For most aspirants who aim to work in Australia, the AHPRA Oral exam is the final step in the registration process. This exam is there to ensure that candidates are ready to practice independently in Australian healthcare settings.
This assessment is conducted in person. It tests candidates’ clinical skills and communication with patients and other healthcare professionals. It also tests their ethical reasoning and professional competence.
This is a complete guide of the AHPRA oral exam for 2026. It will discuss the exam format and eligibility. It will also go over the common mistakes and how to avoid making them.
AHPRA Oral Exam
The AHPRA oral exam is the final check to ensure the competency of every registered pharmacist. It makes sure that they can deliver safe and effective care. It assesses:
- Clinical reasoning
- Communication
- Ethics
- Knowledge of laws and regulations
- Patient safety
Real-life cases are the main focus of the oral exam. It tests how candidates think and respond in everyday professional situations. Candidates can get their general registration after passing the oral exam.
Eligibility for Oral Exam
Here are the eligibility requirements for the AHPRA oral exam.
- AHPRA provisional registration
- Complete at least 75% of supervised practice hours
- Pass the OPRA written examination
- Submit the oral exam application form before the deadline
Candidates need to pass both written and oral exams to complete the registration process.
AHPRA Oral Exam Format 2026
The oral exam duration is between 35 to 40 minutes. It consists of three sections and each section tests different professional skills.
Part A: Primary Healthcare (10 Minutes)
The main focus of the section is patient interaction. Candidates participate in a role-play. In most cases, there will be someone who will act like a patient.
In this part, candidates will:
- Take a structured patient history
- Ask relevant questions
- Identify symptoms and problems
- Recommend OTC treatments
- Provide clear and safe advice
- Demonstrate good communication
- Have empathy towards the patient
In this section, reference materials are not allowed. Examiners observe
- Communication style
- Confidence, and
- Patient-centred care
Example scenarios:
- Counsel a patient who asks for something for a sore throat and fever.
Part B: Legal and Professional Practice (5 to 10 Minutes)
This section is an analysis of a candidate’s professional judgement and ethical understanding.
The main topics are:
- Legal responsibilities in practice
- Professional boundaries
- Ethical dilemmas
- Patient confidentiality
- How to handle professional misconduct
This section is discussion-based. Reference materials are not permitted. Examiners focus on:
- Professionalism
- Awareness of laws, and
- Decision-making ability
Part C: Problem Solving and Clinical Reasoning (20 Minutes)
This is the longest and most detailed part of the exam. Candidates will receive complex practice-based scenarios. They can be asked to:
- Review prescriptions
- Identify drug interactions or contraindication
- Assess medication safety
- Communicate with prescribers
- Manage patient counselling situations
In this section, candidates can use AHPRA-approved reference materials. These include medicine handbooks and therapeutic guidelines. Examiners test
- Structured thinking
- Accuracy
- Clarity of explanation
Example questions and scenarios:
- A prescription contains a high-risk drug interaction. How do you manage it?
- A patient reports side effects after starting a new medicine. What steps do you take?
- A doctor prescribes an unusual dose. How do you approach the situation?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid them
- Poor structure in answers and giving random or rushed responses.
Use a clear structure. Explain each step.
- Not asking enough questions. Giving advice without gathering enough information.
Always take a proper history. Only then give recommendations.
- Weak communication skills. Use of complex terms or sounding unsure.
Speak clearly and calmly. Use simple and easy language.
- Poor legal or ethical awareness. Giving unsafe or illegal advice.
Revise laws, ethics, and professional standards regularly.
- Too much reliance on reference materials. Spending excess time searching instead of reasoning.
Know where to look and use references efficiently.
AHPRA Oral Exam Preparation Tips
For effective preparation, focus on practice and build confidence.
- Practise patient role-plays regularly
- Revise law, ethics, and professional standards
- Do timed mock oral exams
- Practise explaining your reasoning
Get Ready For AHPRA Oral Exam 2026
The AHPRA Oral exam is the final step to become a registered pharmacist in Australia. After passing the oral exam, candidates can go for general registration. With the general registration, candidates can look for full-time jobs on healthcare-centred job platforms like Jobslly.
Now is the perfect time to start preparation for AHPRA oral exam of 2026.
