Step-by-Step Guide to Pass The APC Pharmacy Intern Written Exam

Have you completed 75% of your required supervised practice hours as a pharmacist intern in Australia? You’re now ready to sit in the intern exams by the Australian Pharmacy Council.

If you’re an international pharmacy graduate or intern aiming to practise in Australia, passing the APC exam, officially known as the Australian Pharmacy Intern Written Exam, is one of the most important steps in your professional journey. This exam tests your clinical and pharmaceutical knowledge and your understanding of Australian laws, ethics, and pharmacy practice standards.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the exam structure to actionable tips for APC intern written exam preparation, so you can prepare thoroughly and pass confidently.

Also Read: Latest Updates on APC Intern Written Exam Delivery in 2025

1. Understand the Exam Structure

The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) administers the Intern Written Exam to assess your readiness to work as a registered pharmacist in Australia. It evaluates whether you can apply knowledge safely and professionally in real-life pharmacy situations.

Australian Pharmacy Intern Written Exam Overview

APC Exam Format

The exam includes 75 multiple-choice questions to be completed within a 2-hour window.

Of these, 67 questions will count toward your final score, while 8 are unscored pilot questions used for testing. The questions appear randomly, but you can flag any you’d like to revisit before submitting the exam.

The APC exam is designed around the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia and covers six key areas:

• Calculations
• Counseling
• Dosage forms
• First aid competency
• Law and ethics
• Therapeutic areas and disease state management

Each question presents a scenario, and you’re expected to select the most appropriate response using your clinical reasoning, guidelines, and ethical judgment. This is not just about memorising facts; it’s about applying knowledge practically. 

Once you finish the exam, you’ll have 5 minutes to complete a short survey.

Also Read: Australian Intern Written Examination: A Comprehensive Guide

2. Create a Targeted Study Plan

Success starts with a smart study strategy. To begin preparing for the Australian intern pharmacy written exam, you’ll need to plan ahead, ideally giving yourself at least 10–12 weeks of focused preparation.

• Organise your reference materials and APC exam syllabus in advance. Use bookmarks or sticky tabs to make them easy to navigate during prep and practice exams.
• Start reviewing legal content early to be confident with pharmacy laws and regulations, especially Schedule 3 medications.
• Develop a strong understanding of the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH). It’s a key resource and essential for success in the exam.
• Practice as many mock tests as possible to sharpen your exam technique and build confidence.
• Work on your time management skills. Practice pacing yourself so you can complete all questions within the time limit.
• Watch out for question keywords like MOST, LEAST, and INCORRECT – they can change the meaning entirely.
• Create a personal sheet of key formulas and quick-reference calculations. It’ll help speed up your work during the test.

3. Review the Best Resources Aligned with the APC Intern Written Exam Syllabus

For effective APC exam preparation, stick with resources that align with the exam content and competencies. You must have access to:

• APC Intern Written Exam Guide and Sample Paper: Start here to familiarise yourself with the question format and sample topics.
• Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH): For clinical guidelines and drug monographs.
• Therapeutic Guidelines (TG): Helps understand treatment pathways for various conditions.
• Professional Practice Standards (PPS): These are essential to understand the expected scope of a pharmacist’s practice in Australia.
• Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics (Pharmacy Board of Australia): Key for legal and ethical questions.

Don’t waste time switching between too many resources. Instead, focus on mastering the most relevant ones. One such resource is Elite Expertise’s Australian Pharmacist Intern Written Exam Preparation course.

Our all-in-one course is designed to tackle the struggles many self-study candidates face. With a clear structure, expert support, and plenty of practice, you’ll build the knowledge, confidence, and exam techniques needed to ace the Intern Written Exam.

4. Focus on Weak Areas with a Strategic Approach

Once you’ve covered the basics, it’s time to focus on your pain points. Start by identifying your weaker areas through quizzes and mock exams.

• Create summary notes in your own words.
• Use flashcards and apps for spaced repetition.
• Form study groups and explain concepts to each other.
• Book consultation sessions with your preceptor to clarify difficult topics.

Targeted revision is much more efficient than random studying to prepare for a pharmacy exam. Focus on areas that challenge you the most.

5. Practise with Sample Questions and Mock Exams

Practice makes perfect. The more questions you solve related to the APC exam syllabus, the more confident you’ll feel on exam day. Past papers and mock exams test your knowledge and improve your timing and decision-making skills.

• Use Timed Sessions to simulate real exam conditions.
• Analyse Your Mistakes. Review both correct and incorrect answers to identify patterns.
• When unsure, use the process of elimination to eliminate the incorrect options.
• Think Clinically! Treat each MCQ like a mini case study – what’s the problem, what guideline applies, and what’s the safest response?

6. Stay Updated on Pharmacy Laws and Guidelines

Law and ethics are critical components of the Australian Pharmacy Intern Written Exam. You must know national laws, medication schedules, and practice guidelines.

• Schedules of Medicines: S2, S3, S4, and S8 medications are essential.
• Handling Prescriptions and Dispensing Rules
• Privacy and Confidentiality Laws
• Dealing with Impaired Colleagues and Reporting Obligations
• PBS and Medicare Billing Protocols

Visit the Pharmacy Board of Australia regularly for the most recent updates, bulletins, and policy changes.

7. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

Don’t underestimate the importance of your well-being during APC exam preparation. Burnout and stress can seriously affect your memory and concentration.

• Get enough quality sleep each night.
• Use the Pomodoro technique for productive study blocks.
• Take regular breaks to stretch and move.
• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.
• Practise mindfulness or light exercise to stay calm and focused.

A healthy body and mind will help you study smarter, not just longer.

Also Read: How to Register and Prepare for the Australian Intern Written Exam

8. Registration for APC Exam 

You can apply for registration for the APC Exam if you’re:

• Provisionally registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia, and you’ve
• Completed at least 75% of their required supervised practice hours for general registration.

How to Register:

1. Create an account on the APC Candidate Portal.
2. Submit your eligibility documents and register during the designated application window.
3. Select a nearby Pearson VUE testing centre and schedule your exam.
4. Pay the exam fee and wait for your confirmation email.
5. You’ll have to pay a cancellation fee if you register but fail to meet the required hours.

9. Prepare for the Exam Day

• Arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes early.
• You can only bring approved ID documents and calculators (standard or scientific – no internet/text storage/camera), printed reference books, and/or pre-approved comfort aid.
• Bring 2 valid, original ID documents. Your primary ID must have your full name, DOB, photo, and signature. Examples include a passport, government-issued ID card, citizenship card, or AUS/NZ driver’s licence. 

The secondary ID must have either your name + photo or name + signature—examples: credit card or debit card.

• If you lack proper ID, email support should be provided at least 3 business days before the exam (no ID images. Submit the information in writing).
• During the exam, you’ll have access to the following digital tools: an on-screen calculator (standard and scientific), a Scratchpad for notes, a Highlighter tool, a Strikethrough tool, and an Exam timer.
• Read every question carefully. Don’t skim.
• Trust your APC exam preparation; don’t panic if you find a tricky question.

You are not expected to answer every question correctly. Aim for a safe, clinical, and logical approach.

Final Thoughts

The  APC intern written exam is a challenging but achievable milestone in your pharmacy career. Achieving success in this exam takes more than just hard work. It calls for smart study strategies, in-depth APC exam preparation, and access to trusted resources. That’s where Elite Expertise makes a real difference.

Our program is led by two highly respected clinical pharmacists, Mr. Arief Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu, who are practicing professionals in Australia. They bring real-world insights into the virtual classroom, making every session practical and engaging. With their expert mentorship, clear learning path, and well-crafted study materials, future pharmacy interns are fully equipped to reach their career goals in the Australian healthcare system.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to pass but to prove you’re ready to practise pharmacy safely and confidently in Australia.