How to Prepare for the OPRA Exam for Pharmacists in 3 Months

Preparation for the OPRA exam does not have to be a hassle. With simple tips, you can successfully appear for the examination.

The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam, which previously was the KAPS exam, is an examination for international pharmacists seeking to work in Australia. It is clinically focused and practice-ready to be a licensed pharmacist in Australia, making it crucial for your career.

A pharmacist salary in Australia can range from AUD 70,000 to AUD 100,000. However, this depends on your skills, experience, location, and the kind of pharmaceutical industry you work in.

What Is the OPRA Exam?

The OPRA exam, or Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment, is a computer-based test under the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).

The purpose of the exam is to assess whether pharmacists meet the standards, knowledge, and skills to practice pharmacy safely and effectively in Australia.

The OPRA exam will be evaluated with a single paper of 120 multiple-choice questions of 2.5 hours. Here's the OPRA exam syllabus.

• Biomedical Sciences (20%)

• Medicinal Chemistry & Biopharmaceutics (10%)

• Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics (10%)

• Pharmacology & Toxicology (15%)

• Therapeutics & Patient Care (45%)

Is there a difference between the KAPS and the OPRA exam? Unlike the older KAPS exam, the OPRA exam’s content has been updated with a focus on skills vital for modern pharmacy practice. However, the difficulty level remains similar.

What are the OPRA Exam Dates for 2025?

Your 3-Month Study Plan

Month 1: Build Your Foundation

• Understand the exam structure comprising 120 MCQs. It is a closed-book computer test.

• Focus on biomedical sciences and pharmacology.

• Get acquainted with the OPRA format through sample questions.

• Start reading Australian pharmacy practice standards.

Month 2: Dive into Therapeutics

• Make therapeutics and patient care your top priority—almost 50% of the exam.

• Apply clinical scenarios and case-based questions for practice.

• Think of joining a structured pharmacist course for guided learning.

Month 3: Practice & Refine

• Do full-length mock exams in a timed, exam environment setting.

• Spot the weak points and revise smartly.

• Go through the Rasch method that is used in the OPRA exam.

What is after the OPRA Exam?

1. Request your Skills Assessment Outcome via the Candidate Portal after clearing the exam.

2. Use it to apply for a visa through the Department of Home Affairs and for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (AHPRA).

3. Complete your supervised practice

4. Pass the pharmacist intern written and oral exam

5. Pass the English Language required test (PTE, OET, IELTS)

How Elite Expertise Can Help

Preparing for the OPRA exam can be hard, but you definitely don't have to do it all by yourself. Elite Expertise provides a full-fledged OPRA exam preparation course. We also provide courses on how to clear the Intern – Written and Oral exam. We offer:

• 300+ live and recorded lectures

• Coaching led by clinical professionals in the pharmaceutical industry with 10+ teaching experience

• Mock exams that are just like the real OPRA exam

• E-learning platforms that are compatible with any device (Android, iOS, Windows), so you can learn anytime, anywhere

• Access to study materials till the end of your examination

• Counselling and support for all our examinations through the community

Elite Expertise’s structured approach not only boosts your confidence but also significantly increases your chances of passing on the first attempt.

Conclusion

Remember, study well, take help and you will succeed. Ensure you have the right documentation, preparation materials, know the format before appearing for the exam.

With a focused 3-month plan and the right support from Elite Expertise, you can confidently take the next step toward becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia.

This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date content, the details regarding the OPRA exam, syllabus, registration process, and pharmacist registration requirements are subject to change by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and other relevant regulatory bodies. Readers are advised to refer to official sources such as the APC and the Pharmacy Board of Australia (Ahpra) for the latest information. Elite Expertise does not provide legal, immigration, or registration advice, but offers educational and exam preparation support for pharmacy professionals.

⚠️ Disclaimer

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.

Follow On