How to Become a Pharmacist in New Zealand via OPRA Exam – Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Are you dreaming of working as a pharmacist in New Zealand but are unsure how to navigate the entire process? Well, you are not alone in this! Many overseas-qualified pharmacists have the same dreams but are faced with the ultimate question of how to secure a job that is good enough from all aspects and, most importantly, how to register as a pharmacist in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Well, all confusion put aside, the good news is that the OPRA (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) exam is your gateway to making this far-fetched dream a reality!

The Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ) has designed this pathway to ensure that all overseas-trained pharmacists meet New Zealand’s pharmacy practice standards. So, if you are seriously interested in becoming an overseas qualified pharmacist in New Zealand, this guide will walk you through everything from scratch—eligibility requirements, registration fees, exam format, and the scope as an intern pharmacist.

So, without wasting any time, let us dive into the step-by-step process of how to become a pharmacist in New Zealand via the OPRA Exam pathway.

What Is The OPRA Exam?

In March 2025, the KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) Exam will be replaced by the OPRA (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) Exam. It is now considered to be the standard new assessment for overseas pharmacists who wish to work in New Zealand and Australia.

The OPRA (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) Exam has been designed to assess the knowledge of the aspiring candidates’ pharmaceutical sciences knowledge, clinical expertise, and their respective readiness for becoming eligible and practicing in New Zealand’s competent healthcare system.

Key Features of the OPRA Exam:

Here is a breakdown of the key features of the OPRA Exam:

• The paper will be in a single paper format with 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

• The duration of the entire exam will be 2.5 hours.

• The exam will be focused on particular subjects of pharmaceutical sciences, including therapeutics, disease prevention, medicine management, and New Zealand pharmacy legislation.

• The exam fee is AUD 2,190.

• A candidate is only allowed two attempts for this exam.

Eligibility Criteria for the OPRA Exam

Before you register for the OPRA Exam, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ).

Here is a list of all the requirements or eligibility criteria that you need to possess before applying for the OPRA exam:

• A Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree

• Completion of the initial consideration application form through PCNZ

• English language proficiency—such as Academic IELTS (overall 7.5).

Once all these requirements are met or in your hands, you can safely apply for the initial skill assessment in association with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.

💡 Related Read:

OPRA Exam Eligibility Criteria

Step-By-Step Process To Become A Pharmacist In New Zealand

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how you can easily become a pharmacist in New Zealand.

Step 1: Initial Skill Assessment by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ)

The very first step requires you to apply for an initial consideration application with PCNZ. This allows the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand to assess your application in terms of your pharmacy qualification, work experience (if any), and eligibility for the OPRA exam.

Fee:

The fee for this step is NZD 777

Processing Time: 4–6 weeks.

Step 2: Register for the OPRA Exam

Once the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand confirms your eligibility, you can apply for the OPRA exam. The OPRA exam will be held thrice a year, that is, in March, July, and November. The exam will take place in different test centers across India and other countries.

Exam Format:

Fee: The exam fee is AUD 2,190

💡 Related Read:

OPRA Exam 2025: Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Examination – Everything You Need to Know

Step 3: Pass the New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation (NZPL) Course

Once you have cleared the OPRA exam, you are required to complete the New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation (NZPL) course. This course comprises New Zealand pharmacy legislation, ethical responsibilities, and professional standards, all in accordance with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.

Duration: The entire duration of the course spans over 3 months (10 modules)
Fee: The fee for this course is NZD 2,400
Enrollment: Once a year

Step 4: Register as an Intern Pharmacist

After successfully clearing the OPRA exam and then completing the NZPL course, you are asked to register under the Intern Pharmacist Scope of Practice. This is considered to be a very important step before obtaining the status of a registered pharmacist in New Zealand.

Fee: The fee is NZD 957 for the May intake, and it is NZD 340 for the November intake.

Step 5: Complete the Evolve Internship Programme

The EVOLVE Internship Programme is a supervised practice program that helps all the soon-to-be-registered pharmacists gain real-world pharmacy experience in New Zealand.

During this internship program, pharmacists get to experience the following:

• Work under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist

• Develop expertise in various fields, such as disease prevention services, hospital pharmacy, and community health

• Gain practical training in pharmacy practice and ethical responsibilities.

Internship Duration: February 1st – November 7th

Fee: NZD 8,950

Step 6: Apply For Full Registration As A Pharmacist In New Zealand

Once the internship has been completed, the candidates can apply for a full registration with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ).

Final Registration Fee: NZD 1,312 (May) | NZD 695.33 (November)

Once you have been registered, you will receive your ‘Practicing Certificate’, after which you can start working as a fully licensed pharmacist in New Zealand in full accordance with the pharmacy council!

Important Exam Dates & Registration Deadlines

Why Choose New Zealand for Your Pharmacy Career?

Here are a few reasons to opt for New Zealand for your pharmacy career.

• High Demand:
  There is a significant shortage of pharmacists in New Zealand, leading to an increase in job openings.

• Competitive Salaries:
  Licensed pharmacists can expect to earn between NZD 75,000 and 100,000 annually in New Zealand.

• Quality of Life:
  The country offers a favorable work-life balance, breathtaking scenery, and a welcoming community.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency:
  Once you obtain employment, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency in New Zealand.

How Elite Expertise Can Help You Succeed In The OPRA Exam

The process of preparing for the OPRA Exam can be daunting. However, with appropriate support, you can succeed on your initial attempt.

This is where Elite Expertise plays an essential role. It is a reputable organization dedicated to assisting overseas pharmacists in obtaining registration in New Zealand.

Reasons to Select Elite Expertise:

• Customized Study Plans: They provide individualized strategies designed to enhance your likelihood of passing the OPRA Exam.

• All-encompassing support: Assistance from eligibility evaluation to exam preparation.

• Established Success Rate: Numerous overseas pharmacists have successfully transitioned to New Zealand with the help of Elite Expertise and their one-on-one coaching sessions. Their mentoring has helped tremendously to uplift the morale and confidence levels of candidates, which plays an important role in exam success.

Introducing The Experts At Elite Expertise

Elite Expertise is spearheaded by Mr. Arief Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu, two very esteemed and seasoned professionals devoted to guiding overseas pharmacists toward their goals.

Both these pioneers are practicing Consultant Pharmacists at Monash Hospital, Australia. They are well aware of the struggles that foreign graduates have to undergo to reach the stage where they are today, and so, they have done their best to facilitate all aspiring pharmacists from other countries to take this path with the least complications.

Their extensive understanding of New Zealand’s pharmacy regulations, exam format, and professional practices guarantees that you receive top-notch coaching and assistance. What else is there that you could ask for?

Seeking expert support to pass the OPRA Exam? Reach out to Elite Expertise today and embark on your journey to becoming a pharmacist in New Zealand!

Final Thoughts

The OPRA Exam opportunity is crucial in setting an overseas-trained pharmacist on course to make headway in New Zealand’s competitive market. The entire undertaking, from the application to the internship, has multiple steps, but the rewards are worthwhile.

For foreign pharmacists seeking a professional place to secure their future, New Zealand offers great pharmacy employment opportunities along with promising growth.

If you are dedicated to passing the OPRA Exam, you might want to consider a coaching program with structured materials, mock exams, and guidance from industry professionals.

Finally, having the pathway clearly laid out, are you ready to take the necessary steps toward achieving that pharmacy career you have always wanted in New Zealand?

This blog is for informational purposes only and reflects our own views and interpretations. While we strive for accuracy, guidelines and requirements may change. Readers are advised to verify information with official sources such as the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and Ahpra before making any decisions. We do not take responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided.

⚠️ Disclaimer

About the Author

Sahana Rao

Sahana Chinthapatla is renowned for her expertise in scientific and medical writing, backed by an MPharm in Pharmacology and years of experience in research analysis and scientific writing.

As the Head Business Writer at Elite Expertise, she provides insightful and well-researched content on KAPS, OPRA, PEBC, PSI and global pharmacy pathways, guiding aspiring pharmacists in their professional journeys.

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Head Business Writer | Elite Expertise