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 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 (KAPS) for Stream A or the competency assessment (CAOP) for Stream B.
English Language Requirements
Language requirements are evidenced by 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 a valid English result, at the current requirement, 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: From 1 July 2010 English language results must be obtained at the one sitting
Note: From 1 July 2010 candidates who provide evidence of having completed secondary schooling and pharmacy tertiary education in English in South Africa may be exempted 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 an Office of the PBA as evidence of eligibility to undertake the registration process. They will also be required to obtain provisional registration to allow them to undertake supervised practice. Requirements include:
- - a period of supervised practice in an Australian pharmacy under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist
- - an intern training program
- - a written examination
- - an oral examination
- - hold 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 no more than 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.
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:
- attendance at seminars and workshops
- completion of assessment tasks
A list of accredited intern training program providers for 2011 will be posted on the APC website.
- Written Examination
- The Written examination is developed and conducted by the APC on behalf of the PBA.
- The Written Examination, delivered by computer, is of three hours duration and comprises 125 questions covering Functional Areas 1,3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Competency Standards for Pharmacists in Australia 2003. The examination is held in capital cities in all Australian states and territories.
Candidates may attempt the written examination after completing 50% of their required supervised practice hours and must successfully complete the written examination before attempting the oral examination. The written examination will be offered six times per year.
Dates and enrollment advice for 2011 will be posted on the APC website.
- Oral Examination
- The oral competency examination is conducted by the PBA.
The examination may be attempted after a successful result in the written examination. The oral examination will be offered three times per year.
Further information regarding this examination including examination dates will be provided by the PBA at www.pharmacyboard.gov.au
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
Written Examination (formerly APCAT) Guide
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
APC Appeals Policy
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has anAppeals Policy for assessments 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).
