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This pathway shows you how to apply for a Skills Assessment Outcome so that you can register and work as a pharmacist in Australia.
This process applies if:
You'll need this Outcome issued to:
This pathway applies if you completed an approved* pharmacy qualification, or adjudication process, in either:
*An approved qualification must be recognised by the pharmacy regulator in the country of qualification.
The qualification must also be the equivalent of either:
Besides holding a completed degree, you must also be currently registered as a pharmacist in one of the countries listed above.
If any of the above points are not true for you, this process does not apply. See Skills assessments.
Skills Assessment structure
The process for requesting a Skills Assessment Outcome has 2 parts:
There is no expiry on the eligibility check.
Time frames
Cost:
Before you start, translate any non-English documents into English. It must be a translation of the full document.
We will not accept an extract translation of the document unless it is provided from an Australian Government Department, such as the Department of Home Affairs.
You must use a translator who is accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). We will not accept documents that have been translated by anyone else.
You will need to submit both original and English-translated documents.
When you apply for an Eligibility Check in the Candidate Portal, you will include the following:
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Passport |
If you do not have a current passport, you can complete your application with an alternative Australian or New Zealand identification document. The only accepted alternatives include:
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Official photo-bearing document |
We require an official ID as proof of identity. This must be an ID document issued by an overseas or Australian authority. It must include your photo. |
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Birth certificate |
We require a birth certificate as proof of identity. If you do not have a birth certificate you can provide a second photo-bearing document (see above). |
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Qualification certificate or letter of completion |
You must include your qualification certificate or letter of completion if your certificate has not yet been issued.
If you completed your degree in another country but are now registered in either Canada, Ireland, the UK or the USA you will still need to include scans of your degree certificate/s. |
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Academic transcript |
The academic transcript issued by the education provider must:
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Evidence of registration |
You must provide evidence that you're eligible to register as a pharmacist in the country you completed your qualification. Provide one of the following:
To obtain this evidence, contact your pharmacy registration authority, not your university. If the document is to show ‘eligibility to commence the registration process’, it must refer to both you and your university by name. |
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Agent authorisation form (optional) |
If you want to nominate someone to communicate with us on your behalf, upload the original APC Agent Authorisation Form. Both you and your agent must sign the agent’s authority. |
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Evidence of name change (optional) |
Your name must appear the same way on all your documents. If you have changed your name, you need to upload proof of any name change in the portal. If your name is spelt incorrectly in any of your documents, you will need to have them corrected by the organisation who originally issued them. Documents that prove a change of name include:
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We are currently improving this process to better align with and support your career prospects. We therefore are not currently accepting work experience applications.
You may be able to provide evidence of your work experience directly to the Department of Home Affairs
For more information on the criteria that your qualification needs to meet, see our Assessment Standards.
For specific details about the required documents, see our Skills Assessment Documents Policy.
You do not need to:
If you leave out any documents or provide incorrect information, the process will take longer than usual.
The eligibility check is the first step in your journey to receiving a Skills Assessment Outcome and becoming a pharmacist in Australia.
Cost: AU$810
Timeframe: 8 weeks
Step 1
You must:
If any of the information above is not true for you, this process does not apply to you. See Skills Assessments.
Step 2
You'll need to provide us with documents to:
You may want us to communicate with another person, such as a migration agent or family member, instead of you. This is not required - it is optional if you choose.
If you want to nominate someone else to work with us, download and fill in our Agent Authorisation form. Both you and your nominated agent must sign it.
Your nominated agent must use a different email address to yours.
You'll need upload the completed form in the Candidate Portal.
If you nominate someone else, we'll only talk to your authorised agent about your application.
Step 3
We cannot guarantee that your application will be assessed in time to register for your preferred exam. It may help if you lodge your application at least 8 weeks prior the registration closing date.
Your card must be issued by a bank in your country of residence. If you have paymnt issues please contact us.
Step 4
It will take us about 8 weeks to complete your eligibility check.
If you provide the wrong documents or leave any out, the process will take longer than usual.
We may email you to tell you we need more information.
If we ask for more information, you have 6 months (180 days) to get this to us.
If we do not receive the correct information from you within 6 months, our system will close your application. If this happens, you'll need to re-apply and pay the fee again.
We'll tell you (or your agent) by email whether or not you can sit the CAOP exam.
The CAOP (Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists) exam tests your knowledge, skills and ability to apply your knowledge. Passing it is a step in the process of limited registration as a pharmacist in Australia.
Duration of exam: 2 hours, 70 questions in total.
Cost: AU$1950 - Learn more about exam fees.
Eligibility: Ensure you are eligible to sit the exam by applying for an Eligibility Check.
Step 1
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Exam dates |
Registrations period |
Results released |
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15 - 17 April 2024 |
4 December 2023 - 12 March 2024 |
30 April 2024 |
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19 - 20 August 2024 |
7 May - 15 July 2024 |
3 September 2024 |
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18 - 19 November 2024 |
10 September - 14 October 2024 |
3 December 2024 |
You can choose to sit the CAOP exam either:
You can sit our exams in the following cities.
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Country |
City |
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Australia |
Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Townsville |
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New Zealand |
Auckland and Wellington |
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Canada |
Toronto |
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Ireland |
Dublin |
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United Kingdom |
London, Plymouth and Edinburgh |
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Philippines |
Manila |
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Fiji |
Suva |
Seat availability varies between test centres. Test centres can reach full capacity or may not be available for certain sessions.
We recommend you finish registering before you arrange your travel.
Online proctored exams, through OnVUE, allow you to conveniently sit your exam remotely, at home or work or a suitable location while being monitored by an online proctor. All communication with the proctor is in English.
You can sit the online proctored exam anywhere that has:
Learn more about PearsonVUE's OnVUE exams..
Test centres and online proctored exams both have their advantages and unique requirements. Before registering, check which testing environment is right for you.
You cannot switch between test centre and OnVUE after you've confirmed your appointment.
Need help deciding? Ask yourself these questions.
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Test centre exam |
OnVUE online proctored exam |
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Availability |
1 session per day |
24 hours a day |
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Changes to booking |
Changes to test centre appointments can only be made during the registration period. Changes are subject to seat availability, and cannot be made after registrations close. |
Changes to OnVUE appointments can be made up to 1 hour before your scheduled exam time. This is subject to the availability of the session. |
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Identification Documents (ID) |
2 IDs required – refer to your confirmation email |
1 ID required – refer to your confirmation email |
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Bathroom breaks |
Permitted |
Not permitted |
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Items allowed on your desk |
Calculator Any item on the Comfort Aid list You will be provided a whiteboard notebook and pen |
Calculator Any item on the Comfort Aid list A glass of water Your mobile phone (only in case you experience technical issues) |
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Online tools |
Calculator |
Calculator Online whiteboard tool Scratchpad (CAOP only) |
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Arrival time |
45 min prior to the exam |
30 min prior to the exam - no later than 15 min prior to the exam |
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Invigilator |
Test Centre invigilators |
Artificial intelligence, greeters, and online remote proctors |
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Support during the exam |
Test Centre invigilators |
Online chat tool with your online remote proctor |
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Technical issues |
Technical issues are rare. |
Technical issues are much more common in OnVUE exams than in test centres. |
Step 2
To sit the exam, you must have:
Need some help? To determine the correct pathway for you, see I want to sit the CAOP or KAPS examination.
Registrations open at 9am and close at 5pm AEDT/AEST. Check these times in your local time zone with a time zone converter. They close about one month before exam day.
We cannot accept any late registrations.
Some locations fill up fast, so we suggest booking your exam as soon as possible when registrations open. You can choose an alternative test centre if your preferred centre is full.
Every test-taker is different. It is important we provide equitable access to testing. If you'd like to ask for special accommodation, you'll need to select the option as part of the registration process. You will be prompted to upload your supporting documents.
We'll review your request and your documents. We'll then email you the outcome of your request within two business days. If your request is approved, we will direct you to Pearson VUE to arrange the request details.
Your appointment date and time may change to allow for your request.
Read more about special accommodation.
You will be prompted to upload a headshot. It can be 'selfie'.
Your headshot must be:
If you usually cover your head for religious reasons, or you wear facial jewellery, your photo can include these items.
This photo is for your Skills Assessment Outcome.
You must pay the fee at the time of registration. If payment is not received your seat will be released.
Please note:
We'll send you a reminder email around 3 days before your exam.
Step 3
You can reschedule your exam in your Candidate Portal.
You can reschedule it to another date and time only during the registration period.
You can cancel and request a refund for any reason, however it is subject to our approval and will incur a cancellation fee. The amount you receive depends on when you cancel your exam.See partial refund amounts.
Read our refund policy carefully for details.
You will need to cancel your exam in your Candidate Portal.
Step 4
Familiarise yourself with the exam and be prepared for the day of your exam.
Step 5
We'll email you when your results are available. Refer to exam dates above for when they will be released.
You'll be able to view and download your results from the Candidate Portal.
We release all results as 'Pass' or 'Unsuccessful' only. We do not release any scores.
Sometimes candidates need more than one attempt to pass the CAOP Exam. Don't give up! Talk to your friends, colleagues and family and work out how best to prepare for the next exam.
APC provides a scale that displays the level required for a successful outcome. You can find this information in your Candidate Portal.
You can register to sit the exam again during the next exam period. When it opens register in Candidate Portal. You will need to pay the full registration fee again when you register.
You have 2 attempts at the CAOP exam. If you are unsuccessful the second time, you'll need go through the Knowledge Stream process to receive your Skills Assessment outcome.
APC offers an appeals process for matters other than the calculation of results. The process is to ensure no candidate is disadvantaged by matters outside their control. Please read about our Appeals Policy before sitting the exam. The policy tells you about the scope of an appeal. Learn more about our appeals process.
When you pass the CAOP exam, you can then request a copy of your Skills Assessment Outcome.
Once you have a Skills Assessment Outcome from us, you can use it to:
Your outcome will be valid for 3 years from the date we issue it.
The Department of Home Affairs sets the validity period for your Skills Assessment outcome for visa applications. APC is unable to change the validity period.
If something significant changes after we issue your Skills Assessment outcome, you can ask us for an updated Skills Assessment.
You will need to complete a period of supervised practice before receiving general registration. This period will be determined by PharmBA. You will need to:
Some candidates contact professional organisations, family contacts, or extended networks to understand what opportunities exist at that time to find a supervised practice setting. Others may already have an offer to work in a pharmacy.
In any case, you must have your registration and arrangements approved by PharmBA before enrolling in and beginning supervised practice.
We suggest calling Ahpra to chat about your particular circumstances and goals.
Learn about other pathways to getting your pharmacy qualification recognised so you can migrate to, or register as a pharmacist in, Australia
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