Objective. Fever is a common childhood symptom of illness often mismanaged by caregivers.Community pharmacies can provide an influential role in the education and management of fever.This study aimed to ascertain how pharmacy students (novices) and pharmacy staff (experts) respond to a childhood fever scenario.Methods. Data were collected from 65 second year students and 51 fourth (final) year students in an over-the-counter fever scenario during assessment tasks. Data from pharmacy staff were collected via mystery shopping conducted over nine weeks between March-October 2015. All encounters were immediately scored by the trained simulated client, and immediate feedback was provided for pharmacy staff and fourth year students. Questioning scores (WHAT) and proportions of competent participants were collected in all groups. Statistical comparative analyses were made between fourth year students and pharmacy staff. Pharmacy staff scores were also tracked over time.Results. Second year students performed well when questioning, achieving a median WHAT score of 100%. Conversely, pharmacy staff scored 22%. A large proportion of the fourth year students and pharmacy staff achieved appropriate outcomes (92% and 65% respectively), however a smaller proportion of second years performed well (52%). The pharmacy staff achieved statistical improvements over time for median WHAT scores (p<0.001). Conclusions.Protocol compliant questioning appears to decline with experience. However, experienced counsellors are more likely to provide appropriate patient advice. Further improvements in outcomes can also occur when staff are provided feedback and coaching. Mystery shopping simulations can be used as a valuable educational tool.