Is OPRA accepted for Indian/Pakistani/Filipino/Nigerian/Nepalese pharmacists?

Key Takeaways

• The OPRA exam is a computer-based MCQ exam. This exam is designed for international pharmacists who want to practice legally as pharmacists in Australia or New Zealand.

• Australia generally places these overseas qualifications under the Knowledge Stream.

• Australian candidates must complete an APC eligibility check before OPRA.

• New Zealand candidates generally follow the Non-REQR pathway.

• Australian and New Zealand OPRA pathways are different, so apply accordingly. 

• Understand the exam locations, fees, and structure properly for better preparation.

• If you want to be updated with the right information about the OPRA, then always rely on the official website for it.

Quick Summary

Yes, OPRA is accepted for Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Nigerian, and Nepalese pharmacists. Eligibility depends on your degree's origin, not nationality. Only Australia, Canada, Ireland, NZ, UK, and USA degrees are excluded. Registration back home isn't required. Even for some countries, centers are also available. 

To practice legally as a pharmacist in Australia and New Zealand, you have to pass the OPRA exam. Are you confused about which country can take the OPRA exam? And can you take this exam or not? In this blog, we will learn in detail which countries' pharmacists can take the OPRA exam. 

What is the OPRA exam?

The OPRA exam is a computer-based MCQ exam where it is checked that the candidate has the pharmacy knowledge as per the country's standard. Australian Pharmacy Council runs this exam. This exam is conducted for the international pharmacist whose destination is Australia or New Zealand. 

OPRA replaced the older KAPS exam in 2025. It is now the only knowledge-stream exam for overseas pharmacists. Passing OPRA is a required step before provisional registration in Australia. And for the New Zealand international pharmacist who is following the Non-REQR pathway, they can go for this exam. 

Which Countries’ Pharmacists can take the OPRA Exam?

This is the key question. APC does not base eligibility on your nationality. It bases eligibility on where you completed your pharmacy degree. Per the official Knowledge Stream page, this pathway applies if you completed your pharmacy qualification in any country other than 

• Australia

• Canada

• Ireland

• New Zealand

• UK

• USA

For New Zealand, PCNZ currently says the Non-REQR pathway is for qualified and registered pharmacists from overseas, excluding Australia, Canada, USA, UK and Ireland. Applicants first need Preliminary Review approval. They then need to pass OPRA and the NZ Pharmacy Legislation course.

Are Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Nigerian, and Nepalese Degrees Accepted?

Yes, degrees from these five countries fall within the accepted group. None of them appear on APC's excluded list. So pharmacists from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Nepal can apply for the OPRA pathway.

However, holding a degree from these countries is not enough on its own. Your qualification must also meet a study-length rule. APC states the qualification must be the equivalent of either 4 years' full-time academic study, if completed after 1 January 2006, or 3 years' full-time academic study, if completed before 1 January 2006.

So, most graduates should meet this rule. APC checks each case during the eligibility check step.

Note: APC assesses each application individually. Course length and content must match APC's Assessment Standards.

How the OPRA Pathway Works

The process has two main parts. First, you pass an eligibility check. Second, you sit for and pass the OPRA exam itself.

1. Create a profile in the APC Candidate Portal

2. Submit an Eligibility Check application with the required documents

3. Pay the eligibility check fee

4. Wait for APC's decision on your eligibility

5. Register for the OPRA exam once approved

6. Sit the exam at an approved test center

7. Receive your result and request your Skills Assessment Outcome

APC explains this timeline clearly on its official page. We aim to process and respond to all applications within 5 working days upon receipt of all required documentation. However, please allow up to 4 weeks for any unforeseen circumstances.

Documents You Will Need

APC lists specific documents for the eligibility check. These include:

• A valid passport with an uncropped image.

• An official photo-bearing identity document.

• A birth certificate, or a second photo ID if unavailable.

• Your pharmacy qualification certificate or completion letter.

• Your full academic transcript with all subjects and results.

See, all your documents must be in English, and if they are not, then that document must be translated by a competent translator accredited by NAATI.

OPRA Exam Fees and Structure

Check the Table below to know the structure and fee for the OPRA exam. 

Can You Sit the OPRA Exam in Your Home Country?

Yes, of course you can if there is a center. APC lists test centers across many countries. This saves candidates the cost of international travel.

Let’s understand in which countries you will get a center for the OPRA exam

Nigeria does not currently appear on APC's published test center list. Nigerian candidates may need to sit the exam in a nearby country. Options include Ghana, Kenya, or South Africa. Always confirm current locations on the official APC page, as centers can change.

Conclusion

OPRA is accepted for pharmacists from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Nepal. Your degree qualifies as long as it is not from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA. You also need a four-year degree completed after 2006, or a three-year degree completed earlier.

Without proper preparation, passing the OPRA exam is not an easy task. Contact Elite Expertise for the structure of OPRA exam preparation. We have an experienced trainer who will support you in your OPRA exam preparation and make you confident to crack this exam on your first attempt.