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How to Register & Prepare for the APC Intern Written Exam

Introduction

Becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia requires thorough preparation. Overseas pharmacists from countries like India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan follow the Knowledge Stream. This process begins with a skills assessment to determine if their qualifications align with Australian standards. After document verification, candidates proceed to the OPRA exam.

Upon passing the OPRA exam and meeting English proficiency requirements, candidates can apply for a visa. After visa approval, they must complete 1,575 hours of supervised training. Once 75% of these hours are completed, they become eligible for the APC Intern Written Exam, followed by the Intern Oral Exam. Successful completion of these exams leads to full pharmacist registration in Australia.

If you are an overseas pharmacist or an intern in Australia, this guide will help you navigate the registration and preparation process for the APC Intern Written Exam.

Eligibility for the Intern Written Exam

To qualify for the exam, candidates must:

Be provisionally registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PharmBA) or have prior registration.

Complete at least 75% of their supervised practice hours or be on track to do so by the exam date.

Candidates who fail to meet the required hours post-registration will incur a cancellation fee.

APC Intern Written Exam Format and Details

Duration: 2 hours

Total Questions: 75 multiple-choice questions

Scoring: 67 scored questions + 8 unscored (pilot) questions

Passing Standard: Determined by competency and previous candidate performance

Exam Fee: AUD $770 per attempt

Official Details: Visit the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) website

Exam Syllabus

The exam is based on the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia (2016) and covers six key content areas:

Intern Written Exam Dates & Locations (2025)

Test Centers

The exam is conducted at multiple test centers, but seats are limited. Register early via AHPRA to secure your spot.

How to Prepare for the Pharmacy Written Exam

Study Official Guidelines: Review exam topics from APC and AHPRA.

Use Open-Book Resources: The exam is open-book, allowing printed or hand-written materials (excluding blank paper).

Practice Sample Questions: Work through multiple-choice and case-based questions.

Complete Mock Exams: Simulate the 2-hour exam to improve time management and confidence.

Next Steps After Passing the Exam

After passing the APC Intern Written Exam, candidates must:

Clear the Intern Oral Exam, conducted by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Complete the Intern Training Program (ITP).

Have their supervised practice hours approved by a preceptor.

Apply for general registration as a pharmacist in Australia.

Final Thoughts

Passing the Pharmacy Written Exam is a critical step in your pharmacy career. With proper preparation, study materials, and practice, you can achieve success and move closer to full registration.