The Intern Written Exam is one of the most crucial steps in a pharmacy intern’s journey toward general registration in Australia. It is more than just a test; it is a formal recognition by AHPRA that you are ready to move from supervised training toward independent professional practice.
Every year, many capable interns delay their registration or lose exam fees due to misunderstandings about eligibility. Confusion around AHPRA requirements, provisional registration, and supervised practice hours is one of the most common and costly mistakes.
This guide cuts through the confusion, providing clear, practical insights into who is eligible, how internship hours are assessed, and what you must have in place before registering.
What Is the Intern Written Exam?
The Intern Written Exam is a national assessment that evaluates whether pharmacy interns can apply their knowledge and professional judgment in real-world Australian pharmacy practice.
The exam assesses your ability to:
- Apply clinical and therapeutic knowledge safely
- Make appropriate dispensing and medication management decisions
- Demonstrate professional and ethical judgment
- Understand and apply Australian pharmacy laws and practice standards
Successful completion is required before progressing to the next stage of the registration process.
Intern Written Exam: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Number of Questions | 75 multiple-choice questions |
| Exam Format | Computer-based |
| Exam Availability | Australia only |
| Exam Fee | AUD 790 per attempt |
| Delivery | Approved test centres across Australia |
Seat availability varies by location, so it’s essential to book early.
Eligibility Criteria for the Intern Written Exam
To sit the exam, candidates must meet AHPRA eligibility requirements:
1. Provisional Registration with AHPRA
You must:
- Hold current provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia, or
- Have previously held provisional registration and be completing outstanding requirements
Your registration must be valid both at the time of application and on the exam date.
2. Supervised Practice and Training Hours
AHPRA requires pharmacy interns to complete 1,575 hours of supervised practice at approved training sites under an approved preceptor as part of a Board-approved Intern Training Program.
How Training Hours Affect Eligibility
Interns do not need to complete all hours before sitting the exam. You must have completed at least 75% of required hours (~1,180 hours) or be able to complete this percentage by the exam date.
Failure to meet this requirement may result in exam cancellation and additional fees.
Dates and Locations
The Intern Written Exam is offered on scheduled dates each year. Registration must occur within the specified period.
| Registration Period | Exam Date(s) | Results Released |
| 6 Jan – 26 Jan 2026 | 16 Feb 2026 | 12 Mar 2026 |
| 24 Mar – 25 May 2026 | 15 Jun 2026 | 30 Jul 2026 |
| 4 Aug – 21 Sep 2026 | 19–20 Oct 2026 | 3 Dec 2026 |
Registrations open at 9:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM (AEDT/AEST). Late registrations are not accepted.
Test Centres in Australia
- Adelaide
- Alice Springs
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Darwin
- Hobart
- Melbourne
- Perth
- Sydney
- Townsville
Availability may vary by session, so booking early is recommended.
What Training Hours Count Toward Eligibility?
Counted Hours Include:
- Dispensing and patient counselling
- Medication management and clinical services
- Professional pharmacy services
- Supervised clinical decision-making
- Approved workplace learning activities
Not Counted:
- Unsupervised work
- Administrative-only duties
- Practice at non-approved sites
- Duties outside your approved scope
Always check with your preceptor or training provider for clarification.
What Happens After Passing the Intern Written Exam?
Passing the written exam allows interns to:
- Complete remaining supervised practice hours
- Progress to the Intern Oral Exam
- Apply for general registration once all requirements are fulfilled
While a major milestone, the written exam is not the final step in becoming a registered pharmacist.
Finding a Job After Pharmacist Registration
Once you obtain general registration, a wide range of career opportunities opens up, including:
- Community pharmacies
- Hospitals and primary care clinics
- Aged care facilities
- Pharmaceutical industry and emerging practice areas
Navigating the job market as a newly registered pharmacist can be challenging. Jobslly is a pharmacy-focused platform designed to connect registered pharmacists with verified employers across Australia. By using Jobslly, candidates can find relevant roles, compare opportunities across locations, and apply with confidence as they transition from intern to fully registered pharmacist.
Final Thoughts
The Intern Written Exam is a pivotal requirement for pharmacy interns seeking general registration in Australia. With strict eligibility rules and limited exam windows, careful planning is essential.
By understanding how eligibility is assessed, confirming your registration status, and ensuring training hours are on track, you can avoid delays and smoothly progress toward full pharmacist registration.
