This article provides an overview of each step required in the journey of becoming a pharmacist in Australia. It's for those who received their pharmacist qualification overseas and wish to work in or migrate to Australia.
Becoming a pharmacist in Australia involves several steps, and is done through the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). Here's a simplified breakdown of what you need to do:
1. Identify Your Skills Assessment Stream
To start, you’ll need to determine which skills assessment stream applies to you:
Competency Stream
International Student Stream
Knowledge Stream
NZ Registered Pharmacist Stream
You can identify your stream by completing a short questionnaire on the APC website and within the Candidate Portal. Available here: https://www.pharmacycouncil.org.au/
2. Submit Your Eligibility Check Application
Once you've identified your stream, you'll need to submit your eligibility check application. You will need to provide the following documents:
Passport and identification
Pharmacy qualification
Pharmacy registration details
Tip: Make sure to include all required documents to avoid delays.
3. Processing Your Application
The processing time for your application can take a few months.
If any important information is missing, the process may take longer.
If your application is successful:
Candidates in the International Student and NZ Registered Pharmacist Streams will receive a Skills Assessment Letter.
Candidates in the Competency and Knowledge Streams will need to sit exams before receiving their Assessment Letter.
4. Complete Your Exam (If Applicable)
If you are in the Competency or Knowledge Stream, you will need to sit for one of the following exams:
Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacist (CAOP) Exam
Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam
Once you pass, you will receive a Skills Assessment Letter.
5. Apply for Registration
After passing your exam, you have three years to:
Apply for registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Submit a visa application to the Department of Home Affairs.
6. Supervised Practice and Registration
Depending on your stream, the next steps vary:
Competency Stream: Apply for limited registration with the Pharmacy Board and complete a period of supervised practice before applying for general registration.
Knowledge Stream: Apply for provisional registration, start an internship, and enroll in an intern training program. After one year of supervised practice, you will need to pass the Intern Written Exam and an Oral Exam.
7. Becoming a Fully Registered Pharmacist
Once you pass the exams and complete your internship, you can register as a generally registered pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia and begin working unsupervised.
Next Steps
To learn more about the skills assessments and the full registration process, visit the Australian Pharmacy Council website. Available here: https://www.pharmacycouncil.org.au/
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