Qualifications and Training

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A practising pharmacist in New Zealand is qualified, registered and competent in their area of practice. This means that he/she:

• Holds a qualification which has been prescribed (approved) by the Pharmacy Council.
• Has met the competence standards set by the Pharmacy Council.
• Is registered with the Pharmacy Council.
• Holds an Annual Practising Certificate.
• Is engaged in relevant, continuing professional development.

The registration process for the three scopes of practice (Intern Pharmacist, Pharmacist, and Pharmacist prescriber) varies depending on where the applicant completed their education and the qualifications and experience they have obtained. A chart outlining the general process for overseas applicants is available here.

The following is a summary of the prescribed qualifications for New Zealand or Australian pharmacy graduates.

Intern pharmacist

The following qualifications have been prescribed for registration as an intern pharmacist:

• Bachelor of Pharmacy, University of Auckland; OR
• Bachelor of Pharmacy, University of Otago: OR
• Australian pharmacy degrees from Schools of Pharmacy holding Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) accreditation;

Pharmacist

Pharmacists who qualified in New Zealand prior to the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree being introduced, and who are practising, are deemed to have an equivalent qualification. Pharmacists who obtained an approved qualification in Australia are also considered to have equivalent qualifications to those who hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy obtained in New Zealand.

New Zealand pharmacy graduates

• Bachelor of Pharmacy, University of Auckland; OR
• Bachelor of Pharmacy, University of Otago; AND
• Successful completion of intern training programme of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand; AND
• A pass in the Pharmacy Council Assessment Centre OSCE examination

Australian pharmacy graduates

• Australian pharmacy degrees from Schools of Pharmacy holding Australian Pharmacy Council accreditation; AND
• Successful completion of the intern training programme of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand; AND
• A pass in the Pharmacy Council Assessment Centre OSCE examination

Pharmacist prescriber

The prescribed qualification for a pharmacist prescriber is the accredited postgraduate programme.  The qualification is being updated during 2020.

More information on pharmacist prescribers can be found on this page.