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Pharmacy Council of NZ English Language Policy for New Zealand and Australian Graduates

All New Zealand BPharm graduates and Australian pharmacy graduates from Australian Pharmacy Council applying for registration in the scope of practice of an Intern pharmacist must be able to communicate effectively in English for the purposes of practising as a pharmacist within the workplace.

All eligible graduates will be required to sign a statement agreeing that if a preceptor, other healthcare professional or member of the public finds they are not communicating in English to an acceptable standard, the intern pharmacist willl accept the decision of the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand as to whether they remain eligible to practise as a pharmacist in New Zealand. This statement will be signed by students when they complete the application form for registration in the scope of practice of an intern pharmacist (application forms are available from the Schools of Pharmacy in New Zealand from August in the year prior to internship).

English Language Requirements for Pharmacists Registered in Australia applying for Registration in New Zealand (TTMR)

If you are registered in Australia and you are applying for registration in New Zealand you are not required to provide information related to English language requirements. However, if you are found to be not communicating effectively in English, the Pharmacy Council reserves the right to place restrictions on your eligibility to practise.

English Language Requirements for Pharmacists Registered in Canada/Ireland/Northern Ireland/UK/USA applying for Registration in New Zealand (REQR)

Applicants must have either:

a) English as a first language; or

b) an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) certificate with a minimum overall level of 7.5 in the Academic Category with no less than 7 in all categories (listening, speaking, reading and writing) issued no more than two years prior to the application for registration; or

c) have an "A" or "B" score in all four components of the OET (Occupational English Test), issued no more than three years prior to the application for registration; or

d) be exempted from passing an IELTS or an OET test if he or she provides written testimonies as evidence that the applicant is able to comprehend and communicate effectively in English (both written and oral) with both patients and professional colleagues in a clinical setting. The testimonies must be provided by at least two suitably experienced pharmacists who speak English as a first language. Referees may be contacted directly by Council.

An exemption fee of NZ$125 (if resident in New Zealand) or NZ$111.11 (if resident overseas) at the time of your application is payable to the Pharmacy Council.

For an application form for IELTS/OET exemption for REQR applicants - click here

English Language Requirements for Pharmacists Registered in Countries OTHER THAN Australia/Canada/Ireland/Northern Ireland/UK/USA (Non REQR)

Information on this policy is available in the Information booklet for overseas-qualified pharmacists.