Are you looking for a potential pharmacist job in Australia? Then you must have heard about the KAPS exam (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences). So far KAPS was the only qualifying exam for aspiring pharmacists in Australia. However, from March 2025, the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has successfully replaced KAPS with the OPRA exam (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) making the process simpler for candidates across the globe.

In this blog, we will make it easier for you to understand the key changes, their fees, exam duration, syllabus, preparation strategies and how they impact your journey to become a registered pharmacist in Australia.

• How are the fees different for OPRA vs KAPS?

• OPRA exam fees in Indian rupees

• How is the OPRA exam syllabus different from KAPS?

• RASCH model of assessment

• How long is the new OPRA exam?

• OPRA Exam Dates 2025

• How to prepare for the OPRA exam?

• Why should you choose OPRA?

• Frequently Asked Questions

The OPRA exam fee is AU$2,190 (₹1,19,858.7) which is much less than the KAPS exam fees AU$2,290 (₹1,80,609). Moreover, the streamlined assessment process provides a more affordable and accessible route for overseas pharmacists seeking registration in Australia.

Since many candidates from India and its neighboring countries wish to relocate to Australia and work as a registered pharmacist, we have presented a breakdown of OPRA exam fees in Indian rupees:

As per the exchange rate of 1 AU$ = 54.73 INR on March 20, 2025:

• Eligibility Check: 810 AU$ x 54.73 = ₹44,331.3

• Initial Skills Assessment Results: 300 AU$ x 54.73 = ₹16,419

• OPRA Exam: 2,190 AU$ x 54.73 = ₹1,19,858.7
  Total Fees in INR: ₹44,331.3 + ₹1,19,858.7 + ₹16,419 = ₹1,80,609

General note: Exchange rates change frequently as per market. It is recommended to confirm the current rate when submitting. your application.

Unlike the KAPS exam, which focused majorly on theoretical knowledge, the structure of OPRA exam syllabus includes multiple choice questions (MCQs), practical assessments and real-world scenarios to ensure pharmacists can effectively deal with patients in Australia.

The KAPS exam had two different papers with equal weightage to the following fields of study:

• Pharmaceutical chemistry​

• Pharmacology and physiology​

• ​Pharmaceutics

• Therapeutics

The OPRA exam, as of March 2025, has a revised format that emphasizes therapeutics and the application of knowledge. The exam now lays a greater focus on clinical scenarios and patient safety, requiring test-takers to demonstrate decision-making skills and an understanding of drug interactions, adverse effects and medication management.

This helps you with comprehensive assessment of your knowledge and skills, and assessing your readiness to get a pharmacist license in Australia.

The Rasch model is a psychometric analysis that assesses a candidate's actual skill sets to ensure their score reflects their true ability, not just their performance on the test. It ensures fairness, focuses on ability assessment, and uses evidence-based standards. 

The APC communicates results as pass or fail, instead of traditional percentage or marks disclosure. The OPRA exam has 120 questions, with 90% scored and 10% unscored for testing purposes.

The duration of the OPRA exam is considerably shorter than that of KAPS. Candidates will have 2 hours 30 minutes for 120 questions while attempting for OPRA whereas on KAPS they had to attempt 200 questions for 4 hours. The shorter time will result in a peace of mind among candidates owing to the fact that they have to attempt a single paper unlike KAPS where there were two different papers.

KAPS exams were scheduled in 2024 however, for this year the APC has remodelled KAPS to OPRA with a revised structure. Interested can register themselves based on the OPRA exam dates 2025 schedule below:

The KAPS exam has definitely transitioned to OPRA but the preparation strategies would be more or less similar with few important tweaks that you should not miss:

1. Understand the structure of the OPRA exam syllabus and give more emphasis to the therapeutics and patient care section, for it is the fundamental application to get pharmacist license in Australia.

2. Read from APC recommended books and resources that add value to your preparation and help you pass the exam. Keep solving the latest sample papers so that you get a hang of what to expect in the exam.

3. Take OPRA exam online classes from renowned coaching centres like Academically Global that provide a comprehensive and step-by-step learning guide to familiarise yourself with the process. These OPRA exam coaching classes will simulate you according to the exam environment, stipulated timings and build confidence to clear the exams.

4. Use your precious time wisely. Ensure you begin your preparations early keeping in mind the time it takes to grasp difficult concepts, process of getting a PR and so on. In the process, do not neglect your mental health. Take breaks in between to fuel up.

• Imparts practical knowledge and skills than KAPS

The OPRA exam tests real-world skills with its revised paper structure, allowing you to pursue a pharmacist job in Australia. Learn beyond theoretical information with case-based questions that test your decision-making skills.

• Allows you to understand Australian work culture

Since the OPRA exam includes instances from patient interactions and ethics, it not only prepares you to get used to the healthcare system but also secure a pharmacist license in Australia.

• Essential for permanent residency for you and your family

The OPRA exam is a PR pathway for pharmacists looking for a job in Australia. You can settle with your family with a peace of mind knowing that your kids’ education will be absolutely free of cost and you can lead a great life with top-notch facilities.

According to a government report, the demand for pharmacists in Australia is increasing with an annual employee growth of 2300 and average earnings of over 2,071 AU$ (₹1,13,345.83). This is the best time to become a pharmacist in Australia and lead a life with peace of mind.