Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) – Skills Assessment Guide

What is the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)?

The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) is the designated authority responsible for assessing the qualifications and skills of pharmacists seeking to migrate to Australia under skilled migration visas, such as:

  • Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
  • Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
  • Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa)

Obtaining a positive skills assessment from the APC is a crucial step before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) for migration.

Who Needs an APC Skills Assessment?

The APC conducts assessments for professionals in the pharmacy sector, including:

  • Community Pharmacists: Retail or community-based pharmacists.
  • Hospital Pharmacists: Pharmacists working within hospital settings.
  • Industrial Pharmacists: Pharmacists involved in pharmaceutical manufacturing and research.

If your occupation aligns with any of these roles, the APC is the appropriate assessing authority for your qualifications.

APC Skills Assessment Pathways

The APC offers two primary assessment pathways:

  1. Knowledge Stream (OPRA™ Exam)

This pathway is designed for internationally qualified pharmacists whose degrees are not automatically recognized in Australia. The process involves:

  1. Eligibility Check: Confirming that your qualifications meet the necessary criteria.
  2. OPRA™ Exam: The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA™) evaluates your knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences. This exam replaces the former KAPS exam as of March 2025. It consists of 120 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2.5 hours. The exam focuses on areas such as therapeutics and patient care, ensuring alignment with current Australian pharmacy practices.

Note: There is no English language proficiency test required for the APC skills assessment.

  1. Competency Stream (CAOP™ Exam)

This pathway is intended for pharmacists who have completed their qualifications and are registered in countries like Canada, Ireland, the UK, or the USA. The process includes:

  1. Eligibility Check: Verification of your credentials and registration status.
  2. CAOP™ Exam: The Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP™) exam assesses your competency to practice pharmacy in the Australian context. It comprises 70 questions over a 2-hour duration.

APC Skills Assessment Process

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility and Select the Appropriate Pathway

  • Knowledge Stream: For pharmacists with qualifications not recognized in Australia.
  • Competency Stream: For pharmacists registered in specified countries with recognized qualifications.

Step 2: Prepare Necessary Documentation

  • Personal Identification: Valid passport or alternative identification.
  • Academic Credentials: Degree certificates and official transcripts.
  • Professional Registration: Proof of current registration as a pharmacist (if applicable).
  • Course Details: Syllabi and subject descriptions for non-Australian qualifications.

Ensure all documents are in English or accompanied by certified translations.

Step 3: Submit Your Application to the APC

  • Online Application: Complete and submit your application through the APC’s official website.
  • Processing Time: Eligibility checks are typically processed within 5 working days upon receipt of all required documentation; however, allow up to 4 weeks for unforeseen circumstances.

Step 4: Register and Prepare for the Relevant Exam

  • OPRA™ Exam: Registration opens in January 2025, with the first exam session scheduled for March 2025.
  • CAOP™ Exam: Registration periods and exam dates are available on the APC website.

Utilize the APC’s resources, including exam guides and sample papers, to aid in your preparation.

Step 5: Obtain Your Skills Assessment Outcome

  • Validity: A positive skills assessment outcome is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
  • Usage: This outcome supports your visa application and is necessary for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Final Considerations

Securing a positive skills assessment from the APC is a pivotal step for pharmacists aspiring to practice in Australia. Ensure you select the correct assessment pathway, compile all required documentation meticulously, and prepare thoroughly for the respective examinations