How to Prepare for the OPRA Exam – Guide for Overseas Pharmacists

The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam helps candidates become registered pharmacists in Australia and New Zealand. Although the process of becoming one might seem overwhelming, it is not impossible.

This guide will cover how to prepare and things to look for when appearing for the exam so that your career doesn’t take a backseat.

What is the OPRA Exam?

The OPRA exam full form stands for Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment exam. It assesses a candidate’s knowledge of biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences to practice pharmacy in Australia and New Zealand.

The OPRA exam is a faster, more affordable route to practice pharmacy in Australia. Passing this exam shows the applicant’s understanding of the regulations and readiness to integrate into the Australian healthcare system as a registered pharmacist in Australia.

In addition to this, you must register for the English language proficiency test. English language requirements are strict. You will need to demonstrate good English language proficiency to effectively communicate at work. For this, you can take an online preparatory course.

You can find a detailed guide about the exam here.

What are the Key Changes in the OPRA Exam Format?

Earlier applicants used to appear for the KAPS exam, which used to assess their skills to work as a registered pharmacist in Australia. Since March 2025, it has now been replaced by the OPRA exam. According to the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), the OPRA exam format has key changes.

• Shorter than the KAPS exam (2 papers), while OPRA has a single paper. All questions will be multiple choice.

• Although the content is similar between the two exams. It has been moderately revised. OPRA focuses more on therapeutic and application of knowledge questions.

• Updated the way of scoring

• Cost is reduced

It’s important to stay updated with the latest OPRA Exam dates and syllabus changes, which are usually announced by the APC well in advance.

What Has NOT Changed in the OPRA Exam?

Despite the evolving nature of pharmacy practice, several core elements remain consistent in the OPRA exam in Australia:

• The difficulty of the exam remains the same

• The eligibility and registration process remain unchanged

• It will be conducted in test centres only

• No changes in the number of attempts or validity of results

How to Prepare for the OPRA Exam?

Earlier, candidates were required to appear in the KAPS exam; however, OPRA has replaced it since March 2025. Preparing for the OPRA Exam requires a structured approach and access to quality resources.

The OPRA exam is a closed-book, computer-based assessment conducted at authorised testing centres.

Before moving forward with the strategy, let's look at what the exam entails:

• The exam has 120 multiple-choice questions, one of which is correct and the other three are incorrect.

• The time to finish the exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

• You are allowed only 5 minutes before the exam to read and accept a non-disclosure agreement and 10 minutes to go through a tutorial about the exam software.

• After the exam, a feedback survey that takes 5 minutes to complete is available for you.

• Such surveys will not affect your total exam time. The timer runs from the moment you start a question.

• Each exam session consists of multiple live test versions, assigned randomly. All questions are also shown in random order.

Let's look at the strategy:

Understand the Pattern

One single paper, 120 questions, lasts 2.5 hours. Keeping this in mind will ensure a good understanding of this exam.

Know the Syllabus

Study the most recent and updated syllabus of the exam. Identify core topics and competencies and prioritise your time accordingly

Practice Regularly

Use mock tests and past papers. Try to practice within the 2.5-hour time limit. This will improve your time management and concentration skills.

Understand the Rasch Methodology

The Rasch method assesses a candidate’s answer, the difficulty of the question, and then decides the score. This ensures performance-based evaluation. Familiarise yourself with this to develop adaptability.

Join a Coaching Program

Enroll in a reputable OPRA Exam preparation course such as Elite Expertise. Our experts are clinical pharmacists in Australia with 10+ years of teaching experience.

Most importantly, ensure you meet the OPRA exam eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and language proficiency.

What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid?

Many candidates underestimate the intensity of the OPRA Exam and make preventable mistakes during preparation, such as:

• Relying solely on theory without practicing hands-on skills

• Not reviewing recent changes to the OPRA Exam format or syllabus

• Ignoring time limits during practice sessions

• Failing to seek feedback from experienced mentors or instructors

It's important to understand that self-study alone may not be enough to pass the exam. To succeed, you'll likely need comprehensive explanations and proper guidance to prepare for and tackle the exam effectively.

How Much Does the OPRA Exam Cost?

The cost is different for each stage in the exam.

How Elite Expertise Can Help You Prepare

At Elite Expertise, we specialize in preparing overseas pharmacists for the OPRA exam. Our expert-led programs are designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel.

Our services include:

Live and recorded video tutorials for 3.5 months

Mock exams that simulate real test environments

Personalized feedback and performance analysis

Access to up-to-date study materials and question banks

We understand the challenges faced by international pharmacists and tailor our curriculum accordingly.

Whether you're looking for guidance on OPRA exam eligibility, cost-effective preparation options, or insights into upcoming OPRA exam dates, Elite Expertise is your one-stop solution.

Conclusion

Your path to success is not a distant dream. Preparing early for the OPRA exam and avoiding common errors are essential so you can progress in your career without any hindrances.

Begin early, keep yourself updated, and get good training. We at Elite Expertise are with you all the way to help you reach your goals and be successful in your journey to become a licensed pharmacist in Australia.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the OPRA exam, the official resources from the Australian Pharmacy Council and the Pharmacy Board of Australia are the definitive sources of information.

About the Author

Radhika

Content Writer | Elite Expertise

Radhika loves all things content! With a Master's in English Literature and over 4 years of experience in digital strategies. She specializes in creating engaging content across diverse industries - including healthcare, technology, and e-commerce - always writing content that connects to its readers.

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