Key Points to Remember
- The oral exam is mandatory for general registration.
- Eligibility: 75% of 1575 hours, passed the APC exam and enrolled in ITP.
- Format: 3 parts – Primary Care, Legal/Professional, Problem Solving.
- Fees: AUD 475 (~₹26985) exam; AUD 195 appeal; AUD 225 law & ethics.
- References: Only in Part C (AMH, APF, eTG, AusDI).
- Assessment: Clinical skills, law, ethics, communication, professionalism.
- Results: By email after Board ratification.
The Australian Pharmacist Intern Oral Examination (Practice) is the last challenge that a candidate faces before being fully registered. The examination is not a test of memory but an evaluation of the candidate’s ability to apply the knowledge they have to solve problems, and to make safe and ethical decisions in pharmacy practice.
In case you are getting ready for the 2025 exam, then the following guidelines with the step-by-step coverage of eligibility criteria, exam pattern, frequently asked questions, fees, and preparation strategies are the appropriate way to move forward.
Why the Oral Exam Is Important
Such an exam confirms your ability to:
- Provide safe and patient-centred care.
- Utilise pharmacy law and ethics.
- Cooperate effectively with patients and prescribers.
- Solve medication-related problems in real time.
To be eligible for general registration as a pharmacist in Australia, it is necessary to pass from provisional registration.
Eligibility Requirements (2025)
Before you submit your application, you have to:
- Be AHPRA provisionally registered.
- Have completed at least 75% of the supervised practice hours.
- Complete the APC Intern Written Exam.
- Be enrolled in an Internship Training Program (ITP).
Exam Format
The exam is about 35 to 40 minutes long and is divided into three sections.
| Part | Focus | Duration | References |
| A | Primary Healthcare (role-play) | ~10 mins | None |
| B | Legal & Professional Practice | ~5 mins | None |
| C | Problem Solving & Communication | ~20 mins | AMH, APF, eTG, AusDI allowed |
What’s Assessed
Examiners assess whether you can:
- Perform patient interviews and counselling.
- Identify and resolve prescription problems.
- Utilise law, ethics, and professional standards.
- Convey your thoughts clearly and with empathy.
- Show your professionalism and good judgment.
Common Question Types
You could be in situations like:
- Identifying medication errors or drug interactions.
- Providing information on insulin, warfarin, or antibiotics.
- Advising on asthma or minor ailments.
- Dealing with a false prescription.
- Helping patients and doctors understand medication changes.
Exam Fees (2025)
| Exam Type | Fee (AUD) | Fee (INR) |
| Oral Exam (Practice) | $475 | ₹26,985 approx. |
| Appeal Fee | $195 | ₹11,078 approx. |
| Law & Ethics Exam | $225 | ₹12,782 approx. |
Preparation Tips for Success
1. Learn the Rules
The Candidate Guide will help you understand the eligibility, format and what kind of references are allowed.
2. Master Core References
Concentrate your study on AMH, APF, eTG, PBS and high-risk drugs (warfarin, insulin, opioids).
3. Practise Scenarios
Role-plays, patient consults, legal dilemmas, and prescription reviews are some of the activities you can do.
4. Strengthen Communication
Incorporate techniques such as open-ended questions, teach-back, empathy, and the use of clear language into your communication.
5. Revise Law & Ethics
Go through the National Law, PBS, and Pharmacy Board codes.
6. Take Mock Exams
Practice the exam time, write the answers, and receive the comments.
7. Develop Time Management
Learn to write structured, brief, and timely responses.
8. Prepare Mentally
Use breathing, pauses, and visualisation to reduce anxiety.
Recommended Resources
| Resource | Use |
| AMH | Drug info and interactions |
| APF | Counselling and OTC advice |
| eTG | Treatment guidelines |
| PBS | Subsidy framework |
| Mock Exams | Exam-like practice |
Final Thoughts
A successful performance in the 2025 Australian Pharmacist Intern Oral Exam is not just a way to get past the exam; it’s actually the last door to be passed before working in a pharmacy independently. The achiever needs to possess not only good clinical knowledge but also good communication skills, ethical judgment, and be able to maintain their confidence under pressure. In fact, good preparation will come if you make good use of the official resources, actually practice the scenarios and also work through a question within the given time. Furthermore, your chances of success will still be enhanced if you decide to get some structured support such as doing mock exams and getting expert guidance which will allow you to pass the first time and start your pharmacist career in Australia.
