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English Language Policy for New Zealand and Australian Graduates

All New Zealand BPharm graduates and Australian pharmacy graduates applying for registration in the Intern Scope of Practice must be able to communicate effectively in English for the purpose of practising as a pharmacist.

All 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 Intern Scope of Practice (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 under the TTMRA

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 of New Zealand 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 under the REQR

Applicants must have either:

a) English as a first language; or

b) An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) certificate with 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 the CAOP exam application. Applicants must have results which show the required minimum scores were achieved at ONE sitting of the test only, and they must arrange for the Test Centre to send their results DIRECTLY to the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand; or

c) An OET (Occupational English Test) certificate with an A or B score in each of the four bands (listening, reading, writing and speaking) achieved within two years of the date of the CAOP exam application. Results from previous OET tests, obtained within a two year period, will be accepted if the applicant does not achieve all the required scores at one sitting. Applicants must send their results into the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand, where they will be verified against OET records; or

d) An approved IELTS/OET exemption. Applicants may be exempted from passing an IELTS or 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 the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.

An exemption fee of NZ$128.00 (if resident in New Zealand) or NZ$111.30 (if resident overseas) at the time of your application is payable to the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.

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

English Language Requirements for Pharmacists Registered in Countries OTHER THAN Australia/Canada/Ireland/Northern Ireland/UK/USA under the Non-REQR

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