Key Takeaways
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The OPRA exam registration fee is AU$2,245 per attempt.
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You cannot book OPRA until APC approves your Eligibility Check application.
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Before the OPRA exam, you have to pay for the Eligibility Check.
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And after passing the OPRA exam, you need to pay the Skill Assessment outcome fee.
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You can not get a full refund if you apply 5 days before the exam; you can get an 80% refund only.
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November 2026 is the nearest OPRA exam registration window.
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If you are from then you can take this from India, in many cities, as OPRA exam centre falls.
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If you fail the OPRA exam on your first attempt, then you can apply again, but you still have to pay the same registration fee for the OPRA exam.
Quick Summary
Australian Pharmacy Council runs the OPRA exam. Per attempt, the registration fee is AU$2,245. Before the OPRA exam, candidates need to pass an eligibility check and pay for it AU$810. And after the OPRA exam, candidates need to pay U$300 for a Skills Assessment Outcome. Payments go only through the official APC Candidate Portal, with partial refunds available for early cancellations.
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment, known as the OPRA exam, is set by the APC. It is the required knowledge test for overseas-trained pharmacists who want to register in Australia. This guide breaks down the OPRA exam registration fee and every related cost, using figures published on the APC's official fees page.
What is the OPRA Exam Registration Fee?
The current OPRA exam registration fee is AU$2,245 per attempt. This fee is charged every time you book, including resits. It covers exam administration, invigilation, and result processing.
You can only pay this fee once you receive your eligibility approval. Payment happens through the official APC Candidate Portal.
What Fees Come Before the OPRA Exam Registration?
Before booking OPRA, you must pass an eligibility check. This confirms your qualifications meet Australian pharmacy standards. The check is a separate, non-refundable fee.
| Service | When You Need It | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Check | Before booking your OPRA exam | $810 |
| Updated Skills Assessment Request | If your qualifications changed since your last check | $610 |
What does It Cost After You Pass the OPRA Exam?
Passing OPRA is not the final step. You still need a formal Skills Assessment Outcome document. This document supports visa applications with the Department of Home Affairs.
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Skills Assessment Outcome fee: AU$300 per request
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This document has no fixed expiry set by APC itself
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The Department of Home Affairs decides how long it stays valid for visa purposes
So, the full Knowledge Stream cost usually looks like this:
| Stage | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Check | $810 |
| OPRA Exam Registration | $2,245 |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | $300 |
| Total | $3,355 |
This total does not include English testing, travel, or preparation courses.
How do You Pay the OPRA Exam Registration Fee?
APC only accepts payment through its own online system. This protects candidates from scams involving fake agents or third-party websites.
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Pay only through the APC Candidate Portal
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Accepted methods include Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, and Apple Pay
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Your card must be issued by a bank in your country of residence
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Payment is due at the time of registration, or your seat gets released
APC has warned candidates directly about scams. If in doubt, contact APC at the official email and number.
Can You Get a Refund on the OPRA Exam Fee?
Yes, but only a partial refund, and only if approved by APC. Refund amounts depend on how early you cancel your booking.
| Cancellation Timing | Refund Outcome |
|---|---|
| 5 Days or More Before the Exam | 80% refund of exam fee |
| Within 5 Days Up to 2 Weeks After the Exam | Partial refund, minus a $100 cancellation fee |
| More Than 2 Weeks After the Exam | Partial refund, minus a $100 cancellation fee |
All other fees, including the Eligibility Check, are strictly non-refundable. Refund requests must go through your Candidate Portal, not by phone.
When are the Upcoming OPRA Exam Registration Windows?
APC runs OPRA three times a year. Registration periods close about a month before the actual exam dates.
| Registration Period | Exam Dates | Results Released |
|---|---|---|
| 28 April – 15 June 2026 | 13–15 July 2026 | 11 August 2026 |
| 18 August – 19 October 2026 | 23–25 November 2026 | 22 December 2026 |
| 5 January – 22 February 2027 | 22–24 March 2027 | TBC |
| 11 May – 28 June 2027 | 26–28 July 2027 | TBC |
Registration opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM on the closing date. Plan to register in a timely manner. APC will not entertain any late registration under any circumstances.
Where can You Sit the OPRA Exam?
OPRA runs through Pearson VUE test centres worldwide. This means most candidates do not need to travel to Australia.
Some key locations include:
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India: Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Noida
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Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra
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Other regions: UAE (Dubai), UK (London), Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, and more
The number of seats available varies by center and session. APC recommends registering immediately when registration opens as popular cities fill up quickly.
What If You Fail the OPRA Exam?
You can resit OPRA as many times as needed. There is no cap on attempts. However, there is also no discount for repeat sittings.
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Each resit requires the full AU$2,245 fee again
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You must wait for the next scheduled exam period
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APC does not release exam scores or detailed feedback
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Results only state a pass or unsuccessful outcome
This makes first-attempt preparation financially important, since a failed attempt adds another full fee to your total budget.
Conclusion
The OPRA exam registration fee is just one part of your journey to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia. Budget for the Eligibility Check and Skills Assessment Outcome too. Always rely on the official website to confirm current fees, because only here will you get the right information.