What is the Australian Intern Oral Exam?
The oral examination is one part of the Australian pharmacist registration examination. It is required for general registration as a pharmacist in Australia. The Board conducts this exam through AHPRA, on a national basis. International pharmacists have to pass a separate intern written exam, run by the Australian Pharmacy Council. And both exams must be passed within 18 months; only then will it be valid. After passing both examinations, you can go further from provisional to general registration.
Who Runs the Oral Exam and Written Exam?
It helps to know which body is responsible for which exam.
| Exam | Conducted By | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) | Assesses the knowledge required for safe and independent pharmacy practice. |
| Oral Examination (Practice) | Ahpra, on behalf of the Pharmacy Board of Australia | Evaluates the application of clinical knowledge, communication skills, and professional judgment in practice-based scenarios. |
Who is Eligible to Sit the Oral Exam?
Eligibility depends on your registration pathway. Most interns must meet a supervised practice- hours requirement first.
| Candidate Type | Eligibility Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Interns | Must complete at least 75% of the required supervised practice hours by the first day of the written examination. |
| Graduates of Board-Approved General Registration Programs | Eligible to sit the examination after successfully completing their approved program of study. |
| Pharmacists with Limited Registration | Must complete at least 75% of any supervised practice hours specified by the Pharmacy Board of Australia. |
How is the oral exam structured?
The oral exam has three separate parts. Each part tests different skills and runs for a fixed time. Once a part ends, it cannot be revisited by the candidate.
| Part | Time Allowed | References Allowed | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | 10 minutes | Not permitted | Primary health care role-play and patient consultation. |
| Part B | 5 minutes | Not permitted | Legal, ethical, and professional pharmacy practice. |
| Part C | 20 minutes | Permitted | Clinical problem-solving, medication management, and professional communication using approved reference materials. |
Part A: Primary Health Care
Part A is delivered as a role play with an examiner. Here you will get a scenario, such as pain, rash, or an eye issue. You have to manage the case to reach a safe outcome for the patient. Examiners assess your patient interview and history-taking skills. They also assess your communication and your suggested management plan. No reference materials are allowed during this part.
Part B: Legal and Professional Practice
Part B is not a role play. Instead, you discuss a scenario directly with the examiners. Examples include a suspected forged prescription or a dispensing error. You must identify relevant laws, codes, and guidelines. You then explain an appropriate course of action, with justification. No references are permitted in this section either.
Part C: Problem Solving and Communication
Part C is the longest and most detailed section, at 20 minutes. You receive a prescription and a patient's dispensing history. A hidden problem may be built into the scenario. Examples include
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A drug interaction
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An incorrect dose
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Or a contraindication
And you have to identify the issue and manage it safely, as the pharmacist. This is the only part where reference materials are permitted.
What References can You Bring Into the Exam?
References are only usable in Part C and only when instructed. You may bring hard-copy, electronic, or online reference materials. However, internet search engines and AI-based search tools are strictly prohibited. This includes AI-generated answers built into modern search engines. Online references must be accessed through bookmarks, not through searching. Using a search engine or AI tool is treated as misconduct.
Where and How Often is the Oral Exam Held?
The oral exam runs three times a year, across all Australian jurisdictions. It is held face-to-face in most cases, at set locations.
| State or Territory | Oral Exam Location |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Canberra |
| New South Wales (NSW) | Sydney |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Darwin |
| Queensland (QLD) | Brisbane |
| South Australia (SA) | Adelaide |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Hobart |
| Victoria (VIC) | Melbourne |
| Western Australia (WA) | Perth |
You can choose a nearby location in Australia at the time of registration. And you have to be present there on time for the examination; otherwise, you will miss out.
How Do You Apply for the Oral Exam?
Below we have provided the process for how an international pharmacist can apply for the Australian Intern Oral Exam. Please check it out.
What You Need to Do
1. Hold provisional registration
2. Complete at least 75% of supervised practice hours.
3. Download the APOE-60 application form.
4. Read the Candidate Guide carefully.
5. Complete the application form.
6. Attach all required certified documents
7. Pay the examination fee.
8. Submit your application before the closing date.
9. Wait for Ahpra's examination confirmation.
What Happens if You are Unsuccessful?
Unsuccessful candidates receive a results letter with detailed feedback. It identifies which competencies were not demonstrated during the attempt. You must then resit and pass within 18 months of your written exam pass. An internal appeal is available if you believe an error occurred. Appeals do not allow reassessment of your ability by another party.
Key Takeaways
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The Australian Intern Oral Exam is the practical exam to test candidates' medical knowledge and patient-care decision-making.
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It is conducted by AHPRA on behalf of the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
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You have to pass both the oral and written exams within 18 months of each other.
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You have to complete 75% of your supervised practice hours before taking the oral exam.
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This exam is divided into three parts.
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You can choose an exam center at exam registration in Australia.
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Understand the proper process to apply for the oral exam.
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If you fail the exam on your first attempt, then you can apply again.