Countries > Australia for Pharmacists > CAOP
Australia for Pharmacists — Competency stream
CAOP — Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists
The Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP) is an APC assessment used in defined streams for overseas-qualified pharmacists. It is not the same exam as OPRA. Whether you should sit CAOP, OPRA, or another APC product depends on your qualification, any prior APC outcome, and current Board/APC notices. Confirm your stream before you pay.
Pathway Snapshot
Check APC’s current candidate categories, apply for CAOP only if that stream still applies to you, sit the assessment as specified, then continue intern or registration steps the Board requires.
Complete Journey: APC category check → CAOP (if applicable) → Remaining intern / Board requirements → AHPRA registration.
Main Links
Eligibility
CAOP has historically been used for particular APC competency or knowledge streams. APC’s move to OPRA means some new candidates are no longer directed to CAOP. Only apply if your APC application dashboard or a written APC outcome names CAOP.
Assessment Details
When offered, CAOP is a computer-based assessment of pharmacy knowledge and practice competence as defined in that sitting’s candidate guide. Format, length, and pass rules are set by APC — do not rely on archived KAPS/CAOP forum posts.
What we offer
MCIQ will open CAOP-style practice for candidates whose APC stream still uses this assessment. Register to be notified when prep is available.
Notify me when CAOP Prep is available →Relationship to OPRA
OPRA is the primary new-candidate knowledge exam. CAOP remains in the navigation tree because some transitional or category-specific candidates may still be assigned to it. Sitting the wrong exam wastes fees and time.
After CAOP
A pass is used according to your APC outcome letter. You still complete intern training and AHPRA registration unless the Board has placed you in a different limited-registration category.
Fees
All figures are approximate and based on 2026 public information. Always confirm exact fees on the official portals before payment.
| Item | Approx. Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CAOP assessment |
Confirm on pharmacycouncil.org.au | Only if APC assigns this stream |
Related APC / AHPRA fees |
See OPRA and intern pages | Usually still required |