About the OPRA™ Exam
The OPRA™ Exam (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) is going to take the place of the KAPS exam which will conclude with its final session in November 2024.
The exam is designed to assess the knowledge and understanding of internationally trained pharmacists in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences to determine whether they are competent to meet Australian standards.
The OPRA™ Exam is an essential step for those seeking provisional registration as a pharmacist in Australia.
The exam is computer-based and consists entirely of multiple-choice questions.
- Time Duration: 2.5 hours
- Total Questions: 120 questions
- Purpose: To determine and assess readiness of internationally trained pharmacists to practise pharmacy safely and effectively in Australia.
- Exam Fee: $2190
- Eligibility Check: Available on the table below
Eligibility Check and Assessment Services for OPRA™ Exam
| Service | Description | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Check | For individuals aiming to work as pharmacists or migrate to Australia, including:
| $810 | Fees are non-refundable. |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | Required for:
| $300 | Fees are non-refundable. |
| Updated Skills | For individuals who have new qualifications since their last assessment. | $610 | Fees are non-refundable. |
| Work Experience Reference | An optional evaluation of work history to support migration applications (only for specific streams). | $200 | Fees are non-refundable. Not available for Knowledge Stream and Competency Stream candidates. |
OPRA™ Exam Details and Costs
For international students from accredited pharmacy degree programs in Australia or New Zealand, or pharmacists currently registered for practice in New Zealand, the Eligibility Check and Skills Assessment Outcome are combined into one single payment.
Exam Details and Costs
| Type of Exam | Who Should Take This Exam | Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Intern Written Exam | For candidates holding provisional registration from the Pharmacy Board of Australia. | $750 per attempt |
| Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP™) Exam | For pharmacists trained outside Australia who meet the Competency Stream criteria and have received their skills assessment notice of eligibility. | $2000 per attempt |
| Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) Exam | (Discontinued after November 2024) For pharmacists trained outside Australia who meet Knowledge Stream criteria and have received their skills assessment notice of eligibility. | $2290 per attempt |
| Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA™) Exam | (Available from March 2025) For pharmacists trained outside Australia who meet Knowledge Stream criteria and have received their skills assessment notice of eligibility. | $2190 per attempt |
Appeals and Fees
To challenge a decision related to examination or eligibility check, refer to the Exams Appeals Policy
Appeals and Fees
| Type | Applicable When | Cost (AU$) |
|---|---|---|
| Appeal to APC Appeals Panel | To challenge a decision related to examination or eligibility check. | $750 per appeal |
Overview of the Appeals Process
Objective
This document explains the steps involved in appealing the conditions under which an exam was conducted. It applies to the Australian Pharmacy Council’s (APC) role in assessing the qualifications and competency required for pharmacy practice in Australia.
Applicability
The appeals process applies to the following exams administered by the APC on behalf of the Pharmacy Board of Australia:
- Intern Written Exam
- Competency Assessment for Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP™) Exam
- Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) Exam
How to Submit an Appeal
Appeals must be submitted in writing. Applications should be sent through one of the following methods:
- Email: exams@pharmacycouncil.org.au
- Prepaid Post: APC, PO Box 1227, Fyshwick ACT 2609
Applicants need to clearly state that they are filing an appeal, specify the exam result being disputed, and explain the reasons for the appeal along with the desired outcome.
Submission Deadline
Appeals must be filed within 30 days of receiving the exam outcome.
APC Review Process
Once an appeal is received, the APC will:
- Confirm receipt of the application.
- Check whether the application complies with the required policies.
- Applications that are incomplete or do not follow the outlined guidelines will not proceed to further review.
Evaluation Procedure
The appeal will be reviewed by the Executive Director of Professional Services (EDPS) or their delegate. The decision reached is final. The APC will examine:
- Whether the exam procedures were followed correctly and if any errors may have influenced the outcome.
- Whether the exam result accurately reflects the candidate's knowledge and skills.
Additional information may be sought, including input from those involved in conducting the exam. If new evidence could lead to the appeal being rejected, the appellant will be given an opportunity to respond before a decision is made.
Potential Outcomes
If the appeal is successful, the APC may:
- Revise the exam outcome.
- Allow the candidate to retake the exam.
- Refund any fees paid for the exam.
Timeline for Decisions
The APC generally aims to resolve appeals within 30 days of receiving a valid application. However, cases involving complex issues or additional information may take longer.
Final Resolution
If the appeal is denied, the APC will provide a summary of the reasons for its decision. This decision is final and cannot be appealed further.
Eligibility Criteria
Objective
This policy outlines the procedures for submitting, reviewing, and managing appeals related to the eligibility check phase of an Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) skills assessment.
Applicability
The policy applies to candidates who have submitted an eligibility check application to the APC and received a decision. Outcomes are communicated via email or through a Skills Assessment Outcome (SAO).
Summary
APC conducts skills assessments in compliance with the DEWR Guidelines for Skilled Migration Assessing Authorities. As mandated by these guidelines, candidates who have received an eligibility check outcome can formally appeal the decision.
Internal Review
An internal review involves an evaluation of the original eligibility check decision by a senior APC officer who was not part of the initial assessment. This process ensures that no errors occurred during the assessment or administration of the application.
Applicants can submit new evidence during an internal review. However, if the decision is reversed due to the new evidence, the original eligibility check application fee will not be refunded.
Steps for Requesting an Internal Review
- Submit the request in writing via email or post.
- Submit the request within 30 business days of receiving the eligibility check outcome.
- Provide a detailed explanation of why the internal review is being requested.
- Include any additional evidence not previously provided, along with an explanation of its relevance.
- The review will be conducted by a senior APC officer who was not involved in the original decision.
Notification of the Review Outcome
APC will notify the applicant of the review outcome in writing within 30 business days. If this timeline cannot be met, APC will inform the applicant in writing.
The review decision will include:
- An explanation of the decision.
- Guidance on how to proceed if the applicant wishes to appeal further.
- Feedback on how the decision was reached.
- Details of the next steps available to the applicant.
External Appeal
Following the outcome of an internal review, candidates may choose to submit an external appeal.
No new evidence can be included in an external appeal, as the opportunity to present new information is provided during the internal review. Any additional evidence submitted during the internal review will be considered as part of the external appeal.
Steps for Submitting an External Appeal
- Submit the request in writing via email or post.
- Submit the request within 30 business days of receiving the internal review outcome.
- Clearly outline the reasons for requesting the external appeal.
- Both parties involved in the appeal are allowed to be accompanied or supported by a person of their choice, at their own expense.
How the External Appeal is Conducted
The external appeal will be reviewed by the Deputy Chair of the APC Board, who will reassess the application. If the Deputy Chair is unavailable, an independent assessor with expertise in pharmacy (e.g., a pharmacist, academic, or professional body representative not affiliated with APC) will be engaged to manage the appeal.
Notification of the External Appeal Outcome
The independent assessor will notify both the APC and the applicant of the external appeal decision within 30 business days. If the decision cannot be finalized within this timeframe, a written explanation will be provided to both parties.
The decision will include:
- A detailed explanation of the outcome.
- A final resolution, as the external appeal represents the last stage of the process.
OPRA Exam Dates
| Exam Dates | Registration Period | Results Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 3 - 5 March 2025 | 9 January - 3 February 2025 | 1 April 2025 |
| 14 - 16 July 2025 | 8 April - 16 June 2025 | 12 August 2025 |
| 24 - 26 November 2025 | 19 August - 27 October 2025 | 22 December 2025 |
Note: The eligibility Check must be completed at least 8 to 12 weeks before the registration closing date for the selected exam.
For registration, visit Candidate Portal.
Seat Availability for OPRA Exam
Test centers may have limited seat availability, which can vary.
- The availability of seats can be different based on the venue.
- Certain centres may be fully booked/reached maximum capacity or be unavailable at specific locations.
- Venue details are subject to change on short notice. Seats might open up due to cancellations by other candidates. If a seat in the desired test centre becomes available, the candidate can reschedule the exam through the candidate portal.
Test Centre Locations for OPRA Exam
| Country | Cities with Test Centers |
|---|---|
| Argentina | Buenos Aires |
| Australia | Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Townsville |
| Botswana | Gaborone |
| Canada | Toronto |
| Egypt | Cairo and surrounding areas, Giza |
| Fiji | Suva |
| Finland | Espoo, Helsinki |
| Ghana | Legon |
| Greece | Athens |
| Hong Kong SAR | Hong Kong |
| India | Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mumbai, New Delhi, Noida, Pune |
Registration Guidelines
Eligibility Confirmation
To register for the exam, candidates must:
- Successfully complete the Eligibility Check.
- Receive an email confirming eligibility to sit for the exam.
For assistance in determining the appropriate pathway, refer to Pathway - KAPS or CAOP
Exam Registration
Exam registrations open at 9:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM AEDT/AEST. Candidates should verify these times for their local time zone using a time zone converter of their choice. Registrations usually close approximately one month before the exam date. There is no provision for late registration.
Please note that some test center locations reach full capacity quickly. Hence early booking is recommended once the registrations are open. In the case of a preferred center being full, candidates can select an alternative location.
Special Accommodation/Assistance Requests
Candidates requiring special accommodations or assistance during the exam can make such requests as part of the registration process. Supporting documentation must be uploaded during this step. Requests will be reviewed, and outcomes will be communicated via email within seven business days.
Once approved, Pearson VUE will be contacted to coordinate the necessary arrangements, which may result in changes to the appointment date and time.
Download the Examinations Special Accommodation Policy (6 pages PDF)Special Accommodation Policy for OPRA Examinations
1. Purpose
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) conducts high-stakes examinations for candidates in Australia and internationally. Recognizing that some candidates may have disabilities or health-related needs, the APC allows for special accommodations to ensure these candidates are not disadvantaged during examinations. These accommodations or assistance requests are approved by APC and facilitated through Pearson VUE, aligning with the Disability Standards for Education (2005).
2. Scope
The policy applies to candidates requesting special accommodations/assistance to perform to their best ability during examinations. Candidates may bring specific comfort aids, such as medication, without prior approval. A complete list of permitted items is available on the Pearson VUE Comfort Aid List.
Special accommodations requiring prior approval include, but are not limited to:
| Type | Event-based Exam | OnVue Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Additional time to complete the exam | 15 min, 30 min | 15 min, 30 min |
| Extra breaks | Permitted | Permitted |
| Permission for snacks or medication | Permitted | Not applicable |
| Alternate arrangements | Cushion for support, footrest, screen magnification, seat with armrests (subject to availability), separate room, enlarged font | Permitted where possible |
| Assistance | Reader, scribe | Not applicable |
| Others | Permission for a glass of water in a clear cup/glass | Not applicable |
The APC endeavors to accommodate all requests but acknowledges that this may not always be feasible.
3. Policy Statement
3.1 Special Accommodation Requests
Requests for special accommodations, along with supporting documentation, must be submitted during the online registration period via the Candidate Portal. These requests should be raised at least three days before the registration period closes. Requests received after the registration closure cannot be considered.
3.2 Supporting Documentation
Supporting documentation must include the following details:
- The date of issue (issued within 12 months before the exam date).
- The candidate's name and date of birth (matching those on the candidate’s passport or primary exam ID).
- The name and profession of the healthcare provider issuing the document.
- Contact details and location of the healthcare provider’s practice.
- The specific assistance requested from the APC and Pearson VUE.
- Documentation issued in languages other than English must be accompanied by an English translation certified by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
All costs associated with obtaining the required documentation are the responsibility of the candidate.
3.3 Approval of Special Accommodation Requests
Candidates will be notified of the outcome of their accommodation requests via email within two business days of submitting the request. If approved, APC will coordinate with Pearson VUE to arrange the requested accommodations.
Please note that special circumstances cannot be used as a basis to appeal examination results.
Uploading a Photo
During the registration process, candidates will need to upload a headshot photograph. This photo may be a selfie and must meet the following criteria:
- Show the full head and shoulders.
- Be in color and taken within the last six months.
- Be of high quality.
- Head coverings worn for religious reasons or facial jewelry may be included in the photo.
Payment of Registration Fee
Registration fees must be paid at the time of registration. Seats will not be reserved without payment. Only Visa or Mastercard credit or debit cards are accepted, and the card must be issued by a bank in the candidate's country of residence.
Rescheduling
Exams may be rescheduled through the Candidate Portal for another date and time within the current exam session, provided the registration period is still open.
Cancellations
Candidates may cancel their exam and request a refund, subject to approval and a cancellation fee. The refund amount depends on the timing of the cancellation. Details regarding partial refunds and cancellation policies are outlined in the refund policy, which candidates are encouraged to review carefully.
Cancellations must be completed through the Candidate Portal.
This rewritten version ensures clarity, conciseness, and originality while maintaining a formal tone suitable for an informational guide.
- Exam Guide and Sample Paper
- Preparation for Exam Day
- Preparation for the Day of the OPRA Exam
Preparation for the OPRA™ Exam
Identification Requirements
- Primary ID: Must be government-issued and include your full name, date of birth, photo, and signature. Examples: passport, driver’s license, national identity card.
- Secondary ID: Must contain either your name and signature or your name and photo. Examples: debit/credit card or any document on the primary ID list.
- IDs must be valid, original, in English or NAATI translated, and match the registered name.
- If lacking acceptable ID, use an international travel passport or contact the exam authority at least three business days before the exam for pre-approval.
What to Bring
Permitted Items:
- ID documents.
- Approved comfort aids.
- A scientific or standard calculator (non-programmable, no internet, text storage, camera, or video capabilities).
Prohibited Items:
- Reference materials, wristwatches, mobile phones, tablets, pens, pencils, or other unauthorized electronics.
Provided by Pearson VUE: Online calculator, erasable whiteboard notebook, and marker pen (no paper or pen allowed).
Preparation Tips
- Use the OPRA™ exam guide for information on format, scoring, question content, and sample papers.
- Ensure IDs are prepared and meet the requirements.
- Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to the test center.
- Check confirmation emails for arrival times and instructions.
On Exam Day
- Be well-rested, eat beforehand, and turn off your phone (including alarms).
- Items not permitted in the exam room must be stored in lockers.
- Admission Procedures: Includes showing your ears, rolling up sleeves, emptying pockets, and having glasses inspected. Separate rooms can be requested for privacy during checks.
Exam Appointment Structure
- 5 minutes for the non-disclosure agreement.
- 10-minute tutorial before the exam.
- 2.5 hours for the exam (120 questions).
- 5 minutes post-exam for a survey.
- No scheduled breaks: Unscheduled breaks (e.g., bathroom) require raising your hand and performing security checks upon return. The exam clock will not stop.
Technical Interruptions
Invigilators will attempt real-time resolutions. If unresolved:
- Before the exam starts: You may be moved to another desk or rescheduled.
- During the exam: The exam will be rescheduled, with keystrokes saved every three seconds to prevent data loss.
- Reschedules are typically completed within 24 hours, subject to availability.
Sample Paper
To support your preparation for the OPRA™ exam, we offer an official sample paper available for download.
This sample paper includes questions that are no longer in use but are designed to help you:
- Understand the types of content covered in each section of the exam
- Familiarize yourself with how the questions are structured
- Simulate exam conditions by answering all 120 questions within 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes)
Results
Result Notification
- Candidates will receive an email when results are available.
- Results can be accessed and downloaded from the Candidate Portal.
- Results will indicate a "pass" or "unsuccessful" status. No additional details are provided, as this is a registration exam.
Guidance for Unsuccessful Candidates
- Success may require multiple attempts; candidates are encouraged not to lose motivation.
- Discuss preparation strategies with friends, family, or colleagues to better prepare for the next attempt.
- There is no limit to the number of times the exam can be re-sat.
Re-Sitting the Exam
- Candidates can register for the next exam period through the Candidate Portal.
- Full registration fees must be paid again during re-registration.
Details About Exam Results
- APC does not provide individual performance feedback or exam scores.
- Results undergo thorough checks by a dedicated team before finalization and are not subject to appeal.
Appeals Process
- The appeals process covers issues unrelated to the calculation of results.
- Appeals aim to address situations where candidates might be disadvantaged due to factors beyond their control.
- Candidates are advised to review the Appeals Policy before sitting the exam for information on eligible appeal scenarios.
Skills Assessment Outcome
- Upon passing the KAPS/OPRA™ exam, candidates can request a copy of their Skills Assessment Outcome.
- This document can be used to:
- Apply to the Department of Home Affairs to support a visa application.
- Apply to the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PharmBA) for provisional registration.
- The Skills Assessment Outcome remains valid for three years from the date exam results are released.
- For visa applications, the validity period is determined by the Department of Home Affairs, and APC cannot alter this timeline.
- If significant changes occur after receiving the Skills Assessment Outcome, candidates may request an updated version.
Applying for Provisional Registration
Candidates who pass the KAPS/OPRA™ exam can apply to PharmBA for provisional registration and supervised practice approval.
Steps to Apply:
- Submit an online application for provisional registration with PharmBA.
- Identify and arrange a supervised practice setting.
- Submit the necessary applications required by PharmBA for approval.
- Await approval from PharmBA.
After Approval:
- Enroll in supervised practice.
- Complete the supervised practice period to become eligible for general pharmacist registration.
- Candidates must complete 75% of supervised practice hours before sitting for Board registration exams:
- Intern Written Exam (conducted by APC).
- Oral Exam (conducted by PharmBA).
Finding a Supervised Practice Setting
Many candidates find supervised practice opportunities through professional organizations, family, or extended networks. Some may already have an offer from a pharmacy.
All practice arrangements must receive approval from PharmBA before candidates begin supervised practice.