KAPS vs PEBC: A Detailed Comparison of Overseas Pharmacist Exams

Jun 19, 2024 3 min read
KAPS vs PEBC

Key Takeaways:

  • Both exams aim to ensure pharmacists are competent and prepared to provide quality care to patients in their respective countries.
  • KAPS is for Australia, while PEBC is for Canada, so choose accordingly based on your career aspirations.
  • Both exams have centres worldwide, including India, making it convenient for candidates to take the exam from their home country.

As a pharmacist dreaming of an overseas career, you would definitely consider countries like Australia and Canada as your career destinations. With world-class healthcare systems, a plethora of career opportunities, and handsome salaries, these countries are nothing short of a dream for overseas-trained pharmacists. Obtaining licensure overseas usually involves passing rigorous examinations that assess your knowledge, skills, and competence. While looking up about these countries, you would have come across the KAPS and PEBC exams. Both KAPS and PEBC assess a candidate's knowledge and skills, but they cater to different destinations and have distinct characteristics. This blog will help you understand more about these exams. 

KAPS Exam

Which Country Requires the KAPS Exam?

The KAPS exam, or the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, is the registration examination for overseas-trained pharmacists who target Australia as their career destination. 

Which Country Requires the PEBC Exam?

The PEBC exam stands for the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada examination. As the name suggests, this exam is necessary for international pharmacists seeking licensure for pharmacy practice in Canada.

Who Conducts the KAPS Exam?

The KAPS exam is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). It sets standards for pharmacy education and ensures that graduates meet the required competencies to practise pharmacy safely and effectively in Australia. Through its accreditation process, the APC aims to uphold the quality of pharmacy education and training, thereby contributing to the development of competent and skilled pharmacists who can provide high-quality healthcare services to the community.

Who Conducts the PEBC Exam?

The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada conducts the PEBC exam. It is the national certification body for the pharmacy profession in Canada and is responsible for assessing the qualifications of pharmacy professionals who wish to practise in Canada. The PEBC plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and standards of the pharmacy profession in Canada by ensuring that pharmacists have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide optimal pharmaceutical care to patients.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for the KAPS Exam?

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, including provisional degrees.
  • BPharm/PharmD transcripts or consolidated mark sheets.
  • Active registration with the state pharmacy council in your home country as a practising pharmacist.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for the PEBC Exam?

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, including provisional degrees.
  • BPharm/PharmD transcripts or consolidated mark sheets.
  • Active registration with the state pharmacy council in your home country as a practising pharmacist.

Where is the KAPS Exam Conducted?

There are many KAPS exam centres across the world. You can take your KAPS exam from your home country. The KAPS exam centres in India are as follows.

  • Bangalore
  • Chennai
  • Hyderabad
  • Mumbai
  • New Delhi
  • Gurgaon
  • Pune
  • Noida

Where is the PEBC Exam Conducted?

Like the KAPS exam, the PEBC exam also has several exam centres around the world. The PEBC exam centres in India include:

  • Ahmedabad
  • Bangalore
  • Chennai
  • Gurgaon
  • Hyderabad
  • Kolkata
  • Mumbai

What are the Steps to the KAPS Exam?

The steps to the KAPS exam are as follows.

  • Initial Skill Assessment by the Australian Pharmacy Council
  • KAPS exam 
    • KAPS 1
    • KAPS 2
  • English proficiency test

What are the Steps to the PEBC Exam?

These are the steps to the PEBC exam.

  • Document evaluation
  • Pharmacist Evaluating Examination (PEE)
    • PEE Part 1: MCQ
    • PEE Part 2: OSCE
  • Pharmacists Qualifying Examination
    • Qualifying Examination Part 1: MCQ
    • Qualifying Examination Part 2: OSCE

What is the Passing Score for the KAPS Exam?

The KAPS exam-takers are required to score at least 50% to pass the KAPS exam. Fortunately, there is no negative marking.

What is the Passing Score for the PEBC Exam?

Candidates must score at least 60% of the total possible score (200) to successfully pass the PEBC examination. 

FeatureKAPSPEBC
CountryAustraliaCanada
AdministrationAustralian Pharmacy CouncilPharmacy Examining Board of Canada
EligibilityBPharm/PharmD degree and active registration with the state pharmacy councilBPharm/PharmD degree and active registration with the state pharmacy council
Exam centresBangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Gurgaon, Pune, and NoidaAhmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai
Steps
  • Initial skill assessment
  • KAPS 1
  • KAPS 2
  • English proficiency test
  • Document evaluation
  • PEE MCQ
  • PEE OSCE
  • Qualifying examination MCQ
  • Qualifying examination OSCE

Conclusion

Understanding the exams' setups for becoming a pharmacist in Australia (KAPS) or Canada (PEBC) is crucial. Both tests have their unique features but serve the same purpose: ensuring pharmacists are ready for the job.

The KAPS exam in Australia focuses on pharmaceutical sciences and practical pharmacy skills. It has two parts: testing knowledge and application. Passing it is necessary to work as a pharmacist in Australia.

In Canada, the PEBC exams cover a wider range of topics, including basic sciences and pharmacy practice. They have different parts, including multiple-choice questions and real-life scenarios (OSCE), to test practical skills. Pharmacy technicians also have their own exams.

Despite their differences, both exams aim to make sure pharmacists are capable and ready to provide quality care to patients. Aspiring pharmacists should consider their career goals and exam requirements to choose the right path.

In summary, whether aiming to practise in Australia through KAPS or Canada through PEBC, thorough preparation and understanding of the exam structure are key. With the right preparation, aspiring pharmacists can confidently tackle these exams and start making a positive impact on patient health.

In this journey, having the right preparation strategies, strong mentors, and proper guidance can guarantee success on your first attempt. That is where Academically comes into the scene. By getting in touch with our experts, you can get a free consultation and get started with your pharmacy journey overseas. For more information, contact us.

Fill up this form for a free one on one counselling session.  

FAQs

Q: How long is the KAPS exam?

Ans: The KAPS exam is 8 hours long, with each part lasting 4 hours.

Q: How long is the PEBC Evaluating Exam?

Ans: The exam happens within a condensed timeframe of 4.25 hours.

Q: Which pharmacist exam is easy- KAPS or PEBC?

Ans: Based on the passing score and process length, the KAPS exam is easier than the PEBC exam.

Nuha Mariyam
Nuha Mariyam
about the author

Nuha Mariyam has more than three years of experience in content writing. She strongly believes in the power of creativity and the impact that it makes. With a keen eye for detail and a love for words, Nuha specialises in creating engaging and informative content across various fields, including healthcare.