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What’s Changing: KAPS Vs OPRA Exam

The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has announced that the KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) exam will be replaced by the OPRA (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) exam starting March 2025. The last attempt for KAPS will be in November 2024.

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What’s Changing: KAPS Vs OPRA Exam
Last Updated: August 1, 2026
2 min read
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The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) is set to introduce the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam in March 2025, replacing the existing Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam. This transition aims to streamline the assessment process for internationally trained pharmacists and ensure alignment with contemporary pharmacy practices in Australia.

Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s changing, how it impacts overseas pharmacists, and the key milestones to keep in mind.

Key Differences Between KAPS and OPRA

The table below highlights the major distinctions between the two exams:

key differences between KAPS Exam Vs OPRA Exam

The shift to a single-paper format and a patient-care-focused curriculum reflects APC's efforts to prioritize skills that pharmacists need in real-world practice.

Key Dates to Remember

Make sure to register early for the OPRA exam during the specified period to secure your spot.

Why This Change Matters

The APC's introduction of the OPRA exam is a strategic step toward modernizing the assessment process for overseas pharmacists. Here’s why this change is significant:

  1. Streamlined Assessment: A single paper reduces the overall exam burden while maintaining a comprehensive evaluation.
  2. Focus on Patient-Centered Care: Greater emphasis on therapeutics and patient management ensures pharmacists are better equipped for practical roles.
  3. Reliable Scoring: The adoption of the Rasch methodology improves fairness and accuracy in evaluating candidates' competencies.

Preparing for the OPRA Exam

At Elite Expertise, we are committed to helping international pharmacists transition smoothly into this new exam structure. For the OPRA exam preparation, our resources and expert guidance include:

  • Comprehensive Study Materials: Updated to reflect the OPRA exam framework.
  • Mock Tests: Practice sessions modeled after the OPRA exam to build confidence and readiness.
  • Focused Mentorship: Personalized support to address individual learning needs.

We aim to ensure you are well-prepared to excel in this new format and achieve your career goals in Australia.

Conclusion

The shift from KAPS to OPRA represents a pivotal moment for overseas pharmacists aspiring to work in Australia. By aligning assessments with current pharmacy practices, the APC is setting a higher standard for professional readiness. With the right preparation and guidance, this change offers a pathway to a fulfilling career in the Australian healthcare system.

For more details about the OPRA exam or to access tailored preparation resources, contact us or visit the APC website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is a new exam introduced by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) in March 2025, replacing the previous KAPS exam.

The OPRA exam modernizes the assessment process to better align with contemporary pharmacy practices and real-world patient care in Australia.

OPRA uses a single-paper format, reducing exam burden compared to the previous multi-paper KAPS structure.

OPRA places greater emphasis on therapeutics, patient management, and patient-centered care skills needed in practical pharmacy roles.

OPRA uses the Rasch methodology, which improves fairness and accuracy in evaluating candidates' competencies compared to the previous scoring system.

It is designed for internationally trained pharmacists seeking registration to practice in Australia.

Candidates are advised to register early during the specified registration period to secure their spot.

Elite Expertise provides updated comprehensive study materials, mock tests, and personalized mentorship aligned with the OPRA framework.

Yes, practice sessions modeled specifically after the OPRA exam format are available to build confidence and readiness.

You can visit the APC website or contact Elite Expertise directly for tailored preparation resources and guidance.

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