Non-REQR process overview

	Prepare documents from the Checklist
	Complete and submit the Initial Consideration application form
	Pass the OPRA exam and NZPL course
	Apply for Registration in Intern Pharmacist scope of practice
	Complete the Intern Training Programme
	Apply for registration in the Pharmacist scope of practice

This page summarises the current requirements for overseas pharmacists wanting to apply for registration via the Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (Non-REQR). This route is for overseas registered pharmacists (who qualified in countries other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the USA), who would like to register as a pharmacist in Aotearoa New Zealand. Please answer the questions below to see if you are eligible to apply for registration with Pharmacy Council:

If you have answered YES to these two questions you may be eligible for registration in New Zealand. This page can help you to gather initial information on your next steps and how to apply for the Application for initial consideration for registration as an overseas-qualified pharmacist. If you have answered NO to at least one of the questions, you are not currently eligible to apply for registration under the non-REQR process.

CHECKLIST

We have created a non-REQR checklist form to help you assess whether you are ready to apply for an initial consideration of your eligibility to follow the non-REQR pathway.

If after completing the checklist, you think you are ready to make an application, please submit the Initial Consideration application for Registration as an Overseas-Qualified Pharmacists form. Otherwise, use the checklist to help you further prepare.

INITIAL CONSIDERATION APPLICATION 

Once we receive your Initial Consideration application and required documentation, we will begin assessing it. You will be advised of the outcome by email. Please note that we no longer accept paper applications. Applications must be made online.

We only process the application when all required documentation and the fee payment is received. It could take us up to eight weeks to process and assess your application. There is no need to follow up with us on your application status – we will contact you if any further information is required. 

The Pharmacy Council allows 90 DAYS from the date the application form is received, and the payment is processed, for completing the application. All supporting documents need to arrive within 90 days of Pharmacy Council receiving your application.

Once we have approved your application, you will be considered by Pharmacy Council to be ‘actively seeking registration in New Zealand.‘ From this time, you become eligible to work in the capacity of a pharmacy graduate and can dispense medicines (including compounding) under supervision of a pharmacist.  

Once we have approved your application, you can enrol in the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam and complete the New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation Course (NZPL) – see more information below.

Pharmacy Council expects you to make progress within a realistic time (i.e., pass the required exams OPRA/NZPL within two years). It is not acceptable to work as a pharmacy graduate indefinitely as this is not considered ‘actively seeking’ registration. 

REQUIRED EXAMS

An approved Initial Consideration Application allows you to enrol and sit the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam and complete the New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation Course (NZPL).

You are required to pass OPRA and NZPL before you can apply for intern registration and commence the Intern training programme. We recommend you think carefully before attempting both together.

COUNCIL FEES

The table below displays the current fees payable to the Pharmacy Council as of September 2023. It’s important to be aware that there are additional fees related to the non-REQR registration process that will be collected separately by the following providers:

• OPRA exam (Australian Pharmacy Council)
• NZPL course (Auckland University)
• Intern Training Programme (Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand).

As of September 2023, we estimated the cost of the non-REQR registration process (including Council fees as above), and fees for OPRA exam, NZPL course and the Intern Training Programme to be between $10,000 – $16,000 NZD. 

We strongly recommend that you carefully review all associated current costs (by checking each component separately) before proceeding further.

The application fee for the Initial Consideration application is non-refundable.

Please visit the NZ Immigration website for further information on immigration requirements.

INTERN SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Intern registration opens only once a year during December. If approved, you would be issued an Intern Annual Practising Certificate (APC) for you to begin practising as an Intern Pharmacist in New Zealand.

As an Intern Pharmacist you will be practising under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist, acting as a medicines manager, providing patient-centred medication therapy management, health improvement and disease prevention services in a collaborative environment.

You are eligible to enter the Intern Pharmacist scope of practice if you:

• Had your Initial Consideration Application approved by Pharmacy Council NZ (i.e., a letter from Pharmacy Council has been sent to you stating that your application was approved)
• Passed both OPRA exam and the NZ Legislation course. Please note, results must be achieved within two years of your application; you may need to redo the examination or course if either component was completed more than two years after submitting your intern application.
• Please note, once you obtain your Intern APC, you will be required to complete the Intern Training Programme run by the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (PSNZ). The programme starts at the beginning of February each year. For more information about requirements and costs, please visit PSNZ’s website. 

PHARMACIST SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Once the intern programme is completed and you pass Assessment Centre, you are eligible to apply for Pharmacist Registration. If your registration application is approved, you will be registered as a pharmacist, issued a practising certificate and will be eligible to practise as a pharmacist in Aotearoa New Zealand.