OPRA vs Other Pharmacy Exams: A Detailed Analysis

The dream of practising as a registered pharmacist in countries like Australia, Canada, the USA, Ireland, the UAE, or New Zealand for an internationally trained graduate begins with clearing the licensure exam. These exams assess your knowledge, skills, and readiness to practice in specific countries according to their healthcare standards. Among the most recognized exams are the OPRA exam (Australia, New Zealand), PEBC exam (Canada), PSI Equivalence Exam (Ireland), NAPLEX (USA), and DHA (Dubai). Each exam has its structure, eligibility, criteria, and registration pathway.

This blog post will provide comprehensive details on these major pharmacy licensure exams. We will also introduce Elite Expertise, a trusted training institute with proven success in preparing candidates for OPRA, PEBC, and PSI exams under the guidance of expert educators Mr. Arief Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarpu, both of whom are experienced clinical pharmacists.

What is the OPRA Exam-Australia?

The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is a mandatory step after the initial eligibility assessment. It is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council and is part of Australia's Knowledge stream pathway for internationally qualified pharmacists.

Key features:

• This exam assesses internationally trained pharmacists' pharmaceutical knowledge, clinical skills, and communication skills.

• Computer-based single paper that comprises 120 multiple-choice questions covering clinical, pharmaceuticals & ethical topics

• Successfully clearing this exam is essential for the Provisional AHPRA registration and Visa process.

• Candidates should focus on their preparation, which requires a strong focus on Australian standards, patient safety, and case studies.

👉 Also Read: OPRA Exam Eligibility Criteria

What is the PEBC Exam-Canada?

The Pharmacy Examination Board of Canada (PEBC) certifies foreign-trained pharmacists through multiple examination steps.

Steps include:

• Evaluating examination: tests foundational knowledge in pharmacy.

• Qualifying examination: Part 1(MCQs) and Part 2 (OSCE)-these exams test both clinical and practical knowledge

• Eligibility: A minimum of 4 years of a pharmacy degree with document verification done by PEBC

• After clearing both these exams, candidates can apply for a provisional license.

• Exams mainly focus on Canadian healthcare practice, clinical skills, and ethical knowledge of Canadian pharmacy practice.

👉 Also Read: PEBC Evaluating Exam Update: May 2025 Eligibility Changes for IPGs

What is the PSI Equivalence Exam - Ireland?

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) Equivalent Exam is designed for non-EU/EEA pharmacists. This exam ensures your academic and professional credentials match Irish standards.

Process involves:

• Application and credential submission to the PSI for verifications

• After the holistic assessment, PSI will inform the pathway to be adopted by the candidate, which will be either no exam, attempt only one part of the exams, or both exams to be tried by the candidates.

• Apply for an examination visa.

• I successfully cleared the PSI equivalent exam and registered in Ireland.

• Several changes have been made to the eligibility criteria for international candidates since April 2025. Pharm, M.Pharm, and Pharm D are now accepted.

• They have removed the adaptation period. Candidates can directly apply for registration after the completion of the exam.

👉 Also Read: Documents for Pharmacist Qualification Recognition in Ireland

What is NAPLEX in the United States of America?

The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is a part of the USA licensure process.

• It is administered by the NABP (National Association of Board of Pharmacy)

• The foreign graduate must get their credentials assessed and approved by FPGEC.

• It is a computer-based examination (FPGEE-Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency examination ) focusing on Pharmacotherapy, calculations, and patient care.

• Additional requirements include TOEFL iBT, Internship hours, and state-specific law exam(MPJE-Multistate Pharmacist Jurisprudence Examination)

What is the DHA Exam-Dubai?

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam is conducted for pharmacists who seek a license in Dubai.

• Eligibility: At least a 4-year bachelor's degree with 2 years of experience outside the UAE

• It is a multiple-choice exam conducted via Prometric

• Candidates can attempt the examination after document verification and the dataflow process

• The syllabus includes UAE laws, pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, etc

Pharmacy Licensing Process Overview

Which Pharmacy Exam is Right for You?

Choosing the right exam depends on several factors. It is crucial to select the country in which you want to live. Some common factors to consider are:

• Destination Country

• Qualification recognition

• Career goals

• Time & financial investment

• Visa pathways and residency options

Countries like Pharmacist in Australia, Canada, or Ireland offer better options if you aim for long-term settlement and permanent residency. For faster employment or regional mobility in the Middle East, DHA is a practical choice.

What are the Key Differences in Exam Eligibility and Process?

1. Australia: Candidates must undergo a skills assessment before attempting the examination. Once they clear the exam, they must complete a supervised internship under a registered pharmacist and pass two more exams (Australian Intern written and oral exams) before final registration.

2. Canada: It is a tough exam with a 2-step licensure process that highly focuses on clinical and practical knowledge

3. Ireland: The document evaluation process is a bit tougher, taking more time and being a bit more complicated than in other countries. However, no internship is required after successfully clearing the examination.

4. USA: Requires FPGEC Certification along with TOEFL and document verification

5. Dubai: This process is quicker than others, but 2 years of experience is mandatory.

How will Elite Expertise help you prepare for the OPRA, PEBC, and PSI exams?

Elite Expertise is a premium training institute that specializes in preparing pharmacists for licensure exams in countries like Australia, New Zealand (OPRA), PEBC Exam (Canada), and Ireland (PSI)

What sets Elite Expertise Apart?

• 👨‍🏫Experienced faculty: Mr. Arief Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarpu, who are accredited consultant clinical pharmacists in Australia with highly qualified, globally accepted clinical knowledge

• 📘Comprehensive curriculum: Covers relevant syllabus, mock exams, 100+ case-based studies, 80+ live and recorded sessions

• 🎯High success rate: Proven track record of helping candidates clear exams on the first attempt

• 🧭Personalized guidance: one-to-one mentorship, doubt-clearing sessions, and application support

• 🎓Flexible learning: Online live and recorded classes to accommodate international students' schedules

Conclusion:

Pharmacy licensure abroad is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Choosing the right exam, whether OPRA, PEBC, PSI, NAPLEX, or DHA, depends on where you wish to build your career. Each comes with its own process, timeline, and preparation demands.

You can become a registered pharmacist overseas with the proper guidance and expert support. Join Elite Expertise today and take your first confident step towards an international pharmacy career.

About the Author

Krupa Karamchand

Content Writer | Elite Expertise

Krupa Karamchand is a B. Pharm graduate and KAPS-qualified pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. As an experienced SEO content writer, she combines her in-depth healthcare knowledge with proven digital strategies to create informative, engaging, and search engine–optimized blogs. Krupa is passionate about making complex medical topics easy to understand and accessible to all readers.

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