How to Become a Pharmacist in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide

International pharmacists seeking to practice in Australia must complete a rigorous process involving credential evaluation, examinations, internship and visa steps. This comprehensive guide explains each stage – from the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) skills assessment through the OPRA/CAOP exams, English testing (IELTS/OET/PTE), internship and the final AHPRA registration – plus migration pathways (e.g. subclasses 189/190/491). It highlights key differences by country (India, Philippines, UK, etc.) so you can follow the right path. By following these steps, you’ll understand how to become a pharmacist in Australia and meet pharmacist registration Australia requirements.

Becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia starts with the APC’s skills assessment. If you hold a pharmacy degree from outside Australia/New Zealand (and are not an Australian/NZ citizen), you must apply to the APC for a skills assessment. The APC evaluates your academic credentials and then directs you into one of its two streams: the Competency Stream or Knowledge Stream. For example, pharmacists from the UK, USA, Canada or Ireland fall under the Competency Stream (often taking the CAOP exam), while those from India, the Philippines or other countries use the Knowledge Stream (taking the OPRA exam). In all cases, the APC skills assessment outcome is needed for AHPRA registration and is required for visa applications.

Pharmacy Skills Assessment (APC) and Eligibility

To register as a pharmacist in Australia, first ensure your qualification meets APC standards. The APC offers four streams of skills assessment:

Competency Stream (CAOP) – For pharmacists with a recognised degree from the UK, USA, Canada or Ireland and current registration in that country. Path: pass the APC’s Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP) exam to demonstrate your clinical competence in an Australian context.
Knowledge Stream (OPRA) – For pharmacists with a degree from any other country (e.g. India, Philippines, etc.), who are registered or eligible to register in their home country. Path: pass the APC’s Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam (introduced March 2025, replacing KAPS) to verify your pharmaceutical science knowledge.
NZ Registered Stream – For pharmacists who graduated in New Zealand and are NZ-registered. (They have a simplified pathway, but still need APC assessment and Board registration.)
International Student Stream – For those with an Australian/New Zealand degree who were international students (used mainly for migration purposes).

The APC skills assessment outcome gives either a “pass” or “not suitable” for registration. Overseas pharmacists must obtain a positive outcome from the APC before applying to AHPRA. In practice, this means submitting your transcripts, proof of registration (if any), and other documents to the APC portal, then completing any required APC exams (OPRA or CAOP). The APC will then issue an Exam Results Certificate and a Skills Assessment Letter – both are needed for AHPRA registration and for migration visa applications.

OPRA vs. CAOP Exams

Choosing between OPRA and CAOP depends on your background:

OPRA (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment): This exam is part of the Knowledge Stream. It tests foundational pharmaceutical sciences (e.g. pharmacology, drug interactions, calculations) to ensure your knowledge aligns with Australian standards. OPRA was introduced in 2025 (replacing the older KAPS exam). You can take OPRA even from your home country, then gain provisional registration in Australia to begin internship.
CAOP (Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists): This exam is for the Competency Stream. It focuses on clinical practice and problem-solving in an Australian pharmacy setting. Only pharmacists from the recognised countries (UK, USA, Canada, Ireland) are eligible, and they must be registered there. CAOP is generally faster: a single exam rather than extended supervised practice.

Key eligibility differences: For CAOP, you must have both a recognised degree and active pharmacist registration in your home country. For OPRA, you need a recognised degree (equivalent to a 4-year pharmacy degree) and registration or eligibility to register at home. Many Indian, Filipino and other international pharmacists will go via OPRA (Knowledge Stream), while UK/Canadian/American/Irish pharmacists use CAOP (Competency Stream). (Note: A separate stream exists if you earned your degree in Australia or NZ as an international student, but that mainly affects migration rather than registration.)

Once you know your stream, schedule and pass the required exam. Successful exam results from APC are mandatory before you can continue to internship and final registration. The APC issues an OPRA/CAOP Results Certificate upon passing.

English Language Requirements (IELTS/OET/PTE)

Australia’s Pharmacy Board (AHPRA/Pharmacy Board of Australia) requires all pharmacists to meet English language standards for safe practice. If your education and life are not entirely in English in a recognised country, you will likely need a test. The Board accepts several tests, with the following current minimum scores:

IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0, with at least 7.0 in listening, reading and speaking, and a minimum 6.5 in writing. (Writing band was lowered from 7.0 to 6.5 in 2025.)
OET (Occupational English Test for healthcare): Grade B (≈7.0) in listening, reading, speaking, and at least C+ in writing.
PTE Academic: Overall 66, with a minimum of 66 in listening, reading and speaking, and at least 56 in writing.
Other accepted tests: TOEFL iBT (score 94) and Cambridge C1 Advanced are also accepted, with updated criteria similar to above (see AHPRA “accepted tests” list).

If your primary and secondary education and pharmacy degree were entirely in English in Australia, NZ, UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, or other recognised country, you may qualify under the “education” pathways and not need a test. Otherwise, you must meet the above test criteria. Note that you can combine two test sittings within 12 months under the new standard. It’s best to take your English exam early (often before or during the skills assessment phase) since a passing score is required for both registration and visa points.

Pharmacy Internship (ITP) and Supervised Practice

After passing the APC exam and obtaining provisional registration, you must complete a Board-approved internship. This involves:

Provisional registration: Apply to the Pharmacy Board for provisional registration (with AHPRA). Provide your APC exam certificate and any other required documents.
Intern Training Program (ITP): Enroll in an accredited ITP. AHPRA requires interns to join one of the programs accredited by the APC (e.g. PSA ITP). This formal program provides a training schedule and goals.
Supervised practice: Work under a Board-approved preceptor for about 1,575 hours (approximately 1 year full-time). Most of this time is spent in community or hospital pharmacies applying your skills.
Training plan: Develop a training plan with your preceptor (community and hospital plans are available) and log your hours. At least 75% of the hours must be completed before sitting the Board exams.
Board Registration Exam: Towards the end of internship, you must pass the Pharmacy Board’s registration exams. This includes:
- Written Exam (APC): Administered by the APC, covering pharmacy science and practice.
- Oral Exam (Ahpra): An interview-style exam conducted by AHPRA staff.
  These assess readiness to practice in Australia.

You cannot gain general registration until you have completed the accredited ITP, passed both exams, and fulfilled the supervised hours. For example, the current requirement is 1,575 hours (reduced from 1,824) with at least 75% completed before the oral/written exam. Upon completion, you apply to the Board for general registration. AHPRA then grants full pharmacist registration, enabling independent practice.

AHPRA Registration Process

With internship finished and exams passed, submit your final registration application to AHPRA. This includes certified proof of your education, internship completion, exam passes, English proficiency, identity and character checks. Once accepted, you are granted general registration as a pharmacist in Australia. You will then be listed on the AHPRA register (checked online) and can legally practise.

Keep in mind you must meet all Board standards – including professional indemnity insurance and continuing professional development. If you migrate after registration, some details must be kept up to date (addresses, visa status, etc.) on the AHPRA portal.

Skilled Migration Visas for Pharmacists (Subclass 189, 190, 491)

To actually work and live in Australia, you’ll generally apply for a skilled migration visa. Pharmacist (ANZSCO 251511 or 251513) is on Australia’s skilled occupation lists (often in shortage), making you eligible for points-tested and sponsored visas. Key steps:

SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI): Create an EOI under “Pharmacist” on SkillSelect. You’ll need a positive APC Skills Assessment Outcome (the APC letter) for your nominated occupation. English test results and required points (65+) are entered here.
Points and Eligibility: Typical criteria include under age 45, competent English (e.g. IELTS 7) and 65+ points on the points test. (Points can come from age, experience, partner skills, etc.) You must hold registration (or clear exams) with the Pharmacy Board (i.e. AHPRA) to qualify.
Visa options: Common pathways for pharmacists are:
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): State-nominated permanent PR visa. You need a nomination from an Australian state/territory. Each state has its own list and requirements (e.g. location of work, specific skills).
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): Five-year provisional visa (with pathway to PR) for regional Australia. Also requires state/territory or family sponsorship.
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): Points-tested PR visa. (Currently pharmacists may need to be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List to be eligible, which can change. If eligible, 189 is a direct PR route.)
- Other visas: If you have a job offer, Employer-Sponsored visas (subclass 186/494) are possible. Or the Temporary Skills Shortage (482) visa can be used short-term.
Visa application: After you receive an invitation, you apply for the visa with Home Affairs, submitting your APC skills outcome, AHPRA registration evidence, test scores, health/character checks, etc. The process varies by visa but generally involves meeting all criteria (points, sponsorship, etc.).

For pharmacists specifically, most pursue the 190 or 491 visas. As one source notes, “Pharmacists are eligible for 190 & 491 skill visas”. Achieving permanent residency (PR) via 190 gives PR from day one. The provisional 491 visa lets you work regionally for 5 years, then apply for subclass 191 PR. The Skilled Independent 189 remains an option if pharmacists stay on the relevant list. Note that health and character clearance is also required.

Country-Specific Notes

Pakistan, India & Philippines: These countries fall under the APC Knowledge Stream, so pharmacists complete OPRA (pharma sciences exam) and a full internship. They must also meet English criteria (e.g. IELTS 7) as most education was not in a “recognized” English country.
UK, USA, Canada, Ireland: These are Competency Stream countries. Pharmacists here take the CAOP exam instead of OPRA. Many are already registered locally, so their transition focuses on the exam, then supervised practice (often shorter) and Board exam.
New Zealand: NZ-registered pharmacists have a fast-track. A special APC/NZ Stream exists; often they only need to apply for registration (no exam) if migrating directly.
Other countries (e.g. South Africa, Malaysia): These typically use the Knowledge Stream (OPRA). Notably, from March 2026 South Africa is no longer a “recognized” English country under the updated standards, so South African candidates will need an English test.
Educational background: If you have an Australian or NZ pharmacy degree, you still need an APC Skills Assessment for migration, but you may skip the APC exam if your degree is Board-approved. However, most overseas pharmacists will rely on APC-approved foreign qualifications.

By following these steps – APC skills assessment, exam (OPRA/CAOP), English test, internship, Board exams and visa application – international pharmacists can achieve pharmacist registration in Australia and eventually permanent residency. Each stage must be completed sequentially and documented to satisfy both the Pharmacy Board and Department of Home Affairs. With careful planning and by meeting each requirement, you’ll be on your way to practising as a pharmacist in Australia.

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