Comprehensive Guide

Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is replacing the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam for international pharmacists who want to register and become a pharmacist in Australia.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with essential information about the OPRA exam, including its format, syllabus, registration process, and test centers. Whether you are preparing to transition from KAPS to OPRA or are new to this assessment, understanding these key details will help you effectively plan and prepare for this exam.

What is the OPRA Exam?

OPRA Exam is the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment, the new exam introduced by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). This OPRA exam will replace the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) from March 2025.

November 2024 is the last time the KAPS exam will be conducted.

While KAPS assessed whether international pharmacists had the necessary skills and knowledge to practise in Australia, the OPRA exam evaluates their understanding of the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences specific to Australian pharmacy practice.

What is the OPRA Exam Pattern?

• Number of papers: One single paper
• Number of Questions: 120
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Breaks: No break
• Cost: AUD 2190
• Testing Methodology: Rasch’s methodology
• Result: Within 4 weeks of the exam

What is the OPRA Exam Syllabus?

The content of the OPRA™ exam is similar to the KAPS, but it includes more questions focused on therapeutics and the application of knowledge to reflect the evolving pharmacy practice in Australia. Knowing the OPRA Exam syllabus is important for the OPRA Exam preparation.

Syllabus Breakdown:

• Biomedical Sciences (20%): Physiological processes, pathophysiology, immunology, and symptoms of disease states.
• Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics (10%): Drug properties, formulations, stability, and pharmacokinetics.
• Pharmacology and Toxicology (15%): Mechanisms of drug action, adverse reactions, and drug toxicity.
• Therapeutics and Patient Care (45%): Safe medicine use, dose calculations, health promotion, and harm minimization.

What are the Steps for Registration for OPRA?

1. Verify your eligibility: Ensure you have completed your eligibility check with the APC.
2. Register for the OPRA Exam: Registrations open one month before the exam and close promptly. Late registrations are not accepted.
3. Upload a Photo: Upload a recent headshot during the registration process.
4. Pay the Registration Fee: Ensure payment is made to secure your seat.

Where and When can I take the OPRA Exam?

Pearson VUE conducts the OPRA exam at multiple test centres worldwide. The exam is held three times a year, offering flexibility for candidates.

OPRA Exam Dates

OPRA Exam Test Centres

In India

There are 10 test centres in India, including Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, and Noida.

Other Countries

Final Thoughts

The OPRA exam, introduced by the APC, is a significant step for international pharmacists aiming to practice in Australia. Proper preparation is key, and enrolling in a preparation course can help streamline the process.