the exam date.
2. Supervised Practice and Training Hours
AHPRA requires pharmacy interns to complete a total of:
1,575 hours of supervised practice
These hours must be completed:
- At an AHPRA-approved training site
- Under the supervision of an approved preceptor
- As part of a Board-approved Intern Training Program
How Training Hours Affect Exam Eligibility
Interns are not required to complete all training hours before sitting the Intern Written Exam.
To be eligible, you must have completed:
- At least 75% of the required supervised practice hours, or
- Be able to complete the required percentage by the exam date
This equates to approximately 1,180 hours.
If you register for the exam without meeting this requirement, you may be required to cancel your booking and pay a cancellation fee.
Dates and Locations
The Intern Written Exam is conducted on scheduled dates each year. Candidates must register within the specified registration period to secure a seat for their preferred exam session.
Intern Written Exam Schedule – 2026
| Registration Period | Exam Date(s) | Results Released |
| 6 January – 26 January 2026 | 16 February 2026 | 12 March 2026 |
| 24 March – 25 May 2026 | 15 June 2026 | 30 July 2026 |
| 4 August – 21 September 2026 | 19–20 October 2026 | 3 December 2026 |
Registrations open at 9:00 am and close at 5:00 pm (AEDT/AEST). Late registrations are not accepted.
Test Centres in Australia
The Intern Written Exam is offered only in Australia. Candidates can sit the exam at the following test centres:
| Test Centre |
| Adelaide |
| Alice Springs |
| Brisbane |
| Canberra |
| Darwin |
| Hobart |
| Melbourne |
| Perth |
| Sydney |
| Townsville |
Seat availability varies by location and exam session. Some centres may reach full capacity early. Candidates are advised to book as soon as registrations open. Additional seats or centres may be available for larger exam sessions.
What Training Hours Count Toward Eligibility?
Only approved, supervised practice contributes toward eligibility.
Counted hours include
- Dispensing and patient counselling
- Medication management and clinical services
- Professional pharmacy services
- Supervised clinical decision-making
- Approved workplace learning activities
Not counted
- Unsupervised work
- Administrative-only duties
- Practice at non-approved sites
- Duties outside your approved scope
Clarification should be sought from your training provider or preceptor if required.
What Happens After Passing the Intern Written Exam?
After passing the Intern Written Exam, interns may:
- Complete any remaining supervised practice hours
- Progress to the Intern Oral Exam
- Apply for general registration once all requirements are fulfilled
The written exam is a key regulatory milestone, but it is not the final step in the registration pathway.
Finding a Job After Pharmacist Registration
Completing the Intern Written Exam and obtaining general registration opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities across Australia. Newly registered pharmacists can explore roles in community pharmacy, hospital settings, primary care clinics, aged care, industry, and other emerging practice areas. However, navigating the job market after registration can be challenging, especially for early-career pharmacists who are unfamiliar with hiring trends, location-based demand, or employer expectations.
This is where dedicated pharmacy-focused job platforms can make the process more efficient. Jobslly is a specialised platform designed to connect registered pharmacists with verified employers across Australia. By focusing specifically on healthcare and pharmacy roles, it helps candidates find relevant opportunities, compare roles across locations, and apply with confidence as they transition from intern to fully registered pharmacist.
Final Thoughts
The Intern Written Exam is a central requirement for pharmacy interns seeking general registration in Australia. With strict eligibility rules and limited exam windows, careful planning is essential.
By understanding how eligibility is assessed, confirming your registration status, and ensuring your training requirements are on track, you can avoid unnecessary delays and progress smoothly toward full pharmacist registration.