All About The New OPRA Exam for Australia
All About the OPRA Exam
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA™) is a new exam that will replace the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam starting March 2025. This change ensures overseas pharmacists are better prepared to meet the Australian pharmacy standards. Using the modern Rasch Model, OPRA™ evaluates candidates’ skills and knowledge more effectively, ensuring the exam reflects the current needs and practices of the pharmacy profession in Australia.
How is OPRA Different from KAPS?
- Shorter Exam Duration: The OPRA™ exam features one paper with 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed in 2.5 hours, compared to KAPS’ two papers with a total of 200 questions.
- Revised Content Focus: OPRA™ places more emphasis on therapeutics and practical pharmaceutical knowledge to better prepare candidates for real-world scenarios.
- Updated Scoring Methodology: The Rasch model ensures a fairer and more accurate scoring system, with questions categorized by difficulty.
- Reduced Cost: The OPRA™ exam costs AUD 2,190, making it more accessible than KAPS, which cost AUD 2,290.
Key Points of Difference
| Feature | KAPS | OPRA™ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | Two papers | Single paper |
| Number of Questions | 200 (100 per paper) | 120 |
| Duration | 4 hours (2 hours per paper) | 2.5 hours |
| Content Focus | Broad pharmaceutical sciences | Therapeutics & practical knowledge |
| Scoring Methodology | Traditional scoring | Rasch methodology |
| Exam Cost | AUD 2,290 | AUD 2,190 |
Preparing for the OPRA™ Exam
- Update Study Materials: Focus on guides that emphasize therapeutics and practical applications.
- Practice Time Management: Get used to answering questions within the shorter 2.5-hour time frame.
- Deepen Practical Knowledge: Understand real-world pharmacy scenarios and how to apply your skills effectively.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) for updates.
Conclusion
The shift from KAPS to OPRA™ introduces significant improvements in exam format, content focus, and cost. It ensures a fairer and more relevant assessment for overseas pharmacists aspiring to practice in Australia. Start preparing for the OPRA™ exam now and stay ahead!