Key Takeaways
-
The OPRA exam is the pharmacy exam for international pharmacists who want to become registered pharmacists in Australia and New Zealand
-
In Australia, Knowledge-Stream Candidates can take this exam, and in New Zealand, candidates through the Non-REQR process can take it.
-
Understand the OPRA registration process to prepare better.
-
You must fulfill all eligibility requirements for the OPRA exam registration.
-
All your documents must be in English.
-
You can take the OPRA exam from India as well.
Quick Summary
International pharmacists can register for the OPRA exam via the APC Candidate Portal. The OPRA registration process starts with an eligibility check, followed by the submission of all required documents. The OPRA registration fee is $2,245 per attempt. Registration closes 1 month before exam day. Pass, then request your Skills Assessment Outcome ($300) for your visa. Resits are allowed at any time; the full fee applies to each attempt.
If you trained as a pharmacist outside Australia, you likely need the OPRA exam. OPRA stands for Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment. The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) runs this exam. Passing it allows you to apply for provisional registration as a pharmacist in Australia.
What is the OPRA Exam?
The OPRA exam checks your knowledge of
-
Biomedical
-
Pharmaceutical
-
Clinical sciences
It confirms how much you already know to practice pharmacy in Australia. It is a computer-based MCQ exam that runs for 2.5 hours and contains 120 questions. Passing OPRA is one part of getting a skills assessment outcome. That outcome supports your Australian visa application.
Who Should Register for the OPRA Exam?
This pathway applies only if you have completed your pharmacy qualification outside these countries:
-
Australia
-
Canada
-
Ireland
-
New Zealand
-
UK
-
USA
Your degree must also meet a length requirement. It must equal 4 years of full-time study if completed after 1 January 2006. It must equal 3 years of full-time study if completed before that date. You do not need to show proof of prior registration as a pharmacist.
Quick Eligibility Checklist
Before starting your application, check that you:
-
Hold an eligible overseas pharmacy qualification.
-
Meet APC's academic study requirements.
-
Have the documents required for the eligibility assessment.
-
Can provide original documents and required English translations.
-
Are applying through the APC Candidate Portal.
APC states that evidence of pharmacist registration is not required for this eligibility check.
What is the OPRA Registration Process
The full skills assessment process has two parts. You must complete both in order.
| Part | What It Involves | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Eligibility Check | APC reviews your documents and confirms you can sit OPRA. | $810 |
| 2. OPRA Exam | You sit and pass the computer-based exam. | $2,245 |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | Issued after you pass, for visa use | $300 |
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you apply, confirm you meet the criteria above. Your qualification must include core content in pharmacy and pharmaceutical science. This content must meet the requirements for Australian general registration. If you do not meet these rules, this OPRA pathway does not apply to you.
Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents
APC needs several documents to process your eligibility. Check application. Prepare these before you start your online application.
| Document | Key Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport | Full, uncropped scan showing top and bottom pages |
| Photo-bearing ID | Official document with your photo, issued by an authority |
| Birth Certificate | Or a second photo-bearing document if unavailable |
| Qualification Certificate | Full pharmacy degree details, including issue date |
| Academic Transcript | All subjects and results, every semester, in one file |
| Evidence of Registration | Optional, not required |
| Agent Authorization Form | Optional, only if someone applies on your behalf |
| Name Change Evidence | Required only if your name differs across documents |
Translate any non-English documents in full using a certified (NAATI-accredited) translator. Incomplete or unapproved translations will not be accepted by APC. You must submit your documents, including the English translations.
Step 3: Apply Through the Candidate Portal
You must submit your eligibility. Check only through the official APC Candidate Portal. Follow these steps inside the portal.
-
Sign in to the Candidate Portal.
-
Start your eligibility check application.
-
Upload every required document listed above.
-
Pay the $810 fee using a card from your country of residence.
Apply at least 8 weeks before your target exam registration closes. APC cannot otherwise guarantee your application clears in time.
Step 4: Wait for Your Eligibility Result
APC aims to process applications within 5 working days. Allow up to 4 weeks for unexpected delays. If documents are missing or wrong, processing takes longer. APC may email you asking for more information. You then have 6 months to respond. If you miss that window, your application closes automatically. You would need to reapply and pay the fee again. Once approved, APC emails you to confirm that you can sit for the OPRA exam.
Step 5: Register for the OPRA Exam
Once eligible, you can book your exam seat. Registration only opens during set windows before each exam sitting.
OPRA Exam Dates for 2026
| 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 |
OPRA Exam Dates for 2027
| Registration Period | Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 5 January – 22 February 2027 | 22–24 March 2027 |
| 11 May – 28 June 2027 | 26–28 July 2027 |
| 14 September – 11 October 2027 | 8–10 November 2027 |
You can register when the windows open from 9am to 5pm AEDT/AEST. Registration closes about one month before the exam date. APC does not accept late registrations under any circumstances.
How to Register
-
Confirm your eligibility Check the approval and confirmation email.
-
Log in to the Candidate Portal during registration.
-
Select your preferred test center and exam date.
-
Request special accommodation, if needed, before registering.
-
Pay your $2,245 exam fee using Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
Your card must be issued by a bank in your country of residence. Book early, since popular test centers fill up fast. You can switch to another center if your first choice is full.
Where Can You Sit the OPRA Exam?
APC offers test centers across many countries. Availability changes by location and session. In India, you can sit in these places.
-
Bangalore
-
Chandigarh
-
Chennai
-
Hyderabad
-
Jalandhar
-
Ludhiana
-
Mumbai
-
New Delhi
-
Noida
-
Pune
Seat numbers vary by center and session. Venues can change at short notice. Cancellations sometimes free up new seats. You can reschedule within the same registration period if a better slot opens up.
Conclusion
The OPRA registration process is simple. You can register for this exam through the APC candidate portal after completing the eligibility check and submitting the required documents. Passing the OPRA exam can be a bit challenging. You need a structured study process from experts. Join Elite Expertise and get expert guidance for the OPRA exam course preparation and registration. Contact us today.