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.

Initial Eligibility Assessment

An initial assessment of a candidate’s qualifications and associated documents is undertaken to determine an applicant's eligibility to undertake the secondary assessment which is the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences(KAPS) examination for Stream A or the Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP) examination for Stream B.

English Language Requirements

To meet the English language requirements, candidates must submit results from 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 at least 7.5 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components) at the Academic level of IELTS is an essential prerequisite for enrolment in the KAPS (as used in Stream A). The OET and IELTS may be taken overseas or in Australia.

English results are valid for 2 years for APC purposes.

All candidates must have valid English results at the time they enrol and at the time they sit the KAPS. This includes candidates who have had an unsuccessful attempt at the KAPS (formerly Stage I) and are re-sitting.

Note: English language results must be obtained in the one sitting.

Note: Candidates who provide evidence of having completed secondary schooling and pharmacy tertiary education in English in South Africa may be exempt from undertaking the English language requirement.

Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS)

The KAPS 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.

After successful completion of the KAPS candidates must meet the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA) requirements for registration.

PBA Registration requirements

Candidates will be required to present their KAPS results letter to the PBA as evidence of eligibility to apply to commence the registration process. They will also be required to obtain provisional registration to allow them to  undertake a period of supervised practice. Requirements include:

1. - a period of supervised practice in an Australian pharmacy under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist
2. - an intern training program
3. - a written examination
4. - an oral examination
5. - a satisfactory current (within two years of date of issue) English language test result obtained at the one sitting

Supervised practice

 

Supervised practice is a period of practical experience of 1824 hours undertaken in an Australian pharmacy under the direct supervision of an Australian registered pharmacist. The placement must be approved by the PBA before commencement. It is to be commenced after successfully completing the KAPS.

 

Note: 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.

 

Intern Training Program

 

Candidates are required to successfully complete a formal intern training program which includes:

1. - attendance at seminars and workshops
2. - completion of assessment tasks

A list of accredited intern training program providers is available on the APC website.

• Intern Written Examination
• The intern written examination is developed and conducted by the APC on behalf of the PBA.
• The intern written examination, delivered by computer, is of three hours duration and comprises 125 multiple choice questions covering Domains 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the National Competency Standards for Pharmacists in Australia 2010. The examination is held in all capital cities across Australia.

Candidates may attempt the intern written examination after completing 30% of their required supervised practice hours and must successfully complete the intern written examination before attempting the oral examination.  The intern written examination will be offered six times per year.

 

Dates and enrolment advice can be found on the APC website.

 

• Oral Examination
• The oral competency examination is conducted by the PBA.

Candidates may attempt the oral examination after completing 75% of their required supervised practice hours and achieving a successful result in the intern written examination.  The oral examination will be offered three times per year.

 

Further information regarding the oral examination including examination dates is available on the Schedule of Oral Examinations page on the PBA website.

All interns completing the registration process will undergo criminal history checks prior to being registered.

Useful Information

Click on the links to download useful documents for Stream A Candidates

Stream A Candidates Information Handbook

Intern Written Examination Guide

Other relevant information can be found on the Whats New and FAQs pages on this website.

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) has an Assessment Subsidy for Overseas Trained Professionals to assist in the cost of assessments and/or examinations. For information about eligibility requirements go to the ASDOT page on the DEEWR website.

APC Appeals Policy

The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has an Appeals Policy for assessments and examinations. The policy provides for appeals to be made against the initial assessment (which establishes an applicant’s eligibility to undertake the secondary assessment) or against the secondary assessment (which assesses knowledge or competency).