Key Takeaways
- In 2025, the new test to assess overseas pharmacists in Australia will be OPRA and will contain a more comprehensive OPRA Exam Syllabus.
- It is administered thrice a year in Pearson VUE centres worldwide, including 10 cities in India.
- It requires AUD $2,190 as an exam fee, plus other eligibility and skill assessment fees; hence, the candidates must be conversant with the OPRA Exam Pattern before preparing.
Introduction
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam is the gateway for international pharmacists aspiring to practice in Australia. Introduced in 2025, OPRA has replaced the former KAPS exam to better reflect real-world clinical and professional skills through its OPRA Exam Syllabus.
This exam is overseen by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and aims to evaluate candidates on biomedical sciences, pharmacology, patient care, and professional judgment, following a structured OPRA Exam Pattern. Success in OPRA is an essential step before provisional registration.
Since the healthcare professions in Australia are quite competitive, OPRA facilitates high standards of practice, safety, and patient outcomes among the pharmacists in the dynamic healthcare system of Australia. The candidates need a detailed timetable, budget, and preparation plan.
OPRA Exam Dates in 2026
| Registration Period | Exam Dates | Results Released |
|---|---|---|
| 6 January – 23 February | 23 – 25 March 2026 | 21 April 2026 |
| 28 April – 15 June | 13 – 15 July 2026 | 11 August 2026 |
| 18 August – 19 October | 23 – 25 November 2026 | 22 December 2026 |
Early registration is strongly advised as seats fill quickly at test centres. Each exam cycle allows international candidates to plan their preparation and application processes.
OPRA Exam Centres in India
The OPRA exam is delivered through Pearson VUE test centres. In India, candidates can choose from the following cities:
- Bangalore
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Jalandhar
- Ludhiana
- Mumbai
- New Delhi
- Noida
- Pune
Due to few seats, it is important to book early to have your preferred city and date of exam.
Skills Assessment Structure & Timeframes
The process for requesting a Skills Assessment Outcome has two essential parts:
- Passing the Eligibility Check confirms that your pharmacy qualifications meet APC’s standards. There is no expiry on this step once completed.
- Passing the OPRA® Exam – Successful completion provides the pathway to provisional registration in Australia.
Time Frames
- Eligibility Check: APC aims to process and respond to applications within 5 working days once all documents are submitted. However, allow up to 4 weeks in case of delays.
- Exam Dates: OPRA is conducted three times a year (March, July, November). Dates and locations are available via APC.
- Application submission: Application has to be submitted at least 8 weeks before the registration closing date to prevent delays.
International pharmacists can be assured of high standards of professionalism because the process is structured to verify their credentials before they can attempt the higher exam, namely, OPRA. To better understand the OPRA exam timelines and application process, watch this quick explainer video: OPRA Exam Overview.
OPRA Exam Fees & Refund Policy
Here is the official APC fee structure:
| Stage / Service | Fee (AUD) | Refund Policy / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Check | $810 | Non-refundable once processed. |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | $300 | Non-refundable once issued. |
| OPRA Exam | $2,190 | Refund available if withdrawn ≥ 5 business days before exam; $100 cancellation fee applies. |
| Skills Update (optional) | $610 | Refund not available once the update has been issued. |
| Late Withdrawal | – | If withdrawal is < 5 business days before the exam, → No refund will be provided. |
| No Show / Absence | – | Treated as an exam attempt → No refund issued. |
Note: The Australian Pharmacy Council sets all fees.
OPRA Exam Format, Pattern & Syllabus
-
- Pacification (OPRA Exam Pattern): 120 multiple-choice questions in a computer-based test (CBT).
- Duration: 2.5 hours (150 minutes).
- Content Areas (OPRA Exam Syllabus):
- Biomedical Sciences
- Medicinal Chemistry/Biopharmaceutics.
- Pharmacodynamics/Pharmacokinetics.
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Therapeutics & Patient Care (greatest weightage)
- Minimum Pass Requirement: The candidate needs to pass in all the subject areas with a minimum score of 50.
- Pacification (OPRA Exam Pattern): 120 multiple-choice questions in a computer-based test (CBT).
Preparing for the OPRA Exam with the Syllabus
Achieving success takes an organised and rigorous preparation plan:
- Examine the OPRA Exam Syllabus with care to determine high-weightage areas.
- Do time-tested practice tests to put the test under the pressure of an actual exam.
- Work in teams to exchange knowledge and explain ideas.
- Relied on sources such as Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
- Complete professional training courses to get coaching support.
OPRA Exam Scoring & Timeline
The exam uses the Rasch scoring model, which evaluates right and wrong answers and consistency across topics.
- Results are released about two weeks after the exam session.
- In 2025 the results are anticipated in April, August, and December after every sitting.
Final Thoughts
The OPRA exam is a move in the right direction towards harmonising overseas pharmacist training with Australia’s. Candidates can succeed when plans are laid, cost is organised, and pathways are clearly laid out.
Get ready before OPRA 2025: To maximise your chances of success, you must prepare in advance, focus on mastering the syllabus and the OPRA Exam Pattern, and use power sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the OPRA Exam 2025
The OPRA exam, introduced in 2025, is the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment that replaces the KAPS exam. It evaluates international pharmacists’ knowledge, clinical skills, and readiness to practice in Australia.
The OPRA exam is held three times a year — in March, July, and November.
You can sit for the OPRA exam at Pearson VUE centres in Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mumbai, New Delhi, Noida, and Pune.
The steps include completing the Eligibility Check and then passing the OPRA exam. Together, they lead to provisional registration in Australia.
Processing usually takes 5 working days but may extend to 4 weeks if verification is required.
Submit your application at least 8 weeks before registration closes to ensure timely processing and preferred exam slot allocation.
Eligibility Check: AUD $810 (non-refundable)
Skills Assessment Outcome: AUD $300 (non-refundable)
OPRA Exam: AUD $2,190 (refundable with 5 business days’ notice, $100 cancellation fee applies)
Skills Update (optional): AUD $610 (non-refundable)
The exam has 120 MCQs over 2.5 hours, covering biomedical sciences, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and therapeutics focused on patient care.
It uses the Rasch scoring model for fairness, with results released about two weeks after the exam.
Elite Expertise offers live lectures, detailed syllabus guidance, mock exams, structured study resources, and ongoing mentorship to help candidates succeed.
