Quick Recap
- To become a registered pharmacist in Australia the Intern Written Exam (IWE) is a mandatory step.
- It assesses clinical knowledge, law, communication, and professional judgment, as conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
- All the candidates must complete the Intern Training Program (ITP) and meet English proficiency requirements to be eligible.
- The IWE exam consists of scenario-based multiple-choice questions (MCQ).
- If you want to improve your chances of success, join an APC written exam preparation course.
Are you planning to become a registered professional pharmacist in Australia? Then one of the important steps on your pharmacist journey is to clear the IWE exam, conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). This exam tests whether pharmacist interns have the right skills, like professional judgment and clinical knowledge, so they can practice independently.
In this article you will get guidance about the format, eligibility, style, syllabus, preparation strategies and salary insights for the APC written exam for pharmacy in 2025.
Eligibility for the Intern Written Exam
You must meet certain requirements to appear for the Intern Written Exam Pharmacy:
- You have to hold an accredited pharmacy degree recognised by the APC.
- Have completed an Intern Training Program (ITP).
- Undertake supervised practice under the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
- Meet the English Language Proficiency standards (IELTS, OET or equivalent).
These eligibility conditions ensure every applicant meets professional entry-level criteria for safe practice.
Format of the APC Written Exam
The APC pharmacy written exam follows a structured format:
- Computer-based, multiple-choice exam.
- 100–120 questions.
- 3 hours duration.
- Focus areas: clinical pharmacy, law and ethics, patient care, and communication skills.
Syllabus for Intern Written Exam
The syllabus of the Intern Written Exam covers major aspects of pharmacy practice:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences — Pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, dosage forms, drug interactions.
- Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics — Chronic and acute disease management, evidence-based therapy, monitoring, adverse effect management.
- Professional & Ethical Practice — Pharmacy law, regulatory responsibilities, ethical decision-making.
- Communication & Patient Care — Counselling, cultural competency, teamwork, health literacy.
Dates for IWE Exam 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | Mid August 2025 |
| Registration Closes | Early September 2025 |
| Exam Window | 6 – 8 October 2025 |
| Result Release | 30 October 2025 |
How to Prepare For The APC Written Exam
Preparation is the key to success. Tips:
- Join an APC written exam preparation course for resources, mock exams, and mentorship.
- Practice with sample MCQs to build confidence.
- Study therapeutic guidelines – many case-based questions are based on them.
- Review pharmacy law, standards, and ethics.
- Revise in groups for peer learning and weak area identification.
Pathway to Becoming a Registered Pharmacist
- Education — Accredited pharmacy degree.
- Internship — Work under supervision and register with an ITP.
- Exams — Pass the Intern Written Exam and Oral Exam.
- Language — Meet English proficiency (IELTS/OET).
- Registration — Apply with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Crack the Intern Written Exam with Elite Expertise
Elite Expertise offers an APC written exam preparation course that provides:
- Custom study materials.
- Mock tests for practice.
- Expert mentor guidance.
- Techniques to clear both written and oral exams.
Conclusion
The Intern Written Exam Australia 2025 is an important step toward becoming a licensed pharmacist. By knowing the eligibility, format, syllabus, and preparation strategies, you can succeed. Enrolling in a preparation course can boost your chances and confidence.