APC Examinations Committee

The Examinations Committee is in place to ensure quality and integrity and defensibility in the administration of the high stakes exams for interns and overseas applicants by the Australian Pharmacy Council Ltd (APC).

The Examinations Committee is an operational committee of the APC. The Committee advises the APC Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Operational decisions on the design and development of APC examinations are managed by the Examinations team, who have developed defensible processes regarding the development and implementation of examination processes that are routinely reviewed and monitored. 

This By-law, as per Section 24 of the APC Constitution, sets out the objectives and role of this committee. In the event of any inconsistency between the APC Constitution and this By-law, the APC Constitution prevails.

The purpose of the Examinations Committee is to:

1. Review the outcomes and recommendations developed by APC operational staff after each exam to protect and uphold the integrity of the exams 
2. Benchmark APC current exam methodologies with national / international practices to ensure the currency of our methodology
3. Review and recommend the reporting structure to stakeholders including universities & intern training programs (ITP’s)
4. Review the methodology that establishes the ‘pass mark’ for all examinations including Intern Written exam, Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) and Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP) exams
5. Provide guidance on strategic projects including steps to modernise exam content / methodology and delivery to ensure a suite of contemporary examinations
6. Undertake any other assessments task referred to by the APC CEO.

The Examinations Committee membership will be appointed by the CEO, and will include as a minimum:  

1. Up to 2 pharmacists with experience in high-stakes pharmacy examinations for registration purposes
2. A senior representative of a health related council with a wide range of experience in examination and clinical assessment practices
3. An academic of high standing in educational assessment, statistics and psychometrics
4. An academic of high standing with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in curriculum development and or instructional design
5. An experienced examinations and or assessments manager with current knowledge of international computer-based examination and assessment delivery

Members will be appointed for a term of three years and will be eligible for three terms. The CEO will select a Chair from within the membership.  APC will cover the member’s expenses to attend meetings and pay a fee as per the relevant APC policies and guidelines. 

Examinations Committee members are required to:

• Abide by the policies of the APC, including the Conflict of Interest Policy and Duties and Responsibilities of Committee Members 
• Sign the APC Confidentiality Deed and the Code of Conduct for Committee Members
• Contribute actively to discussions and decision-making
• Keep themselves informed of trends, issues and developments within educational assessment research and methodologies.   

The Examinations Committee will meet up to three times a year. Additional meetings may be held as required.

The Executive Director Professional Services will be responsible for the Committee as Secretariat.

Duties and Responsibilities of Committee Members

Code of Conduct for Committee Members

Delegations to Committees Policy

APC Remuneration Policy

APC Travel Policy