OPRA Exam Date 2025-26: Full Schedule, Application Deadlines & Registration Guide

Key Points to Remember

• The OPRA exam is compulsory for international pharmacists outside accredited countries.
• Eligibility Check must be completed 8–12 weeks before registration.
• Name consistency is critical across all documents.
• Exam fee: AUD $2,190, part of total AUD $3,300 cost.
• Preparation should focus on therapeutics, patient care, and Australian guidelines.

If you are planning for the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam, it is now an essential gateway for internationally trained pharmacists aspiring to practice in Australia or New Zealand. This exam replaced the KAPS exam in March 2025 and is mandatory for securing the Skills Assessment Outcome from the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).

• What exactly is assessed by OPRA?
• How often is it held?
• What are the key application deadlines?
• And what is the biggest mistake candidates make in preparation?

After keeping all these questions in mind, you must understand that OPRA is a high-stakes assessment confirming that your pharmaceutical knowledge meets Australian and New Zealand practice standards. It provides the critical certification needed for provisional registration with AHPRA (Australia) or PCNZ (New Zealand). After successful completion, it becomes mandatory to begin your professional journey and progress to supervised practice.

1. What Is the OPRA Exam and Why Is It Important for Pharmacists? 

The OPRA (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment) exam is a computer-based, multiple-choice examination administered by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). It serves as the official gateway for internationally trained pharmacists outside accredited countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA) to begin their registration process in Australia or New Zealand.

What is the purpose:

• To assess whether pharmacists possess the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment required to practice safely.
• The exam focuses on therapeutics, biomedical sciences, pharmacology, patient care, and Australian pharmacy law.

Importance:

• Passing OPRA is required to obtain a Skills Assessment Outcome from APC.
• Enables provisional registration with AHPRA (Australia) or PCNZ (New Zealand).
• Supports visa applications when migrating for work.
• Confirms readiness to meet local clinical standards and patient safety requirements.

2. Who Needs to Take the OPRA Exam in 2025-26? 

The OPRA exam is designed for internationally trained pharmacists whose primary qualification was obtained from countries outside the accredited list, which includes Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.

All the knowledge stream candidates:

• Pharmacists from non-accredited countries must first complete the APC Eligibility Check.
• Only after receiving official confirmation of eligibility can they book and sit the OPRA exam.
• This ensures pharmacists meet Australian practice standards and are competent in clinical decision-making, patient safety, pharmacology, and therapeutics.

New Zealand Candidates:

• Pharmacists applying via the Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (Non-REQR) must also pass OPRA.
• Additional requirements include completing the NZ Pharmacy Legislation (NZPL) course and the EVOLVE Internship Programme, but OPRA remains the first mandatory step.

Exemptions:

• Pharmacists from accredited countries follow alternate pathways such as the direct Knowledge Stream or recognition of prior registration.

The key tip:

• Start the Eligibility Check early — ideally 8–12 weeks before registration. This allows time to fix document issues such as name mismatches or translation delays.
• Completing this early helps secure your preferred exam session and Pearson VUE test centre.

Identifying whether you fall under the Knowledge Stream or New Zealand Non-REQR is essential to avoid deadline issues. Proper planning ensures a smooth transition from eligibility to exam registration and eventually to provisional registration.

3. When Are the OPRA Exam Dates Announced for 2025-26? 

The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) publishes OPRA exam dates and registration windows well in advance. This helps candidates plan preparation and arrange travel to Pearson VUE test centres worldwide.

Advance Announcement:

• Knowing dates early helps allocate study time, book centre slots, and schedule travel and accommodation—especially for candidates outside Australia or New Zealand.
• APC usually provides three sessions annually: March, July, and November. Registration opens 6–8 weeks before the exam.

Eligibility Check Timing:

• Candidates must first submit and receive Eligibility Check approval.
• Apply 8–12 weeks before registration closes to fix any discrepancies like name mismatches or missing documents.

Official Source:

• Only rely on the APC website for official dates. Social media or coaching centres may provide inaccurate information.
• Bookmark the APC Skills Assessment & Exams section for updates.

Planning Tip:

• Early awareness of dates helps structure your preparation and avoid last-minute stress.
• Being proactive increases your chances of securing your preferred test centre and exam slot.

Following these timelines ensures a smooth pathway from Eligibility Check to the OPRA exam without unnecessary delays.

4. How Often Is the OPRA Exam Conducted Each Year?

The OPRA exam is conducted three times a year at authorised Pearson VUE centres, typically in March, July, and November.

Exam Format:

• Computer-based, closed-book, multiple-choice format.
• Duration: 2.5 hours (150 minutes).
• Total Questions: 120 MCQs covering therapeutics, biomedical sciences, pharmacology, patient care, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Additional Time:

• 5 minutes for the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
• 10 minutes for tutorial/system familiarisation

Why Frequency Matters:

• Multiple sessions help candidates plan study schedules and reattempt if needed.
• Early registration is critical due to high demand for certain centres.

Tip: Always check APC’s website for official session dates.

5. What Are the Key OPRA Exam Dates and Registration Deadlines? 

The OPRA exam follows a fixed annual schedule released by APC. Each session includes a registration window, exam dates, and result release timeline. Eligibility approval is required before registering.

Registration Tips:

• Registration usually closes one month before the exam.
• Ensure your Eligibility Check is approved before booking.
• Plan early to secure your preferred test centre.

Proper planning helps avoid stress and delays.

6. How to Register for the OPRA Exam Online?

Registration is a strict multi-step process requiring PRIOR eligibility approval.

1. Pass the Eligibility Check: Submit your documents and wait for APC confirmation of eligibility.
2. Sign in to Candidate Portal: Log in during the registration period for your selected session.
3. Book Exam Slot: Choose your date and Pearson VUE centre.
4. Pay Exam Fee: Pay AUD $2,190 immediately—payment secures your seat.

7. What Is the OPRA Exam Application Timeline?

Tip: Start eligibility checks early to avoid delays.

8. What Happens If You Miss the OPRA Exam Date?

Missing your scheduled exam or arriving late is treated as a no-show.

• Financial Penalty: The entire exam fee of AUD $2,190 is forfeited.
• Next Steps: You must re-register and repay the full fee for the next available session. Eligibility Check does NOT need to be repeated.

9. How to Reschedule or Defer the OPRA Exam?

All exam booking changes must be made through the APC Candidate Portal.

• Rescheduling/Deferring: Possible ONLY within the registration window and based on seat availability.
• Cancellation & Refund Policy:
  • Cancel ≥ 5 days before exam → AUD $100 fee
  • Cancel between 5 days before & 2 weeks after exam → Partial refund of AUD $1,752
  • Refunds must be requested via the Candidate Portal and approved by APC.

10. What Are the Fees and Payment Deadlines for OPRA Exam?

The OPRA pathway includes several mandatory, non-refundable fees. Payments must be made in AUD using Visa or Mastercard.

11. How to Prepare for the OPRA Exam Before the Test Date? 

• Content Focus:
  • Therapeutics & Patient Care – 45%
  • Biomedical Sciences – 20%
  • Pharmacology & Toxicology – 15%
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences – 20%
• Key References: Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) & Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG).
• Practice Material: APC Exam Guide & sample papers.
• Clinical Reasoning: Focus on patient safety, law, ethics, and guideline application.

12. What Are the Documents Required Before the Exam Date?

• Primary ID: Passport (must match APC records)
• Degree Certificate & Transcript
• Professional Registration Proof
• Name Consistency Documents (Marriage Certificate, Deed Poll, etc.)
• Certified English Translations

On exam day, carry ONLY your original passport and APC confirmation email.

13. Where to Check Official OPRA Exam Date Announcements?

The official Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) website is the only accurate and reliable source for OPRA exam dates and updates.

• Check the “Skills assessment and exams” or “Knowledge Stream” sections regularly.
• Avoid unofficial sources — only trust APC announcements.

14. How to Stay Updated on OPRA Exam News and Notifications?

• Regularly check the APC Candidate Portal.
• Ensure your APC contact email is up to date.
• Subscribe to APC newsletters for policy and fee updates.

15. Final Checklist: Preparing for OPRA Exam Day 2025-26

Use this checklist to make sure all critical steps are completed:

Elite Expertise OPRA Coaching

• Structured live + recorded lectures aligned with APC syllabus
• 300+ hours of course content covering all major OPRA topics
• Realistic Rasch-style mock exams
• 1:1 mentorship by experienced Australian pharmacist educators
• Personalized study plans based on your strengths and weaknesses
• WhatsApp community for discussion and doubt-clearing
• Unlimited access to materials until you pass OPRA
• Very high first-attempt success rate

Conclusion

After reading this blog, start preparing for the OPRA exam with clarity, structure, and expert guidance. Understanding eligibility, timelines, registration, and preparation strategies is essential. With focused preparation and reliable support like Elite Expertise, candidates can significantly improve confidence, strengthen their exam strategy, and increase their chances of passing successfully.