Australia is the land of opportunities, especially for pharmacists. Even if you have completed your pharmacy education outside the country, you can practise in Australia, albeit with a few additional steps.
The main part of this process is to get your qualification recognized by the APC, and there are a few ways to do so. The recognition process differs based on your qualifications and where you have received them. For this. The Australian Pharmacy Council, or the APC, has a few different pathways.
For example, people from the UK, USA, Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand, this process is relatively simple. This is because the pharmacy education system as well as the standard of education is very similar to Australia. This means, all they need to do is submit the paperwork and request a skill assessment. Some may need to sit for the CAOP exam.
For other overseas pharmacists, this might be a lengthier process.
This guide will take you through the different steps of this process. The more you know, the easier it is to get started.
Who Needs a Pharmacist Skills Assessment?
- International pharmacy graduates who have obtained their degree outside Australia.
- Pharmacists not currently registered with an Australian pharmacy board.
- Individuals seeking provisional registration in Australia.
This assessment evaluates your qualifications. It is an important step in ensuring they meet Australian pharmacy education and practice standards before you can proceed with registration.
Step-by-Step Process for the Skills Assessment
The skills assessment involves several stages, each requiring careful attention to detail.
1. Register on the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) Portal
Start by creating an account on the APC online portal to manage your application and submit documents.
2. Complete the Application Form
Fill in your details, including education, work experience, and English test scores. Ensure all information is accurate to prevent delays.
3. Submit Supporting Documents
Upload all required documents, such as
- Degree certificates
- Transcripts
- Registration proof, and
- Identity documents
4. Assessment of Qualifications
The APC evaluates your educational background and professional experience. They may verify your documents and curriculum details.
5. Receive Assessment Outcome
You will receive a decision via email. A positive assessment means you can proceed with the next steps toward registration. A negative assessment may require additional training or exams.
Essential Documents for the Assessment
Make sure you have the following documents ready:
- Academic Transcripts and Pharmacy Degree Certificate
- Proof of Pharmacist Registration in home country
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Employment Verification (If Required)
- English Language Proficiency Test Results
- Valid Passport Copy
If your documents are in any language other than English, you need to provide the official translations of your documents before submission.
What Happens After the Assessment?
Once the skills assessment is complete, you will receive one of the following results:
Positive Assessment:
- You qualify for the next stage of the pharmacy registration process in Australia.
- Proceed to the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s application process.
Negative Assessment:
- Your qualifications do not meet Australian pharmacy standards.
- You may need to
- Take additional exams
- Complete a bridging course, or
- Gain more experience before reapplying
Skill Assessment Exams
If you are an overseas pharmacist from countries other than:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- UK
- USA
Then, you would need to take the OPRA exam. It is the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment exam. The exam is held online and can be taken from around the world in a Pearson VUE test centre near you.
After you pass the OPRA exam, you can get your provisional registration and start with your internship period.
For pharmacists that are registered in any of the countries listed above, except Australia and NZ, the APC conducts the CAOP exam under the competency stream.
Start Your Eligibility Check Now
The Pharmacist Skills Assessment is the most important first step to getting licensed in Australia. This assessment can become even easier for you, if you:
- Know the requirements
- Send the right documents
- Follow the process
Begin your application now to start your journey toward a pharmacy career in Australia. And if you need any kind of assistance with this process, Academically provides you with an umbrella assistance in your pharmacists registration journey to Australia. Reach out to us today and explore all your options.
