About OPRA Exam
Previously known as the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS), this exam will undergo a major change starting in March 2025, with a new name—OPRA—and updates to the format and syllabus.
- Shorter Exam Duration: OPRA is now a single paper comprising 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed in 2.5 hours, making it more concise than KAPS.
- Revised Content Areas: More weightage has been given to therapeutics and the application of knowledge in real-world scenarios.
- Updated Scoring Methodology: A new Rasch methodology has been introduced to improve the accuracy and fairness of exam results.
- Reduced Cost: The exam is now priced at AUD 2190, making it more accessible for overseas pharmacists.
Eligibility for New Zealand OPRA
To be eligible for the New Zealand OPRA Exam, applicants must fulfil the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree.
- Have active registration with the state pharmacy council in their home country.
- Possess at least one year of work experience in retail or hospital pharmacy.
Procedure for Becoming a Pharmacist in New Zealand
Overseas pharmacists must register via the Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (Non-REQR) to become a pharmacist in New Zealand. Here are the following steps.
1. Initial Skill Assessment by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ)
Cost: NZD 777
2. New Zealand OPRA Exam
The OPRA Exam is conducted online and can be taken at a nearby test centre. It is held three times a year—in March, July, and November. It is a multiple-choice exam consisting of one paper with 120 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2.5 hours. Remember that you will get only two attempts to pass this exam.
Cost: AUD 2,190
There are 10 test centres in India where candidates can take the exam, including:
- Bangalore
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Jalandhar
- Ludhiana
- Mumbai
- New Delhi
- Pune
- Noida
Enrol in the New Zealand OPRA Exam Coaching and Preparation Course to get comprehensive preparation and pass the exam on the first attempt.
3. New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation (NZPL) Course
- Duration: 3 months (10 modules)
- Fee: NZD 2400
- Enrollment is available only once a year.
4. Registration in the Intern Pharmacist Scope of Practice
Once you've cleared the exam, you need to apply for registration as an Intern Pharmacist. This allows you to gain supervised practical experience.
Cost: NZD 957 (after the May assessment) and 340 (after the November assessment)
5. EVOLVE Internship Programme
This practical training program is essential for developing professional competencies. The internship runs from February 1st to November 7th and includes assignments, workshops, and appraisals. To enhance your skills, you will be supervised by experienced pharmacists.
Cost: NZD 8,950
6. Complete Registration
Once you have completed the internship and all assessments, you can register as a fully qualified pharmacist with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.
Cost: NZD 1312 and 695.33 (post-November)
Final Thoughts
The OPRA Exam is important for overseas pharmacists who wish to practice in New Zealand. With its revised format and updated content, the exam aims to evaluate candidates' real-world pharmaceutical expertise and application of knowledge.
By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can navigate the process and achieve your goal of becoming a registered pharmacist in New Zealand.
For more information on this exam, you can feel free to contact us. And don’t forget to check out our exclusive New Zealand OPRA Exam Coaching and Preparation Course.
