In general, whenever it comes to preparing for an exam, we focus a lot on the subjects and topics that we need to cover. This approach is okay for university exams, because we’re mostly familiar with all the exam regulations. Non-subject matter of an exam becomes important factor to consider when you’re writing an exam for the first time, when the stakes (in terms of time and money invested) are high.
The KAPS exam is no different — you invest 2-3 months to prepare; you spend ~5000 AUD for eligibility check, form, coaching fee; etc. So, if you’re someone who is writing the exam in March’23, you must read this this article!
If you’re wondering about what is ‘non-subject matter’ aspect of an exam, below are some pointers for you.
- Knowing the guidelines of the exam
- Knowing what you’re allowed to carry with you at the exam center
- What is the format of the exam – computerized or pen & paper?
- When are you expected to reach the examination center?
These are some examples of non-subject matter of an exam. It is very important to know these things because you do not want that despite your excellent preparation, you miss qualifying because you made a silly mistake of reaching late and you were denied entry in the exam!
Here are things that you should keep in mind if you’re appearing for KAPS in March 2024. Below is the list of things that you should know what to carry at the exam center.
- You’re expected to reach the examination center 45 minutes before the exam commencement time.
- You’re supposed to carry 2 ids – primary ID and secondary ID.
- Your primary id should have your full name, date of birth, recognizable photo and your signature.
- For this purpose, you can use your Aadhaar card or Driver’s License
- You must carry an original id. Photocopy or soft copy of the ID are not acceptable.
- Your ID must be in English only. If not, you should get this translated by a NAATI certified translator.
- Your admit card and your ID must have the same name. If you ID name is different, you must write to APC at info@pharmacycouncil.org.au to get your id pre-approved. You should email them 3-4 business days before your exam.
- The requirements for the secondary ID are –
- Secondary ID should have your name and your signature
- Or, it should have your name and your recognizable photograph
- You can use your ATM card or your credit card as your secondary ID
- You are allowed to carry a calculator in the exam. The calculator can be simple or scientific. However, the calculator must not have internet connection or memory storage for video or word files.
- If you have any critical illness for which medicine is need at every couple of hours of interval, you are allowed to carry those medicines with you. For example, eye drops, inhalers, tablet, etc. List of medicine/aid that you’re allowed to carry.
- You should also note at the exam center you will receive a whiteboard and an erasable marker for the rough work.
Now let’s talk about the exam format and how much time you will have to complete the questions.
- The KAPS exam has two papers – paper 1 and paper 2 (detailed syllabus) – and each paper carries 100 questions. Sample questions.
- You will have 2 hours for each paper, meaning you will have 120 minutes to solve 100 questions. In simple terms, you will have 1.2 mins per question.
- Between the papers, you will have a 30 mins break.
- During this break, you can eat, relax, go outside, or even study.
- Also, students are given 15 mins in the beginning of the exam to watch the instructions video. You must do this very carefully.
You now understand about the timetable of the KAPS exam. Let’s talk about passing criteria of the exam.
- You need to score 50% in the each paper to pass
- But you also need to score 50% in each segment of the paper. For example, the paper 1 contains 30 questions from pharmaceutical chemistry and 70 questions from pharmacology. So, you need to score minimum 15 marks in pharmaceutical chemistry and minimum 35 marks in pharmacology to pass.
- And the same is true for the paper 2 also. Hence, you should keep your preparation balanced.
If you’re also planning to move to Australia and become a pharmacist there, sign up here and we will help you realise your Australian dream. All the best! 🙂
