What is Australian Pharmacy Council?
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) is the national independent authority responsible for assessing the qualifications and professional competence of overseas-trained pharmacists. Established under pharmacy legislation, APC ensures that overseas pharmacy graduates meet the same rigorous standards as Australian-trained pharmacists before they can practise and work in Australia.
APC assessments are a mandatory requirement for overseas pharmacists applying for permanent residency or skilled migration visas. The assessment evaluates whether overseas pharmacy qualifications are substantially equivalent to Australian pharmacy education, as well as the applicant's clinical knowledge, pharmacy practice standards, and English language competency.
The Council works in coordination with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (part of AHPRA) and state pharmacy regulatory bodies to ensure consistency in professional standards. APC assessments are recognised across all Australian states and territories for regulatory registration and employment purposes.
Which visas require an APC skills assessment?
Overseas pharmacists seeking skilled migration to Australia must obtain a positive skills assessment from APC before applying for most skilled visa subclasses.
A positive APC assessment is a prerequisite for pharmacists applying under the Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), Skilled Work Regional (491), and Temporary Skill Shortage (482) visa categories. Some visa pathways also require additional qualifications such as AHPRA registration or state pharmacy board approval before visa application.
How APC assessment works
The APC assessment process involves evaluation of your pharmacy qualifications, professional experience, and clinical competency through multiple assessment components.
- Submit online application with personal details, qualification documents, and work experience records through the APC Website
- Pay the application fee and receive confirmation of application receipt and unique reference number
- APC reviews your submitted documents and determines if they meet eligibility criteria; may request additional supporting documentation
- Complete the Pharmacy Assessment Exam (PAE), a written examination testing pharmacy knowledge, calculations, and professional practice scenarios
- If PAE is successful, complete the Structured Practical Exam (SPE) involving pharmacy practice simulations and clinical scenarios
- APC provides outcome assessment report detailing whether you have received a positive or negative assessment
- Once positive, you can proceed with AHPRA registration application and visa lodgement
Assessment pathways
APC offers assessment pathways tailored to different pharmacy qualifications and work experience backgrounds.
For pharmacy graduates whose qualifications do not automatically satisfy equivalency requirements. Includes evaluation of academic qualifications, registration verification, English language assessment, and full examination including both PAE and SPE components. Typically takes 8-12 weeks from complete application to outcome.
For overseas pharmacists who are already registered in their home country and have demonstrated continuous professional practice. Streamlined assessment focusing on current clinical competency and knowledge verification. May reduce overall assessment time depending on documentation quality.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Certified copy of pharmacy degree certificate and academic transcript (showing all completed subjects and grades)
- Certificate of current professional registration in home country issued by relevant pharmacy board
- Detailed employment reference letters on official company letterhead from recent employers (minimum 2 years experience required)
- Statutory declaration or affidavit confirming work experience, roles, and responsibilities in pharmacy practice
- Curriculum vitae detailing complete pharmacy education and work history with dates
- Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test result)
- Proof of identity (passport, national ID, or driver's licence certified copy)
- Completed APC application form with all required declarations and signatures
- Evidence of payment of assessment fee
- Any relevant continuing professional development, specialist qualifications, or additional pharmacy certifications
All documents must be certified as true copies by a notary public, lawyer, or authorised official. Non-English documents must be accompanied by certified English translations prepared by a NAATI-certified translator.
APC assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard Assessment Application | AUD 650 |
| Pharmacy Assessment Exam (PAE) | AUD 650 |
| Structured Practical Exam (SPE) | AUD 700 |
| Reassessment (full pathway) | AUD 750 |
| Document verification service | AUD 100 |
Assessment outcomes
APC issues one of three outcomes:
A positive assessment confirms that your pharmacy qualifications and competency meet Australian standards and are suitable for registration and migration purposes. The assessment is valid indefinitely for migration visa applications. You can then proceed to apply for AHPRA registration and lodge your skilled migration visa application.
A negative assessment means your qualifications do not currently meet Australian pharmacy standards. You may reapply after undertaking further study, obtaining additional experience, or completing bridging programs. APC provides feedback on areas requiring development. You have the right to request formal review of your outcome within the specified timeframe.
If you receive a negative outcome, you can request a formal review of APC's decision within 30 days. The review process involves submission of additional evidence or clarification, and a senior APC assessor will reconsider your case.
Occupations assessed by APC
APC is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 251111 | Pharmacist | MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL |
| 251111 | Clinical Pharmacist | STSOL (varies by year) |
| 251111 | Hospital Pharmacist | STSOL (varies by year) |
| 251111 | Community Pharmacist | STSOL (varies by year) |
| 251111 | Pharmaceutical Sciences Professional | STSOL (varies by year) |