Key Insights:
- Pharmacy licensing exams worldwide like OPRA, DHA, PEBC, PSI equivalent exam etc.
- The country of choice depends on various factors like including
- fees, salary expectations,
- eligibility,
- exam schedules, and
- visa pathways
- Global demand for pharmacists recruiting overseas pharmacists due to workforce shortages
- Online pharma courses are more flexible, affordable, accessible and is ideal for overseas pharmacists struggling to manage balancing work, study, and relocation plans.
Introduction
Pharmacy has opened doors to global opportunities with the Online pharma courses and learning is no longer restricted to traditional classrooms. Make your international pharmacy career of becoming a registered pharmacist overseas in the country of your choice a reality. Countries like Canada, Australia, Ireland, the Middle East, or the UK, have its own licensing exam pathway. And these exam can be cracked by the trending online pharma courses or pharmacy distance learning programs that are more flexible, cost effective and globally relevant.Major Licensing Exams for Pharmacists
- DHA Exam (Dubai Health Authority – UAE)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility |
|
| Exam Format |
|
| Exam Fees | AED 1,020 – AED 1,200 (approx.) |
| Salary in UAE | AED 7,000 – 15,000/month (approx.) |
- There are many reasons to choose UAE, some of them being:
- OPRA Exam (Australia)
-
- OPRA is short for Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Exam.
- Eligibility: A minimum of B.Pharm from a recognized university.
- Exam Format: Computer based exam with MCQs
- Fees: AUD 2,190
- Salary in Australia: AUD 70,000 to120,000 annually (approx).
- Exam Dates: March, July, November annually.
- This exam is conducted by Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)
- Why Choose Australia? High demand in regional areas, permanent residency pathways.
- PEBC Exams (Canada)
-
- The exams are conducted by Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
- Eligibility: A minimum of B Pharm recognized by PEBC + document evaluation.
- Process: Document evaluation → Evaluating Exam (if not exemted) → Qualifying Exams (MCQ + OSCE).
- Fees:
- Document Evaluation: CAD715
- Evaluating Exam: CAD910
- Qualifying Exam Part I (MCQ): CAD855
- Qualifying Exam Part II (OSCE): CAD1,915
- Salary in Canada: CAD 90,000–140,000/year.
- Exam Dates:
- Evaluating: Jan/Jul
- Qualifying: May/Nov
- Why Choose Canada?
- Strong healthcare system that is one of the best in the world,
- PR opportunities,
- Shortage of Skilled workers like Pharmacists.
- PSI Exam (Ireland – TCQR Route)
-
- Process: Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) → Professional Registration Exam.
- Salary in Ireland: €45,000–70,000/year.
- Why Choose Ireland?
- EU job mobility is easy,
- Demand in community & hospital settings
- Ireland is a pharmaceutical hub
Online Training Vs Self-Study
| Aspect | Online Training (Recommended) | Self-Study (Limitations) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Organized syllabus with step-by-step guidance tailored to exams | Lacks structure; easy to skip important topics |
| Study Materials | Ready-to-use curated resources, updated exam-focused notes | Requires extra effort to find reliable materials |
| Expert Support | Direct mentorship, doubt clearing, and exam strategies from experts | No expert guidance; relies on guesswork or peer advice |
| Flexibility | Flexible schedules (live + recorded), accessible from anywhere | Flexible but inconsistent without deadlines |
| Accountability | Regular tests, assignments, and feedback keep you on track | No accountability; motivation often fades |
| Exam Readiness | Mock exams and performance tracking ensure confidence | Practice depends on self-discipline; no feedback loop |
| Networking | Connect with global aspirants and professionals | Very limited, usually isolated learning |
| Success Rate | Proven higher pass rates due to structured preparation | Lower success rate; high chance of missing key areas |
Best Coaching Institution for the licensing exams: How to choose?
While preparing for any of the licensing exams like OPRA, PEBC, PSI or DHA right training makes all the difference. Therefore, it is important to choose the best and right option for you Here are some tips to select the best training institution:- Accredited Online Pharma Courses
- Expert Faculty
- Trainers are the first priority while choosing the institution.
- Choose some place with licensed pharmacists and industry professionals who know the exam structure and common pitfalls.
- Their Clinical experience will be an add-on to their teaching, providing you with case-study-based learning
- Structured Learning
- Do not go with institutes that provide generic study material only
- Look for coaching that offers a step-by-step plan with live classes, recordings, and exam-oriented notes instead of just.
- Mock Tests & Assessments
- Regular testing helps you track your readiness and reduce exam anxiety.
- Flexibility
- Proven Success Rate
Why Choose Elite Expertise:
- One of the best in the industry
- Best trainers, Mrs Harika Bheemavarapu and Mr Arief Mohammad, who are also Clinical pharmacists along with teaching experience who have coached hundreds of students.
- Comprehensive study material
- Provide both live and interactive online sessions along with providing the recorded version which makes you learn at your pace.
- Classes are online so no hurdles of travelling and cost cutting
- Curated mock tests as per the preparatory course of the licensing exam.
- The results speak it all, look at the consistency and the testimonials from their alumni
Conclusion
Passing a licensing exam—whether DHA, OPRA, PEBC, or PSI—opens doors to global career opportunities. With the right online pharma courses and preparation strategy, you can achieve your pharmacist dream abroad. Elite Expertise offers the best online pharmacy courses, pharmacy distance learning, and pharmacy courses online with certificates tailored for each licensing exam.Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Varies by background; DHA is considered more straightforward, while PEBC and KAPS or OPRA exams are much tougher.
Canada and Australia offer the highest average salaries for licensed pharmacists.
UAE allows some visa sponsorships, while Canada and Australia may require bridging programs before employment.
Choose accredited online pharma courses that include live classes, recorded modules, and exam-specific mock tests.
