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What After Australia Pharmacist OPRA Exam 2026? Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Passed OPRA 2026? Learn what comes next internship, AHPRA registration, intern exams, and career roadmap with expert guidance.

Key Points to Remember

1. Passing OPRA makes you intern-ready, not fully registered.
2. You must complete 1,575 supervised internship hours in Australia.
3. Skills Assessment Outcome (APC) is mandatory after OPRA.
4. English tests (IELTS/OET/PTE) are required for AHPRA registration.
5. Intern Written & Oral Exams are the final hurdles.

What is after the Australia pharmacist exam 2026 OPRA exam

Hey there, future colleague!

If you’re reading this and chances are you’ve either just smashed the OPRA (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) exam or are planning to tackle it in 2026. First off, congratulations! Passing OPRA is a huge achievement. It’s not just an exam and it’s a milestone that proves your knowledge and clinical thinking meet Australian standards.

But I get it after all those months buried in pharmacology or therapeutics and case-based MCQs. The next question hits like a wave:

“Okay… now what?”

I’ve been there. If you are staring at the AHPRA website or wondering if I need a law degree just to understand the paperwork. The good news? The path is actually very structured once you break it down. Today, I’ll walk you through exactly what happens after the OPRA exam in 2026 or how to navigate it and how mentors like Arief Mohammad and Harika Bheemavarapu at Elite Expertise make the journey smooth and manageable.

The Big Question: “I Passed OPRA… Am I a Pharmacist Yet?”

Not quite. Passing OPRA means you are officially “intern-ready.” Think of it like getting your learner’s permit. You’ve proven you understand the road rules (clinical knowledge, therapeutics or pharmacology) but now it’s time to get behind the wheel. In Australia, this translates to completing 1,575 hours of supervised practice under a registered pharmacist before you can obtain full general registration.

In simple terms: OPRA tests your brain, but the internship tests your hands-on skills or decision-making and professional judgment in real-world pharmacy settings. It’s a transition from theory to practice, and it’s a phase where many international pharmacists feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. You might feel, “I know my drugs and calculations but can I actually counsel a patient safely?” That’s exactly why mentorship is crucial

Meet the Mentors Who Make It Simple

If you are navigating this post-OPRA journey it can feel overwhelming but the Elite Expertise team is there to guide you every step of the way. They don’t just prepare students to pass exams. They prepare you to thrive as a practising pharmacist in Australia.

1. Mr Arief Mohammad

• Role: Lead Trainer & Director
• Credentials: AACPA Accredited Consultant Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist at Northern Health, Melbourne
• Speciality: Ward-level clinical reasoning and real-world patient care
• Teaching Style: Scenario-based or practice-oriented and focused on applying knowledge in hospital and community pharmacy settings

Arief Sir brings his years of frontline Australian clinical experience into every session. He doesn’t just give you facts and he shares stories and examples from hospital wards. It is illustrating how theoretical knowledge translates into patient decisions. His approach is invaluable for OPRA preparation and Intern exams, as students learn not only what to study but how to think like an Australian pharmacist.

2. Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu

• Role: Lead Trainer & Director
• Credentials: AACPA Accredited Consultant Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist at Monash Health, Melbourne
• Specialty: Simplifying complex pharmacology and clinical decision-making
• Teaching Style: Interactive, analogy-driven, patient-centred

Harika Ma’am is known for using memorable analogies and like comparing the Autonomic Nervous System to a “lion in the jungle,” to make tough topics stick for life. She also focuses on helping students transition mentally from an overseas graduate to an Australian intern and particularly for high-pressure situations like the Intern Oral Exams.

Their Coaching Philosophy: “Smart Study, Not Hard Study”

Elite Expertise emphasises reference-based learning using trusted Australian resources:

• AMH: Australian Medicines Handbook
• eTG: Therapeutic Guidelines
• APF: Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary

They follow the “3x Rule” encouraging students to watch lectures three times to reinforce understanding and prioritise clinical reasoning over rote memorisation. It’s ensuring students grasp why decisions are made and not just what to memorise. This practical or structured approach has helped students consistently achieve 94%+ OPRA pass rates and excel in the subsequent Intern Written and Oral Exams.

Step-by-Step: Your Post-OPRA 2026 Checklist

Alright, you’ve passed OPRA congratulations!  But before you can call yourself a fully registered pharmacist in Australia. There’s a structured journey ahead. Think of it like leveling up in a game: you’ve cleared the theory boss or now comes the internship quest with mini-bosses (Intern Written & Oral exams) along the way. Here’s how to navigate it or step by step.

Step 1: Secure Your “Golden Letter” – Skills Assessment Outcome

Once OPRA is behind you and the first official step is getting your Skills Assessment Outcome from the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).

Why it matters: This is the document that tells AHPRA and the Department of Home Affairs you are clinically equivalent to an Australian pharmacy graduate. Without it, you cannot apply for provisional registration or a visa to start your internship.

Key points:

• Cost: Around AUD $300
• Validity: Usually 3 years, so don’t delay
• Tip: Keep a digital and hard copy, as you’ll need it for multiple submissions

Think of this letter as your proof of competence. It officially unlocks the next level.

Step 2: Clear the English Proficiency Requirement

Even if you’re a clinical genius, you must demonstrate that you can communicate safely with patients in English.

Pro tip: Many students prefer PTE because results are quick and Elite Expertise offers pharmacist-focused PTE coaching or so you practice clinical communication scenarios alongside language skills. This step ensures you can safely counsel patients or read prescriptions and document accurately.

Step 3: Apply for Provisional Registration with AHPRA

With your skills assessment and English scores ready. It’s time to apply for Provisional Registration via the AHPRA portal.

What you’ll need:

• OPRA pass certificate
• English proficiency results
• ID proofs and passport
• Certificate of Good Standing from your home country
• Criminal history check

Tip: This step can take 6–10 weeks and so use this waiting period wisely: brush up on AMH or eTG and APF references and prepare your CV for internship applications.

Why it’s critical: Provisional Registration allows you to practice under supervision in a real pharmacy. By turning theory into hands-on skill.

Step 4: Secure Your Internship (1,575 Hours of Supervised Practice)

Welcome to the real world! This is the phase where you earn while you learn.

What you need to know:

• Duration: 1,575 supervised hours
• Setting: Approved hospital or community pharmacy
• Preceptor: Experienced pharmacist (minimum 12 months practice)
• Pay: AUD 30–42 per hour. It is depending on location and setting

Tips for success:

• Start networking early. Elite Expertise student groups often share openings.
• Observe actively or every patient interaction is a mini-exam in clinical reasoning.
• Keep a logbook of cases for your Intern Written & Oral exams.

This is where your clinical skills, communication and professional judgment are truly tested.

 

 

Step 5: Enrol in an Intern Training Program (ITP)

While completing your hours, you must also study and attend structured workshops through an Intern Training Program (ITP) and typically offered by:

• PSA (Pharmaceutical Society of Australia)
• Universities like Monash or Sydney

What you’ll cover:

• Pharmacy law and ethics
• Clinical decision-making
• Patient counselling
• Case studies and problem-solving
• Optional: Immunisation and vaccination training

Elite Expertise integrates ITP preparation into their coaching and so you align study sessions with internship experience. It is making learning contextual and applied.

Step 6: Intern Written Exam – The Open-Book Challenge

After completing about 75% of your internship hours (~1,200 hours) or you can sit for the Intern Written Exam.

Format:

• 2 hours, 75 questions
• Restricted open-book exam: AMH and APF only (no personal notes)

What it tests:

• Ability to find critical information quickly
• Clinical reasoning in real patient scenarios
• Safe and ethical decision-making

Elite Expertise strategy: Their “Written Exam Module” includes calculation practice or law frameworks and case-based exercises so students feel confident navigating real-life pharmacy scenarios under exam conditions.

Step 7: Intern Oral Exam – The Final Boss

The Intern Oral Exam is the last major hurdle. This is a face-to-face evaluation by two experienced pharmacists.

What to expect:

• Ethical and clinical scenarios
• Communication assessment: Can you explain decisions to a patient?
• Problem-solving under pressure

Elite Expertise support: They run mock interviews and oral coaching sessions. Arief Sir and Harika Ma’am simulate real exam pressure, helping students stay calm or think clearly or and answer confidently.

Step 8: Apply for General Registration – The Finish Line

Once you’ve passed both Intern Written & Oral exams and completed all internship hours:

1. Submit your final application to AHPRA
2. Receive General Registration

Congratulations and you’re now a fully licensed pharmacist in Australia! 

Opportunities open up:

• Work anywhere in Australia
• Open your own pharmacy
• Specialize in clinical or hospital pharmacy

Extra Student-Friendly Tips for 2026 Success

• Start AMH early: Don’t wait until internship begins. Familiarize yourself with dosages and guidelines now.
• Network: Elite Expertise WhatsApp groups are goldmines for internship leads and tips.
• Mind your health: 1,575 hours is a long weekend off. Burnout is your enemy.
• Practice AI-based mock tests: The 2026 exams are adaptive; timed, computer-based practice is essential.
• Document everything: Keep case notes or calculations and questions handy for revision.

Quick Tips for a Smooth Transition in 2026

1. Start with Physical Books Early: Don’t wait until your internship. Familiarise yourself with the AMH and APF now.
2. Join Student Communities: WhatsApp and Discord groups help with networking and finding internships.
3. Practice Clinical Scenarios: They’re the core of both written and oral exams.
4. Time Management: Track your hours carefully and plan study alongside work.
5. Take Care of Mental Health: 1,575 hours is a long commitment. Take rest days and recharge.
6. Use AI & Mock Platforms: Elite Expertise’s adaptive exams mimic real OPRA and Intern exams.

Why Elite Expertise Is the Secret Sauce for 2026

• Trainers: Practising Australian pharmacists with years of real-world experience
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers OPRA or Intern Written and Oral Exams
• Mock Tests & Reviews: Timed exams with feedback to reduce anxiety
• Lifetime Access: 300+ lectures and resources until you pass
• Administrative Support: Help with AHPRA registration paperwork

Simply put they treat you like a future colleague and not just a student.

Final Thoughts

After passing OPRA in 2026 is a huge accomplishment but it’s just the first step. The post-OPRA phase includes skills assessment and English testing. It’s provisional registration for internship and intern exams. With the right guidance from Arief Mohammad and Harika Bheemavarapu. The journey becomes clear or structured and achievable.

Remember: You’ve already cleared the toughest part—the exam. Now it’s about practical application or real-world learning and consistent effort. Australia offers excellent pay, scope and respect for pharmacists. With a solid roadmap and the right mentorship, your dream of becoming a registered pharmacist is absolutely within reach.

So take a deep breath or follow the steps and get ready to step confidently into your Australian pharmacy career. Your future starts now!

FAQs

1. Am I a registered pharmacist after passing OPRA?

No. OPRA makes you eligible for an internship. Full registration comes after the internship and intern exams.

2. How many internship hours are required after OPRA?

You must complete 1,575 hours of supervised practice.

3. Is the internship paid in Australia?

Yes. Intern pharmacists typically earn AUD 30–42 per hour, depending on location and setting.

4. What is the Skills Assessment Outcome?

It’s an official certificate from the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) confirming your qualification equivalence.

5. Which English test is best for pharmacists?

Many students prefer PTE Academic (65+ each band) due to faster results, but IELTS and OET are also accepted.

6. What is Provisional Registration with AHPRA?

It allows you to legally work as a supervised intern pharmacist in Australia.

7. What books are allowed in the Intern Written Exam?

Only physical copies of AMH and APF are allowed—no notes or digital access.

8. Is the Intern Oral Exam difficult?

It’s challenging but manageable. It tests communication, ethics, and patient safety, not memorization.

9. Can Elite Expertise help after OPRA too?

Yes. They support internship prep, written & oral exams, and AHPRA paperwork, not just OPRA.

10. How long does it take to become fully registered after OPRA?

On average, 12–18 months, depending on internship start and exam timelines.