KAPS Is Now OPRA: All You Need to Know
Key Changes with OPRA™
The transition from KAPS to OPRA™ marks a significant milestone for overseas pharmacists aiming for registration. Here’s an in-depth look at the key changes introduced with the OPRA™ exam:
1. Shorter Exam Duration
The OPRA™ exam now offers a streamlined approach with a single paper of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Aspirants have 2.5 hours to complete the paper, ensuring a concise yet comprehensive assessment.
2. Revised Content Areas
The content areas of the OPRA™ exam have been updated with a greater emphasis on therapeutics and practical knowledge application. This change ensures candidates are equipped to handle real-world clinical scenarios effectively.
3. Updated Scoring Methodology
The OPRA™ exam adopts the Rasch scoring methodology, recognized globally for its fairness and accuracy. This change ensures a more standardized and transparent evaluation process.
4. Reduced Cost
The cost of the OPRA™ exam has been reduced to AUD 2,190, making it a more accessible option for aspiring pharmacists worldwide.
5. Important Registration Note
Candidates who have already registered for the KAPS exam or completed the Skills Assessment must proceed with the KAPS exam. However, all new registrations will be automatically redirected to the OPRA™ exam from January 2025.
What Remains Unchanged?
Despite the significant changes, certain elements of the KAPS exam remain consistent. These include:
1. Exam Difficulty
The exam difficulty level remains unchanged, ensuring the rigorous standards expected of overseas pharmacists are upheld.
2. Eligibility and Registration Process
The eligibility criteria and registration process are unchanged, providing a seamless transition for candidates.
3. Delivery Method
The OPRA™ exam will continue to be delivered exclusively in test centres, maintaining a controlled testing environment for all candidates.
4. Attempts and Validity Period
There are no changes to the allowed number of attempts or the validity period for exam results.
Registration Timeline
Registration for the OPRA™ exam opens on January 9, 2025. Candidates who have already registered for the KAPS exam can continue their attempts until March 2025.
Summary of Changes
| Feature | KAPS | OPRA™ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 papers, 4 hours total | 1 paper, 2.5 hours |
| Content Focus | General pharmacy knowledge | Therapeutics and practical applications |
| Scoring Method | Traditional scoring | Rasch methodology |
| Exam Cost | AUD 2,500 | AUD 2,190 |
Impact on KAPS Aspirants
The introduction of OPRA™ enhances the assessment process by focusing more on practical and clinical skills. This shift ensures aspirants are better prepared for advanced stages, including the Intern Oral Exam and subsequent requirements.
While the eligibility criteria and difficulty levels remain consistent, it is crucial for candidates to understand the updated structure, content areas, and methodology to excel in the OPRA™ exam.