Can You Get a Medical Certificate from a Pharmacy in Australia?
Yes – pharmacists in Australia can issue Absence from Work Certificates for 1–2 days of minor illness. Learn when pharmacy certificates are valid, their limits, costs, and when you'll need a doctor's medical certificate or online doctor instead.
Many community pharmacies and chemists across Australia—including major chains like Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, TerryWhite and Pharmacy 777—now issue pharmacy medical certificates (formally called "Absence from Work Certificates") for minor illnesses. These chemist medical certificates serve as proof of illness or carer's responsibilities for short-term sick leave.
This guide covers:
- Whether you can get a sick note or absence from work certificate from a chemist
- Which pharmacies offer medical certificates
- How long they can cover you for
- What they cost
- When you should see a doctor or use an online telehealth service instead
Major Pharmacy Chains Offering Absence from Work Certificates
Hover over each card to see pricing and booking information. Costs and availability may vary by location.
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, employees can be asked to provide "evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person" that they were genuinely unfit for work. Fair Work explains that medical certificates or statutory declarations are common examples, but it doesn't insist that the certificate must come from a doctor (Fair Work Ombudsman)
To support this, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and The Pharmacy Guild of Australia publish specific guidelines that allow pharmacists to issue "Certificates for Absence from Work". These are recognised documents used as proof of illness or carer's responsibilities.
The important nuance:
- Pharmacies and chemists issue "Absence from Work Certificates" (often marketed as "pharmacy medical certificates" or "chemist medical certificates").
- Doctors issue medical certificates as registered medical practitioners.
For many employers, a pharmacist certificate is acceptable evidence for short, minor illnesses—but there are limits.
Pharmacy Absence from Work Certificates at a glance
What is it?
An Absence from Work Certificate is the official term (endorsed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and The Pharmacy Guild of Australia) for a certificate issued by a pharmacist to verify that you're unable to work due to minor illness or injury, or that you're caring for an ill family member.
Who can issue it?
Registered pharmacists at participating pharmacies across Australia (Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, TerryWhite Chemmart, Pharmacy 777, Discount Drug Stores and many independent pharmacies).
Typical duration:
1–2 days maximum for a single episode of minor illness.
Where it's accepted:
Valid under Fair Work as "reasonable evidence" for sick or carer's leave in most workplaces, unless your enterprise agreement or employer policy specifically requires a doctor's certificate.
Where it's NOT accepted:
- Centrelink purposes
- Insurance claims
- University exam special consideration
- Fitness-to-work or regulatory assessments
- Backdated absences
When to see a doctor instead:
For serious symptoms, conditions lasting more than 2 days, chronic health issues, or when you need broader acceptance (e.g. exams, Centrelink). Get a doctor's medical certificate online if you can't get to a GP in person.
What can a pharmacy or chemist Absence from Work Certificate be used for?
Across Australia, pharmacists can issue an Absence from Work Certificate to verify:
- Personal leave – you're unfit for work due to a minor illness or injury.
- Carer's leave – you're caring for an immediate family or household member who is ill or injured.
These certificates are specifically designed for short-term, self-limiting conditions, for example:
- Colds, sore throats, mild flu-like illnesses
- Mild headaches or migraines (if uncomplicated)
- Hay fever and minor allergy flares
- Mild gastro symptoms
- Minor musculoskeletal pains or injuries (e.g. simple back strain)
They are not designed for serious, complex or ongoing conditions.
Are pharmacy Absence from Work Certificates valid under Fair Work?
Legally, your employer is entitled to "reasonable evidence" that you took sick or carer's leave for a genuine reason. Fair Work says a medical certificate or statutory declaration are examples of reasonable evidence, but doesn't restrict this to doctors only (Fair Work Ombudsman)
Employment lawyers and HR guidance commonly regard pharmacist-issued Absence from Work Certificates as reasonable evidence for short absences (1–2 days), especially when your award or enterprise agreement doesn't specify "doctor's certificate only" (Matthews Folbigg Lawyers)
Real-world acceptance
In practice:
- Most employers will accept a pharmacy Absence from Work Certificate for short-term, minor illness (1–2 days). This is especially true in workplaces covered by modern awards where the award refers only to "reasonable evidence" without specifying a doctor's certificate.
- Some employers, universities or enterprise agreements explicitly require "a certificate from a registered medical practitioner" – particularly for exams, repeated absences, performance management processes, or absences beyond 2 days (Care for Kids)
- University exam special consideration almost always requires a doctor's certificate, not a pharmacy certificate.
Important: Some enterprise agreements and university policies explicitly say "doctor's certificate only", even for single-day absences. Always check your specific workplace policy, HR handbook, or enterprise agreement before relying on a pharmacy certificate.
To avoid issues, it's worth checking your HR policy, sick leave rights, and enterprise agreement.
Limits and exclusions of pharmacy Absence from Work Certificates
The major limitations are:
Duration
Most pharmacy certificates are limited to one or two days, occasionally up to two days maximum, for a single episode of illness
If you need longer time off, pharmacists will generally refer you to a doctor at a GP clinic or online doctor.
Scope of conditions
Pharmacists must stay within their scope of practice. They may refuse to issue a certificate if:
- Your condition appears serious or needs a diagnosis (e.g. chest pain, severe breathing issues, suspected fracture).
- You need certificates for pregnancy-related absences or compassionate leave (these are often excluded)
- They feel they can’t adequately assess your condition in the pharmacy setting.
No backdating
Pharmacy certificates cannot be backdated. They can only cover:
- The day of the consultation, and
- Sometimes the following day (if the pharmacist judges you'll remain unfit).
If you need a certificate for past days of illness, you'll need to see a doctor. Learn more about backdated medical certificates and when they're available.
Certain uses may be excluded
Many pharmacies explicitly state their certificates can’t be used for:
- Centrelink purposes
- Insurance claims
- Fitness-to-drive or other regulatory assessments
- School exams or special consideration (universities often require a doctor's certificate)
For these, a doctor-issued medical certificate is usually required.
What's included in a pharmacy Absence from Work Certificate?
While each pharmacy’s template is slightly different, a typical certificate includes:
- Your name
- Date and time of consultation
- Dates covered (often 1–2 days)
- Whether you’re unfit for work or study, or caring for someone who is
- Pharmacist’s name, AHPRA registration number and signature
- Pharmacy details (name, address, phone)
It doesn’t usually list your exact diagnosis, just confirmation you’re “unfit for work/study” or caring for someone unwell during the period.
Which pharmacies offer Absence from Work Certificates?
Most major pharmacy chains in Australia now offer this service, though availability varies by location. Typical costs range from $20–$35, with some variation between chains and locations:
| Pharmacy Chain | Certificates Available? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chemist Warehouse | Yes, at most locations | $20 |
| Priceline Pharmacy | Yes (online booking available) | $29.95 |
| TerryWhite Chemmart | Yes, at participating stores | $30 (weekdays), $49.95 (weekends/public holidays at some locations) |
| Pharmacy 777 | Yes, at most locations | Pricing varies by location |
| Discount Drug Stores | Varies by location | Pricing varies by location |
| Independent pharmacies | Many offer the service | Varies |
Note: Prices may vary between individual pharmacy locations, especially for franchise chains. Always call ahead or check the pharmacy's website to confirm both availability and current pricing at your local store. Looking for cheaper alternatives? See our complete guide to free medical certificates in Australia.
How to get a pharmacy or chemist Absence from Work Certificate in Australia
The process is fairly similar across the big chains (Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, Pharmacy 777, TerryWhite and independent pharmacies that offer the service).
Step 1 – Find a participating pharmacy
Not every chemist offers certificates, but many do. Check their website under “services” for “Absence from Work Certificates” or “pharmacist sick certificate”.
Step 2 – Book or walk in
Some pharmacies allow online bookings; others handle it as a walk-in consult. You’ll usually need:
- A Medicare card or ID
- Basic details about your workplace or study situation.
Step 3 – Consultation with the pharmacist
The pharmacist will ask about:
- Your symptoms and when they started
- What work you do (sedentary vs physically demanding)
- Any red-flag symptoms requiring GP or emergency care
If your condition is minor and clearly within their scope, they can issue the certificate. If not, they’ll refer you to a doctor or urgent care.
Step 4 – Pay the fee
Fees vary by chain, but are typically around $20–$35 for an in-pharmacy certificate
Step 5 – Receive the certificate
You’ll usually receive:
- A printed copy to hand to your employer
- Sometimes a PDF sent by email or accessible via an app.
Pharmacy vs GP clinic vs online doctor: which medical certificate is best for you?
Pharmacy certificate (chemist Absence from Work Certificate)
Best for:
- Minor, short-lived illness (1–2 days)
- When you can physically walk into a pharmacy
- When your employer/university accepts pharmacist certificates
Pros
- No need to get into a doctor's limited appointment book
- Often available after work hours or on weekends
- Focused on quick documentation for sick leave
Cons
- Limited to minor conditions and short durations
- Not accepted for all purposes (e.g. exams, Centrelink, complex HR cases)
- Can't be backdated and can't cover longer illness.
GP clinic medical certificate
Best for:
- More than 1–2 days off work
- Ongoing or complex health issues
- Certificates for Centrelink, insurance, or repeated absences
Pros
- Fully recognised doctor's medical certificate
- Can cover longer periods of illness
- Doctor can manage and follow up your condition.
Cons
- Appointments can be hard to get at short notice
- Higher out-of-pocket cost in some clinics
- Travel and waiting room time when you already feel unwell.
Online doctor medical certificate (e.g. Doccy)
Best for:
- When you can't attend a GP clinic or pharmacy in person
- You need a doctor's certificate quickly (same day)
- After-hours or rural/remote situations.
Services like Doccy connect you to an Australian-registered doctor via telehealth who can assess your symptoms and, where appropriate, issue a proper medical certificate compliant with Australian standards.
Compared with a pharmacy certificate, an online doctor can:
- Provide a doctor-signed medical certificate (not just absence from work)
- Often cover a slightly longer period, depending on clinical judgment
- Be more widely accepted by employers, universities and third parties.
If your illness is minor and you just need one day off, a pharmacy certificate might be enough. If you need a doctor's certificate, can't get to a pharmacy, or want to be certain your certificate is accepted, a quick online consult with a Doccy doctor can solve it from home.
Need a doctor-signed medical certificate now? Get one online through Doccy in minutes – available 24/7, same-day delivery.
Are there state differences?
The authority for pharmacists to issue absence certificates sits under federal Fair Work law and national professional guidelines, so the core rules are consistent across states and territories (Fair Work Commission)
What does change is:
- Service availability – some pharmacies in regional areas may not offer certificates.
- Chain-specific policies – e.g. max duration or pricing can differ slightly between brands (i.e. Priceline)
Across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT or NT, the basic experience is similar: if a local pharmacy offers the service and your condition is minor, you can usually get a short absence from work certificate.
When should you skip the pharmacy and see a doctor instead?
You should seek a doctor at a GP clinic or online doctor care (or emergency care) rather than a pharmacy certificate if:
- Your symptoms are severe – chest pain, difficulty breathing, high fever not settling, severe dehydration, confusion.
- Your illness has lasted more than a few days or keeps recurring.
- You have a chronic condition (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, severe asthma) that may be worsening.
- You need a certificate for Centrelink, insurance, university exams, fitness to work, or specialised forms
In these situations, an online consultation with a Doccy doctor is often the most convenient way to get both proper medical care and a widely accepted certificate.
Can't get to a GP clinic or pharmacy? Speak to an Australian-registered doctor online now and receive your medical certificate the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Absence from Work Certificate from a pharmacy or chemist in Australia?
Yes. Many community pharmacies and chemists in Australia issue pharmacist-signed "Absence from Work Certificates" for minor illnesses and short-term carer's leave. These certificates function as medical evidence for sick or carer's leave, even though they are issued by a pharmacist rather than a doctor.Are pharmacy Absence from Work Certificates valid and legal for sick leave?
Yes. Pharmacy-issued Absence from Work Certificates are a legitimate form of documentary evidence for sick or carer's leave. Under Fair Work, employers can request evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person, and a pharmacist Absence from Work Certificate meets this requirement for short-term, minor conditions unless an employment contract or policy explicitly requires a doctor's certificate.Can my employer refuse a medical certificate from a pharmacy?
Yes. An employer can refuse a pharmacy certificate if the employment contract, enterprise agreement or internal policy requires a certificate specifically from a registered medical practitioner (doctor). Where policies are broader and refer to 'reasonable evidence' or 'medical certificates' without specifying doctor-only, a pharmacy certificate generally meets that requirement for short absences.Do all pharmacies provide medical certificates, and which pharmacies do?
No. Not every pharmacy provides medical certificates. The service is offered by many large chains and independent pharmacies that advertise 'Absence from Work Certificates', 'pharmacist medical certificates' or similar. Major chains include Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, Pharmacy 777 and TerryWhite. Many independent pharmacies offer the service. Customers must check with their local pharmacy—online, by phone or in-store—to confirm that pharmacist-issued certificates are available at that location.How do I get a medical certificate from a pharmacy?
You obtain a pharmacy medical certificate by attending a participating pharmacy, requesting an Absence from Work Certificate at the counter or via the pharmacy’s booking system, and completing a brief consultation with the pharmacist. The pharmacist assesses your symptoms, confirms your inability to work or your carer’s responsibilities, and then issues a signed certificate covering the relevant day or short period if the situation falls within their professional scope.How much does a medical certificate from a pharmacy cost in Australia?
Pharmacies charge a private fee for issuing an Absence from Work Certificate. Pricing is set by each pharmacy and typically falls in the range of a modest out-of-pocket fee per certificate, with variations between chains, locations and service models (for example, in-store versus digital). The fee is not bulk-billed through Medicare and must be paid directly to the pharmacy.What can a pharmacist give a medical certificate for, and what are the limits?
Pharmacists issue certificates for minor, self-limiting conditions and short-term carer’s responsibilities—for example, simple colds, mild flu-like illnesses, minor gastro, headaches without red-flag features, mild musculoskeletal strains, or caring for a family member with similar conditions. Pharmacists do not issue certificates for serious or complex illnesses, fitness-to-work assessments, pregnancy-related conditions, mental health assessments, insurance or Centrelink purposes, or situations that clearly require diagnosis or ongoing management by a doctor.How many days can a pharmacy Absence from Work Certificate cover?
Pharmacy Absence from Work Certificates are designed for brief episodes of illness and typically cover only a short, defined period, such as a single day or a couple of days off work or study. Longer or recurrent absences fall outside the intended scope and require assessment and certification by a doctor, either in person or via telehealth.Can a pharmacy medical certificate be backdated?
No. Pharmacists do not backdate Absence from Work Certificates. The certificate can only confirm that you are unfit for work or acting as a carer from the date of assessment and, if clinically appropriate, a clearly specified short period immediately following that assessment. Evidence for past days of absence must be obtained from a doctor or through another accepted form of documentation.Can I use a pharmacy medical certificate for Centrelink, insurance claims or university exams?
No. Pharmacy Absence from Work Certificates are not intended for Centrelink assessments, insurance claims, university exam special consideration or other high-stakes or regulatory purposes. Those situations normally require a doctor-issued medical certificate or specific institutional forms completed by a registered medical practitioner, which can be obtained from a GP or an accredited online doctor service.Key takeaways for Australian workers
- Yes, you can get a short sick or carer's certificate from many Australian pharmacies.
- It's called an Absence from Work Certificate, not technically a doctor's medical certificate.
- It usually covers 1–2 days and only minor conditions.
- Under Fair Work, it can be reasonable evidence for sick leave, but your employer or university might still insist on a doctor's certificate (Fair Work Ombudsman)
- For longer absences, complex health issues, Centrelink or exam certificates, you'll need a doctor's medical certificate.
- If you can't easily see a doctor at a GP clinic or get to a pharmacy, an online doctor service like Doccy lets you get a medically sound certificate from home.