Hundreds of international pharmacists set their sights on becoming registered pharmacists in Australia each year. But there’s a difference between those who merely prepare and those who prepare to succeed. The key? Strategy!
Passing the OPRA Exam (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment) is no small feat. Still, it’s entirely possible—even on your first try and without leaving your full-time job—if you approach it with structure, clarity, and thoughtful preparation.
In this OPRA Exam Preparation Guide, we’ll show you how to pass the OPRA exam with clarity and confidence, covering everything from eligibility and exam format to proven preparation strategies.
What is the OPRA Exam?
For internationally qualified pharmacists dreaming of a professional future in Australia, the OPRA Exam is the first big step. Often referred to interchangeably with the KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) Exam, the OPRA is more than just an entrance exam. It is a rigorous, well-structured test designed to assess your competence against Australian standards and ensure you’re ready to serve in a clinical and community pharmacy setting.
Unlike KAPS, which focuses heavily on pharmaceutical knowledge, OPRA emphasizes therapeutics, patient care, and the real-world application of pharmacy skills, which is aligned with modern Australian pharmacy practice.
Also Read: In Detail Difference Between KAPS Exam and OPRA Exam
OPRA vs. KAPS – What’s Different?
| Feature | KAPS | OPRA |
| Structure | 2 papers | 1 paper |
| Question Focus | Theory-heavy | Therapeutics & real-world care |
| Marking System | Traditional | Rasch methodology |
| Final Sitting | Nov 2024 | Starts Mar 2025 |
What is the Purpose of the OPRA Exam?
The OPRA Exam is overseen by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). It serves as the first major checkpoint for overseas-trained pharmacists aiming to register and practise in Australia.
The exam evaluates your knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences against Australian standards and ensures your academic qualifications meet APC’s standards.
Once you pass this exam, you can move forward with the Skills Assessment, apply for provisional registration, and begin your supervised internship.
Why Qualifying for the OPRA/KAPS Exam Matters
Passing the OPRA Exam isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s the foundational step in your journey to complete pharmacist registration in Australia. Suppose you earned your pharmacy degree outside of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, or the USA and want to become a pharmacist in Australia. In that case, you will most likely be required to pass the OPRA (KAPS) Exam.
- Eligibility for Internship: You cannot begin your supervised pharmacy internship without clearing this exam.
- Migration Pathway: It supports visa and immigration applications under skilled migration categories.
- Professional Confidence: Prepares you for Australian clinical expectations, patient care, and regulatory compliance.
- Recognition: A passing score validates your knowledge and training on a global scale.
In short, your OPRA/KAPS result determines how soon you can start working as a pharmacist in Australia.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About OPRA Exam
Educational Qualifications and OPRA Exam Eligibility
Confirming your academic eligibility with the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) is important before applying for the OPRA Exam.
1. Academic Qualifications
You must have:
- A four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or an equivalent postgraduate degree
- Your institution is recognised by your country’s regulatory or accreditation body
- Diploma holders are not eligible to sit in the exam.
2. Professional Registration in Home Country
You must be registered as a practising pharmacist with your country’s pharmacy council or regulatory body. If your country doesn’t have a regulatory body, registration in any other country will be accepted.
3. English Language Proficiency
You must prove proficiency using one of the following:
| Test | Minimum Overall Score | Section Requirements |
| IELTS (Academic) | 7.5 | No section below 7.0 |
| OET (Pharmacy) | B in all components | B in all components |
| PTE (Academic) | 65 | No score below 65 |
Also Read: English Language Requirements for OPRA Aspirants
4. OPRA Exam Eligibility Assessment Fee
You must pay AUD 810 per eligibility assessment request.
5. Document Requirements
- Proof of identity (passport, national ID)
- Full, verified academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Submit Certified English translations of documents if originals aren’t in English
- Evidence of English proficiency may be requested later in the pathway
- The university must be recognised by the APC. Always double-check your university’s status on the APC’s recognised list.
You do not need to have completed any additional certifications before sitting the OPRA/KAPS exam, but a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences is mandatory.
OPRA/KAPS Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The OPRA exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions over 2.5 hours, with no scheduled breaks. The test structure assesses:
Syllabus Breakdown
The syllabus aligns with the National Competency Standards Framework and reflects expectations from practising Australian pharmacists. Here’s a breakdown of OPRA exam scoring criteria by % weightage of the subjects:
| Section | Weighting |
| Biomedical Sciences | 20% |
| Medicinal Chemistry & Biopharmaceutics | 10% |
| Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics | 10% |
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | 15% |
| Therapeutics & Patient Care | 45% |
Almost half the exam focuses on therapeutics, patient safety, clinical scenarios, and ethical considerations, mirroring real-life responsibilities in Australian practice.
OPRA is NOT a memory test. It tests your critical thinking and application skills in a healthcare setting. Also, there’s no negative marking.
Recommended Courses or Training Programs
While self-study is possible, enrolling in a structured training program significantly increases your chances of success.
One of the top-rated programs for OPRA Exam candidates is the OPRA Exam Preparation Course. It’s designed specifically for international pharmacy graduates preparing for KAPS/OPRA. The course offers:
- Comprehensive coverage of OPRA syllabus
- Mock exams under real-time conditions
- Experienced tutors with Australian pharmacy knowledge
- Personalised study plans and mentorship
- Regular progress tracking
Many past students report significant improvements in exam confidence and overall performance after completing the Elite Expertise course.
Also Read: Expert Effective Tips and Strategies to Prepare OPRA Exam
OPRA Exam Preparation Guide
1. Understand the Format
Review the APC website and familiarise yourself with OPRA structure, case-based questions, and real-world clinical focus. Knowing what’s tested reduces overwhelm during the OPRA exam preparation.
2. Use the Right Resources
Refer to:
- APC Practice Exams
- Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH)
- Therapeutic Guidelines (TG)
- Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF)
- Pharmacy Board of Australia Code of Conduct
- APAC and TGA guidelines
3. Simulate the Rasch Methodology
Practise using mock tests that follow Rasch’s adaptive testing model. The Rasch model scores your reasoning, not just your right answers. These platforms help simulate exam conditions and adjust questions based on your skill level.
4. Prioritise Patient-centric Learning
Focus on patient scenarios, medication safety, ethics, and communication. Study beyond the textbook with:
- Clinical case studies
- Ethical dilemma exercises
- Primary healthcare decision-making
5. Enroll in a Coaching Program
Programs like Elite Expertise’s OPRA Exam Preparation Course offer expert-led mentoring by qualified pharmacists. Benefits include:
- OPRA-focused curriculum
- Feedback on mock exams
- Live classes & recordings
- E-learning
- Skill assessment support
- Study materials
One-to-one mentoring can make the difference between “pass or fail” and “aced it.”
Success in the OPRA Exam comes down to disciplined preparation and smart study techniques. Here are some proven tips to help you stay ahead:
- Know the OPRA Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Focus on areas the APC highlights, especially clinical therapeutics and pharmaceutical chemistry.
- Build a Study Plan and Stick to It
Map out your weeks with topics, goals, and review sessions. Balance study and rest to avoid burnout.
- Practise With Past Papers and Mock Exams
While actual questions aren’t public, reviewing APC’s practice exams and question styles gives great insight. Also, it simulates real exam conditions. Train yourself to solve 120 questions in 2.5 hours.
- Prioritise Conceptual Clarity
Rather than rote memorisation, understand the ‘why’ behind drug actions and clinical decisions.
- Join a Study Group or Course
Surrounding yourself with other OPRA aspirants helps with motivation and peer learning. Sharing notes, strategies and doubts with peers boosts motivation and insight.
- Seek Mentorship
Learning from OPRA-certified professionals or Australian pharmacists provides a real-world perspective.
- Stay Informed on Australian Pharmacy Practices
The exam includes practice-based questions, so familiarity with Australian guidelines, dispensing norms, and legalities helps.
Wrap Up
The OPRA exam isn’t just another test; it’s your gateway to practising as a pharmacist in Australia. While it can seem overwhelming at first, with a clear understanding of its structure, a strategic study plan, and access to the right training—like the Elite Expertise’s OPRA exam course — you can take this challenge head-on.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or deep in revision mode, remember: every hour you invest now brings you one step closer to your professional goals. Prepare confidently, and you’ll be well on your way to success.
⚠️Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and reflects our own views and interpretations. While we strive for accuracy, guidelines and requirements may change. Readers are advised to verify information with official sources such as the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and Ahpra before making any decisions. We do not take responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided.
