The Australian Intern Written Examis one of the significant exams each intern should attempt after completing 75% of the designated intern hours (in total 1575 hours). Whether you are an Australian pharmacy graduate or an international candidate who cleared the OPRA Exam (Previously known as the KAPS exam), passing the intern written exam proves readiness for real-world pharmacy practice.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything related to Australian intern written exams in 2025, from eligibility, fees, registration, and exam structure to preparation tips through leading platforms like Elite Expertise.
What is the Australian Intern Written Exam?
The Intern Written Exam is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), and it is required to become a fully registered pharmacist in the Pharmacy Board of Australia(PBA).
It evaluates whether the pharmacy interns possess the clinical knowledge and practical skills required for professional registration.
This exam is usually attempted after completing 75% of your internship hours in Australia and is essential for complete registration as a pharmacist.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirement 2025
To be eligible for the intern written exam, you must follow the criteria below:
For Australian Graduates:
- Hold a recognized Australian pharmacy degree
- Be undertaking a provisional internship under the supervision of an approved pharmacist
- Registered as a provisional pharmacist in AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
For International Pharmacy graduates (IPGs)
- Successfully cleared the OPRA Exam
- Obtain provisional registration from the Pharmacy Board of Australia
- Enrolled in an approved supervised practice (Internship) program in Australia
Before applying for the exam, it’s important to ensure your documentation, including degree equivalency and visa requirements, is in order.
How much does it cost for an intern written exam?
Understanding the cost of the examination will help you to plan.
- As of 2025, the approximate exam cost is AUD 770.00 per attempt.
- If you cancel 5 days before the scheduled exam, you will get a refund minus an AUD 100 cancellation fee, resulting in an AUD 670 refund.
- If you cancel from 5 days before up to 4 weeks after the exam, the partial refund is a flat AUD 577
Prices may vary slightly each year, and additional charges may apply for overseas candidates due to currency or international transactions if needed.
Stay updated through the official announcements on the APC website.
What is the registration process for an intern written exam?
The intern written exam registration process is straightforward but requires timely documentation.
- Registration should be done through the candidate portal on the APC website.
- Registration opens at 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM AEST
- Registrations will close about one month before exam day
- Fees must be paid at the time of registration through a Visa card or a Mastercard
What is the Date of the intern written exam in 2025?
| Registration period | Exam date | Result released |
| 7 January-27 January 2025 | 17-18 February 2025 | 13 march 2025 |
| 18 March-19 May 2025 | 16-17 June 2025 | 10 July 2025 |
| 15 July- 1 september 2025 | 6-8 October 2025 | 30 October 2025 |
Which are the test centres in Australia for an intern written exam?
- Adelaide
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Darwin
- Hobart
- Melbourne
- Perth
- Sydney
- Townsville
What is the Exam pattern & format: what to expect in 2025?
Understanding the format of the exam is crucial for adequate preparation.
- Exam mode: Computer-based online exam
- Duration: 2 hours
- Number of questions: 75 multiple-choice questions, each with a single correct answer and 3 incorrect answers
- Scoring: The passing score is determined through evidence-based psychometric standards.
Of the 75 questions, 90% are scored and 10% are unscored (these questions are for calibration)
What are the major exam content areas?
| Competency standard | Percentage of questions allocated |
| Practise within applicable legal framework | 8% |
| Develop a patient-centred, culturally responsive approach to medication management | 20% |
| Implement the medication management strategy or plan | 28% |
| Monitor and evaluate medication management | 28% |
| Compound medicines | 8% |
| Promote health and well-being | 8% |
How to prepare for the exam smartly?
Success in theAPC Intern written examdepends on strategy, consistency, and quality preparation materials. Here’s how to do it:
Break down the syllabus:
- Divide topics week-wise, start with therapeutics classes, then move to case study-based learning
- Make flowcharts and mnemonics to memorize tricky drug classes or side effects
Practice calculations daily:
- Dosage adjustments, compounding formulas, IV rate calculations, and renal/hepatic adjustments
- Use tools like the Australian Medicines Handbook
Create a revision plan
- Dedicate to full-length mock tests and rapid revisions 3-4 weeks before the exam.
- Focus more on common prescribing errors and case studies.
Study in peer groups or get guidance from relevant mentors
- Join online communities or preparation groups
- Get feedback on mock exams
Some sample questions to make practice perfect:
Mock exams give the feel of the real test and improve time management. Most successful candidates practiced at least 5-10 mock tests before the exam.
Sample Question:
Q: Which antibiotic requires therapeutic drug monitoring to avoid nephrotoxicity?
A: azithromycin
B: Vancomycin
C: Amoxicillin
D: Cefalexin
The answer is B: vancomycin
What are the resources that can be used?
- APC official website sample paper
- Question bank curated for International graduates
- Elite Expertise’s curated mock exams and daily quiz modules
Learn with the Experts: Elite Expertise
At Elite Expertise, we know what it takes to ace the intern written exam. Our platform is tailored specifically for pharmacy graduates aiming tobecome registered pharmacists in Australia.
Our offering includes:
- Weekly topic-wise lectures aligned with exam content areas
- Access to updated mock tests and practice questions
- Conceptual videos and a visual learning tool
- Expert faculty from a pharmacy and clinical background
- Progress tracking dashboard and one-on-one support
Why choose Elite Expertise?
- Trusted by 1000 pharmacy graduates
- Specific Intern written exam focused coaching and study plan by renowned Consultant clinical pharmacists in Australia- Mr. Arief Mohammad & Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu
- Live and recorded sessions to suit working professionals
- Affordable pricing and flexible payment options
- Strong success rate and verified student testimonial
Final Thoughts:
The intern written exam 2025 is more than just an exam; it is your pathway to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia. With clear guidance, strong preparation, and support from platforms like Elite Expertise, you can turn this challenge into a career-defining achievement.
Take the first step today: start your journey with expert help and customized learning strategies.
