Important Points
-
The Intern Pharmacist Written Exam is the first major test after OPRA for international pharmacists in Australia.
-
Key references include AMH, Therapeutic Guidelines, APC texts, and AHPRA/PSA standards.
-
Interns must complete 75% internship hours and hold provisional AHPRA registration before the exam.
-
The written exam covers clinical pharmacy, therapeutics, calculations, law, ethics, and patient communication.
-
Mock exams and open-book navigation practice are essential for success.
-
Elite Expertise offers structured coaching, 1000+ MCQs, mock tests, and APC-aligned training.
Intern Pharmacist Written Exam – After OPRA: What to Expect
Passing the OPRA exam is a significant achievement for international pharmacists, marking your readiness to begin internship training in Australia. The next milestone is the Intern Pharmacist Written Exam, a critical assessment that evaluates your ability to apply clinical knowledge, legal principles, and patient-care skills in real-world Australian pharmacy settings.
This exam ensures that you can practice safely, ethically, and confidently before progressing to the final oral assessment and general registration.
Intern Pharmacist Study Materials for the Written Exam
Preparation for the written exam requires Australia-specific, APC-aligned materials. The most important study references include:
-
Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) – core therapeutic decision-making guide
-
Therapeutic Guidelines (TG) – essential for evidence-based practice
-
APC-recommended textbooks for clinical pharmacy and calculations
-
Handwritten notes, clinical summaries, and law/ethics sheets
-
Mock tests and timed MCQs to develop exam rhythm and confidence
Because this is an open-book exam, mastering quick navigation through AMH and TG is one of the most valuable skills you can build.
Best Resources for Intern Pharmacists After OPRA
After OPRA, your learning shifts toward practical Australian standards. The top resources include:
-
AMH & TG for therapeutics
-
AHPRA and PSA guidelines for law, ethics, and professional conduct
-
APC intern exam blueprint for structured study
-
Case books on counselling, emergencies, high-risk medications
-
Workplace clinical notes from community or hospital pharmacy experience
-
Training providers like Elite Expertise offer curated study packs, lecture notes, and exam-focused support aligned with APC expectations — ideal for structured preparation.
Pharmacy Intern Written Test Study Guide – Australia
The Intern Pharmacist Written Exam covers a broad range of topics essential to safe practice:
Core Study Areas
-
Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics
(antimicrobials, chronic diseases, paediatrics, geriatrics)
-
Pharmaceutical Calculations
(dosing, compounding, IV calculations, renal adjustments)
-
Law & Ethics
(AHPRA Code of Conduct, PSA guidelines, dispensing protocols)
-
Communication & Patient Safety
(counselling standards, medication error prevention, clinical decision-making)
A good study guide includes structured weekly planning, topic breakdowns, scenario-based questions, and practice exams that simulate real testing conditions.
How Intern Pharmacists Can Ace the Written Exam
To excel in the exam, you need the right combination of resources, strategy, and practice.
Success Tips
-
Practice case-based MCQs to apply clinical reasoning
-
Master AMH & TG navigation — crucial for open-book efficiency
-
Prioritize law and ethics — often overlooked but heavily tested
-
Solve calculations daily to build speed and accuracy
-
Attempt full-length timed mock exams
-
Use structured coaching programs for expert guidance
-
Elite Expertise offers APC-aligned preparation with 1000+ MCQs, mock exams, handwritten notes, calculations workshops, and mentoring by Australian clinical pharmacists.
How Elite Expertise Helps You Succeed
At Elite Expertise, we specialise in training pharmacy interns to excel in both exams with expert-led preparation, mock tests, and personal mentorship by:
-
Mr Arief Mohammad and Mrs Harika Bheemavarapu-both Accredited consultant clinical pharmacists in Australia, who brings their real life knowledge into each lectures
Conclusion
The Intern Pharmacist Written Exam is a key stepping stone for overseas pharmacists aiming to practice in Australia. With the right study materials, focused practice, and familiarity with open-book resources like AMH and TG, you can confidently pass the exam and move toward the intern oral assessment and full registration.
A strategic study plan ,supported by real-world examples, mock tests, and expert mentorship, ensures that interns build competence, accuracy, and exam readiness. With consistent preparation, this milestone becomes an achievable and rewarding part of your journey toward becoming a fully registered pharmacist in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can take the Intern Pharmacist Written Exam?
Intern pharmacists who have passed OPRA and completed about 75% of their supervised internship hours.
2. Is the written exam an open book?
Yes, approved resources like AMH and Therapeutic Guidelines (TG) can be used.
3. What topics are included in the exam?
Clinical pharmacy, therapeutics, calculations, law, ethics, and communication.
4. How is the exam delivered?
It is a computer-based multiple-choice test conducted by the APC.
5. What are the best study materials for preparation?
AMH, TG, AHPRA/PSA guidelines, APC-aligned notes, and mock test practice.
6. How many attempts are allowed?
APC allows multiple attempts, provided candidates meet eligibility each time.
7. How long does the exam take?
The exam duration varies by sitting, but typically runs for a few hours.
8. What happens after passing the written exam?
You become eligible for the Intern Oral Exam by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
9. Do I need Australian-specific references?
Yes. The exam is based entirely on Australian guidelines and standards.
10. How can Elite Expertise help me prepare?
Through expert-led coaching, handwritten notes, 1000+ MCQs, mock exams, and APC-aligned study resources.
