Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is an entrance examination for internationally trained pharmacists seeking permanent registration in Australia. It is regulated by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and assesses whether the candidates have the necessary knowledge and understanding of the underlying biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences in Australia.
The OPRA exam is a standardized test for foreign-trained pharmacists to assess whether they can practice in Australia competently and effectively. This has changed the previous Knowledge Assessment of the Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) examination, the current exam now provides a more streamlined and clinically concentrated evaluation.
To be eligible for the OPRA exam, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualifications: Possess a pharmacy degree (e.g., B.Pharm, M.Pharm, or Pharm.D) from a recognized institution outside Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA.
Professional Registration: Hold current registration or be eligible for registration as a pharmacist in the home country where the qualification was obtained.
English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests such as IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or OET, as mandated by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Understanding the fee structure before planning your journey toward applying for a registered pharmacist in Australia. The OPRA exam fees are as follows:
Categories | Australia | USA | India |
|---|---|---|---|
Eligibility Check | 810 AUD | $527.96 | ₹44818.90 |
Skills Assessment Outcome Fee | 300 AUD | $195.54 | ₹16599.59 |
Updated Skills Assessment Request Fee | 610 AUD | $397.66 | ₹33752.50 |
OPRA Exam Fee | 2,190 AUD | $1427.45 | ₹121177.01 |
These fees are payable through the APC candidates' portal during the application and registration process.
The OPRA exam is designed to assess the knowledge and skills required for pharmacy practice in Australia. The examination includes 120 multiple-choice questions in 2.5 hours. The course is divided into the following domains:
Biomedical Sciences (20%): Focuses on the understanding of human biology and pathology.
Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics (10%): Covers drug design, development, and delivery.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (10%): Evaluates the body's effect on drugs and vice versa.
Pharmacology and Toxicology (15%): Assesses knowledge of drug actions and adverse effects.
Therapeutics and Patient Care (45%): Emphasizes clinical decision-making and patient management.
The OPRA exam is conducted three times a year. The 2025 schedule is as follows:
Exam Dates | Registration Dates | Result Dates |
|---|---|---|
3 - 5 March 2025 | 9 January - 3 February 2025 | 1 April 2025 |
14 - 16 July 2025 | 8 April - 16 June 2025 | 12 August 2025 |
24 - 26 July 2025 | 19 August - 27 October 2025 | 22 December 2025 |
It's important to complete the eligibility check at least 8 to 12 weeks before the registration closing date for the selected exam.
The APC uses the Rasch methodology for the OPRA examination scoring, which does not determine a certain pass percentage. Instead, the candidates achieve "successful" or "unsuccessful" results based on the overall performance. This approach ensures fairness and stability in various examination versions.
On passing the exam, candidates receive a pharmacist skill evaluation letter, which is an important document for progress towards provisional registration with Australia's Pharmacy Board.
Effective preparation for the OPRA exam requires strategic studies using reliable resources. Here are some of the most recommended books and materials:
“Rang and Dale's Pharmacology” – molecular understanding of receptors and drug actions to the clinical uses of the most important groups of drugs.
“Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH)” – A core text for all pharmacists practicing in Australia.
APC’s OPRA Sample Paper & Exam Guide – Official guide that outlines exam format and includes sample questions.
“Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics” by Roger Walker – Widely used for therapeutic decision-making and patient-centered care.
In addition, mock tests, coaching, and staying updated with the timelines can be provided to prepare by joining OPRA-specific coaching or appearance courses. Australia involves careful planning and preparation to start the journey to become a registered pharmacist.
Understanding the composition, fees, and requirements of the OPRA exam is essential for success. For further assistance and resources, consider checking official guides and initial courses to pass the OPRA exam on the first attempt.
The OPRA exam is a computer-based test administered at specified test centers. Candidates should participate in person. Remote or online examination is not available.
Yes, the OPRA exam is presented in various international testing centers, including places in India, allowing candidates to appear for the exam without traveling to Australia.
No, there is no restriction on the number of efforts. Candidates can withdraw from the examination as required, but each effort requires a new registration and fee payment.
The results of the OPRA exam are valid for 3 years from the date of issue. Candidates must complete the registration process within this period..
Yes, the exam assesses the knowledge of Australian pharmacy laws and moral practices. Protection with these rules is necessary for successful performance.
Yes, the Australian Pharmacy Council provides an official sample paper to the candidates to help the candidates understand the exam format and question types.
The OPRA examination includes 120 multiple-choice questions in 2.5 hours. It contains various domains, including biomedical sciences, pharmacology, and patient care. Unlike KAPS, it is more focussed on real-world scenarios and patient case studies.
The examination has been employed in the Rasch scoring methodology, which assesses the candidate's performance based on the question's difficulty and response pattern rather than a certain passing mark.
Yes, candidates should showcase English proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or OET, meeting the pharmacy board of Australia's requirements.
Candidates are required to present an educational record, evidence of pharmacist registration in their country, identity documents, and English proficiency test results.
Category :
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!