Meta description: The skills assessment process for pharmacists in Australia. Explore competency streams, international qualifications, and exams like CAOP™ and OPRA™ to meet Australian standards.
Assessing the Pharmacists in Australia
Why Assessing Pharmacists’ Skills is Essential
Keeping the standards of pharmacy education and practice high is important for Australia’s safe and effective healthcare system. Pharmacists’ skills, knowledge, and competency are assessed against Australian standards.
How to Get
- Evaluating International Qualifications: comparing the knowledge and skills of internationally trained pharmacists against Australian benchmarks.
- Examinations: conducting exams designed to test the competencies of both Australian-trained and internationally trained pharmacists.
Types of Skills Assessments for Pharmacists
Pharmacists seeking recognition in Australia are assessed through these categories:
1. Competency Stream:
- For graduates of recognized pharmacy degree programs in the UK, Canada, Ireland, or the USA.
- Applicants must already be registered as pharmacists in one of these countries.
- This stream is designed for those aiming to work or migrate to Australia.
2. International Student Stream:
- For international graduates of pharmacy programs in Australia or New Zealand.
- Applicants must either hold or be eligible for registration as a pharmacist.
- Suitable for those seeking to practice or migrate to Australia.
3. Knowledge Stream:
- For graduates of pharmacy programs outside Australia, UK, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the USA.
- Applicants must be enrolled or eligible for registration in their home country.
- This pathway is intended for those wanting to work or migrate to Australia.
4. NZ Registered Pharmacist Stream:
- For graduates of New Zealand pharmacy programs who are currently registered there.
- This stream is for those wishing to migrate to Australia.
Exams for Pharmacists
The Pharmacy Board of Australia (PharmBA) decides on several exams to evaluate the competency of aspiring pharmacists. These exams check that candidates are prepared to deliver high-quality pharmacy services in Australia.
Types of Exams:
1. Intern Written Exam:
- Designed for pharmacy interns who have completed 75% of their supervised practice hours and registered in ITP (intern training program).
2. CAOP™ (Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists):
- Assesses the ability of internationally trained pharmacists to practice in Australia.
- Required under the Competency Stream for a Skills Assessment Outcome.
3. OPRA™ (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment):
- Replacing the KAPS exam from March 2025, this evaluates pharmaceutical sciences knowledge.
- A key requirement for the Knowledge Stream of the Skills Assessment process.
Additional Exams for New Zealand and Fiji
These exams are specified for New Zealand and Fiji pharmacy authorities:
1. New Zealand Exams:
- NZ CAOP™: Tests competency for pharmacy practice in New Zealand.
- NZ OPRA™: Evaluates pharmaceutical sciences knowledge for New Zealand settings.
2. Fiji CAOP™:
- Assesses the competency of pharmacists to practice in Fiji.
Pharmacists in Australia must pass assessments and exams to meet high care standards. This helps connect them to the healthcare system, which builds public trust and keeps people safe. Contact us now for your assessment and more details.
Disclaimer: The above information is not tailored to personal circumstances.
For information relevant to personal circumstances, please book an
appointment with Oracle Immigration Consultant’s expert migration agents in
Australia.
For any inquiries, please contact us at +61 430812158. We are premier Immigration agency and consultancy in Melbourne (Bundoora and Geelong).
