Planning to work as a pharmacist in Australia in 2026? If you’re an overseas-trained pharmacist, the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam is your first and most important milestone.
OPRA is the mandatory gateway for international pharmacists to enter the Australian pharmacy system. Whether you’re a BPharm graduate, PharmD professional, or a fresh graduate, this guide covers everything you need to know about OPRA Exam 2026
What Is the OPRA Exam?
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam is a fully computer-based examination conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
It assesses whether internationally trained pharmacists possess the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical knowledge required to practice safely in Australia.
- Multiple-choice questions
- Computer-based testing
- Focuses on real-world clinical decision-making
- Replaced the KAPS exam after November 2024
Passing OPRA confirms that your knowledge level is equivalent to that of Australian-trained pharmacists.
Why the OPRA Exam Matters
The OPRA exam is not just a test; it’s the foundation of your Australian pharmacy career.
Here’s why it matters:
- Mandatory for provisional pharmacist registration
- Ensures patient safety and professional competency
- Aligns overseas pharmacists with Australian standards
- Required before starting a pharmacy internship
Without OPRA clearance, you cannot move forward in the registration pathway.
Eligibility Criteria for OPRA Exam 2026
The eligibility criteria are clear and inclusive, making OPRA accessible to many candidates.
You are eligible if:
- You hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Your degree is from any country
- You have an active pharmacist registration in your home country
- No work experience is required
Fresh graduates are fully eligible. Experience strengthens your profile, but is not mandatory. PharmD graduates benefit from longer academic exposure.
Documents Required for OPRA Application
Accurate documentation is essential to avoid delays.
You’ll need:
- Degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport
- Government-issued ID
- Passport-size photograph
- Pharmacist registration certificate from your home country
Important Tip:
Ensure all documents are in English or officially translated. Even minor mismatches in names or dates can cause application delays.
OPRA Exam Fees & Cost Overview (2026)
Here’s an approximate cost breakdown:
| Stage | Cost (AUD) | Approx. INR |
| Eligibility Check | AUD 810 | ₹48,329 |
| OPRA Exam Fee | AUD 2,245 | ₹1.35 lakh |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | AUD 300 | ₹17,899 |
Step-by-Step OPRA Pathway to Provisional Registration
Step 1: Initial Skills Assessment by APC
Your journey starts with an eligibility assessment by the Australian Pharmacy Council.
APC reviews:
- Pharmacy degree
- Academic transcripts
- Pharmacist registration status
- English language readiness
Once approved, you can proceed to book the OPRA exam.
Step 2: Appear for the OPRA Exam
Exam Format:
- Single computer-based exam
- 120 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- No scheduled breaks
- Rasch adaptive testing (question difficulty adjusts automatically)
Results:
- Typically released within 4 weeks
OPRA Exam Syllabus & Weightage
Understanding the syllabus helps you prepare smartly.
| Subject Area | Weightage |
| Biomedical Sciences | 20% |
| Medicinal Chemistry & Biopharmaceutics | 10% |
| Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics | 10% |
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | 15% |
| Therapeutics & Patient Care | 45% |
Preparation Tip:
Almost half the exam focuses on therapeutics and patient care, so prioritize clinical application over rote learning.
English Language Requirements
To practice safely in Australia, English proficiency is mandatory.
Accepted tests include:
- IELTS Academi
- OET
- PTE
Strong communication skills are essential for patient counselling and clinical practice.
After OPRA: Provisional Registration & Internship
Once you clear OPRA and meet English requirements:
- Apply for provisional pharmacist registration
- Begin a paid pharmacy internship in Australia
- Complete 1,575 supervised hours
- Gain hands-on exposure to Australian pharmacy practice
Internships are available in:
- Community pharmacies
- Hospitals
- Aged care facilities
This stage helps you understand local laws, PBS systems, and patient care standards.
OPRA Exam Test Centres in India
One of the biggest advantages of OPRA is its global accessibility. You can take the exam in India at the following locations:
- Bangalore
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Jalandhar
- Ludhiana
- Mumbai
- New Delhi
- Pune
- Noida
No relocation is required just to attempt the exam.
Final Thoughts
The OPRA Exam 2026 is your gateway to building a successful pharmacy career in Australia. However, clearing it on the first attempt requires more than basic subject knowledge. It demands strong clinical understanding, exam-focused preparation, and clarity about Australian pharmacy expectations.
Our OPRA Exam Preparation Program is designed exclusively for overseas pharmacists, including BPharm and PharmD graduates. The course follows the latest OPRA syllabus and focuses heavily on therapeutics and patient care the highest-weightage areas of the exam.
You’ll learn through concept-driven teaching rather than rote memorization. The program emphasizes clinical reasoning, real-world scenarios, and MCQ practice aligned with the OPRA exam format, helping you think and perform like an Australian-trained pharmacist. With expert mentorship, structured study plans, and flexible learning options, this course supports both fresh graduates and working professionals. Our goal is simple: help you prepare strategically, build confidence, and clear the OPRA exam smoothly.
If Australia is your destination, the right preparation makes all the difference. Start early, prepare smart, and take your first step toward becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia with confidence.
