How to Become a Pharmacist in Australia: KAPS Stream, Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Australia is an exciting career path, and for graduates from countries other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA, the pathway involves going through the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) stream. This informative article will delve into the details of the KAPS examination and provide a step-by-step guide to becoming a pharmacist in Australia through this stream.

Understanding KAPS and CAOP Streams

In Australia, there are two streams available for foreign-trained pharmacists: 

1. KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) 
2. CAOP (Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists). 

The KAPS stream is for individuals who graduated from a country other than the six countries above, while the CAOP stream is for graduates from Canada, Ireland, the USA, or the UK.

KAPS Examination

To qualify for the KAPS stream and pursue a career as a pharmacist in Australia, there are specific requirements and qualifications that must be met:

ALSO READ: Steps to Becoming a Licensed Pharmacist in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Academic Degree: A minimum four-year degree in pharmacy is required if the degree was completed after January 1, 2006. However, if the academic degree was completed before January 2006, a three-year degree may be accepted. Additionally, applicants must either be registered as a pharmacist in their country of graduation or eligible to become registered.
2. English Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is crucial, and applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. It is essential to fulfill the English language requirements before applying for the KAPS examination.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Pharmacist in Australia via KAPS

1. Step 1: Submit Application for APC Skill Assessment The initial step involves submitting an application for skill assessment to the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). Applicants need to provide their educational credentials and relevant documents for evaluation.
2. Step 2: Receive APC Skill Assessment Eligibility Notification Within approximately eight weeks, applicants will receive a notification of their skill assessment eligibility. This notification informs applicants whether their degree is acceptable or if any additional documents are required.
3. Step 3: Registration and Sitting for the KAPS Examination Upon receiving the eligibility notification, candidates can register for the KAPS examination. The KAPS examination is conducted three times a year, in March, July, and October. It is important to note that the passing score for the KAPS examination is 100 out of 200, or 50 percent.
4. Step 4: Obtain Skill Assessment Letter Once the KAPS examination is successfully cleared, applicants can apply for a skill assessment letter. This letter is necessary for further steps, including internships and the oral and written examinations.
5. Step 5: Apply for Registration with PBA After completing the required internship hours, applicants can apply for registration as a pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA). The skill assessment letter obtained in the previous step will be used for the application process.

Conclusion

Becoming a pharmacist in Australia through the KAPS stream involves a structured pathway that includes a skill assessment, KAPS examination, internships, and registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, foreign-trained pharmacists can navigate the process and pursue their dream of practicing pharmacy in Australia. It is recommended to stay updated with the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the Australian Pharmacy Council and the Pharmacy Board of Australia during the application and registration process.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this article is based on one of our viewers who contacted us through email for the KAPS stream for becoming a pharmacist in Australia. However, requirements and procedures are subject to change, and it is essential to verify the most up-to-date information provided by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA) before initiating the application process.

ALSO READ: How to Become a Registered Pharmacist in Ireland: Step-by-Step Guide