The OPRA Exam Finally Commences: Your Ticket to Becoming a Pharmacist in Australia

What’s the OPRA Exam All About?

The OPRA Exam is basically a simpler version of the KAPS exam. It focuses on real-world pharmacy skills more than the theoretical aspect, making sure you're ready to work in Australia’s healthcare system with the same standards as set by the Australian Pharmacy Council. After you pass the OPRA, you will be one step closer to becoming a licensed pharmacist in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems.

What’s New with the OPRA Exam?

If you’ve heard about the KAPS exam, you might be wondering how the OPRA is different and what the changes might be. Here’s how OPRA is different than KAPS:

1. Shorter Exam Time: Instead of sitting for hours, OPRA is just 2.5 hours long with one single paper.
2. Updated Syllabus: The focus is now on things you’ll actually need in practice, like patient care and therapeutic knowledge (this makes up 45% of the questions).
3. Cheaper Fees: The exam costs AUD 100 less than KAPS, that is INR 5439 less! A significant win!
4. Better Scoring: It uses the Rasch methodology, a smarter way to judge your performance based on question difficulty and your answers.

What’s the Same?

Don’t worry, some things haven’t changed:

• The eligibility process remains the same.
• The difficulty level is still challenging, so make sure you prepare well.
• It’s held at designated test centers, not online.
• The number of attempts remains the same 
• Your result will stay valid for the same time as before.

Who Can Take the OPRA Exam?

If you’re wondering whether you are eligible to sit for the OPRA, here’s what you’ll need:

1. A Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or higher.
2. Proof of active registration with the state pharmacy council in your home country.

And yes, you’ll also need to prove your English skills. The required scores for the accepted tests are:

• IELTS: Band 7 in all sections.
• PTE: Score of 65 or more.
• OET: Minimum score of 350 or a Grade B.

What’s the Format of the OPRA Exam?

The OPRA exam happens three times a year. For 2025, the dates are:

• March 3–5, 2025
• July 14–16, 2025
• November 24–26, 2025

Here’s the updated format for the OPRA exam:

• One paper with 120 multiple-choice questions.
• 2.5 hours, no breaks.
• Held in test centers across cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Chennai.

Exam Topics:

The exam is divided into five main areas:

• Biomedical Sciences: 20%
• Medicinal Chemistry & Biopharmaceutics: 10%
• Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics: 10%
• Pharmacology & Toxicology: 15%
• Therapeutics & Patient Care: 45%

Steps to Becoming a Pharmacist in Australia

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can start your pharmacy journey in Australia:

1. Initial Skill Assessment: Send your degree, transcripts, and other documents to the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
2. Pass the OPRA Exam: This is your big test. Once you pass, you’re directly on your way to get registration.
3. Prove Your English Skills: Submit your IELTS, PTE, or OET scores.
4. Complete Internship Hours: Gain hands-on experience with 1,575 hours of internship.
5. Get Registered and Apply for a Visa: Once you’re registered, you can apply for a job and a visa to work in Australia.

What’s the Cost of OPRA?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs:

• Skill Assessment: AUD 810 or INR 44,061
• OPRA Exam: AUD 2,190 or INR 1,19,128
• English Tests: AUD 300–400 or INR 16,318 - 21,758

Why Should You Choose Australia as a Pharmacist?

You might be wondering what makes Australia a better option to settle as a pharmacist than any other country. Here’s why:

1. Job Opportunities: Over 3,000 pharmacy jobs open up every year.
2. Great Pay: Pharmacists earn an average of AUD 100,000 per year.
3. Permanent Residency (PR): Australia has a clear pathway to PR, making it easy to settle with your family.
4. Amazing Lifestyle: Free education for your kids, great healthcare, and a welcoming environment make Australia a great place to live and work.

Final Thoughts

The OPRA exam is a game-changer for pharmacists looking to work in Australia. With a simpler format, lower costs, and a clear pathway to registration, it’s the perfect time to start your journey.

If you’re ready to take the first step, Academically can help you pass the OPRA exam and achieve your Australian pharmacy dream. Book a free consultation today!