Information for Stream A Candidates
A summary of the Stream A process follows. More detailed information about the Stream A process can be found in the Stream A Candidates’ Information Handbook. Links to other useful information for the Stream A process appear at the end of this page.
1 Eligibility Assessment
An initial assessment of a candidate’s qualifications and associated documents is undertaken to determine an applicant's eligibility to undertake the APC examination procedure through either Stream A or Stream B.
2 English Language Requirements
Language requirements are based on either the Occupational English Test (OET) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A score of ‘A’ or ‘B’ in all four components of the OET or an overall Band score of 7 (with a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the four components) at the Academic level of IELTS is an essential prerequisite for enrolment in the APC Stage I Examination (as used in Stream A) or the Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP) Examination (as used in Stream B). The OET and IELTS may be taken overseas or in Australia.
Please note, from 1 July 2009 APC candidates must achieve an overall Band score of 7.5 at the Academic level of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components of the test.
All IELTS results received from 1 July 2009 must meet the new requirement.
All enrollments for either a Stage I or CAOP Examination session after September 2009 must meet the new requirement.
APC requirements in the Occupational English Test (OET) remains unchanged and a score of either ‘A’ or ‘B’ in each of the four sections of the Occupational English Test (OET) is acceptable.
3 Stage I Examination
The Stage I Examination consists of two papers of multiple choice questions covering pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology and physiology, and therapeutics. It is held in Australia and overseas in March and September each year.
A skills assessment letter for migration purposes is issued after successful completion of the Stage I Examination.
4 Interview
Successful candidates in the Stage I Examination are interviewed by the appropriate Examining Committee state/territory representative and a member of the relevant registering authority to discuss the requirements for the Stage II Examination, the period of supervised practice that must be completed, and any other formal training requirements of the registering authority. The interview is held in Australia prior to undertaking a supervised practice placement.
5 Supervised Practice
Supervised practice is a period of practical experience of up to 2000 hours undertaken in an Australian community pharmacy and/or hospital pharmacy department under the supervision of an Australian registered pharmacist.
6 National Forensics, Ethics and Calculations (NFEC) Examination
The NFEC Examination consists of a written examination covering forensic, ethical and calculation aspects of Australian pharmacy practice to be completed in one hour. The examination is held in Australia.
7 Stage II Examination
The Stage II Examination has written, practical and oral components covering the practice of pharmacy and must be attempted in the state/territory in which the supervised practice was undertaken. The examination is held in all Australian states and territories.
8 APC Certificate
Candidates who have successfully completed the Stream A or Stream B examination process are issued with an APC certificate, which entitles the candidate to apply for registration with any of the Australian pharmacy registering authorities. The APC certificate is recognised by all the pharmacy registering authorities in Australia.
Useful Information
Click on the links to download useful documents for Stream A CandidatesStream A Candidates Information Handbook
Stage II Pre-registration Reference Manual
Note: Applicants expecting to sit the APCAT before the end of 2008 should refer to the What’s New section of this website for information about one of the texts that can be taken into the examination.
Approved Scientific Calculators - Stream A
Other relevant information can be found on the Whats New and FAQs pages on this website.
To find out about financial assistance for eligible applicants click on the link to go to the ASDOT page on the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website. http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/Asdot.htm
Candidates must hold an appropriate visa which allows them to work under supervision in a training position. Candidates should contact their nearest migration office for further information on visas.
APC Appeals Policy
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has developed an appeals policy for its assessments and examinations. The policy provides for appeals to be made against the initial assessment that establishes an applicant’s eligibility to undertake the APC examination process and as a result of the examination process. A counselling and review process for examination results is also available for candidates who are resident in Australia.
