Introduction
The journey to become a pharmacist in Australia requires preparation at every step. Initially the Overseas pharmacists from countries like India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and so on follow the Knowledge stream. This stream starts with the skills assessment procedure where the capabilities of the pharmacist abroad are assessed and check if they are on par with the Australian standards. The documents are verified following the candidate site for the OPRA exam.
Once the overseas pharmacist clears the OPRA exam and the English language proficiency test, they can apply for Visa. Once the Visa is approved the candidate needs to complete supervised training hours (1575 hours). After you complete the 75% of the supervised hours, you become eligible for the Australin Intern Written exam followed by the Intern Oral exam. The next step is to apply for registration to practice as a fully licensed pharmacist in Australia. Passing the Intern Written Exam is a crucial part of this journey. If you are an overseas pharmacist or an intern in Australia, here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate the Australian Intern Written Exam process.
Also Read: How to Become a Pharmacist in Australia for International Students: A Complete Guide
Eligibility for the Intern Written Exam
To be eligible for the Intern Written Exam, you must:
- Be provisionally registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PharmBA) or have been registered in the past.
- Have completed at least 75% of the required supervised practice hours needed for general registration or be on track to complete them by the exam date.
- If you fail to meet the required hours after registering, you will be charged a cancellation fee.
Australian Intern Written Exam Format and Duration
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Questions: 75 multiple-choice questions
- Scoring: 67 scored questions + 8 unscored (pilot) questions
- Pass Standard: Set based on competency and past candidate performance
- Cost: AUD $770 per attempt
For official exam details, visit the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) website.
Australian Intern Written Exam Syllabus
Key Topics Covered in the Exam:
The Intern Written Exam is based on the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia (2016) and covers six main content areas:
Australin Intern Written Exam Dates & Locations (2025)
The Intern Written Exam is conducted at test centres across Australia. Below are the key dates:
| Registration Period | Exam Dates | Results Released |
| 7 Jan – 27 Jan 2025 | 17 – 18 Feb 2025 | 13 Mar 2025 |
| 18 Mar – 19 May 2025 | 16 – 17 Jun 2025 | 10 Jul 2025 |
| 15 Jul – 1 Sep 2025 | 6 – 8 Oct 2025 | 30 Oct 2025 |
Test Centers
Seats are limited, so register early! Visit AHPRA for registration details.
How to Prepare for the Intern Written Exam
Study Official Guidelines: The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and AHPRA provide detailed guidelines on exam topics.
Use Open-Book Resources: The exam is open-book, so you can bring printed or hand-written materials (but no blank paper).
Practice with Sample Questions: Familiarize yourself with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and case-based scenarios.
Complete Mock Exams: Simulate the 2-hour exam environment to improve time management and confidence.
Next Steps After Passing the Australian Pharmacist Intern Written Exam
The Intern Written Exam is only one part of the general registration process. After passing, you must:
- Pass the Intern Oral Exam, conducted by the Pharmacy Board of Australia
- Complete your Intern Training Program (ITP)
- Have your supervised practice hours signed off by your preceptor
Once you complete all these steps, you can apply for general registration as a pharmacist in Australia!
Final Thoughts
If you’re an overseas pharmacist or an intern aiming to become a registered pharmacist in Australia, passing the Intern Written Exam is a key milestone. With the right preparation and study plan, you can successfully clear the exam and move one step closer to your pharmacy career in Australia!
Need help with your preparation? Elite Expertise provides expert guidance, study materials, and mock tests to help you excel in the Intern Written Exam and beyond.
Start your journey towards registration today!
