Are you an aspiring pharmacist dreaming of working in Australia? If yes, then the OPRA exam could be your big gateway. The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment, or simply OPRA, is the first step for internationally qualified pharmacists aiming to practice in Australia.
And guess what? The official exam dates for 2026 are out now.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the full schedule for the OPRA exam sessions in 2026. We will also discuss study tips to keep your preparation effective and stress-free.
Let’s get started.
What Is the OPRA Exam?
Before we look at dates, here’s a quick refresher:
- OPRA stands for Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment.
- It is part of the skills assessment process conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
- Passing OPRA is essential to progress toward provisional registration as a pharmacist in Australia or New Zealand.
The exam assesses your knowledge across multiple pharmacy-related domains such as:
- Therapeutics
- Pharmacology
- Biomedical sciences
- Pharmacy practice, and
- Professional ethics
OPRA Exam Dates 2026 - Full Schedule Announced
The OPRA exam is conducted three times each year, in March, July, and November. Each session includes a registration period, exam window, and result release date.
Below is the official OPRA exam schedule for 2026:
| Session | Registration Window | Exam Dates | Results Released |
| Session 1 | 6 January - 23 February, 2026 | 23- 25 March, 2026 | 21 April, 2026 |
| Session 2 | 28 April - 15 June, 2026 | 13 - 15 July, 2026 | 11 August, 2026 |
| Session 3 | 18 August - 19 October, 2026 | 23 - 25 November, 2026 | 22 December, 2026 |
Important Calendar Tips for Candidates
Register Early
Registration windows may close early if test centres fill up. This happens especially in high-demand regions like India, the UAE, etc.
Track Result Dates
Results are usually released about four to six weeks after the exam. This is an important milestone for your registration journey.
Plan Backup Sessions
If you’re not ready for one session, use earlier dates to see where you stand before your actual test window.
Registration Tips That Actually Help
Here are some proven ways to avoid last-minute stress during OPRA registration:
- Complete your Eligibility Check before attempting exam registration. This is a mandatory APC requirement.
- Aim to register on the 1st day of the window because seats fill quickly.
- Keep all required documents ready in scanned PDF format.
- Choose multiple test centers just in case. Flexibility increases your chances.
- Put a reminder alarm for exactly 30 days before the registration deadline.
Smart Study Tips to Prepare for OPRA
Preparing for OPRA does not have to be overwhelming. Try these strategies to make your prep effective and less stressful:
- Have flashcard Sundays! Spend 30 minutes every Sunday reviewing tricky drug names/indications.
- Make time for daily micro-sessions. Do 25-minute focused study blocks with 5-minute breaks. It’s science-backed productivity.
- Practice MCQs first. Get familiar with the exam format early. More practice with sample MCQs means more confidence.
- Get a group study night. Once a week, connect with peers online for one hour. This helps motivation, and you might make friends too.
- Don’t forget to reward yourself. After every successful mock test, enjoy your favorite snack; you have earned it.
What Happens After You Pass the OPRA Exam?
Once you successfully pass the OPRA exam:
- You receive a Skills Assessment Outcome, which is required for provisional registration.
- You can then proceed with
- English language requirements
- Supervised practice, and
- Further registration steps as required by the PBA.
Passing OPRA is a major milestone, but it is part of a larger pathway toward full pharmacist registration in Australia or New Zealand.
Get Ready for OPRA 2026
With the OPRA 2026 session dates in your hand, you can now start your preparation journey. OPRA preparation can be stress-free and even enjoyable with the right guide and the right resources. And here’s where OPRA Exam Preparation Course With AI Grand Test helps out. Check it out and make your OPRA dreams a reality.
Make sure to note the registration deadlines and start early. Approach your preparation in a structured and consistent way.
All the best for OPRA 2026!