Getting your pharmacy degree recognised is only half the journey, the other half is proving you can communicate safely and clearly in English. AHPRA has strict English language requirements for every applicant, and in April 2026, these requirements changed for some tests. This blog breaks down exactly what scores you need, which tests are accepted, and what changed, in plain, simple language so you know exactly where you stand.
Why Does AHPRA Require English Language Proficiency?
AHPRA requires proof of English proficiency to make sure pharmacists can communicate safely with patients and other healthcare workers.
Pharmacy is a patient-facing job. You're explaining medicines, dosages, side effects, and sometimes catching prescription errors. AHPRA needs proof you can do all this clearly and correctly in English before it lets you register.
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d under the English Language Skills (ELS) registration standard.Confirms you can read prescriptions and medical instructions accurately.
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Confirms you can explain medicines to patients without confusion.
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Confirms you can communicate with doctors, nurses, and other pharmacists.
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Require
Which English Tests Does AHPRA Accept?
AHPRA accepts IELTS Academic, PTE Academic Exam, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and Cambridge C2 Proficiency.
Each test has its own scoring pattern, and AHPRA has set specific minimum scores for each one.
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IELTS Academic — must be the Academic version, taken on paper or computer at a test centre.
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PTE Academic — widely used, computer-based test.
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TOEFL iBT — internet-based test, accepted by AHPRA.
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OET — profession-specific test, any relevant OET version accepted.
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Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency — paper and computer at test centre only, not accepted in other formats.
What Are the Old vs New Minimum Score Requirements?
Minimum scores changed for PTE, TOEFL, OET, and Cambridge C1 Advanced from 23 April 2026, while IELTS and Cambridge C2 stayed the same.
This change happened because the Department of Home Affairs updated English test requirements in August 2025, based on new score concordance research from test providers. AHPRA followed with matching changes for registration purposes. Importantly, this does not mean the tests got harder, it just means the score numbers were recalculated to reflect the same level of proficiency.
Here's the full comparison:
| Test | New Minimum (from 23 April 2026) |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 7, each band 7 (Writing 6.5) |
| PTE Academic | Overall 63, Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 60, Speaking 76 |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 91, L-22, R-22, W-23, S-24 |
| OET | 350 Listening, 360 Reading, 350 Writing, 360 Speaking |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 178 overall, L-175, R-179, W-180, S-194 |
A simple way to remember it, if you're taking IELTS or Cambridge C2, nothing has changed for you. If you're taking PTE, TOEFL, OET, or Cambridge C1, check your test date carefully against the 23 April 2026 cutoff.
Can You Combine Two Test Sittings?
Yes, AHPRA allows a maximum of two test sittings within a 12-month period, but there are conditions.
You don't always need to get all your required scores in a single sitting. AHPRA allows combining scores from two sittings, but only if certain minimum floor scores are met in each attempt.
You must be tested in all four components (listening, reading, writing, speaking) in each sitting.
Your overall required scores must be met across the two sittings combined.
In each sitting, no individual component score can fall below the minimum floor set by AHPRA.
Example, for PTE Academic under the new rules, if using two sittings, no score can fall below 53 for Listening, 54 for Reading, 60 for Writing, and 66 for Speaking in either sitting.
What Happens If You Took One Test Before and One After 23 April 2026?
If your two test sittings fall on either side of 23 April 2026, each test is judged by its own set of rules.
This is an important detail many applicants miss.
| Scenario | Rule Applied |
|---|---|
| Both tests on or before 22 April 2026 | Both must meet the old minimum scores |
| Both tests on or after 23 April 2026 | Both must meet the new minimum scores |
| First test before 22 April, second test after 23 April 2026 | First test judged on old scores, second test judged on new scores |
So if you're planning a second attempt around this date, make sure you know which score chart applies to which sitting.
Which Test Should You Choose?
The right test depends on your comfort level, availability of test centres, and how quickly you need results.
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IELTS Academic — good if you're already familiar with academic English tests and want stable, unchanged score requirements.
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PTE Academic — computer-based, faster result turnaround, good if you're comfortable typing and computer-based tests.
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OET — best if you want a test built specifically for healthcare professionals, using medical scenarios.
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TOEFL iBT — internet-based, widely available worldwide.
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Cambridge C1/C2 — only available at test centres, useful if you have access to one nearby and prefer a structured exam format.
Conclusion
English language requirements are one of the most misunderstood parts of AHPRA registration, especially with the score changes from 23 April 2026. The key thing to remember is that the proficiency bar hasn't moved, only the numbers changed for a few tests. Before you book your test or submit your application, always check which score table applies to your test date. Getting this right the first time saves you from unnecessary retests and delays in your registration journey.
Key Takeaways
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English language proficiency is compulsory for AHPRA registration, no matter how experienced you are as a pharmacist.
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AHPRA accepts five tests: IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, and Cambridge (C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency).
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From 23 April 2026, minimum scores changed for some tests, but the actual proficiency level required stays the same.
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You can use one test sitting or combine two sittings within 12 months, as long as score conditions are met.
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Old scores still apply if your test was taken on or before 22 April 2026.