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

Are you a pharmacist trained in another country who wants to work in Australia? The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA™) Exam is an integral part of getting a Skills Assessment Outcome from the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). This guide will provide OPRA™ students with information about the assessment process, who can apply, and the steps needed to register as a pharmacist in Australia.

What is the OPRA™ Exam?

The OPRA™ (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) Exam replaces the KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) Exam in March 2025. It assesses the knowledge and skills of internationally trained pharmacists to ensure they meet Australian pharmacy practice standards.

Key Features of OPRA™ Exam:

• Designed for pharmacists trained outside Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA.
• Evaluates pharmaceutical sciences knowledge and clinical practice readiness.
• A mandatory step for pharmacists under the Knowledge Stream pathway.

Who Needs to Take the OPRA™ Exam?

The OPRA™ Exam is for pharmacists who:

• Hold a pharmacy degree from a non-recognized country (outside Australia, Canada, Ireland, NZ, UK, or USA).
• Are registered or eligible for registration as pharmacists in their home country.
• Want to migrate to Australia and practice as a licensed pharmacist.

Pharmacist Skills Assessment Pathway for OPRA™ Students

To become a registered pharmacist in Australia through the Knowledge Stream, follow these steps:

1. Determine Your Eligibility

• Ensure your pharmacy degree meets APC standards.
• Have an active or previous pharmacist registration in your country.

2. Submit an Application to APC

Create an account on the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) website. Upload documents, including:

• Academic transcripts & degree certificate
• Proof of pharmacist registration
• Identity documents (passport, ID, etc.)

3. Prepare and Pass the OPRA™ Exam

• Study pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, and patient care.
• Take mock tests to get familiar with OPRA™ question patterns.
• Schedule and sit for the exam through the APC portal.

4. Receive Your Skills Assessment Outcome

After passing the OPRA™ Exam, APC issues your Skills Assessment Outcome. This document is essential for applying for General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas or progressing toward pharmacist registration.

5. Complete Internship & Registration Process

• Apply for an internship training program (ITP) in Australia.
• Complete supervised practice and pass the Intern Written Exam.
• Apply for full pharmacist registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

OPRA™ Exam Preparation Tips

• Understand the Exam Format – Study previous KAPS exam patterns for reference.
• Use APC-Approved Study Resources – Follow APC’s recommended textbooks and online courses.
• Practice Mock Tests – Enhance time management and question-solving speed.
• Join Study Groups – Connect with other OPRA™ candidates for discussions and insights.
• Stay Updated with APC Guidelines – Regularly check the APC website for changes in exam structure or requirements.

Conclusion

For internationally trained pharmacists, the OPRA™ Exam is the gateway to practicing in Australia. By understanding the assessment process, preparing thoroughly, and following the APC’s guidelines, you can successfully navigate your skills assessment and start your pharmacy career in Australia.

Are you preparing for the OPRA™ Exam? Start early, stay consistent, and take the next step toward your dream pharmacy career in Australia! 🚀

Also Read: Accredited Pharmacy Programs in Australia | A Complete Guide (2025)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will the OPRA™ Exam replace the KAPS Exam?

The OPRA™ Exam officially replaces the KAPS Exam in March 2025. Candidates applying after this date must take OPRA™ instead.

Is the OPRA™ Exam harder than KAPS?

The OPRA™ Exam is designed to assess clinical readiness more effectively than KAPS. If you have strong pharmaceutical knowledge and practical skills, you can pass with proper preparation.

How often is the OPRA™ Exam conducted?

The APC schedules OPRA™ exams multiple times a year. Check the APC website for exact dates and registration deadlines.

Can I take the OPRA™ Exam online?

Currently, the OPRA™ Exam is conducted in designated test centers. Remote online testing details are yet to be confirmed.