Australian Pharmacist licensing exam-prepares you for OPRA Exam (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment)
Replacing KAPS Exam: Beginning March 2025
The OPRA exam (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) evaluates whether overseas-trained pharmacists have the knowledge and skills to practise safely in Australia. It falls under the Knowledge Stream and tests pharmaceutical, biomedical, and clinical sciences, plus real-world pharmacy practice.
Which Stream Do You Follow?
New Zealand Registered Pharmacist Stream
Completed a recognised pharmacy degree in New Zealand Already registered in New Zealand and now Applying in Australia OR New Zealand.
Competency Stream
Pharmacy graduates currently registered in Canada, Ireland, the UK, or the USA.
Knowledge Stream
Pharmacy graduate from any other country (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Africa, etc.) OR graduated from Canada/Ireland/UK/USA but not currently registered there.
Knowledge Stream — Who Is It For?
For pharmacists who completed their degree outside Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA, including countries like:
OPRA Exam process step by step
Follow these steps to successfully complete your licensing assessment
Why Do You Need Skills Assessment Outcome?
The skills assessment outcome is a crucial document that validates your qualifications and competencies as a pharmacist in Australia.
To support a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs
To apply for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia
Eligibility for the Knowledge Stream
Your pharmacy qualification must be one of:
Skills Assessment Structure
Skills Assessment Application
Passing the Eligibility Check
Passing the OPRA Exam
- Eligibility Check Duration: 8-12 weeks (may take longer if incorrect documents are submitted).
- Eligibility Check Expiry: No expiry once completed.
OPRA Exam Fees & Costs
Transparent pricing for all stages of your licensing journey
Total Investment
Complete your entire licensing process
AU$3,355
OPRA Exam Skill Assessment - Required Documents
Ensure you have all required documents before submitting your application
Required Documents
- ✓
Passport
Full image, not cropped. Alternative: AU/NZ Driver's Licence, Government ID, or ImmiCard.
- ✓
Photo ID
Issued by any authority and must clearly include your photograph.
- ✓
Birth Certificate
If unavailable, you may provide a second photo ID instead.
- ✓
Qualification Certificate
Full degree certificate only and must include the issuing date.
- ✓
Academic Transcript
All pages, all subjects and results. NAATI translation is recommended if required.
Optional Documents
- ✓
Evidence of Registration
Not mandatory. You can still apply without providing this document.
- ✓
Agent Authorisation Form
Required only if someone else is communicating with APC on your behalf.
- ✓
Name Change Evidence
Required only when your name differs across submitted documents.
OPRA Exam Test Syllabus
Understand the key topics and subjects covered in the OPRA exam to focus your preparation effectively.
OPRA Exam Format
Understand what to expect on exam day
Duration
2.5 hours
Total Questions
120 MCQs
Mode
Computer-based
Fee
AU $2245
What to Study
- →Pharmaceutical sciences
- →Biomedical sciences
- →Clinical sciences
- →Real-world pharmacy practice
- →Australian pharmacy regulations
Exam Tips
- →Arrive early to the exam centre
- →Read each question carefully
- →Manage your time (1.25 min per question)
- →Don't leave blank answers
- →Review if time permits
OPRA Exam Dates 2026
Plan your preparation timeline with these scheduled exam dates
How to Register for the OPRA Exam
Follow these simple steps to complete your OPRA Exam registration.
Passport Photo Requirements
Ensure your photo meets all specifications for exam registration
Dimensions
Width: 35–40mm, Height: 45–50mm
Face Size
Chin to crown: 32–36mm maximum
Requirements
- • Entire face must be visible and clear
- • Plain white or light background
- • Head coverings allowed for religious reasons
- • No sunglasses, filters, or extreme angles
OPRA Exam Registration Fee Payment
Important details about completing your exam registration payment
Seat Confirmation
Your OPRA exam seat will only be confirmed after the registration fee has been paid.
Accepted Payment Methods
Payment can only be made using a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card.
Card Issued in Country of Residence
The card must be issued by a bank in your home country or country of residence.
Reminder from APC
APC will send you a reminder email approximately 5 days before your exam date.
Rescheduling the OPRA Exam
- →If you are unable to take the exam for any reason, you can reschedule it to another available date and time.
- →Rescheduling is only allowed during the registration period.
OPRA Exam Cancellations
- →You may cancel your OPRA exam and request a refund.
- →Cancellation requests must be approved by APC.
- →A cancellation fee applies, depending on when you cancel the exam.
Cancel 5+ days before exam
Cancellation fee of AUD $100 applies
Cancel within 5 days – up to 4 weeks after exam
Partial refund of 80% of OPRA Exam Fees
OPRA Exam Scoring
The OPRA exam uses a scaled scoring system to ensure results are fair across different exam versions.
The passing score is determined by experts and represents the minimum level of knowledge and skills required to apply for provisional registration as an intern pharmacist.
Your result is measured against this standard — not against other candidates or a fixed percentage score.
Key Points About Scoring
- →Your overall performance across the entire exam determines whether you pass or fail.
- →You must achieve the passing standard set for your specific exam version.
- →Psychometric experts review the exam results to ensure the scoring process is accurate and reliable.
Scored and Unscored Questions
Contribute directly to your final result.
Used for exam testing purposes only — do not affect your result.
These questions are spread across all topics. Candidates cannot identify which questions are scored or unscored.
Question Breakdown — 120 Total Questions
OPRA Exam Results
What to expect after sitting the exam
Results by Email
APC will send your exam result directly to your registered email address.
Candidate Portal
You can also view and download your result from the Candidate Portal.
Pass or Fail Only
The result will only show whether you passed or failed — no individual scores are provided.
No Detailed Feedback
APC does not provide detailed feedback, comments, or individual question scores.
Final Results
Once reviewed and finalised by the Senior Pharmacist and Delivery Manager, results are final and cannot be appealed.
How Many Times Can I Attempt the OPRA Exam?
Resitting rules and what to do if you don't pass
Australia
Unlimited
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the OPRA exam for Australia. You can continue attempting until you pass.
New Zealand
2 Attempts
New Zealand applicants are limited to a maximum of 2 attempts at the OPRA exam.
Resitting the OPRA Exam
- →If you do not pass the OPRA exam, you can register to take it again in a future exam period.
- →When registration opens, log in to the Candidate Portal and complete a new registration.
- →Please note that the full exam registration fee must be paid again for each new attempt.
OPRA Exam Test Centers Globally 2026
Enter a country or city name to check availability
Data source: OPRA Exam Test Centers Globally 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OPRA stand for?▼
Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment, administered by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
Does the OPRA exam test Australian legislation?▼
No. The OPRA exam does not test Australian-specific legislation or practice standards. These are assessed separately during the internship period.
How many questions are in the OPRA exam?▼
120 questions in total, approximately 108 scored and 12 unscored, in 2.5 hours.
What is the largest content area in the OPRA exam?▼
Therapeutics and Patient Care at 45% of all questions.
How is the OPRA pass mark determined?▼
Through evidence-based psychometric standard-setting by subject matter experts. It is not a fixed percentage and varies slightly between exam versions.
What is the total cost of the OPRA pathway?▼
AUD $3,355, Eligibility Check ($810) + Exam Registration ($2,245) + Skills Assessment Outcome ($300).
Can I sit the OPRA exam outside Australia?▼
Yes. Test centres are available in 35+ countries including India, UAE, Pakistan, the UK, and South Africa.
What are unscored questions in the OPRA exam?▼
10% of questions (approximately 12) are unscored, included for calibration purposes only. They do not affect your result.
Does the Eligibility Check expire?▼
No. Once passed, your eligibility check has no expiry date.
Where do I register for the OPRA exam?▼
Exclusively through the official APC Candidate Portal at pharmacycouncil.org.au. Never through third-party platforms.
Ready to Start Your Global Pharmacy Journey?
Join thousands of successful pharmacy graduates who achieved their international licensing dreams with PharmEd Institute.
No spam · Unsubscribe anytime · Join 5,000+ professionals