OPRA vs CAOP

If you’re a pharmacist aspiring to practise in Australia, you’ll need to pass the OPRA or CAOP exam. Deciding between OPRA and CAOP can be challenging, but understanding each path's requirements and processes will help you choose the right one for your career goals. This detailed guide will walk you through each stream, helping you make an informed decision.

Stream A: OPRA Exam

Stream A is designed for individuals who have completed a pharmacy qualification from an approved program and are registered pharmacists in the countries where they completed their pharmacy degree. This path is ideal if you have a pharmacy degree, have achieved registration, or are eligible for registration in your home country.

Eligibility Requirements

• Completed Pharmacy Qualification: You must have finished a pharmacy degree from an institution recognised by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
• Registration Status: You should either be registered, eligible for registration, or in the process of registration in the country where you obtained your pharmacy qualification.

What Does Stream A Involve?

Stream A is designed for international pharmacists who need to demonstrate their competency and adapt to the Australian healthcare system mainly by passing the OPRA exam. Here’s a breakdown of what Stream A involves:

• Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA): The OPRA exam evaluates your knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences, covering topics like drug interactions, pharmacology, and medication management.
• Supervised Practice: You will need to complete a period of supervised practice in Australia. This ensures you gain experience and understand local pharmacy practices and regulations.
• Board Registration Examination: After completing your supervised practice, you must pass the Board Registration Examination, which assesses your readiness to practise as a pharmacist in Australia.

Why Choose OPRA?

The OPRA exam provides a thorough evaluation of your understanding of pharmaceutical sciences, including drug interactions, pharmacology, and medication management. It ensures your knowledge is up-to-date and relevant to Australian healthcare standards.

Stream B: CAOP

Stream B is designed for pharmacists who are already registered in one of the following countries: the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, or Ireland. This path is ideal if you have a pharmacy qualification from an accredited institution in these countries and are currently practising as a pharmacist.

Eligibility Requirements

• Completed Pharmacy Qualification: You must have a pharmacy degree from an accredited institution in the UK, US, Canada, or Ireland.
• Current Registration: You should be currently registered to practise as a pharmacist in the country where you obtained your qualification.

What Does Stream B Involve?

Stream B is a streamlined process designed for experienced pharmacists. Here’s what it involves:

• Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP): The CAOP assesses your clinical skills, knowledge, and ability to apply pharmaceutical practices in an Australian context.

Why Choose CAOP?

CAOP offers an efficient route for pharmacists from specific countries. It focuses on assessing your practical competencies rather than requiring long supervised practice or additional examinations.

Important Considerations

• Visa Requirements: Regardless of the stream you choose, ensure you meet the visa requirements for living and working in Australia. You’ll need the appropriate visa to legally practise as a pharmacist.
• Career Goals: Your choice of stream should align with your career objectives and the specific requirements of your intended pharmacy roles in Australia.