APC – Skills Assessment for Pharmacists
Migration Skills Assessment for Overseas-Qualified Pharmacists in Australia
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) is the designated assessing authority for pharmacists applying for skilled migration to Australia. APC evaluates whether your pharmacy qualification and professional competencies meet Australian standards required for migration and, in many cases, for progressing toward pharmacist registration.
A positive APC skills assessment is required for skilled visas such as subclass 189, 190, 491, and may also support pathways toward practising as a pharmacist in Australia.
ABEE’S Consultancy (MARN 2217775) provides structured guidance to help applicants understand APC criteria and prepare a clear and compliant skills assessment application.
Who Needs an APC Skills Assessment?
An APC assessment is required for applicants intending to migrate as:
Pharmacist
General pharmacists providing pharmaceutical care and services
Hospital Pharmacist
Pharmacists working in hospital and clinical settings
Industrial Pharmacist
Pharmacists working in pharmaceutical manufacturing and industry
Community Pharmacist
Pharmacists serving in retail and community pharmacy settings
APC assessment is the first step for many overseas-trained pharmacists who plan to either migrate or eventually register and practise in Australia.
APC Skills Assessment Types
APC offers two main pathways for migration purposes:
1. Skills Assessment for General Skilled Migration (GSM)
This assessment determines whether your pharmacy qualification is comparable to an accredited Australian pharmacy degree.
Applicants must show:
- A recognised pharmacy qualification
- English language proficiency (depending on country)
- Evidence that the degree matches Australian academic standards
This assessment does not grant registration but is required for skilled migration.
2. Stream for Registration Pathway Candidates (Knowledge Assessment / Competency Assessment)
Although separate from migration assessment, many applicants progress toward:
- KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
- CAOP (Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists)
These assessments are required for those aiming to register as a pharmacist in Australia.
APC migration skills assessment evaluates qualification comparability only; practical registration steps are handled separately.
APC Eligibility Requirements
1. Pharmacy Qualification Requirement
Your qualification must:
- Be awarded by a recognised institution
- Include core pharmacy subjects such as pharmacology, therapeutics, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, and clinical practice
- Provide training equivalent to an Australian Bachelor of Pharmacy or Master of Pharmacy
APC reviews:
- Curriculum structure
- Clinical and professional practice hours
- Learning outcomes
- Level of study
2. English Language Requirement
Applicants from certain countries must provide English test results such as:
- IELTS
- PTE Academic
- OET
- TOEFL
English requirements apply especially for registration pathways, though they may also be needed for migration assessments depending on applicant background.
3. Evidence of Professional Practice (If Applicable)
Although not always mandatory for migration assessment, APC may request information about:
- Internships
- Clinical placements
- Practical training components
Applicants must demonstrate appropriate practical pharmacy education completed as part of their degree.
Documents Required for APC Skills Assessment
Identity Documents
- Passport
- Recent photograph
- Name change records (if applicable)
Qualification Documents
- Pharmacy degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Detailed course syllabus or handbook
- Evidence of practical training (internship, placements)
Employment Documents (If Provided)
- Work reference letters
- Job descriptions
- Payslips or salary evidence
- Registration or licensing documents (if previously registered overseas)
English Language Test Results (If Required)
Depending on APC requirements and country of study.
APC Skills Assessment Process – Step by Step
Confirm Eligibility
APC evaluates whether your pharmacy qualification meets Australian standards. We explain how to interpret APC criteria based on your academic background.
Prepare Academic Documentation
Applicants gather transcripts, certificates, and curriculum details. We clarify how to present and organise these documents for APC assessment.
Prepare Practical Training Evidence
Pharmacy degrees typically include clinical or practical components. We explain how applicants can document such training effectively.
Submit the Application via the APC Portal
Applicants complete the online lodgement process and upload all required documents.
APC Assessment & Verification
APC reviews:
- Qualification level
- Pharmacy-specific content
- Clinical training components
- English proficiency (if required)
Skills Assessment Outcome
A positive APC outcome confirms:
- Your pharmacy qualification is comparable to an Australian accredited program
- You meet the requirements to claim the occupation of Pharmacist for skilled migration
Common Reasons APC Applications Are Refused
Qualification not equivalent to an Australian pharmacy degree
Your pharmacy qualification must be comparable to an Australian Bachelor of Pharmacy or Master of Pharmacy in terms of curriculum, duration, and academic standards.
Insufficient pharmacy-specific subjects
Your degree must include comprehensive coverage of core pharmacy subjects including pharmacology, therapeutics, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, and clinical practice.
Missing or incomplete academic transcripts
Complete academic transcripts showing all subjects studied, grades obtained, and credit hours are essential for APC to evaluate your qualification.
No evidence of practical training or intern placement
Pharmacy degrees must include practical training components such as internships or clinical placements. Evidence of these must be provided.
English test results not meeting required standards
If required, you must provide valid English language test results that meet APC’s specified standards for pharmacy professionals.
Curriculum lacking clinical or therapeutic components
Your pharmacy program must include adequate clinical and therapeutic training components to meet Australian pharmacy education standards.
Degree awarded by an institution not recognised by APC
Your pharmacy degree must be from an institution recognised by APC. Degrees from non-recognised institutions will not be accepted.
APC standards are academically demanding, making proper documentation essential.
How ABEE’S Consultancy Supports APC Applicants
Guidance on Qualification Requirements
Explaining how your pharmacy degree aligns with APC criteria.
Document Preparation Guidance
Clarifying how to prepare transcripts, course outlines, placement evidence, and practical training records.
Support with Preparing Work References (If Applicable)
Explaining how to structure reference letters that accurately reflect pharmacy-related responsibilities.
Application Lodgement Guidance
Providing support for submitting a complete application through the APC portal.
RFI Guidance
Explaining how to respond if APC requests additional information.
Migration Advice After Assessment
Providing guidance on skilled visa pathways such as 189, 190, 491, and possible next steps toward registration for those planning to practise in Australia.
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