How many times can I attempt OPRA?

Key Takeaways

• Australia imposes no official cap on OPRA exam attempts.

• New Zealand candidates get 2 attempts; extras need PCNZ approval.

• Each attempt costs the full $2,245 AUD exam fee again.

• You must re-sit all 120 questions, not just the weak areas.

• Failing OPRA does not affect your future eligibility to retry.

• Therapeutics and patient care carry the heaviest exam weighting, 45%.

• Results are released four weeks after the exam.

• Check current rules directly on the official APC website.

Quick Summary

There is no limit on OPRA attempts for Australian candidates; you can take the exam multiple times until you pass. New Zealand candidates get two guaranteed attempts, with extras decided by PCNZ. For every attempt, you have to pay the full fee. 

If you failed your first OPRA attempt, you do not need to worry a lot. The good news is simple: Australia does not cap your attempts. This guide explains the official rules for Australia and New Zealand pathways, using only information published by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).

How Many Times Can I Attempt OPRA in Australia?

There is no official limit on attempts for the Australian pathway, according to APC. The exam guide states that you can apply for another exam session if you fail the exam. You just re-register, pay the fee, and do the whole test again. There is no mention of a maximum number of Australian attempts.

Is There a Limit for New Zealand Candidates?

Yes, this pathway works differently, so read this section carefully. Candidates applying through the New Zealand OPRA pathway get two standard attempts to pass. Any attempt beyond that is granted only at the discretion of the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ). APC cannot comment on your performance or influence that PCNZ decision.

Quick Attempt Comparison

Pathway	Standard Attempts
Australia (Knowledge Stream)	Unlimited
New Zealand OPRA Candidates	2 attempts

How Often Is the OPRA Exam Held?

APC's exam guide confirms sessions run on a scheduled cycle each year. Each session includes registration, a testing window, and a result release date. Because sessions are limited, every failed attempt costs you real time. Planning your preparation around the session calendar matters more than chasing unlimited retakes.

What Does Each Attempt Cost?

Every attempt requires a fresh registration and full payment, with no exceptions. APC's official fees page lists exact current pricing for candidates.

Item	Official Cost (AUD)
Eligibility Check	$810
OPRA Exam Registration	$2,245
Skills Assessment Outcome	$300

Notice that the eligibility check fee is separate from the exam fee itself. Unlimited attempts in Australia still mean unlimited spending, so prepare thoroughly first.

Can I Get a Refund If I Cancel My Attempt?

Refunds exist, but only under strict conditions outlined on the official fees page. Canceling five days before your exam date incurs a $100 cancellation fee. Canceling later, up to two weeks after your exam date, brings a partial refund. OPRA cancellations refund 80% of the exam fee under that policy. Requests made more than two weeks after your session are not accepted.

How is the OPRA Exam Structured?

It is essential that you understand the OPRA exam structure properly. That’s why we have prepared a table to help you understand it better. 

Exam Detail	Official Specification
Total Questions	120 multiple-choice questions
Time Allowed	150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes)
Scored Questions	90% of all questions count
Unscored Questions	10%, used only for calibration
Format	Closed-book, computer-based, Pearson-delivered

Before the exam, you get five minutes for a non-disclosure agreement. You also receive ten minutes for a software tutorial beforehand. Neither activity counts toward your actual 150-minute exam timer.

What Content Areas Does OPRA Cover?

OPRA tests five weighted content areas, according to the official exam guide. Therapeutics and patient care carries the heaviest weighting by far.

Content Area	Share of Questions
Biomedical Sciences	20%
Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics	10%
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics	10%
Pharmacology and Toxicology	15%
Therapeutics and Patient Care	45%

What Should I Do Before Attempting OPRA Again?

Since Australian attempts are unlimited, use that freedom wisely rather than rushing. Consider these official pointers before booking your next OPRA exam session.

• Review the OPRA exam guide and sample content thoroughly.

• Try Pearson's official online sample test before your real exam day.

• Check the current registration window on the APC candidate portal.

• Confirm your eligibility status has not expired since your last attempt.

• Budget for the full $2,245 exam fee before registering again.

• Focus revision time on therapeutics, since it carries 45% weighting.

Where Can I Find Official OPRA Information?

You can find official information about the OPRA exam on the APC website. There, you will also find important learning resources to help you with your OPRA exam preparation. Never and ever rely on third parties. Always check the official website for the right info. 

• OPRA exam guide and sample content – APC

• New Zealand OPRA exam pathway – APC

• Skills assessment fees – APC

• Knowledge Stream skills assessment – APC

• APC Candidate Portal – for registration and results

Conclusion

Australian OPRA candidates face no official limit on attempts. New Zealand candidates get two guaranteed attempts, with extras at PCNZ's discretion. For every attempt, you have to pay the full fee. So, prepare for the exam seriously with expert guidance. At Elite Expertise, you will have the best OPRA course trainers who are themselves practicing as clinical pharmacists in Australia.