Key Points to Remember
- The oral exam is mandatory for general registration.
- Eligibility: 75% of 1,575 hours, pass an APC exam and enrolment in ITP.
- Format: 3 parts – Primary Care, Legal/Professional, Problem Solving.
- Fees: AUD $475 (~₹26,985) exam; AUD $195 appeal; AUD $225 law & ethics.
- References: Only in Part C (AMH, APF, eTG, AusDI).
- Assessed on: Clinical skills, law, ethics, communication, professionalism
- Results: By email after Board ratification
- Prep Strategy: Reading main references, doing role-plays, mock exams, communication skills and training with Elite Expertise
Why the Oral Exam Is Important
The oral examination ensures that the interns are capable of:- Deliver safe, patient-centred care
- Interact effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals
- Implement pharmacy legislation and ethical principles in practice
- Use the drug therapy to solve the problem instantly
Eligibility Criteria for 2025
The Pharmacy Board of Australia agree that these requirements must be fulfilled:- You should have a provisional registration with AHPRA.
- At least 75% of the supervised practice hours must be completed.
- The APC Intern Written Exam should be passed.
- A Pharmacy Intern must be part of an Internship Training Program (ITP).
- Meet CPD requirements.
Exam Format
The exam is usually around 35-40 minutes and is held in person with the examiners (pharmacists who are experienced and have been registered). There are three sections in the exam:| Part | Focus Area | Duration | References Allowed |
| Part A | Primary Healthcare (role-play with a patient) | ~10 minutes | Not allowed |
| Part B | Legal & Professional Practice (discussion) | ~5 minutes | Not allowed |
| Part C | Problem Solving & Communication (role-play with prescriptions) | ~20 minutes | Permitted (AMH, APF, eTG, AusDI; no AI/search engines) |
What’s Assessed
Examiners evaluate your ability to:- Engage a patient in a structured interview and conduct counselling.
- Recognise and resolve prescription-related problems (interactions, errors, contraindications).
- Utilise pharmacy law, ethics, and professional standards.
- Present good communication skills and cultural awareness.
- Demonstrate correct professional decisions under stress.
Common Question Types
Typical exam scenarios may involve:- Identifying dispensing errors or potential drug interactions.
- Providing drug information to patients on insulin, antibiotics, or warfarin.
- Advising patients with asthma or other minor ailments.
- Dealing with a counterfeit prescription or an unethical request.
- Helping patients and doctors understand drug changes simply.
Exam Fees (2025)
| Exam Type | Fee (AUD) | Fee (INR) |
| Oral Exam (Practice) | $475 | ₹26,985 approx. |
| Appeal Fee | $195 | ₹11,078 approx. |
| Law & Ethics Exam | $225 | ₹12,782 approx. |
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
1. Understand the Rules
The first step should be to familiarize yourself with the official Candidate Guide. Understand what references are allowed, the structure of the exam, as well as key dates.2. Study Core Resources
- Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) – drug information and dosing
- Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF) – patient information and practice standards
- Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) – treatment protocols
- PBS – prescribing and subsidy rules
3. Practise Role-Plays & Scenarios
Practice patient interactions for Part A and Part C. For Part B, discuss about legal dilemmas. Mock practice helps to build confidence.4. Strengthen Communication Skills
- Ask open-ended questions
- Use teach-back methods
- Be empathetic and culturally aware
5. Master Law & Ethics
Be aware of your responsibilities as per the National Law, PBS, and Pharmacy Board standards. Prepare yourself to clarify your decisions when confronted with complicated situations.6. Mock Exams for Confidence
Timed practice tests simulate exam pressure and enable you to control anxiety during the actual exam.Recommended Study Tools
| Resource | Use |
| AMH | Quick reference for drugs and interactions |
| APF | Counselling and primary care guidance |
| eTG | Evidence-based treatment guidelines |
| AusDI/MIMS | Drug database and safety checks |
| PBS | Cost, rules, and subsidy framework |
| Mock Exams | Practice under timed conditions |
Elite Expertise Oral Exam Prep Course
The Elite Expertise Oral Exam Preparation Course is specifically designed to provide structured support to staff who want to succeed on their first attempt.Course Features:
- Practice oral exams replicating actual exam situations.
- Flexible learning via live and recorded sessions.
- Expert guidance from working clinical pharmacists registered in Australia.
- Learning resources covering core topics, exam format, and real clinical case examples.
- Concentration on communication and ethics.
- Personalised feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Meet the Educators:
- Arief Mohammad used to be a mentor for pharmacists going overseas. He has the expertise to break down complex topics, build confidence in exams, and prepare interns thoroughly to handle pharmacy law and ethics.
- Harika Bheemavarapu is well-known for her engaging style. She enhances the knowledge and communication skills of the interns through the use of case-based learning, role-play scenarios, and by providing them with practical, patient-focused counselling strategies.
Why It Works:
- Organised preparation reduces exam anxiety.
- Learn directly from experienced clinical pharmacists and gain practical insights that connect theory to real-life pharmacy practice.
- Builds confidence in problem-solving and communication.
- Supports you with step-by-step coaching.
Final Thoughts
The Intern Oral Exam 2025 is not just a test; it is a check of professional preparedness. To achieve a good result the candidate is required to possess medical knowledge, effective communication skills, reason well from an ethical point of view and show confidence. After going through the authentic source materials, role-playing, and utilising a well-planned support such as the Elite Expertise Oral Exam Prep Course, you will be competent enough to pass the test and start your pharmacy career in Australia.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Oral Exam for Pharmacists in Australia
Yes, the oral exam is compulsory for pharmacists seeking full general registration in Australia.
You must complete at least 75% of the required 1,575 internship hours before applying for the oral exam.
The oral exam is conducted by the Pharmacy Board of Australia, supported by AHPRA.
The three parts of the oral exam are: Primary Healthcare, Legal & Professional Practice, and Problem Solving & Communication.
Reference materials are allowed only in Part C, including AMH, APF, eTG, and AusDI.
The oral exam lasts around 35–40 minutes in total.
The oral exam fee in 2025 is AUD $475 (approximately ₹26,985) for the practice exam.
Results are emailed to candidates after ratification by the Pharmacy Board.
The exam assesses clinical reasoning, legal and ethical knowledge, communication skills, and professionalism.
Prepare by studying AMH, APF, and eTG, practising role-plays and mock exams, and considering structured training courses like Elite Expertise.
