• The OPRA exam isn’t easy or difficult– it depends upon your level of preparation, expertise and practice. 

• The OPRA exam uses Rasch methodology of testing, which is an adaptive testing method. 

• With the right guidance and resource, you can easily crack the OPRA examination without leaving your full-time job.

Hundreds of global pharmacists every year prepare for the OPRA exam with a dream of becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia. While some prepare to learn and take the exam, some prepare with the goal of successfully passing. The difference? The former focus on learning and cramming while the later prepare a strategised approach that guarantees success. Thousands of pharmacists in the past have cracked the OPRA exam in the very first attempt without leaving their full-time job. 

Some feel that the exam is easy, while others feel that it is difficult. In reality, the exam is the same for all–the difficulty level depends upon the preparation of the candidate. In today’s post, we’ll tell you how to prepare for the exam like a winner, ensuring that you pass the OPRA exam. Even if you have no prior experience with the OPRA exam or other international pharmacy exams, this blog will guide you to prepare and ace the exam like a pro. 

Let us now talk about the best strategies for preparation that lead to OPRA success. 

The OPRA exam tests your pharmacy knowledge with respect to the Australian healthcare standards, and thus you must prepare accordingly. Read previous case-studies on the APC website, understand pharmacy guidelines and practices to be followed in the healthcare setup of Australia and practice answering questions in accordance with that. You can seek help from an Australian pharmacist for best guidance. 

You must be prepared to answer questions focussing on patient care instead of spending more time on theoretical pharmaceutical knowledge. Make sure you understand Australian pharmacy laws and international laws as well. For best results, Go through documents from Pharmacy Board of Australia, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council (APAC) guidelines for a clear understanding.

Many candidates make the mistake of jumping into preparation without getting a deep understanding of the OPRA exam syllabus and pattern. The OPRA exam syllabus focusses on therapeutics, clinical decision-making, patient care scenarios, and the practical application of pharmaceutical sciences.

For a comprehensive preparation, Don't just study general pharmacology — focus on case-based problem solving, communication skills, ethical dilemmas, and medication safety principles. Study the type of questions asked in the previous papers, which generally include patient-centric and scenario-based questions. 

A major feature of the OPRA exam is that it follows Rasch method of testing, which tests your ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations, and not just recall it. The best way to prepare for the same is practice using AI-based mock tests and other adaptive testing platforms that tailor questions based on your strengths and weaknesses. Regular practice will help you improve progressively and will take you towards the desired result. 

Adaptive tests create real-exam environment, helping you build confidence and be prepared for the exam day in ways other than mere theoretical knowledge. With this, you can tackle tricky scenarios and answer all questions beautifully. 

Never underestimate the power of practicing using the right materials. The best materials include the books and resources recommended by the Australian Pharmacy Council. Use APC mock tests (available on the official Australian Pharmacy Council website) to understand the question structure. 

Also, refer to APC recommended books and guidelines which include-

• Therapeutic Guidelines

• APC Practice Exams

• Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH)

• Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF)

• Pharmacy Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct

Apart from this, you can use books concerning pharmacy topics, which focus on practical aspects of pharmaceutical sciences. 

One way to sure shot success is expert guidance or mentorship. Even the best self-studiers can benefit from expert guidance, as it can help you crack the exam in the first attempt, without having any prior knowledge about the same. 

Consider enrolling in a coaching program or a preparatory course which speciliases in OPRA preparation. You must ensure that the mentors are OPRA experts– KAPS/OPRA qualified professionals, registered Australian pharmacists or professionals who have deeply studied the OPRA examination. Such mentors can guide you with insider tips, mock interview practice and offer detailed feedback on your case-solving approaches. 

The right strategy can lead you to success while the wrong one can just waste your time. Choose wisely, after all you whole pharmacy career depends upon this one global examination. So here are some tips and tricks to pass the OPRA exam in your very first attempt. Which one of these did you like the most? Would you like to add any other hack which pharmacists can benefit from? Let us know in the comments section.