OPRA VS PEBC For Global Pharmacists

Finding it hard to choose between OPRA and PEBC for establishing your pharmacy career overseas? OPRA and PEBC are not just two exams; they are pathways to registration in two of the best countries in the world. Therefore, when you try to compare the two, you must also draw a comparison between Australia and Canada. In this article, we’ll help you decide what pathway is the best for you and which of the two should you choose for your career advancement goals.

OPRA Exam

As you might be aware, the OPRA or the OVerseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment is the licensure examination, which is also pharmacists’ key to becoming a registered practitioner in Australia. This single exam is an essential part of the licensure process for pharmacy registration with the Australian Physiotherapy Council. Overall, if you are a pharmacist and want to establish your career in Australia, clearing the OPRA exam is a must. Let us talk about the features of the OPRA examination.

Who Conducts OPRA?

The OPRA is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council, which is also the body responsible for offering registrations to Australian and global pharmacists. The exam is a part of the licensure process, which also includes English proficiency and Skills Assessment to ensure only the most qualified and highly skilled candidates get a place in the Australian healthcare system.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for OPRA, you must have:

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, including provisional degrees.
• BPharm/PharmD transcripts or consolidated mark sheets.
• Active registration with the state pharmacy council in your home country as a practising pharmacist.

Exam Centres

OPRA exam is quite flexible- you can take it in your home country! Let’s now talk about the Indian cities in which you can take the OPRA exam.

• Bangalore
• Chandigarh
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Jalandhar
• Ludhiana
• Mumbai
• New Delhi
• Pune
• Noida

For complete knowledge about the OPRA testing centres around the world, read- https://academically.com/blogs/opra-registration-dates-and-testing-centres/ .

The OPRA Process

The sWhat are the steps involved in taking the OPRA exam and becoming a pharmacist in Australia? Let’s find out!

• Step 1 - Initial Skills Assessment by the Australian Pharmacy Council
• Step 2 - OPRA Exam
• Step 3 - English Proficiency Test

Exam Pattern

Talking about the examination, we must also consider its pattern. The OPRA exam is a single-paper test that comes with 120 questions. Candidates get 2.5 hours to complete the paper. The OPRA exam utilises Rasch testing methodology, which means that there are no set passing marks and no such thing as negative markings. It is an adaptive testing method that analyses your performance based on your answers and gives results as Pass/Fail.

PEBC Exam

Let’s now talk about another very famous pharmacy exam- the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada examination. Canada is often considered a lucrative destination for global immigrants, and it has great work prospects for pharmacists as well. The PEBC exam is a pharmacist’s gateway to get registered and avail of a pharmacy job in Canada.

Who Conducts PEBC?

As the name suggests, the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada conducts the PEBC exam. This exam is a part of their process to ensure global pharmacy graduates meet the eligibility and competence criteria required to enter the Canadian workforce. PEBC is responsible for ensuring that the top talent is enrolled to maintain the quality and standards of the pharmacy profession in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

To become a registered pharmacist in Canada, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, including provisional degrees. .
• BPharm/PharmD transcripts or consolidated mark sheets.
• Active registration with the state pharmacy council in your home country as a practising pharmacist.

Exam Centres

The PEBC exam can be taken in India at the following locations:

• Ahmedabad
• Bangalore
• Chennai
• Gurgaon
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Mumbai

Other PEBC exam centres around the world can be found here- https://pebc.ca/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/Common/EN/Pharmacist_Test_Centres.pdf .

The PEBC Process

The steps to becoming a registered pharmacist in Canada include:

• Document evaluation
• Pharmacist Evaluating Examination (PEE)
• PEE Part 1: MCQ
• PEE Part 2: OSCE
• Pharmacists Qualifying Examination
• Qualifying Examination Part 1: MCQ
• Qualifying Examination Part 2: OSCE

Exam Pattern

The PEBC exam is a single-day computer-based examination that pharmacy candidates need to clear within a timeframe of 4.25 hours. There are a total of 200 questions, and candidates need 60% marks to pass the exam.

Parting Words

When it comes to exam pattern and structure, the OPRA exam surely takes the lead. With an easy registration process, the Australian Pharmacy Council makes it streamlined for global pharmacists to register in Australia. However, whether you choose Australia or Canada as your final destination, Academically is here to support you with its exclusive online preparation courses. Our OPRA preparation course and PEBC preparation course are the best pharmacy courses online. For more information about our offerings, book a FREE counselling session with our experts today! With Academically, you can begin and complete your overseas registration journey easily!

Also Read: Pharmacist Skills Assessment in Australia: A Complete Guide for OPRA™ Students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between OPRA and PEBC?

The OPRA exam is mandatory for pharmacists who want to register in Australia, and the PEBC exam is for pharmacists who want to register in Canada.

Which is easier—OPRA or PEBC?

The OPRA exam is a single-paper test, which makes it easier than the PEBC exam, which consists of two papers.

Can I give PEBC and OPRA in India?

Yes, there are OPRA and PEBC testing centres in India, and thus, you can take both of these exams in India.

How can I become a pharmacist in Canada?

To become a pharmacist in Canada, you need to clear the PEBC exam, which you can take from your home country.

Which is a lengthier exam, OPRA or PEBC?

The OPRA exam consists of a single paper to be taken in a single session, while the PEBC consists of two exams to be taken in separate sessions. Therefore, the PEBC is lengthier than the OPRA exam.