OPRA Exam Pathway: Steps to Becoming a Registered Pharmacist in Australia
The OPRA exam pathway is a streamlined process for international pharmacy graduates to become registered pharmacists in Australia. It involves passing a series of exams and meeting specific requirements set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
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Last Updated: May 9, 2026
1 min read
by Arief Mohammad
Becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia involves meeting specific qualifications, passing assessments, and navigating the registration processes outlined by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). This guide outlines the steps for overseas-trained pharmacists to achieve registration, particularly those whose pharmacy qualifications were obtained outside countries like Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA.
Criteria
Details
Qualification Duration
- 4 years full-time (if completed after January 2006) - 3 years full-time (before January 2006)
Pharmacy Knowledge
Must include pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences foundational to Australian practice.
Registration in Home Country
Must be registered or eligible to register as a pharmacist in your home country.
If you don’t meet these criteria, explore other pathways through APC’s Skills Assessments.
Steps to Registration
Here are the right steps to become a registered pharmacist in Australia.
Step 1: Eligibility Check
The eligibility check verifies whether your qualifications align with APC standards.
Requirement
Details
Cost
AUD 810
Timeframe
8–12 weeks Passport (uncropped, all pages) Birth certificate or alternate photo ID
Document Checklist
Pharmacy qualification certificate Academic transcript Evidence of registration eligibility
Important: All documents must be translated into English by NAATI-accredited translators.
Step 2: Skills Assessment (Exam)
To demonstrate your knowledge and competency, candidates must pass the KAPS exam (available until November 2024) or the OPRA exam (from March 2025).
Exam
Details
Cost (AUD)
KAPS
Two papers covering pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, physiology, pharmaceutics, and therapeutics.
$2,290
OPRA
Single paper, 2.5 hours, 120 questions emphasizing therapeutics and patient care.
$2,190
Candidates failing the KAPS exam in its final session may resit or opt for the OPRA exam in 2025.
Step 3: Skills Assessment Outcome
Upon passing the exam, you can request a Skills Assessment Outcome from the APC.
Purpose
Details
Usage
Support visa application (Department of Home Affairs) Apply for provisional registration (Pharmacy Board of Australia)
Validity
3 years
Fee
AUD 300
Step 4: Provisional Registration and Supervised Practice
Once you receive your Skills Assessment Outcome, proceed with provisional registration and supervised practice.
Step
Details
Provisional Registration
Support visa application (Department of Home Affairs) Apply for provisional registration (Pharmacy Board of Australia)
Supervised Practice
Obtain PharmBA’s approval for your practice setting before starting supervised practice.
Practice Hours
Complete 1575 hours of supervised practice and pass the Intern Written and Oral Exams to become a fully registered pharmacist in Australia.
Conclusion
The transition to the OPRA exam simplifies the process for overseas pharmacists, focusing on therapeutics and patient care while maintaining rigorous assessment standards. By following these steps—from eligibility checks to supervised practice—you can achieve your goal of becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia.
For personalized guidance and resources to prepare for the OPRA exam and beyond, contact Elite Expertise. We're here to support you every step of the way!
