What to Expect During the KAPS Exam Process: Insights and Tips

Why is pharmacy becoming an appealing career choice for both local and internationally qualified professionals in Australia?  There is an increasing healthcare need in the field of pharmacy in this country.  Competitive salaries and benefits await qualified professionals and a lot of growth opportunities.  Aside from that there is a work-life balance for some pharmacies offer flexible working hours.  And of course, cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth consistently rank among the world’s most livable cities.

So, why would you ignore such an opportunity?  Take the KAPS exam now and be a successful pharmacist in Australia!  What is this KAPS all about?  It stands for Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences which is an entry-level examination for overseas pharmacists who want to practice in Australia.  It evaluates the knowledge of pharmaceutical science and clinical pharmacy practice to ensure that the overseas worker has sufficient capabilities to work in the Australian healthcare system.  So, understanding the KAPS exam process gives you an advantage, and here is what you need to know:

Eligibility and Application

First, you need to have the eligibility criteria set by the APC (Australian Pharmacy Council) which is to have a recognized pharmacy qualification from an overseas institution.  Then, you can apply for the exam through the APC website.

Exam Preparation

Preparation for the exam is crucial and you can rely on trusted materials like textbooks, online sources, or previous exam papers for practice.  The covered areas are of the following – Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, Pharmaceutics, and therapeutics.

Exam Registration

Then if you are ready, you can register for the KAPS exam which is held at specific times throughout the year with registration deadlines.  The test is held at designated centers around the world or through remote proctored options.

During the Exam

Your knowledge and problem-solving skills in pharmaceutical sciences and clinical scenarios will be tested by multiple-choice questions laid out into two papers, each three hours long.  Read each question carefully and allocate time wisely for the entire test.  Most importantly, don’t forget to stay calm and focus.

Results and Next Steps

A few weeks after the exam, you will get the result.  If you pass, then you have completed a major step toward practicing pharmacy in Australia.  However, if you did not make it, you can study further and have a retake.

To have a better chance of passing, you should start with a structured study plan so that you can also allot specific time to study a certain topic.  Use a variety of study materials to have a better understanding of the different topics.  You may join study groups or online forums to connect with other present or past KAPS candidates.  Take a mock test to familiarize yourself with the exam’s structure and timing.  This will also help you identify your weaknesses and focus on them for improvement.   And as you go through the process, be sure to stay healthy, eat well, sleep well, and take a break to recharge your brain.  Good luck on your KAPS journey!