Key Takeaways
- The OPRA exam passing marks are determined using a psychometric standard-setting process, not a fixed percentage.
- The OPRA exam minimum marks reflect the ability required for provisional pharmacist registration.
- Results are released in about 4 weeks and provide section feedback but no raw scores.
- Success is based on overall performance, not individual content areas.
- Preparing with the official resources and well-structured guidance will increase your potential chances of success.
What is the OPRA Exam?
The OPRA examination is vitally used to assess whether an international pharmacy graduate has the potential knowledge and skills to effectively practice in New Zealand or Australia. This particular exam ensures that the overseas pharmacists can meet the professional standards before they start applying for the intern or provisional registration. Passing the OPRA exam is a must to take forward the registration process, and without completing it, you can never progress in terms of practising as a fully registered pharmacist.OPRA Exam Structure
The OPRA exam is a closed-book and computer-based examination that is conducted in approved test centres.- Exam Format: The exam format has 120 multiple-choice types of questions.
- Exam Duration: 150 minutes (Roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes).
- Pre-exam activities: 5 minutes for a non-disclosure agreement and 10 minutes for a tutorial.
- Post-exam: 5 minutes for a feedback survey.
OPRA Exam Content Breakdown
The exam covers five major content areas, each contributing to the overall score:| Content Area | Weight (%) |
|---|---|
| Biomedical Sciences | 20% |
| Medicinal Chemistry & Biopharmaceutics | 10% |
| Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics | 10% |
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | 15% |
| Therapeutics & Patient Care | 45% |
OPRA Exam Passing Marks & Grading System
A key question for candidates is: What are the OPRA exam passing marks? The OPRA exam uses a scaled scoring system. This means:- The OPRA exam cut-off score is determined using psychometric standard-setting methods involving subject matter experts.
- The passing standard reflects the minimum ability level required to begin supervised practice as an intern pharmacist.
- Approximately 90% of questions are scored, while 10% are unscored and used for testing.
- Success is measured against the passing standard, not against other candidates.
OPRA Exam Results
Once you sit the exam, results are typically released within 4 weeks. You’ll receive an email notification when your results are available. Here’s what you can expect:- Results show whether you met the OPRA exam minimum marks for passing.
- You will also receive feedback on your performance in each content area.
- However, your overall outcome (pass or unsuccessful) is determined by total performance, not individual section scores.
- Raw marks and percentages are not shared, as they do not reflect the psychometric grading system.
Cognitive Levels Tested
The OPRA exam does more than test recall. Questions are designed across three cognitive levels:- Recall/Remembering – 55% of questions.
- Comprehension/Understanding – 30%.
- Application – 15%.
Preparation Tips for OPRA Exam Success
To achieve the OPRA exam passing marks, preparation is key. Here are some of the proven strategies that you can follow to achieve success in your first attempt itself:- Focus on the High-Weight Areas – Always prioritise Therapeutics & Patient Care (45%) and then the Biomedical Sciences (20%).
- Mastering Dose Calculations – Practice calculations in terms of dosages, dilutions and infusion rates.
- Using Official Resources – Make use of the previous years’ OPRA exam papers as samples, then make use of textbooks, clinical guidelines and journals to learn better.
- Simulating Exam Conditions – Time yourself answering 120 MCQs in 150 minutes.
- Staying Updated – Base your preparation on the most recent evidence-based resources.
- Seeking Expert Guidance – Well-structured coaching can certainly make a big difference.
How Elite Expertise Can Help You Prepare
Preparing for the OPRA exam on your own can feel overwhelming. This is where Elite Expertise provides an advantage. Their OPRA Exam Preparation Course is designed specifically for overseas-trained pharmacists. With tailored study plans, expert guidance, and practical tips, Elite Expertise helps you:- Understand the OPRA exam grading system.
- Focus on key content areas.
- Build confidence with practice materials and exam strategies.
- Maximise your chances of reaching the OPRA exam minimum marks required to pass.
Final Words
The OPRA examination is the right gateway to becoming a registered pharmacist in New Zealand or Australia. By correctly and effectively understanding the OPRA exam cut off score, following the best preparation strategies, results system, you can certainly approach the upcoming exam with high confidence. To get the best support in terms of reaching the required passing score for OPRA pharmacy exam, you must get to know and apply for the Elite Expertise OPRA Exam Preparation Course. With our right guidance and trustworthy resources, you can wisely take your first step in becoming an overseas pharmacist.FAQs on OPRA Exam Passing Marks 2025
The OPRA Exam is a knowledge assessment for overseas pharmacists seeking registration in Australia or New Zealand.
The OPRA Exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 150 minutes.
The exam covers Biomedical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Patient Care.
No, the passing mark is determined using a psychometric standard-setting process.
The OPRA exam uses a scaled scoring system, with 90% scored questions and 10% unscored trial questions.
Results are typically released about 4 weeks after the exam.
Yes, candidates receive feedback by content area, but only an overall Pass/Unsuccessful result is provided.
Yes, candidates may retake the exam, but they must re-register and pay the full fee again.
The exam assesses 55% Recall, 30% Understanding, and 15% Application.
Focus on Therapeutics, practice pharmaceutical calculations, use official APC study guides, and consider structured OPRA exam coaching.
