Skills Assessment Authority
Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)
Australian Pharmacy Council
The Australian Pharmacy Council assesses hospital, retail and industrial pharmacists, for Australian skilled migration. Visa Plan Lawyers advises on the qualification and examination evidence the APC requires.
Assessment Fees
$300 to $2,245 AUD by component
Eligibility Check $810; Skills Assessment Outcome $300; OPRA examination $2,245 per attempt; CAOP examination $2,100 per attempt. Fees vary by stream.
Processing Time
Eligibility Check aimed at 5 working days from complete documentation, allow up to 4 weeks.
Official Website
www.pharmacycouncil.org.auOccupations assessed by Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)
Pharmacist occupations on the CSOL including hospital, retail, and industrial pharmacists, which map to one assessment.
Key Occupations
Hospital Pharmacist, Retail Pharmacist, Industrial Pharmacist.
Always verify the designated assessing authority for your specific ANZSCO occupation code on the Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list before applying.
Assessment requirements
Exam-based assessment model
The APC runs an exam-based assessment with multiple streams. The Knowledge Stream proceeds via the OPRA examination, the Competency Stream via the CAOP examination, with separate international-student and New Zealand streams. The relevant stream depends on the applicant's qualifications and training pathway.
Eligibility and evidence requirements
Applicants begin with an Eligibility Check assessing their qualifications and supporting documents. The Eligibility Check is aimed at 5 working days from complete documentation but may take up to 4 weeks. Only eligible applicants proceed to the examination.
Sequenced, separately priced process
The standard sequence is an Eligibility Check, then passing the examination, then issue of the Skills Assessment Outcome. Each component is priced separately, including a per-attempt examination fee. Fees vary by stream and accumulate across the sequence.
Outcome validity
The Skills Assessment Outcome is valid for three years from the date the results are released. Applicants should align their visa lodgement so the outcome remains valid at the time of application. The validity period runs from results release, not from the examination date.
Why Visa Plan for your skill assessment with Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)?
Occupation confirmation
We confirm the correct CSOL occupation title and the designated assessing authority for your specific role before you apply, avoiding the cost of an incorrect application.
Application preparation
A complete, well-prepared application reduces the risk of delay or adverse outcome. We advise on documentation requirements, employment reference content, and how to present your qualifications and experience.
Migration strategy
A positive skills assessment is a prerequisite, not a migration plan. We build your complete migration strategy from the assessment through to visa grant or permanent residence.
Reviewed by Visa Plan Migration Lawyers · Last updated: June 2026 · Assessment fee and processing time information is approximate and subject to change. Always verify current fees and processing times directly with Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) at https://www.pharmacycouncil.org.au before applying. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Visa Plan for advice specific to your circumstances.