AHPRA Registration for Pharmacists in Australia: KAPS, OBA and the Step-by-Step Process
Skills assessment and practice registration: a dual process
Overseas-trained pharmacists who want to practise in Australia must complete an integrated process run by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) through the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA). Unlike some other health professions, the skills assessment for pharmacists is not entirely separate from practice registration — both sit within the AHPRA/PBA system.
The final outcome (AHPRA General Registration) is also the basis for applying for a migration visa. The ANZSCO code for pharmacists is 251513 (Pharmacist).
The two main assessment routes
The KAPS examination
KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) is a mandatory examination for most internationally qualified pharmacists. KAPS has two parts:
- Part 1 — Pharmaceutical Sciences: scientific pharmacy knowledge (medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, formulation, microbiology and applied immunology)
- Part 2 — Pharmacy Practice: practical pharmacy knowledge (patient counselling, pharmacy law, medication management, clinical pharmacy)
The two parts are independent and can be sat in any order. The examination is held in Australia and at a number of international test centres. For fees and the exam schedule, check the KAPS website (kaps.com.au) and the Pharmacy Board of Australia for current information.
OBA (Overseas Pharmacist Assessment)
Pharmacists currently practising overseas may be eligible for the OBA if they meet the criteria for academic qualifications, experience and English proficiency. The OBA assesses the file rather than relying on an exam — however, not every applicant is accepted into the OBA. The PBA reviews each case and decides which route is appropriate after receiving a preliminary application.
English requirements
The PBA requires proof of English proficiency before you lodge an application:
- IELTS Academic: a minimum of 7.0 in each band (no band below 7.0)
- OET (Occupational English Test): a minimum of B in each band
- Or meeting an exemption under PBA rules (training conducted entirely in English in certain recognised countries)
Your English results must still be valid at the time you lodge the registration application.
The AHPRA registration process after KAPS
Once you have passed KAPS (both parts), you are eligible to lodge an AHPRA registration application:
1. Apply through AHPRA Online Services — select “General registration” for an internationally qualified pharmacist. Do not select “Provisional registration” (which is for domestic new graduates).
2. Documents to submit:
- KAPS results (both parts passed)
- Pharmacy degree and official transcripts (certified English translation if not originally in English)
- Valid English results (IELTS/OET)
- Passport
- A practising certificate from your home country (if currently practising)
- A suitability declaration (declaring criminal history and any professional discipline)
3. Pay the registration fee — check the AHPRA website for the current fee.
4. Wait for processing and the decision. Processing time depends on how complete the file is — typically 8–16 weeks for a complete application.
Intern training (supervised practice)
After AHPRA confirms you are eligible, international pharmacists usually have to complete a period of supervised practice (intern training) at an accredited pharmacy setting before receiving full General Registration. Check the exact requirements (duration, eligible settings) with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
This is a step that is often overlooked when planning — you need to find a suitable intern setting and allow time before receiving General Registration.
Connection to the migration visa
AHPRA General Registration (after completing KAPS and intern training, if required) is the assessment outcome used for a migration visa. Pharmacists can apply for:
- Visa 190/491: if a state/territory nominates the occupation under its occupation list
- Visa 482: if there is a sponsor — a pharmacy or an approved health organisation
- Visa 186: usually via the 482 TRT route after working for the required period
Check each state’s occupation list to confirm that pharmacist appears on the nomination list at the time you apply.
For an overview of the pharmacist migration pathway, see the pharmacist migration to Australia article.