Key Takeaways
-
Failing the OPRA exam is not the end. You can register and sit the exam again.
-
There is no fixed limit on attempts for the Australian OPRA pathway but the New Zealand OPRA pathway allows only 2 attempts.
-
Every reattempt needs a fresh registration and full exam fee (AUD 2,245).
-
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) does not share your score or reasons for failing.
-
You can use the APC Appeals Policy only for exam-day problems, not for your result.
-
Many students need more than one try, so failing once is common and normal.
Quick Summary
If you fail the OPRA exam, you can simply register for the next exam session and try again. Australia has no attempt limit, but New Zealand allows only 2 tries. You pay the full fee each time and must prepare properly before your next attempt.
What Happens If You Fail the OPRA Exam?
If you fail, you simply apply to sit the exam again in the next session. There is no penalty besides the time and the new exam fee.
Failing the OPRA exam feels stressful, but the process after that is simple. The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) does not block you from trying again. You just need to register once more through the Candidate Portal, pay the fee, and re-sit the full exam (not just the parts you failed).
A few important points to know:
-
The APC does not give you your score or tell you which topics you got wrong.
-
Results go through careful checks, so once released, they are final and are not open to appeal.
-
You can appeal only if something went wrong on exam day, such as a technical or administrative issue, under the official Appeals Policy.
How Many Times Can You Reattempt the OPRA Exam?
For Australia, there is no fixed limit on the number of attempts. For New Zealand, candidates get 2 attempts, and anything after that depends on PCNZ's decision.
This is one of the biggest differences between the two pathways of the OPRA exam, so it helps to see them side by side.
| Pathway | Number of Attempts | Who Decides Extra Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (APC) | No official maximum limit | Not applicable |
| New Zealand (PCNZ) | 2 attempts | Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ) |
So if your goal is to work in Australia, you can keep reattempting the exam until you pass. If your goal is New Zealand, be extra careful, since only 2 chances are guaranteed.
How Much Does It Cost to Retake the OPRA Exam?
Each reattempt costs the full exam fee again. There is no discount or reduced fee for repeat candidates.
The APC treats every sitting as a brand-new exam booking. This means old fees or registrations are not carried forward.
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| OPRA Exam Fee (Per Attempt) | AU$2,245 |
| Skills Assessment Outcome Fee | AU$300 |
| Refund on Failed Attempt | Not refundable |
Keep this in mind while planning your budget, especially if you may need more than one attempt. It is smarter to prepare well and reduce the chance of a retake.
When Can You Sit the OPRA Exam Again?
You can register for the next available exam session once it opens in the Candidate Portal. You cannot pick a random date; you must wait for the next scheduled sitting.
The OPRA exam is held a few times a year. So if you fail one session, you will need to wait for the next opening. Register early once the window opens, since seats and test centres can fill up fast.
-
Watch the Candidate Portal for the next session dates.
-
Complete your registration and payment before the deadline.
-
Choose your preferred Pearson VUE test centre early.
What Should You Do After Failing the OPRA Exam?
Take time to review your preparation, strengthen your weak areas, and register early for the next session with a stronger study plan.
Failing once does not mean you are not capable. Many candidates pass on their second or third attempt. Use this time wisely.
-
Go through your study notes and focus more on clinical and pharmacology topics.
-
Practice more MCQs and case-based questions, since OPRA uses clinical scenarios.
-
Talk to trainers or mentors who understand the OPRA exam pattern.
-
Join a structured course instead of studying alone, if you struggled the first time.
-
Take care of your health and confidence before the next attempt.
Where Can You Prepare for Your Next OPRA Attempt?
Elite Expertise offers a complete OPRA exam preparation course built for candidates who want a second, well-planned attempt or a strong first try.
The course runs for 3.5 months, spread across 15 weeks, with 300+ hours of live and recorded lectures and 3,000+ practice questions. It covers every major OPRA topic, from pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to clinical scenarios and applied pharmacy practice.
-
5 modules, 150 lessons, covering the full OPRA syllabus
-
Weekly live classes plus recorded sessions for flexible learning
-
Regular assignments with feedback from trainers
-
A private WhatsApp community of fellow OPRA candidates
-
Full mock exams that copy the real exam pattern
This structured plan is especially useful for candidates preparing for a reattempt, since it targets weak areas with focused practice.
How Does Elite Expertise Help Students Pass the OPRA Exam?
Elite Expertise is led by two experienced, KAPS-qualified clinical pharmacists working in Australian hospitals, who teach using real clinical case studies and regular mock tests.
The course is run by Mr. Arief Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu, Directors and Co-Founders of Elite Expertise. Together they have guided more than 10,000 candidates toward the OPRA exam.
Meet the trainers:
| Trainer | Background | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Arief Mohammad | KAPS Qualified, AACP-Accredited Consultant Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist at Northern Health Hospital (Melbourne) | 10+ years, 5,600+ students trained |
| Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu | KAPS Qualified, AACP-Accredited Consultant Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist & Educator at Monash Health Hospital (Melbourne) | 10+ years, 4,900+ students trained |
Both trainers work as practising clinical pharmacists in Melbourne hospitals, so they bring real, current hospital experience into every class instead of just textbook theory.
How they teach:
-
Live interactive classes that explain concepts in simple terms, not just theory
-
Heavy focus on clinical scenarios, since OPRA is scenario-based
-
Step-by-step teaching of tricky topics like pharmaceutical calculations and drug interactions
-
Weekly assignments to test understanding, with direct feedback from the trainers themselves
-
Full-length mock exams conducted by the trainers, run under real exam-like timing and conditions
-
Recorded classes so students can revisit difficult topics at their own pace
-
Continuous doubt-clearing support through their dedicated WhatsApp community
Because Mr. Arief and Mrs. Harika are hands-on with every batch, students get personal feedback rather than generic, one-size-fits-all lessons. This student-friendly, practice-heavy approach is designed to help candidates walk into their next attempt with more confidence.
Final Words
Failing the OPRA exam is not the end of your Australia pharmacist journey. Thousands of candidates need more than one attempt, and the system is built to give you that chance, especially in Australia, where there is no attempt limit. Use the gap before your next try to study smarter, practice more clinical questions, and consider a structured course like Elite Expertise if you want extra guidance. Stay patient, plan your next attempt properly and keep moving forward.
References
One Attempt Down, Not Out — Prepare Better for Your Next Try
Thousands of candidates pass on their second or third attempt. Elite Expertise's structured 3.5-month course targets your weak areas with focused practice, guided by practising Australian clinical pharmacists.
Talk to Our Experts →