Everything You Need to Know About the KAPS Exam for Pharmacists in Australia

What Is The KAPS Exam?

The Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam is a thorough assessment conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). It checks the knowledge and skills of international pharmacy graduates who want to become registered pharmacists in Australia. The KAPS exam ensures these graduates meet the necessary standards and qualifications to practice pharmacy in the country.

The KAPS exam has two parts: Part I and Part II. Part I tests knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences, like pharmacology, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacokinetics. Part II assesses practical skills related to pharmacy practice, such as patient care, medicine management, communication, and professional practice.

Passing the KAPS exam allows pharmacists to work in various healthcare settings and contribute to the health of the Australian population.

What Is The Australian Pharmacy Council?

The Australian Pharmacy Council leads the accreditation and assessment of pharmacy education in Australia and internationally. Its goal is to maintain high standards in pharmacy education and assess the competency of Australian and overseas pharmacists to protect the public and improve healthcare in Australia.

Eligibility for the KAPS Exam

To be eligible for the KAPS exam, you must complete a skills assessment. You need to have a 4-year full-time pharmacy degree from a certified institution in your country and have full, unrestricted registration as a pharmacist in your home country.

The skills assessment is mandatory for graduates from countries excluding Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the US, or the UK.

Why Are Pharmacists’ Skills and Competency Assessed?

Assessing pharmacists' skills ensures they are ready for entry-level practice and can provide safe, effective healthcare in Australia. The skills and knowledge of overseas-trained pharmacists are evaluated against Australian standards.

The Australian Pharmacy Council also provides a skills assessment outcome to the Department of Home Affairs to support pharmacists in their visa applications.

The Structure of the Skills Assessment

The skills assessment process involves several steps:

1. Check eligibility to apply.

2. Gather required documents.

3. Apply for eligibility verification to take the KAPS exam.

4. Wait for document verification.

5. Register for the KAPS exam via the Candidate Portal.

6. Take the exam at an exam center.

7. Receive your skills assessment letter.

Providing correct information during the eligibility check is crucial to avoid delays. The eligibility check usually takes up to 12 weeks.

What Is a Skills Assessment Outcome?

A Skills Assessment Outcome is a crucial verification provided by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) that confirms an individual's qualifications and competency to practice as a pharmacist in Australia. To obtain this outcome, candidates must

1. Successfully pass the eligibility check.

2. Pass the KAPS exam.

Eligibility Check

To apply for the KAPS exam, international pharmacy graduates must submit various documents. These documents are essential for verifying eligibility and ensuring compliance with Australian standards. The documents are required in two stages: eligibility check and exam registration.

Eligibility Check Documents

All documents must be translated into English if they are not already in English. The translator must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

• Passport: Both pages of the passport.

• Official Photo ID: An official ID document with a photo issued by an authority.

• Birth Certificate: Or an alternate photo ID if not available.

• Qualification Certificate or Letter of Completion: For any qualifications.

• Academic Transcript: All pages in a single document.

• Evidence of Registration: Proof of eligibility to register as a pharmacist.

• Evidence of Work Experience (optional): Not mandatory but helpful for visa applications.

• Resume or CV (optional): Up-to-date work history.

• Agent Authorization Form (optional): If nominating someone to communicate with the APC.

• Evidence of Name Change (optional): Valid proof if applicable.

To evaluate these documents, you need to pay an eligibility check fee of AU$810.

Exam Documents

Documents required for registering and writing the exam include:

1. Passport-Sized Photo: Full headshot, in color, taken within the last 6 months.

2. Special Accommodation Documents: For candidates with disabilities or health issues.

3. Primary ID: Issued by the government, with full name, date of birth, photo, and signature.

4. Secondary ID: Contains name and signature or name and photo.

Finally, you'll receive details about the exam center where you will take the test.

After the eligibility check for the KAPS exam, the next steps are

Register for the KAPS Exam

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can register for the KAPS exam through the Australian Pharmacy Council’s Candidate Portal. This process includes selecting an exam date and paying the applicable fee of AU$2,290 per attempt.

Prepare for the Exam

Start preparing for the KAPS exam by studying the pharmaceutical sciences and practical skills areas covered in Part I and Part II of the exam. Elite Expertise offers coaching for international graduates at an affordable price, providing valuable support and resources to help you effectively prepare and succeed in the KAPS exam.

Attend the KAPS Exam

On the scheduled date, attend the KAPS exam at your chosen exam center. Ensure you bring the necessary identification and follow any special instructions provided by the APC.

Receive Your Results

After the exam, the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) will evaluate your performance. You will receive your exam results, which will indicate whether you have passed. Additionally, the APC will issue a Skills Assessment Outcome letter, confirming your eligibility and competency to practice as a pharmacist in Australia. This letter is crucial for the next steps in your registration and visa application process.

Apply for Registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA)

Upon passing the KAPS exam, you can proceed with applying for registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. This step includes submitting proof of your exam results and other required documents.

Conclusion

Passing the KAPS exam is a crucial step for international pharmacy graduates to become registered pharmacists in Australia. Meeting the eligibility criteria and preparing diligently for the exam are essential for success. By passing the KAPS exam and becoming registered, you can embark on a rewarding career, making a positive impact on the health and well-being of the Australian population.

Elite Expertise can help guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all requirements and succeed in your journey to become a pharmacist in Australia.

Mr. Arief Mohammad is renowned for his excellent teaching skills and practice-based experience which can contribute to developing practice-based knowledge for a learner. He has been a practicing pharmacist in Australia for the last 5 years and has been a preceptor to several students and intern pharmacists.

Follow On

Arief Mohammad

ABOUT THE AUTHOR