OPRA Exam Age Limit Explained: 2025 Guide for International Pharmacists

The OPRA exam, or the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment, is the licensing exam for international pharmacists who aspire to practise in Australia. One of the “frequently asked questions” by international pharmacists is “What is the age limit for the OPRA exam?” So, let's understand the keys aspects of age limit, how they might impact your application, also discussing how to prepare for the OPRA exam effectively.

What is the OPRA exam age limit?

The OPRA exam is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) to assess whether the candidate meets Australian Healthcare standards. When it comes to opting for a pharmacy career overseas, the international pharmacists often have a series of questionnaire on what is the eligibity, how many years is the exam valid, licensing pathway and age limit. Amongst all these the most common one is on the age limit.

To answer this fortunately “No! There is no official age limit for attempting the OPRA exam in case of international pharmacists either in Australia or New Zealand.” Whether you are experienced pharmacists planning to migrate to Australia or a candidate who just finished your graduation you'll be eligible to give the exam as long as you the meet the other criteria like academics and professional requirements.

This reflects the APC believes in the evaluating the pharmacists on the basis of the skills and competencies required for Australian Healthcare system rather than age.

What matters more than “Age?”

For the OPRA exam eligibility the following are considered:

• A minimum four-year recognised pharmacy degree

• Must be either registered as a pharmacist in the country of graduation or eligible to register or registered as a pharmacist in another country where the registering authority is recognised by APC.

• Skills assessment by the APC

• You must be a candidate from countries other than:

Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA.

Step-by-step licensing process for international pharmacists to practise in Australia:

• Check your eligibility through skills assessment process and submit all the required documents for the same.

• Once eligible clear the OPRA exam

• The Skill assessment outcome letter and proceed to visa application and take the English language proficiency test.

• Migrate to Australia

• Get yourself registered as provisional pharmacists with the board

• Apply for Internship under the supervision of a preceptor.

• After completion of 75% of the intern hours you become eligible for the Australian pharmacist’s intern written and oral exam.

• Once you complete the rest of the intern hours and clear the intern exams apply for full registration as a pharmacist with Pharmacy board of Australia.

How many times is the OPRA exam conducted yearly?

Now that you have understood the process the next question is “will I get enough time for my preparation if I decide to give the OPRA exam?” and “how many times will this exam be conducted all through year?”

Well, the exam is conducted thrice a year and allowing maximum number students to write the exam.

Mentioned below are the important dates related to OPRA exam, the registration dates and the result dates. Having an awareness of this well ahead of time will allow you to start your preparation at the earliest.

OPRA Exam Format:

This the exam that evaluates whether candidates have the necessary knowledge and understanding of the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences underlying the practice of pharmacy in Australia. This exam is a replacement for the KAPS exam or in full Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences from March 2025 where the first OPRA exam was conducted by the APC.

This exam is:

• Computer-delivered

• Multiple choice Question (MCQ) based

• With 120 questions

• To be completed in 2.5 hours

• Exam fees is AUD 2190

• And assesses 5 main content areas, here is the blue print:

Also read: OPRA Exam Syllabus Details | Elite Expertise

Self-study or Coaching for OPRA exam?

OPRA exam preparation could be quite exhausting considering the vast syllabus. But with better mentoring and guidance this process could be easier with lesser efforts, especially if you are working professional or have long gap in your academics and work pertaining to pharmacy. Here are a few things explaining why self-study is better than Coaching.

Why Choose Elite Expertise?

• Best trainers for OPRA exam considering the success rate for both OPRA and KAPS exam.

• Best trainers available, Mrs Harika Bheemavarapu and Mr Arief Mohammad, who are both consultant Clinical pharmacists in Australia.

• One payment and we take the responsibility until you pass the exam giving unlimited access to all the facilities until you pass the exam.

• One-to-one doubt solving session

• Online coaching, reducing the hassle of travel

• 300 plus hours of training

• Curated mocks

• Comprehensive training with access to all the study materials and handouts

• Once you are done with OPRA exam we provide guidance for Ahpra registration and intern written and oral exam too.

Conclusion:

OPRA exam is not easy to clear but with right guidance and smart preparation, things get easier and the journey seems joyful. There is no specific age limit for the OPRA exam, meaning anyone who fulfil the eligibility criteria are free to attempt for a pharmacist dream in Australia.

Why wait start your OPRA exam Preparation with Elite Expertise today. Register Now!

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.

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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