Introduction
In Australia, getting fully registered as a pharmacist is a difficult but ultimately satisfying process. The journey begins with passing the OPRA test, which is a big step toward starting your internship in Australia. The next big step is the Intern Written and Oral test. Successfully passing both exams becomes a mandate to become registered pharmacist in Australia.
The Intern Written Exam is meant to test your skills, knowledge, and understanding as a pharmacy intern. This is done to make sure you are ready to work safely and successfully in Australia’s changing healthcare system.
Overview of the Intern Written Exam
The Intern Written Exam is one component of the General Registration Exam, alongside the Intern Oral Exam. Both exams are administered by the Pharmacy Board of Australia and are prerequisites for general registration as a pharmacist.
Key internship requirements include:
Supervised Practice: Completion of 1575 hours of the required supervised practice hours, verified by your preceptor.
Intern Training Program (ITP): Completion of an approved and accredited Intern Training Program (ITP).
This guide tells you everything you need to know to prepare for the Intern Written test, such as how to register, how the test is set up, how to study, and how Elite Expertise can help you.
Australian Intern Written Exam Format and Structure
Duration: 2 hours
Number of Questions: 75
Eligibility Criteria
If a candidate is provisionally registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia or were previously registered, then you become eligible for the Intern Written exam.
Another criteria is to complete at least 75% of the required supervised practice hours which is around 1575 hours of training or will have completed the hours by the exam date.
Important: If you register without meeting the required hours, a cancellation fee applies.
Exam Dates and Locations
The exam is offered multiple times a year across various test centers in Australia, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and others.
Upcoming Exam Dates
Registration Period | Exam Dates | Results Released |
---|---|---|
7 Jan- 27 Jan 2025 | 17- 18 Feb 2025 | 13 March 2025 |
18 March- 19 May 2025 | 16- 17 June 2025 | 10 July 2025 |
15 July – 1 Sep 2025 | 6- 8 Oct 2025 | 30 Oct 2025 |
Registration Process
Registration Period: Opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm AEDT/AEST. No late registrations are accepted.
Fee: AUD770 per attempt.
Seat Availability: The availability of Test centers depends on the registrations which generally fills up quickly, so it is recommended to register early.
Special Accommodation Requests: Candidates with specific needs can request special accommodations during the registration process by providing supporting documents. This approval can take around two business days.
Intern Written Exam Preparation
Study Guide: To get a good idea of what the test will cover and how the questions will be set up, look at the official study guide on the APC website.
Mock tests: Sample papers can help you build your confidence and figure out what you need to work on.
Time management: 75 questions in two hours is not easy, so you need to make sure you’re well-prepared. Practice makes all the difference. Make sure you finish the test within the time limit by planning how you will use your time well.
The mentors at Elite Expertise are both licensed pharmacists in Australia. They will help you prepare for the Intern Written and Oral Exams by giving you study tools, practice tests, and personalized advice and not just that with their experience in the industry they teach through case studies which is and added advantage.
Results and Reattempts
Results are released approximately two weeks after the exam as either ‘Pass’ or ‘Unsuccessful.’
Candidates who do not pass can re-register for the next available session. After three unsuccessful attempts, exam counseling is available to help improve your preparation strategy.
Next Steps After the Exam
Oral Exam: Prepare for and pass the Intern Oral Exam, administered by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Full Registration: Once you pass both exams and meet all internship requirements, you can apply for general registration as a pharmacist
Validity of the Intern written exam: This exam is valid for 18 months only.
Conclusion
Elite Expertise: Why Should You Pick It?
It can be hard to study for the written and oral exams for interns, but Elite Expertise is here to help you every step of the way.
These are our services:
Expert-led training sessions tailored to the Australian Intern Written and Oral Exams.
Access to high-quality study materials and resources.
Mock tests and exam strategies to build confidence and enhance performance.
At Elite Expertise your success is our top priority, and we’ll help you feel confident on your way to becoming a fully registered pharmacist in Australia.
For personalized guidance and preparation support, contact us today!