Key Takeaways
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The Intern Pharmacist Oral Exam is run by AHPRA on behalf of the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
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The last 2026 oral exam period runs 5–30 October 2026.
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The exam has three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C.
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You need 75% of your 1,824 internship hours done, plus a valid written exam pass.
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The oral exam fee is AU$489 (national fee).
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Pass both the written and oral exams within 18 months of each other for full registration.
Quick Summary
The AHPRA intern pharmacist oral exam is the final step before full registration in Australia. In 2026, the last exam period is 5–30 October. It has three parts, costs AU$489, and requires 75% of your internship hours plus a valid written exam pass. You must clear both exams within 18 months.
What Is the AHPRA Intern Pharmacist Oral Exam?
The Intern Pharmacist Oral Exam (also called the oral examination practice) is run by AHPRA for the Pharmacy Board of Australia. It checks if you can safely handle real pharmacy situations through role play and discussion with two examiners.
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Assesses your ability to apply knowledge in real practice scenarios.
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Run by AHPRA on behalf of the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
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Comes after you pass the APC Written Exam.
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Needed for full (general) registration as a pharmacist.
What Are the Intern Pharmacist Oral Exam Dates in 2026?
The last oral exam period in 2026 runs from 5 October to 30 October 2026, with applications open 29 June – 31 July 2026.
| Oral Exam Period | Applications Open | Applications Close |
|---|---|---|
| 5 – 30 October 2026 | 29 June 2026 | 31 July 2026 |
| 1 – 26 February 2027 | 2 November 2026 | 4 December 2026 |
| 31 May – 25 June 2027 | 1 March 2027 | 2 April 2027 |
| 4 – 29 October 2027 | 28 June 2027 | 30 July 2027 |
Not every date in the period has an exam—you get a specific date and time by email, about two weeks before the period starts.
How Is the Oral Exam Structured?
The oral exam has three parts, done face-to-face (or online in special cases), with two examiners assessing you.
| Part | Focus | Duration | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Primary health care (role play) | 10 minutes | Not allowed |
| Part B | Legal and professional practice (discussion) | 5 minutes | Not allowed |
| Part C | Problem solving and communication (role play) | 20 minutes | Allowed, with rules |
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Part A: manage a health issue like pain, rash, or eye problems.
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Part B: discuss a legal issue, like a forged prescription.
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Part C: work through a prescription with a hidden problem, using approved references.
Who Is Eligible to Sit the Oral Exam?
You must have finished 75% of your required internship hours and hold a current pass in the Intern Written Exam.
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Complete 75% of your 1,824 supervised practice hours by the exam period's first day.
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Hold a current written exam pass (valid 18 months).
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Pass both exams within 18 months of each other.
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If you fail one, resit and pass it within 18 months of the other.
How Do You Apply for the Oral Exam?
You apply using the APOE-60 form in the state where you did your internship hours and pay the exam fee by the closing date.
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Fee: AU$489 (national fee).
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Apply in the state where you did your internship hours.
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Use the file upload portal to avoid postal delays.
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Late applications are not accepted.
Where Is the Oral Exam Held?
The oral exam is held in one city in each state or territory, mostly face-to-face.
| State/Territory | Oral Exam City |
|---|---|
| ACT | Canberra |
| NSW | Sydney |
| NT | Darwin |
| QLD | Brisbane |
| SA | Adelaide |
| TAS | Hobart |
| VIC | Melbourne |
| WA | Perth |
Online exams may be offered in special cases like small candidate numbers, illness, or a remote location.
What Can You Bring Into the Oral Exam?
You must bring photo ID. You may bring your own notes and reference material but only for use in Part C.
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Photo identification is compulsory.
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References (hard copy, electronic, or online) allowed only in Part C.
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No internet search engines or AI tools—bookmarks only.
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No smartwatches or wearables allowed.
What Happens If You Don't Pass?
If you don't pass, your results letter names the skills you need to improve, and you must resit within 18 months of your written exam pass.
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Appeal internally within 14 days of your result if there was a process error.
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An external appeal can follow within 7 days of the internal decision.
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Appeal fees are AU$201 each, refunded if upheld.
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The Board no longer offers a feedback meeting after results.
How Does Elite Expertise Prepare Students for the Oral Exam?
Elite Expertise runs a full coaching program for the Intern Pharmacist Oral Exam, built around the same three exam parts, and taught by two experienced clinical pharmacists.
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Length: About 3.5 months, over 15 weeks online with 300+ hours of live and recorded classes.
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Scenario banks: 500+ Part A role-play scenarios, 250+ Part B legal scenarios, and 250+ Part C drug-and-dosage scenarios.
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Skill areas: History taking, patient counselling, OTC treatment, legal and ethics, and condition identification.
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Teaching method: Short knowledge lessons first, then realistic scenario practice with examiner-style marking, then review and improvement.
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Extras: Real mock exams with trainers, a WhatsApp student group, and regular assignment sessions with feedback.
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Trainers: Arief Mohammad clinical pharmacist at Northern Health Hospital (Melbourne), and Harika Bheemavarapu, clinical pharmacist and educator at Monash Health Hospital (Melbourne). Both are AACP-accredited, KAPS qualified with 10+ years' experience each.
Note: AHPRA and the Pharmacy Board of Australia do not endorse any private coaching provider. Use the official candidate guide as your main study base, with coaching as extra support.
Final Words
The AHPRA intern pharmacist oral exam is your final step before full registration. Know the three exam parts, check your eligibility hours, apply early, and bring only what's allowed. Combine the official candidate guide with steady practice, and you'll be ready for exam day.
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Learn the format of Part A, B, and C before you apply.
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Track your internship hours so you meet the 75% rule on time.
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Apply early and pay the AU$489 fee by the closing date.
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Practise scenarios out loud, not just in your head.
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Keep your Written Exam pass valid it only lasts 18 months.