Table of Content
- What are the OPRA and KAPS exams?
- When did the OPRA exam replace the KAPS exam?
- What's the difference between the OPRA and KAPS exams?
- What is the eligibility for the OPRA exam?
- What is the syllabus of the OPRA exam?
- What is the date of the OPRA exam?
- How much do you need for OPRA exam Registration?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- OPRA exam is the current exam that international pharmacists need to pass to become registered pharmacists in Australia.
- KAPS exam is an older exam that was replaced by the OPRA exam in 2025 by APC.
- In OPRA, there is only one set of exams, but in KAPS there is 2 sets of exams.
- Knowledge Stream candidates can take the OPRA exam for Australia, and candidates who are following the non-comparable process can take the exam for New Zealand.
- OPRA exam syllabus has 5 content areas that need to be prepared properly to score well.
- The last OPRA exam in 2026 is in November.
- For each attempt, you have to pay AUD$2,245.
Quick Summary
KAPS is the older exam taken by international pharmacists; it was replaced by the OPRA exam in 2025 by the Australian Pharmacy Council. KAPS exam is lengthy, with two sets of exams, but the OPRA exam has only one set. An international pharmacist has to pass the OPRA exam to become a registered pharmacist in Australia or New Zealand. The fee for this exam is AUD$2,245 per attempt.
Many international pharmacists are still searching for the KAPS exam even today. But now this exam does not happen; it is an old term now. Australian Pharmacy Council replaced this exam in 2025 with the OPRA exam. So, let's understand the difference between OPRA and KAPS exams in this blog.
What are the OPRA and KAPS exams?
OPRA exam is a current pharmacy exam that international pharmacists have to pass to practice in Australia or New Zealand. In this exam, APC assesses the pharmacy and clinical knowledge of the candidate to ensure it meets the country's standard. It is a computer-based MCQ exam that you can take from your home country as well, if a centre is available there.
KAPS exam's full name is Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Science. It is an older exam that was taken by international pharmacists to become a registered pharmacist in Australia or New Zealand. It was replaced by the OPRA exam. This exam does not happen now.
When did the OPRA exam replace the KAPS exam?
OPRA exam replaced the KAPS exam in 2025. The last KAPS exam happened in November 2024. 31st July 2024, it was announced by the Australian Pharmacy Council. The main reasons for the replacement were these.
- Better exam design and scoring method
- Revised content with stronger clinical knowledge
- Shorter and more targeted
APC now uses the Rasch Model to select and score the OPRA questions.
What's the difference between the OPRA and KAPS exams?
There is a huge difference between the OPRA and KAPS exams. Let's understand them through the given tables below.
| Features | KAPS exam | OPRA exam |
|---|---|---|
| Number of papers | 2 sets | 1 set |
| Questions | 200 ( 100 per set) | 120 |
| Duration | 4 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Break Needed | Yes | No |
| Scoring Method | Older Method | Rasch Model |
| Content Focus | 4 areas | 5 areas |
| Fee | AUD$2,290 | AUD$2,245 |
| Status | Discontinue from 2025 | Continue from 2025 |
Only the name has not changed, but the exam format, syllabus content areas, and all these things have changed.
What is the eligibility for the OPRA exam?
The OPRA exam is designed for two countries. Australia and New Zealand. Let's see who is eligible to take this in both countries.
| Countries | Who can apply |
|---|---|
| Australia | Knowledge Stream Candidate |
| New Zealand | Non-Comparable pathway |
See, only the OPRA exam is the same for both countries, but the registration process to become a pharmacist in Australia and New Zealand is different.
What is the syllabus of the OPRA exam?
OPRA exam syllabus is divided into 5 content areas, and the KAPS exam syllabus is divided into 4 content areas. So let's understand what the OPRA exam content areas are, along with their weightage.
OPRA Exam Syllabus
| Content Areas | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Biomedical Science | 20% |
| Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics | 10% |
| Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics | 10% |
| Pharmacology and Toxicology | 15% |
| Therapeutics and Patient Care | 45% |
What is the date of the OPRA exam?
Australian Pharmacy Council runs the OPRA exam three times a year. This is best for the candidate; if you miss one, you can go for the 2nd or 3rd session. Always try to apply for this exam earlier so you do not have to hurry at the last minute.
In 2026, the last OPRA exam is in November. Here are the Upcoming OPRA exam dates for which you can go for it.
| Registration Period | Exam Dates | Result Released |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Aug - 19 Oct 2026 | 23 - 25 Nov 2026 | 22 Dec 2026 |
| 19 Jan - 22 Feb 2027 | 22- 24 March 2027 | 6 May 2027 |
| 11 May - 28 June 2027 | 26 - 28 July 2027 | 9 Sep 2027 |
| 14 Sep - 11 Oct 2027 | 8 - 10 Nov 2027 | 23 Dec 2027 |
How much do you need for OPRA exam Registration?
OPRA exam fee is AUD$2,245 per attempt. But before the OPRA exam, you have to pass the APC eligibility check. Without passing it, you cannot register for the OPRA exam. And to pass the OPRA exam, you have to apply for the Skill Assessment Outcome.
Let's see what the fees for them are
| Fee Type | Amount (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Check | 810 | Fixed and non-refundable |
| OPRA Exam | 2,245 | Charged per attempt |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | 300 | Payable after passing |
| Total (one attempt) | 3,355 | Excludes bank and visa costs |
Conclusion
By reading this blog, you will understand the difference between the OPRA and KAPS exams. OPRA exam is the current pharmacy exam that candidates need to take. KAPS exam was replaced by the OPRA exam in 2025. The fee for this exam is less than the KAPS exam.
Are you an international pharmacist who is preparing for the OPRA exam? Do you need professional guidance in OPRA exam preparation? If yes, then join Elite Expertise. Our professional trainers make your learning easy and fun because they will teach you with real examples.
Preparing for OPRA, Not KAPS? Start the Right Way
Learn the new single-paper OPRA format and all 5 content areas with Australian clinical pharmacist trainers and real case examples.
Contact Elite Expertise Today →