OPRA Exam for Overseas Pharmacists: Pattern, Structure and Testing Method Explained
OPRA Exam for Overseas Pharmacists
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is the exam for international pharmacists who wish to practise in Australia. Introduced by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), the OPRA exam will replace the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) starting in March 2025.
This blog provides an in-depth look at the OPRA exam’s pattern, structure, and testing methodology, offering valuable information to help you prepare effectively.
OPRA Exam
The OPRA exam is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of international pharmacists, ensuring they meet the standards required to practise in Australia. The OPRA exam focuses more on therapeutics and the application of knowledge than its predecessor, the KAPS exam, reflecting the evolving pharmacy practice in Australia.
Key Dates:
- The last KAPS exam: November 2024
- The first OPRA exam: March 2025
OPRA Exam Pattern
To prepare effectively for the OPRA exam, it is crucial to understand its pattern. Here’s what you need to know:
| Feature | KAPS |
|---|---|
| Format | Computer-based, multiple-choice questions (MCQs) |
| Number of Papers | One single paper |
| Number of Questions | 120 |
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Breaks | No breaks allowed during the exam |
| Cost | AUD 2190 |
| Test centres | Multiple test centres worldwide |
| Testing Methodology | Rasch methodology |
| Result Availability | Within 4 weeks post-exam |
OPRA Exam Structure
The OPRA exam covers a wide range of topics relevant to pharmacy practice. This is an important part of OPRA Exam preparation. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the syllabus, along with the percentage of questions that will be asked in the OPRA exam:
- Biomedical Sciences (20%): Physiological processes, medical microbiology, immunology, pathophysiology, and disease states.
- Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics (10%): Drug properties, formulations, stability, and biopharmaceutics.
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (10%): Drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and patient treatment data.
- Pharmacology and Toxicology (15%): Mechanisms of drug action, interactions, toxicity, and adverse drug reactions.
- Therapeutics and Patient Care (45%): Screening, safe medicine use, health promotion, and patient confidentiality.
OPRA Exam Testing Method
The OPRA exam uses the Rasch methodology, an adaptive testing method designed to ensure the fairness and reliability of exam outcomes.
Key Principles:
- Item Parameters: Measures how difficult the questions are.
- Person Parameters: Measures the candidate’s ability level.
The test adapts to your responses, making it more accurate in assessing your ability level.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the OPRA exam's pattern, structure, and testing methodology is crucial for international pharmacists aiming to practise in Australia. With its rigorous testing methods and detailed syllabus, the OPRA exam ensures that you are well-equipped to meet the standards of Australian pharmacy practice.
To maximise your chances of success, consider using OPRA exam preparation courses and resources. For personalised guidance, don't hesitate to reach out or fill out this form for a free consultation with an expert.