A Complete Guide to the AHPRA Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam

Each year, thousands of pharmacy interns in Australia complete their 1,575 hours of supervised practice. The next step for them is to complete the final assessment, the AHPRA Pharmacy Intern Oral Examination. 

It is conducted on behalf of the Pharmacy Board of Australia. The number of pharmacy graduates entering the workforce is increasing each year. This is in response to the country’s growing demand and a national push to strengthen the pharmacist pipeline. 

This guide is for everyone who is preparing for the 2026 exam cycle. It will break down the complete timeline and important details.

Take a look at what 2026 holds.

What Is the AHPRA Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam?

The AHPRA pharmacy intern oral exam is designed to assess real-world readiness. 

• It is the final competency assessment that pharmacy interns must pass before becoming registered pharmacists in Australia.
• It tests:

               -Real-world decision-making
               -Professional judgement
               -Communication skills
               -Safe pharmacy practice

• The exam is conducted through scenario-based stations that reflect community and hospital pharmacy situations.
• The aim is to assess the ability to:

              -Identify medication issues
              -Counsel patients
              -Manage risks
              -Apply legal and ethical standards

• It confirms if candidates are ready to practise independently and meet national competency requirements.

What the AHPRA Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam Assesses

Candidates will be assessed across areas such as:

• Clinical problem-solving
• Safe dispensing practice
• Identification of drug interactions and contraindications
• Management of common and high-risk scenarios
• Effective communication with patients and health professionals
• Act within legal and ethical boundaries
• Demonstration of professional judgement under pressure

Each scenario is a reflection of real-life pharmacy practice. This is why the Board takes its time to ensure your performance is assessed thoroughly.

AHPRA Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam 2026: Key Dates 

The Pharmacy Board of Australia releases three oral examination periods each year. Here is the official 2026 timeline for exam periods and application windows:

Oral Exam Period (2026)	Applications Open	Applications Close
2 Feb – 27 Feb 2026	16 Nov 2025	19 Dec 2025
1 Jun – 26 Jun 2026	2 Mar 2026	3 Apr 2026
5 Oct – 30 Oct 2026	29 Jun 2026	31 Jul 2026

Important application reminders

• Use the correct application form for the oral exam.
• The form must reach AHPRA by the closing date. 
• Candidates need to have completed 75% of the supervised practice hours before the exam.
• Fees must be paid in full before the application is processed.

Missing a deadline may delay the registration by several months. So, planning ahead is crucial.

Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam Fees

Fees may change each year. The table below shows average fees based on official sources.

Exam Type	Fee (AUD)	Approx. Fee (INR)
Oral Exam – Practice	$475	₹27,000
Oral Exam – Law & Ethics	$225	₹13,000
Appeal Fee (if required)	$195	₹12,000

AHPRA Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam- Preparation Tips

Strong preparation builds confidence and clarity.

1. Use approved study resources, such as:

             -Australian Medicines Handbook
             -Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary
             -Therapeutic Guidelines

2. Practice oral answers to build confidence. Candidates should speak their answers aloud and explain steps in simple language.
3. Focus on patient safety. Examiners value safe decisions, clear advice, and ethical judgment.
4. Learn pharmacy law. Knowledge of prescription rules, controlled medicines, and professional duties is important.
5. Attempt mock exams to understand timing, structure, and pressure before the real exam.
6. Enrol In Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam preparation classes to practice for the test with experts. Peer support groups boost confidence and improve communication skills. 

Steps After Receiving Results

For Successful Candidates

1. Complete the remaining supervised practice hours.
2. Finalise ITP requirements.
3. Submit the general registration application.
4. Wait for confirmation of the pharmacist's registration number.

Most candidates become fully registered shortly after completing all requirements. Upon registration, it is time to search and apply for the best-suited healthcare job on Jobslly.

For Unsuccessful Candidates

1. Study the competency feedback carefully.
2. Meet with the preceptor to plan targeted improvement.
3. Practise with mock oral exams or scenario drills.
4. Reapply in the next available exam window.

Many interns pass on their second attempt with focused preparation.

Checklist Before Pharmacy Intern Oral Exam 2026

• Completed at least 75% of supervised practice hours
• Submitted the correct application form within the application window
• Paid all required fees
• Confirmed email address is correct with AHPRA
• Reviewed common exam scenarios and communication strategies

2026- The Year To Start A Pharmacy Career In Australia 

The pharmacy oral exam is the final step in becoming a registered pharmacist. Each step is a move forward. With a clear understanding of the pharmacy intern oral exam, candidates can plan their journey with confidence.

Hard work will pay off and that pharmacist registration is within reach.

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