Information for Stream B Candidates
A summary of the Stream B process follows. More detailed information about the Stream B process can be found in the Stream B Candidates’ Information Handbook. Links to other useful information for the Stream B 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
Note: From 1 July 2010 Stream B candidates will be exempt from undertaking the English language requirement
Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP)
The CAOP consists of one paper of 105 multiple choice questions (MCQ) which include calculations, plus one short answer question, to be taken over three hours. It is based on the current competencies for Australian pharmacy practice. This examination is available four times per year in London, Auckland and all capital cities in Australia.
After successful completion of the CAOP candidates must meet the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA) requirements for registration.
PBA Registration requirements
Candidates will be required to present their CAOP 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 undertake supervised practice. Requirements will include:
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- a period of supervised practice in an Australian pharmacy under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist
- - an oral examination
- - hold a satisfactory current (within two years of date of issue) English language test result obtained at the one sitting (candidates who completed their secondary schooling and pharmacy tertiary studies in English in the UK, Ireland, USA or Canada may be exempted)
Supervised practice
Supervised practice is a period of practical experience of at least 152 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 CAOP.
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.
- Oral Examination
The oral competency examination is conducted by the PBA.
Candidates may attempt the oral examination after successfully completing the Written Examination.
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 B Candidates
Stream B Candidates Information Handbook
Approved Scientific Calculators - Stream B
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 an Appeals Policy for its 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).
