What Is KAPS Exam?
There is a consistent demand for healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists in Australia. That’s why, Australia is inviting internationally trained pharmacists to work in their country. To get a job in Australia, a pharmacist must clear the KAPS Exam. The KAPS Exam is the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences Exam. This exam is conducted for international pharmacists who wish to work in Australia by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). The purpose of the exam is to ensure that internationally qualified pharmacists have the necessary knowledge to practise safely and effectively within the Australian healthcare system. Once you clear this exam you can apply for a job, earn well, and get a PR Visa.
KAPS Exam Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to write the KAPS Exam, a pharmacist must have the following:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, including provisional degrees.
- BPharm/PharmD transcripts or consolidated mark sheets.
- Active registration with the state pharmacy council in your home country as a practising pharmacist.
- Valid passport.
- Although not mandatory, any relevant working experience can be included
Procedure for KAPS
1. Initial Skill Assessment by the Australian Pharmacy Council
The first step is to check if you are eligible to appear for the KAPS Exam. For this, the Australian Pharmacy Council will check your records and declare your eligibility.
Once you clear this initial assessment, then you will be eligible to appear for the KAPS Exam.
2. The KAPS Exam
The KAPS Exam is an online exam, therefore, you can write the exam from your choice of test centre. The exam is conducted thrice a year namely in March, July, and November.
It is a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) exam. To qualify for the exam you must obtain 50% in all subsections and an overall 50% in the exam.
3. English Proficiency
The Pharmacy Board of Australia acknowledges various language assessment methods, including IELTS and OET.
To meet their language proficiency requirements, you should attain a minimum score of 7.5 on the academic version of IELTS, with no less than 7 in each section.
Alternatively, for the Occupational English Test (OET), a minimum score of 6.5 overall, or a 7 in every individual component, is necessary.