Key Takeaways:
- The Intern oral examination in Australia is the final step for overseas pharmacists seeking to obtain a license in Australia.
- This exam is crucial in obtaining registration from AHPRA to work as a registered pharmacist in Australia.
- This examination is conducted to assess the practical knowledge, communication skills, and problem-solving skills of interns
- For the preparation of this exam, students must focus on counselling skills, ethics, law, and skills to handle real pharmacy situations
- Examiners will assess the confidence and communication skills of an intern pharmacist
Introduction
The Intern Oral Exam in Australia is the final test that overseas pharmacists should handle before becoming a fully registered pharmacist. This exam is conducted to evaluate the practical application of knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to handle day-to-day pharmacy situations of an intern. Strategic preparation and proper guidance is essential to tackle this examination. This exam encompasses both interpersonal and academic skills. It showcases the ability of an intern to provide a patient-centric approach in their work and be an asset for the Australian healthcare sector This comprehensive blog post provides details on all aspects of the exam, from eligibility to study tips.What are the Eligibility criteria to attempt an intern oral exam in Australia?
- A skills assessment outcome letter received after passing the KAPS/OPRA exam
- Provisional registration with AHPRA as an intern pharmacist
- Completion of 75% of intern hours under the supervision of a registered pharmacist
- Must be enrolled in the Internship Training Program (ITP)
- Candidates must meet the CPD requirements
What is the exam format of the intern oral exam 2025?
The Pharmacy Board of Australia conducts the oral exam for intern pharmacists under the guidance of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The exam tests applicants’ applied knowledge, patient safety, and interpersonal skills, including proper communication and problem-solving capabilities.Key features of the examination are:
- Duration of examination is 35-40 minutes
- The mode of examination is face-to-face with an examiner
- Examiners will be experienced registered pharmacists under the guidance of the PBA
The core structure of the exam is divided into three major parts.
They are:- Part A: Primary Healthcare-Exam is conducted as role play, where candidates have to manage a patient’s minor health issues (eye infection, rash, or pain)
- Part B: Legal and professional practice -This includes discussions on pharmacy law and professionalism
- Part C: Problem solving and communication-A role play where candidates analyze the prescription of the patient and suggest the appropriate remark
Concepts that are assessed:
- Pharmaceutical calculations & dispensing accuracy
- Clinical decision-making
- Counselling and communication skills
- Legal and ethical responsibilities
- Handling complex patient scenarios
What are the preparation tips for an intern oral exam?
- Candidates must have a good knowledge of the Australian Medicine book
- Students can practice role play, which will improve their communication and counselling skills
- Candidates must have legal knowledge about the Australian Healthcare sector
- Practice mock tests regularly under exam-like conditions to build confidence
- Structured preparation with a syllabus aligned with the PBA
What are the fees for the intern oral exam?
| Exam | Fees in AUD | Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination Fee (Practice) | AUD 475.00 | INR 26,985.80 |
| Oral Exam (Appeal Fee) | AUD 195.00 | INR 11,078.38 |
| Oral Examination (Pharmacy Law & Ethics) | AUD 225.00 | INR 12,782.75 |
What are the common questions in the Intern oral exam?
- Dispensing errors and day-to-day Scenarios-candidates must identify medication errors in prescriptions. They must be able to explain drug interactions and have the ability to calculate dosages.
- Candidates must be able to provide patient counselling; they need to improve their ability to counsel patients, for example, on warfarin, insulin, or antibiotics.
- Development of Clinical Scenarios: for example, Advice and points to be noted for a patient with uncontrolled asthma, what advice and checks would you provide as a pharmacist?
- Knowledge about Law & Ethics: for example, how would you respond to a forged prescription? What are your obligations under PBS?
- Problem-solving and Judgment skills: Handling a conflict between patient safety and customer demand.
- Candidates will become eligible for general registration with AHPRA
- Candidates can work independently as a registered pharmacist
- There will no longer be a requirement for supervision
- They will be officially recognized as a registered pharmacist in Australia
Retake policy of the examination
Candidates can reapply through the AHPRA portal for the next available sitting if they fail the exam on the first attempt. However, each attempt requires paying the exam fee again.Conclusion:
The intern oral exam is an essential step for overseas pharmacists to become registered pharmacists in Australia. It tests clinical knowledge, communication, ethics, and problem-solving skills in an intern pharmacist. Structured preparation and practice in counseling are essential to handling the exam with confidence. This exam will make interns capable of handling real-life pharmacy challenges. Candidates who are serious about successfully clearing the intern oral exam in their first attempt, join Elite Expertise and start their personalized preparation journey with confidence and under the guidance of experienced Australian registered pharmacists – Arief Mohammad & Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Intern Oral Exam in Pharmacy (Australia)
The Pharmacy Board of Australia, through AHPRA, conducts the intern oral exam.
Yes, passing the oral exam is mandatory for full pharmacist registration in Australia.
The exam typically takes around 40–50 minutes to complete.
The exam may be conducted online or face-to-face, depending on Board updates.
You can reapply and retake it, but you may need to complete additional supervised practice.
Focus on high-risk medicines, patient counselling, dispensing accuracy, and pharmacy law.
Yes, calculators are allowed, but you must be confident in pharmaceutical calculations.
Yes, international graduates can take it once they complete the internship program in Australia.
Usually, there are two experienced pharmacist examiners present.
Practice role-plays, revise clinical cases, and review Australian pharmacy law thoroughly.
