Bullet summary:
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The Intern Pharmacist Written Exam (by APC) is the first key test after passing the OPRA exam.
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Interns must complete 75% of supervised practice hours and hold provisional registration with AHPRA.
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The exam covers clinical pharmacy, calculations, law, ethics, and communication skills.
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After the written test, interns must pass the Oral Exam by the Pharmacy Board of Australia for full registration.
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Using trusted intern pharmacist study material and mock exams improves success rates
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Elite Expertise’s OPRA & Intern Exam courses provide expert-led coaching, real-time feedback, and complete APC-aligned preparation.
Introduction:
Passing the OPRA Exam (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) is a huge milestone for international pharmacy graduates aiming to register in Australia. But the next crucial phase—the Intern Pharmacist Written Exam—marks the beginning of your transition from academic readiness to real-world practice.
If you’re wondering what happens after OPRA, how to prepare for the pharmacy intern written test, and what the registration pathway looks like, this guide explains it all.
What is the Intern Pharmacist Written Exam After OPRA?
The Intern Pharmacist Written Exam, conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), is designed to assess whether you can apply your pharmaceutical knowledge and professional judgment in real-life Australian healthcare settings.
This is often the first exam you’ll take after passing OPRA and completing approximately 75% of your supervised internship hours. It tests your ability to make safe, evidence-based decisions, ensuring you’re ready for independent pharmacy practice.
Exam Highlights
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Type: Computer-based multiple-choice exam (MCQ)
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Focus: Clinical decision-making, law, ethics, and patient safety
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Mode: Conducted at authorized test centers across major Australian cities
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Eligibility: Provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (AHPRA) and 75% completion of internship hours.
This exam ensures that you meet the national standards for safe, ethical, and competent practice before moving on to the oral assessment.
How Intern Pharmacists Transition After Passing OPRA
Once you clear the OPRA Exam, you become eligible to start your intern pharmacist training in Australia. TThis stage connects your academic qualifications with real-world pharmacy experience.
During your internship, you will work under supervision in either community or hospital settings while applying the knowledge you gained from preparing for the OPRA exam.
Key Learning Outcomes During Internship
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Applying clinical reasoning in medication management
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Developing communication and counselling skills for patient care
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Understanding pharmacy law and ethics in Australian contexts
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Enhancing interprofessional collaboration within healthcare teams
TThis transition period is essential for developing the confidence and competence required to pass the pharmacy intern written test and progress towards general registration.
Next Steps for Intern Pharmacists Post-OPRA in Australia
After completing the OPRA exam and starting your internship, your pathway includes two key assessments before full registration:
The Intern Written Exam (APC)
This exam evaluates your ability to apply clinical, legal, and ethical knowledge in practice scenarios.
Study focus areas include:
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Clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
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Pharmaceutical calculations
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Australian pharmacy law
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Professional ethics and patient safety
The Intern Oral Exam (Pharmacy Board of Australia)
After clearing the written exam, you’ll move to the Oral Exam, which assesses how well you communicate, reason clinically, and manage complex pharmacy situations in real time.
Oral Exam Highlights:
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Duration: ~35 minutes
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Format: Conducted in person with assessor panels
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Focus: Communication, ethics, clinical judgement, and patient safety
These two exams are your final checkpoints before applying for general registration as a pharmacist in Australia.
Once you’ve successfully completed these steps, you’re officially recognized as a registered pharmacist in Australia — qualified to work in community, hospital, clinical, or research settings.
Best Preparation Strategy for OPRA Pharmacists
Clearing both OPRA and internship exams requires consistent effort, structured study, and practical exposure. Here’s how to prepare effectively:
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Use trusted study materials: Focus on the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH), Therapeutic Guidelines (TG), and APC-recommended texts.
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Practice with mock exams: Simulate real exam timing and scenarios to build confidence.
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Understand legal and ethical frameworks: Review the Pharmacy Board Code of Conduct and PSA Practice Guidelines.
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Join a structured OPRA Crash Course: Professional training ensures focused learning and real-world exam readiness.
OPRA Crash Course for International Students by Elite Expertise
At Elite Expertise, we specialize in helping international pharmacists achieve success in Australian pharmacy exams through expert-led programs.
Our educators — Mr. Arife Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu, both accredited consultant clinical pharmacists in Australia — provide practical mentorship and real-world insight into the licensing process.
For Intern Written Exam
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Full APC syllabus coverage with 1000+ MCQs
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Handwritten notes aligned with the exam blueprint
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Calculation crash sessions and timed mock tests
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Law and ethics training with supporting documents
For Pharmacist Intern Oral Exam
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Complete syllabus coverage of clinical and communication skills
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Mock oral exams and role-play scenarios
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Ethical decision-making and real-time problem-solving training
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Patient-centered counselling techniques
With our proven preparation model, countless candidates have successfully cleared their pharmacy intern written test and oral exam on the first attempt.
Common Mistakes in Intern Exam and How to Avoid Them
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Avoid these frequent pitfalls to maximize your success:
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Not referring to Australian-specific references → Use AMH and Therapeutic Guidelines exclusively.
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Relying solely on theory → Practice case-based questions and mock scenarios.
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Neglecting time management → Simulate timed exams regularly.
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Underestimating law and ethics sections → Revise all AHPRA and PSA guidelines thoroughly.
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Lack of structured study planning → Follow a weekly study plan with regular self-assessment.
Conclusion
The Intern Pharmacist Written and Oral Exams are your final steps toward full pharmacy registration in Australia. With strong preparation, mentorship, and focused study, you can move confidently from your OPRA intern written exam to becoming a fully licensed professional.
At Elite Expertise, we are proud to guide international pharmacists through every stage of this journey — from OPRA success to achieving Australian registrationJoin our OPRA and Intern Exam Preparation Courses: www.eliteexpertise.com.au
