Unlock Your Pathway to Pharmacy Registration in Australia & New Zealand
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam, effective March 2025, is the official gateway for internationally trained pharmacists seeking registration to practice in Australia and New Zealand. Replacing the former KAPS exam, OPRA introduces a modern, patient-focused approach to assessment, making it more aligned with the clinical and real-world demands of today’s healthcare environment.
Why Was the OPRA Exam Introduced?
Historically, overseas-trained pharmacists sat the KAPS exam, which emphasized rote theoretical knowledge. However, evolving expectations in Australia now require pharmacists to think critically, make evidence-based decisions, communicate effectively with patients, and ensure the safety of medications. The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) responded by launching the OPRA exam—a more practice-oriented, clinically relevant assessment that evaluates both knowledge and readiness for practice in Australian pharmacy.
Key Advantages Over KAPS:
- More practice- and case-based content
- Time-efficient and streamlined structure
- No negative marking
- Focused on clinical decision-making and patient care
OPRA vs. KAPS Exam: What’s Different?
| Feature | OPRA (2025) | KAPS (pre-2025) |
| Focus | Practical, clinical patient care | Theoretical, rote knowledge |
| Structure | 120 MCQs, 2.5 hours | 200 MCQs, 3 hours |
| Marking | No negative marking | Penalty for wrong answers |
| Assessment Model | Rasch methodology (scaled) | Traditional (fixed scoring) |
| Attempts | No attempt limit | No attempt limit |
| Preparation | Syllabus, case-based MCQs, coaching benefits | Broad, content-heavy |
| Results Availability | Quicker, electronic | Manual, slower |
| Global Access | Worldwide test centers | Fewer international sites |
OPRA Exam Structure & Syllabus
Format:
- 120 multiple-choice questions
- 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
- Computer-based at approved test centers worldwide
- No negative marking
- Scaled scoring (Rasch methodology)
- No cap on number of attempts
- 3-year validity for exam results
Content Distribution:
| Content Area | Weightage |
| Biomedical Sciences | 20% |
| Medicinal Chemistry & Biopharmaceutics | 10% |
| Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics | 10% |
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | 15% |
| Therapeutics & Patient Care | 45% |
Syllabus Highlights
- Biomedical Sciences: Physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, immunology, and disease mechanisms.
- Medicinal Chemistry: Drug design, manufacturing, formulation, and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion).
- Pharmacokinetics/Dynamics: Drug absorption, distribution, elimination, dose-response, and side-effect profiles.
- Pharmacology/Toxicology: Mechanisms of action, toxicity, overdose management, and interactions.
- Therapeutics & Patient Care: Patient assessment, dosing, counseling, medication safety, ethics, clinical case scenarios, and managing special populations.
OPRA Exam Dates for 2025
| Session | Registration Period | Exam Dates | Results Release |
| March | Jan 9–Jan 31, 2025 | Mar 3–Mar 5, 2025 | Apr 1, 2025 |
| July | Apr 8–Jun 16, 2025 | Jul 14–Jul 16, 2025 | Aug 12, 2025 |
| November | Aug 19–Oct 27, 2025 | Nov 24–Nov 26, 2025 | Dec 22, 2025 |
Test Centers:
Available globally, with designated centers in major Indian cities: Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, and Noida.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Requirements: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree with official transcripts and certificates.
- Professional Registration: Registered pharmacist (or eligible to register) in your home country.
- Skills Assessment: Successfully complete the APC eligibility check before exam registration.
- English Proficiency: Must satisfy registration requirements (see below).
English Language Proficiency
After passing OPRA, you’ll need to demonstrate English skills for AHPRA registration. Commonly accepted exams and minimum scores:
| Test | Overall | Each section |
| IELTS (Academic) | 7.5 | 7.0 |
| OET | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| PTE (Academic) | 65 | 65 |
| Cambridge (C1/C2) | As required | As required |
| TOEFL iBT | As set by AHPRA |
Check current Pharmacy Board guidelines for the most up-to-date requirements.
OPRA Exam Fees (2025)
| Stage | Fee (AUD) | Fee (INR, approx.) |
| Eligibility Check | $810 | ₹44,100–₹45,100 |
| OPRA Exam | $2,190 | ₹1,19,000–₹1,22,000 |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | $300 | ₹16,100–₹16,700 |
| TOTAL | $3,300 | ₹1,80,000 |
How to Prepare: Strategies for Success
- Understand the entire syllabus: focus on Australian pharmacy practice, clinical case resolution, legislation, and patient care scenarios.
- Timed practice: Attempt 120 practice MCQs in a single sitting to simulate exam day.
- Use official (APC/Elite Expertise) sample material and adhere to the recommended references.
- Manage your time: Allocate preparation hours for the highest-weighted areas—especially Therapeutics and Patient Care (45%).
- Practice with mock tests: Take full-length timed tests in an actual exam-like environment.
- Join expert coaching: Consider result-driven coaching from trusted providers like Elite Expertise, which offers tailored instruction, case practice, and regular progress tracking, with an over 90% first-attempt pass rate.
- Stay consistent: Weekly revision, peer learning, and doubt clearing are key.
- Track your progress: Mark strengths and areas for improvement to refine your revision approach.
Why Choose Elite Expertise for OPRA Success?
- Record of 90%+ first-attempt success among overseas pharmacists
- Complete OPRA exam preparation programs—syllabus breakdown, clinical-based MCQs, case scenario practice, counseling, and regular mocks
- Personalized mentoring led by pharmacists experienced in Australian registration pathways
- Assistance with every step, from eligibility assessment to exam registration and provisional licensure in Australia
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the OPRA exam is a journey of clinical insight, preparation, and strategic mentorship. With the right resources and guidance, you can navigate this pathway and achieve registration on your very first attempt in 2025. Elite Expertise is ready to support your ambitions—join a free webinar to learn more, get your questions answered, and access expert mentorship every step of the way.