All About The OPRA Exam For New Zealand
All About The OPRA Exam For New Zealand
Are you an overseas pharmacist looking to practice in New Zealand? Here’s exciting news for you—starting March 2025, the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam will replace the traditional KAPS exam. With a streamlined format, updated content, and reduced costs, this change makes the journey to becoming a pharmacist in New Zealand more accessible and achievable.
What is the OPRA Exam?
The OPRA Exam is the revamped version of the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS). Designed to assess the readiness of overseas pharmacists, the exam focuses on real-world pharmaceutical scenarios.
What’s New in the OPRA Exam?
- Concise Format: One paper with 120 MCQs to be completed in just 2.5 hours.
- Real-World Application: More emphasis on therapeutic knowledge and practical application.
- Fair Scoring: A new Rasch methodology ensures accuracy and fairness in results.
- Affordable Fee: Reduced cost of AUD 2,190, making it easier for candidates to pursue.
Eligibility for New Zealand OPRA
To be eligible for the New Zealand OPRA Exam, applicants must fulfil the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree.
- Have active registration with the state pharmacy council in their home country.
- Possess at least one year of work experience in retail or hospital pharmacy.
Steps to Become a Pharmacist in New Zealand
- Initial Skill Assessment: Start with an assessment by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ). Cost: NZD 777
- Pass the OPRA Exam: A multiple-choice test held online three times a year. Cost: AUD 2,190
- Complete the NZPL Course: Learn New Zealand's legal and ethical pharmacy practices. Fee: NZD 2,400
- Register as an Intern Pharmacist: Gain practical experience. Cost: NZD 957
- EVOLVE Internship Programme: One year of hands-on training under supervision. Cost: NZD 8,950
- Complete Registration: Register as a fully qualified pharmacist. Cost: NZD 1,312
Cost Breakdown for Registration Process
| Step | Cost (NZD/AUD) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Skill Assessment (PCNZ) | NZD 777 | 38,500 |
| OPRA Exam | AUD 2,190 | 1,15,000 |
| NZPL Course | NZD 2,400 | 1,19,000 |
| Intern Registration | NZD 957 | 47,500 |
| EVOLVE Internship Programme | NZD 8,950 | 4,43,000 |
| Final Registration | NZD 1,312 | 65,000 |
Final Thoughts
The OPRA Exam is a game-changer for overseas pharmacists. With its updated format and streamlined process, it prepares you for a successful career in New Zealand’s pharmaceutical industry. Start your journey today!