{"id":28812,"date":"2025-06-27T12:47:46","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T12:47:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/?p=28812"},"modified":"2025-08-14T07:22:23","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T07:22:23","slug":"guide-to-rasch-methodology-in-the-opra-pharmacy-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/guide-to-rasch-methodology-in-the-opra-pharmacy-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Rasch Methodology in the OPRA Pharmacy Exam"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"28812\" class=\"elementor elementor-28812\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3696e3d8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default sc_fly_static\" data-id=\"3696e3d8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-extended\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-68ee3145 sc_content_align_inherit sc_layouts_column_icons_position_left sc_fly_static\" data-id=\"68ee3145\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39394f54 sc_fly_static elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"39394f54\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Introduction to Rasch Methodology<\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OPRA exam, or the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment, is the licensing exam for international pharmacy graduates who want to practise in Australia. This exam is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). Before March 2025, this exam will replace the KAPS exam (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences). APC has implemented Rasch methodology for selecting and scoring exam questions. Since 2020, this psychometric model has been employed in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/australian-pharmacist-intern-written-exam-preparation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">APC Intern Written exam<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and CAOP (Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists) assessments. Since March 2025, it has been used in the OPRA exam scoring. This method ensures fairness and consistency in the results.<\/span><\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How the Rasch Model Works in Exams<\/span><\/h3><h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is Rasch?<\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A statistical model that balances the difficulty of each question (&#8220;item parameter&#8221;) with the candidate&#8217;s ability (&#8220;person parameter&#8221;). This method of scoring ensures that the result accurately reflects the candidate&#8217;s actual ability rather than the version of the examination they took.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why APC uses it:<\/span><\/h4><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It ensures fairness, consistency, and defensible candidate assessment\u2014no matter which version of the OPRA you sit.<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fairness Across Different Exam Versions: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the OPRA exam, no candidate receives the same set of questions. This method of scoring allows us to balance the difficulty of each question.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Accurate Measurement of Ability: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This method allows the assess of the performance of a candidate, keeping in mind the complexity of the questions they answer correctly.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better Quality Control for Exam Questions:<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>International Best Practice: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This method of scoring globally across various countries and thereby meeting global standards of validity and fairness of the scoring.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How scoring adjusts:<\/span><\/h4><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike the traditional method of scoring, there are two things to be considered that the Rasch scoring adjusts to, that is, the difficulty of the question and the candidate&#8217;s ability. Each correct answer to a tougher question will carry more weight than the wrong answers to easier questions. This allows for a true measure of your readiness, and the final score is not just about how many questions were answered correctly but also which ones were answered correctly.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each question has 4 options to choose the closest correct answer.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Success is determined by the level of ability or performance compared to this standard, not by comparing performance to other candidates or by an arbitrary score.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Out of 120 questions in the OPRA exam, 90% are scored, and 10% are unscored. This means that these questions are included in the exam for calibration and testing purposes but do not contribute to the final scoring result.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These unscored questions are distributed equally among all the five components of the exam.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><b>Also Read:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/how-do-you-qualify-for-the-opra-exam-with-confidence\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Do You Qualify for the OPRA Exam with Confidence<\/span><\/a><\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Quick Overview of the OPRA Exam<\/span><\/h3><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replaces KAPS: APC has announced that the KAPS exam will be replaced by the OPRA exam starting in March 2025.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Exam Format<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a computer-based, closed book, multiple-choice Questionnaire (MCQ) of 120<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The duration of the exam is 2.5 hours<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Content focus:<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-opra-exam-syllabus\/\">OPRA exam syllabus<\/a> is vast and consists of five major components listed below but not restricted to:<\/span><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20% Biomedical Sciences<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10% Medicinal Chemistry &amp; Biopharmaceutics<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10% Pharmacokinetics\/Pharmacodynamics<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15% Pharmacology\/Toxicology<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">45% Therapeutics &amp; Patient Care<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This means that Therapeutics and Patient care is the key for the OPRA exam and consists of almost half the Blueprint provided by APC.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fee<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The fee for the OPRA exam is AU$2,190, reduced from AUD$2,290.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligibility: Who Can Take It?<\/span><\/h3><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This assessment is for candidates from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a mandated exam designed for internationally qualified pharmacists entering Australia.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applicants need to complete the APC Eligibility Check before registering<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A minimum of a four-year graduate degree is required for eligibility for this exam.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also Read: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/accounting-of-settlements-with-the-budget\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 Steps to KAPS\/OPRA Exam Eligibility<\/span><\/a><\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The adoption of <\/span><b>Rasch methodology<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the OPRA exam ensures a <\/span><b>fair, standardized<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>accurate assessment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of every candidate&#8217;s essential pharmacy knowledge and readiness. The switch from the KAPS exam to the OPRA exam was made to keep candidates preparing for this licensing exam current with the Australian healthcare system.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are still confused about the OPRA exam scoring and what exactly the Rasch methodology is, Elite Expertise is here to help you. Our team is always available to help with all concerns regarding scoring, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/opra-exam-preparation-course\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OPRA exam preparation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, guidance for skills assessment, and steps to take after passing the OPRA exam.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We also provide a demo lecture to check for yourself. The trainers and Directors, Mr. Arief Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu are both top-class professionals with extensive experience in both clinical and teaching fields. They have helped thousands of students clear the OPRA\/KAPS exam on their first attempt. So why wait? Join <a href=\"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\">Elite Expertise<\/a> and let be your partner in preparation until you pass the exam.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3d4289a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default sc_fly_static\" data-id=\"3d4289a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-extended\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-83a40e9 sc_content_align_inherit sc_layouts_column_icons_position_left sc_fly_static\" data-id=\"83a40e9\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-155a1e7 sc_fly_static elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"155a1e7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"color: #ffff00;\"><strong>\u26a0\ufe0f<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Disclaimer <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><p>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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3c9cb20 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default sc_fly_static\" data-id=\"3c9cb20\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-extended\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-bd77788 sc_content_align_inherit sc_layouts_column_icons_position_left sc_fly_static\" data-id=\"bd77788\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b76d151 sc_fly_static elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"b76d151\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<style>\ntable td{\n    border:1px solid #767676;\n    color:#fff !important;\n}\n.tab{\n    overflow-x: auto;\n}\nh3 span,h4 span{\n    color:#D69E33;\n}\n.tab {\n    width: 100%;\n    overflow-x: auto;\n}\n<\/style>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction to Rasch Methodology OPRA exam, or the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment, is the licensing exam for international pharmacy graduates who want to practise in Australia. This exam is conducted&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":28813,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[178],"tags":[376,260,229,261,375,373,234,230,333,374],"class_list":["post-28812","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-opra","tag-elite-expertise","tag-opra-exam","tag-opra-exam-eligibility","tag-opra-exam-fees","tag-opra-exam-online-coaching","tag-opra-exam-passing-rate","tag-opra-exam-pattern","tag-opra-exam-preparation","tag-opra-exam-syllabus","tag-rasch-methodology-of-testing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28812","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28812"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28812\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29883,"href":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28812\/revisions\/29883"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28813"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28812"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28812"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eliteexpertise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28812"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}