Table Of ContentRegistration as a Pharmacist
in New Zealand
Information booklet for
overseas pharmacists applying under the
Non-Recognised Equivalent
Qualifications Route (Non-REQR)*
*Non-REQR excludes pharmacists qualified and registered
in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK and
the USA
Contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Postal Address: Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
PO Box 25137
Featherston Street
Wellington 6146
New Zealand
(Updated: February 2013)
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Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (Non-REQR)
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EVOLVE programme
STEP 3: Complete the Law and Ethics course
STEP 4: Commence internship and enrol in the EVOLVE
Intern Training Programme
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This information is subject to change without notice.
Please ensure you read the latest information on www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Page 2 of 24
Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
Registration as a Pharmacist in New Zealand
Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (Non-REQR)
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 4
2. INITIAL ENQUIRIES AND STARTING THE REGISTRATION PROCESS 5
3. STEP 1: APPLICATION FOR INITIAL CONSIDERATION FOR REGISTRATION 6
3.1. Documents Required 6
3.2. Fees 7
4. ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS 7
4.1. IELTS requirements 7
4.2. OET requirements 7
4.3. IELTS/OET Exemption Criteria requirements 8
5. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? 8
6. STEP 2: KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES (KAPS) EXAM 9
6.1. General Information 9
6.2. Pass Mark 9
6.3. Validity Periods 9
6.4. Number of Attempts 9
6.5. Results 9
6.6. Refunds and Deferrals Policy 10
7. STEP 3: LAW AND ETHICS 10
7.1. General Information 10
7.2. Course content 10
7.3. Results 11
8. STEP 4: INTERN PHARMACIST REGISTRATION AND TRAINING 11
8.1. Intern Pharmacist Scope of Practice 11
8.2. Work permit 11
8.3. Intern Training Programme 11
9. STEP 5: ASSESSMENT CENTRE 12
10. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 13
11. APPLICATION FOR AN IELTS/OET EXEMPTION 14
12. APPLICATION FOR INITIAL CONSIDERATION FOR REGISTRATION 15
13. SUMMARY OF COSTS FOR THE REGISTRATION PROCESS 20
14. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 21
15. KAPS Exam Venues 23
Appendix 1: Registration Routes 24
This information is subject to change without notice.
Please ensure you read the latest information on www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Page 3 of 24
Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
Registration as a Pharmacist in New Zealand
Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (Non-REQR)
1. INTRODUCTION
The New Zealand health system has a strong focus on primary health care and clinical
pharmacy. The Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ) assists overseas trained
pharmacists through an assessment process towards registration in New Zealand and to
enable them to practice pharmacy in New Zealand. The PCNZ works with the Australian
Pharmacy Council Ltd to enable overseas trained pharmacists to demonstrate their
knowledge and competence to practise according to professional standards in New Zealand.
The pharmacy profession in New Zealand includes pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and
pharmacy assistants. They work in community or hospital pharmacy as an integral part of the
healthcare team, or they work in specialised roles such as education, research or the
pharmaceutical industry.
The pharmacist acts as a medicines manager, ensuring safe and quality use of medicines
and optimising health outcomes by contributing to the selection, prescribing, monitoring and
evaluation of medicine therapy. The pharmacist researches information and provides
evidence-based advice and recommendations on medicines and medicine-related health
problems to patients, their carers and other healthcare professionals.
It is a legal requirement under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 for
all practising pharmacists, including intern pharmacists, to be both registered with the
PCNZ and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate.
NOTE: Practising without meeting this legal requirement is an offence.
The Non-REQR registration process includes the following:
1.1. Eligibility assessment
An initial assessment of your qualifications and associated documents is done to determine
your eligibility to undertake the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS)
examination.
1.2. English Language Requirement
Section 16(b) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCAA) states that
you may not be registered as a pharmacist unless you satisfy the PCNZ you have sufficient
ability to comprehend and communicate effectively in English to ensure safe practice.
This can be achieved through either the International English Language Testing System
(IELTS) or through the Occupational English Test (OET). You may apply for an IELTS/OET
exemption if you can provide the required evidence.
1.3. Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS)
Overseas pharmacists seeking registration in New Zealand must demonstrate they have the
knowledge and skills deemed equivalent to the New Zealand BPharm degree, and the
Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) Exam is used for this process.
The KAPS consists of two papers of multiple choice questions (MCQ) covering
pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology and physiology, pharmaceutics and therapeutics. It
is held in Auckland and overseas.
1.4. Law & Ethics
Understanding New Zealand pharmacy legislation and the ethical framework underpinning
the Code of Ethics as they relate to pharmacy practice in New Zealand forms the basis of
knowledge and application of law and ethics.
This information is subject to change without notice.
Please ensure you read the latest information on www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Page 4 of 24
Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
Registration as a Pharmacist in New Zealand
Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (Non-REQR)
The PCNZ-approved law and ethics course, New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation, is provided
by the University of Auckland School of Pharmacy and success in this course in a pre-
requisite to entry into the EVOLVE Intern Training Programme.
1.5. Supervised Practice
Once you have passed the KAPS exam and completed the New Zealand Pharmacy
Legislation course, you must complete a period of supervised practice as an intern
pharmacist. This will be in either a community or hospital pharmacy under the supervision of
a New Zealand registered pharmacist. This will be done as part of a formal training
programme run by the EVOLVE Intern Training Programme.
1.6. Assessment Centre
On completion of the intern programme you are required to attend an Assessment Centre
which is the final examination for intern pharmacists before registering in the Pharmacist
Scope of Practice. This is offered twice a year in May and November.
2. INITIAL ENQUIRIES AND STARTING THE REGISTRATION PROCESS
For initial enquiries, please contact David Priest, PCNZ Registrations Officer:
Telephone: ++64 4 495 0333
Email: [email protected]
To start the registration process, please send your Application for Initial Consideration for
Registration as a Pharmacist and supporting documentation to the following:
By post:
The Registrations Officer
Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
PO Box 25137
Featherston Street
Wellington 6146
New Zealand
By courier:
The Registrations Officer
Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
Level 5, FX House
138 The Terrace
Wellington 6011
New Zealand
The Application for an IELTS/OET Exemption is on page 14 and the Application for Initial
Consideration for Registration as a Pharmacist starts on page 15.
This information is subject to change without notice.
Please ensure you read the latest information on www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Page 5 of 24
Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
Registration as a Pharmacist in New Zealand
Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (Non-REQR)
3. STEP 1: APPLICATION FOR INITIAL CONSIDERATION FOR REGISTRATION
NOTE: Completion of Step 1 is a requirement for all overseas pharmacists wishing to
register in New Zealand.
Please read the Supplementary Information on page 13 of this booklet.
If your original documents are not in English, you are required to obtain an officially
certified English translation. All documents must be supported by a Statutory
Declaration to the effect that they are genuine and relate to you.
3.1. Documents Required to be Submitted
A The following documents must be sent DIRECTLY to the PCNZ by your university or
registration authority(s):
i. Confirmation of completion of your pharmacy degree and a copy of your
academic record (degree transcript).
Note: a 2 year qualification in pharmacy does not meet the qualification requirement
for registration. Applicants who graduated after 1 January 2006 must have completed
at least a 4 year degree.
ii. Certificate(s) of current and past registration. Each authority where you have
been registered or licensed must send these certificates directly to the PCNZ.
Note: You must maintain registration with your current authority until you are granted
registration in New Zealand.
iii. Statement(s) of good standing. Each authority where you have been registered or
licensed must provide these statements directly to the PCNZ.
Note: The date of issue must be within six months of the date of your application.
B Referees must post references DIRECTLY to the PCNZ and sign across the seal of the
envelope. We require:
i. Two references from an employer and/or a professional colleague who has
known you for at least 12 months within the last 5 years and can attest to your post
registration clinical practice. The references must include details of your role and
responsibilities, degree of interaction with patients and “other health professionals”,
your ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practice ensuring safe outcomes
for patients e.g. history taking, assessment and evaluation of medicines, decision
making and communication of medicines and related information.
Note:
Referees must write the references themselves on the Reference Report form
A job description or list of duties is not acceptable as a reference
Referees must provide their name, position and current contact details
C English Language certificate - you must provide one of the following:
i. An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate, which must be
sent DIRECTLY to the PCNZ by your IELTS Test Centre; or
This information is subject to change without notice.
Please ensure you read the latest information on www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Page 6 of 24
Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
Registration as a Pharmacist in New Zealand
Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (Non-REQR)
ii. The original copy, or a certified copy, of your Occupational English Test (OET)
results; or
iii. A completed IELTS/OET exemption application form (see page 14) with supporting
documentation and fee.
D You must submit the following documents to the PCNZ:
i. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) including your personal details, qualifications, work
history and experience, achievements etc.
ii. You must enclose a certified copy of your birth certificate, or the details page from
your passport, as evidence of your full legal name. Please also enclose any evidence
of change of name, if applicable.
iii. Evidence of your application to register as a pharmacist in any other country and the
outcome of your application.
iv. Completed Application for Initial Consideration for Registration as a Pharmacist
including a Statutory Declaration (see page 15).
v. Two recent (within the last 12 months) passport photographs. Include on the back:
a. The statement “This is a true likeness and signature of {name of applicant}”
b. Your usual signature
c. Certification of (a) & (b) by the same person who witnessed your statutory
declaration.
d. Payment of NZ$690.00 if resident in New Zealand, or NZ$600.00 if resident
overseas. This fee is non-refundable.
3.2. Fees
Current fees for initial consideration for registration may be found in the fee schedule on
page 20.
4. ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
4.1. IELTS requirements
A minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four bands (listening, reading, writing and speaking)
with a minimum overall band score of 7.5 in the Academic category achieved within two
years of the date of application.
You must:
Provide results which show the required minimum scores were achieved at ONE
sitting of the test only.
Arrange for the Test Centre to send their results DIRECTLY to the PCNZ.
For information on the IELTS, please visit www.ielts.org
4.2. OET requirements
An A or B score in each of the four bands (listening, reading, writing and speaking) achieved
within two years of the date of application. Results from previous OET tests, obtained within
This information is subject to change without notice.
Please ensure you read the latest information on www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Page 7 of 24
Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
Registration as a Pharmacist in New Zealand
Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (Non-REQR)
a two year period, will be accepted if the applicant does not achieve all the required scores
at one sitting.
You must send your results into the PCNZ, where they will be verified against OET records.
For information on the OET, please visit www.oet.com.au
4.3. IELTS/OET Exemption Criteria requirements
You may apply for an exemption from sitting the IELTS or OET if you can provide evidence
which meets ALL of the following criteria:
English is an official language of your country. To check, you will need to refer to the CIA
publication “The World Factbook” www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook
NOTE: The PCNZ recognises “The World Factbook” as the only official source.
Evidence of completion of an undergraduate pharmacy degree where English was the
sole language of instruction and assessment.
Written testimony on letterhead signed by an employer of the applicant’s continuous
work in a pharmacy where English is the first language for a period of at least 2 years
within the previous 5 years.
Written testimonies on letterhead signed by at least two suitably experienced
pharmacists who speak English as a first language of the applicant’s ability to
comprehend and communicate effectively in English (both written and oral) in a clinical
setting with both patients and professional colleagues. Referees may be contacted by
the PCNZ.
NOTE: There are no exceptions to the above exemption criteria. You must meet ALL of
the above before your application will be considered.
To apply for an IELTS/OET exemption, you must complete the Application for an IELTS/OET
Exemption form on page 15 and send it together with all the supporting evidence to the
PCNZ for consideration. The fee payable for a New Zealand resident is NZ$128.00 and for
an overseas resident is NZ$111.30.
Time Limit:
From the date your Application for Initial Consideration for Registration as a Pharmacist is
received at the PCNZ, you have three months to provide all of the documents required to
complete Step 1.
NOTE: If the time limit is exceeded, a further fee may be charged.
5. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Your application and supporting documents will be assessed and authenticated by the
PCNZ. If all of the requirements for Step 1 have been met, you will then be invited to sit the
KAPS Exam. You will be sent a Step 1 completion letter together with an exam application
form and a list of exam venues.
This information is subject to change without notice.
Please ensure you read the latest information on www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Page 8 of 24
Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
Registration as a Pharmacist in New Zealand
Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (Non-REQR)
6. STEP 2: KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(KAPS) EXAM
As the PCNZ is a member of the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), it uses the same
examination as the Australian registration authorities. The APC will process all exam
applications and will advise candidates of all administrative details for the exam such as the
time, date and venue.
The exam is held twice a year in March and September. Applications must be received at
the PCNZ no later than 15 December and 1 July for the March and September exams
respectively. Exams are usually scheduled for the first Thursday in March and September.
NOTE: Stream B does NOT apply to Non-REQR applicants
6.1. General Information
The KAPS Exam is in a multiple choice question (MCQ) format. It is designed to test the
candidate’s knowledge of basic pharmaceutical sciences related to present day New Zealand
pharmacy practice. The exam consists of two papers, each consisting of 100 questions
covering both theory and practice. Each paper is of two hours duration.
The assessments are conducted under strict supervision. You should take a non-
programmable, battery-operated, pocket calculator (without an alphabet keyboard) into the
exam. Mobile phones and written material, including dictionaries, handbooks, etc. will not be
allowed into the examination room.
For further information on the exam, subject areas and topics, suggested reference texts and
sample questions, please visit the APC website
http://pharmacycouncil.org.au/examining_streamA.html#Examining and click on the link:
Stream A Candidates’ Information Handbook
6.2. Pass Mark
The pass mark for each paper at each session of the exam is adjusted to reflect the relative
difficulty of those questions included in the particular exam. This data is derived from trial
testing the questions on practising Australasian pharmacists and students. In addition to
achieving the overall pass mark, each candidate is also required to achieve a satisfactory
standard in each of the four areas covered in Paper 1 and Paper 2.
6.3. Validity Periods
Candidates who achieve a pass in only one paper of the exam will have a two year period in
which to pass the second paper and therefore the KAPS Exam. If both papers are not
passed within a two year period, the candidate will be required to re-sit both papers.
6.4. Number of Attempts
From 1 January 2013, new candidates are allowed two attempts to pass the exam. Any
subsequent attempts will only be allowed at the discretion of the Registrar.
6.5. Results
Exam results are posted confidentially on the PCNZ website approximately 6-8 weeks after
the date of the exam. You will be notified by email and given a username and password to
access your results. If successful, you will then be eligible to enrol in the law and ethics
course, New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation.
This information is subject to change without notice.
Please ensure you read the latest information on www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Page 9 of 24
Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
Registration as a Pharmacist in New Zealand
Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (Non-REQR)
6.6. Refunds and Deferrals Policy
Prior to the closing date for exam entries, a candidate who has submitted an application may
change the date they wish to sit the exam, or request that their application be withdrawn, at
no cost.
You cannot change your sitting date after the closing date. Only in exceptional
circumstances, such as ill health, can you apply for a refund. On production of evidence,
such as a doctor’s note, a refund of 50% of the exam fee will be made.
TIMING:
You have 2 years from passing the KAPS Exam to successfully complete the Law and
Ethics programme, register as an Intern and enrol in the EVOLVE Intern Training
Programme
You have 2 years to complete the Intern Training Programme from the date you register as
an Intern
7. STEP 3: LAW AND ETHICS
To enrol in the law and ethics course, New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation, you must have
successfully passed both Papers 1 and 2 of the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical
Sciences (KAPS) Exam within the allowable timeframe.
7.1. General Information
Enrolment applications are made directly to the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), Te
Ara Pukenga, Auckland University (see www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/). Applications can be
made twice a year in January and May with the programme starting either at the beginning of
Semester One (during March) or Semester Two (during July).
Success in the New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation course is a pre-requisite to entry into the
EVOLVE Intern Training Programme. Assessment of ethical decision-making skills will be
undertaken once you are enrolled in the EVOLVE programme.
7.2. Course content
The course will be delivered through 10 modules over 4 months. These modules will cover
legal, ethical and professional obligations in areas such as:
Regulating Medicines
Labelling and Compounding Medicines
Prescribing Medicines
Dispensing Medicines
Selling Medicines over the Internet
Regulating Health Professionals and Pharmacists
Pharmacy Ownership
Controlled Drugs
Privacy
Consumer Guarantees and Advertising
This information is subject to change without notice.
Please ensure you read the latest information on www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Page 10 of 24
