Working As a Pharmacist in New Zealand: What You Need to Know

If you're considering migrating to the beautiful country of New Zealand to work as a pharmacist, you may have questions about the steps involved, including the New Zealand OPRA exam, registration requirements and job prospects.

Whether you're looking to make the move to New Zealand or an internationally trained pharmacist navigating the OPRA exam process, the following answers will clarify the key steps involved and help you understand the journey to becoming a pharmacist in New Zealand.

Moving to New Zealand as a Pharmacist

New Zealand remains a highly attractive destination for pharmacists, thanks to its high demand for healthcare professionals, competitive salaries and quality of life. The country is experiencing a pharmacist shortage, particularly in regional and rural areas, creating strong employment opportunities for both local and internationally trained pharmacists.

How Much Do New Zealand Pharmacists Earn?

Pharmacists in New Zealand can expect competitive salaries, with earnings varying based on experience, location and the workplace setting.

Entry-level pharmacists typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 USD per year, while experienced pharmacists can earn anywhere from $65,000 to $85,000 USD annually.

Salaries tend to be higher in hospital and specialist roles and can also increase for pharmacists working in rural or high-demand areas.

What Do I Need to Study to Move to New Zealand?

As of March 2025, the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA™) exam has replaced the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam for overseas-trained pharmacists seeking registration in New Zealand. The OPRA™ exam is now the required assessment to demonstrate your readiness to practise pharmacy in New Zealand.

For pharmacists trained in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States, the Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists (CAOP™) exam remains the appropriate pathway for registration in New Zealand.

If you are an overseas-trained pharmacist, you must completetheOPRA exam and asupervised internship before applying for full registration. A valid work visa is also necessary, and most candidates apply for one after securing an internship position with an approved employer.

The process is much simpler forAustralian pharmacistsmoving to New Zealand. Under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMRA), those who are already registered in Australia can apply for recognition and start working in New Zealand without having to sit the OPRA exam.

What is the OPRA Exam?

The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam is a competency-based assessment introduced to replace the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam. This change ensures that overseas-trained pharmacists meet New Zealand’s professional standards and are equipped to provide high-quality patient care.

Unlike KAPS, the OPRA exam places greater emphasis on real-world pharmacy practice, clinical decision-making and patient care scenarios rather than purely theoretical pharmaceutical sciences.

Key Changes with the OPRA

The transition from KAPS to OPRA brings several key changes for overseas pharmacists:

• The exam has been redesigned to focus on real-world pharmacy practice in New Zealand.

• Greater emphasis is placed on clinical and patient-care scenarios.

• The OPRA exam includes case-based assessments that reflect modern pharmacy practices.

• The pass criteria have been adjusted to align with New Zealand’s pharmacy competency framework.

What Remains Unchanged?

Despite these changes, some aspects of the registration process remain the same:

• International pharmacists must still complete 1,450 hours of supervised practice (internship) in New Zealand before full registration.

• The New Zealand Pharmacy Law & Ethics exam is still required.

• English language proficiency requirements (such as IELTS or OET) continue to apply. You will need ELTS (Academic) minimum score of 7.0 in each band, OET (Occupational English Test for Pharmacy) Grade A or B in each component.

• The registration process with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ) remains largely the same.

While the exam format has evolved, the fundamental steps to becoming a registered pharmacist in New Zealand remain unchanged.

What Happens After You Pass the OPRA Exam?

Once you’ve successfully completed the OPRA exam, your journey isn’t quite over. There are still a few essential steps to becoming a fully registered pharmacist in New Zealand:

1. Complete the NZ Pharmacy Legislation (NZPL) Course: This 10-module online course covers pharmacy law, ethics and professional practice in New Zealand. It must be completed before you begin your internship.

2. Register as an Intern Pharmacist: After finishing the NZPL course, you can apply to practise under the Intern Pharmacist Scope with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.

3. Undertake the EVOLVE Internship Programme: This structured, full-time internship typically runs from February to November and includes 1,450 hours of supervised pharmacy practice in New Zealand.

4. Apply for Full Registration: Once your internship is complete and all requirements are met, you can apply for full registration and begin working independently as a pharmacist in New Zealand.
   

The whole process, from eligibility assessment to complete registration, typically takes 12 to 24 months, depending on exam cycles, internship availability and visa processing.

Start Your Pharmacy Career in New Zealand

Whether you’re an overseas-trained pharmacist preparing for the OPRA exam or exploring the pathway to live and work in New Zealand, now is a great time to act. With strong demand across the country — especially in regional and rural areas — your skills are needed more than ever.

As you prepare for your next step, it’s also worth considering practical details like visa requirements, accommodation and relocation planning. Most pharmacists arrange housing once their internship placement is confirmed, particularly if they’re placed outside the main cities.

Elite Expertise offers targeted coaching and preparation for the OPRA exam and supports you throughout your entire registration journey, from eligibility assessment to full registration.

Get in touch to take the next step in your pharmacy career.

Begin Your Pharmacy Career in New Zealand Today

With the high demand for pharmacists across New Zealand, now is the perfect time to explore your career opportunities.

For more information on international pharmacy career opportunities, visitElite Expertise.