Introduction
Thousands of people from across the globe choose Australia as their preferred destination for work. Definitely, it is due to the easy PR pathway, but also a peaceful life. Who doesn’t want a pharmacy job with a pay that starts from 76 LPA and that too, with endless perks! The OPRA exam is the gateway to pursuing your dream career in pharmacy in Australia.
In this blog, we’ll get to know the OPRA exam full form, its purpose, eligibility, syllabus, fees, and everything else you need to know in 2025, especially if you're an overseas pharmacist aiming for Australian registration.
What is the OPRA Exam Full Form?
The full form of OPRA is Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment. The OPRA exam 2025 is regulated by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). The OPRA exam is now the official pathway to pharmacist registration in Australia for all internationally qualified professionals. It replaces the KAPS exam, streamlining the process and focusing more on practical, clinical knowledge rather than theoretical rote-learning.
Why Was the OPRA Exam Introduced?
The switch from KAPS to OPRA wasn’t arbitrary. It came as a response to several evolving factors:
Rising demand for skilled pharmacists in Australia.
Need for a more practical and application-based assessment.
Better alignment with Australian healthcare standards and pharmacy practices.
According to a survey by Jobs and Skills Australia by the Australian Government 2025, the country is projected to have over 2200 new pharmacist job openings annually, making it an excellent time to pursue this career pathway.
OPRA Full Form: Decoding the Acronym
OPRA stands for Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment.
“Overseas Pharmacist” indicates that the exam is exclusively for internationally trained professionals.
“Readiness Assessment” implies the exam doesn’t just test what you know—it evaluates how ready you are to practice in the Australian healthcare system.
So yes, the OPRA exam for pharmacists is far more than just another qualifying test. It’s your passport to a rewarding career in Australia.
OPRA Exam Eligibility Criteria in 2025
You might be wondering: Who can apply for the OPRA exam? We have tabulated the breakdown below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | B.Pharm, M.Pharm, or Pharm.D |
| University Recognition | The degree must be from a recognised institution |
| License | Valid and active pharmacist license from your home country |
| Experience | At least 1 year of relevant work experience (internship included in some cases) |
| English Proficiency | IELTS, PTE Academic, or OET required (Minimum band score: IELTS 7 in all modules) |
OPRA Exam Fees 2025
Let's talk numbers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the OPRA exam fees as of March 2025 (exchange rate: 1 AUD = ₹54.73 as of now):
Eligibility Check: AU$ 810 → ₹44,331
Initial Skills Assessment: AU$ 300 → ₹16,419
OPRA Exam Fee: AU$ 2190 → ₹1,19,859
Total Cost: ₹1,80,609 approx.
Note: Always check the latest conversion rates before applying.
How to Apply for the OPRA Exam
Create an account on the Australian Pharmacy Council official website.
Submit the official documents for Eligibility Check.
Wait for the Initial Skills Assessment.
Pay your exam fee once eligible.
Book your exam slot as per the OPRA exam dates released on the APC website.
Prepare thoroughly using the latest OPRA exam sample questions and answers.
OPRA Exam Syllabus 2025: What’s New?
Compared to the older KAPS exam, the OPRA exam syllabus is now more focused on real-life scenarios. Here’s what it typically includes:
Therapeutics & Patient Care (45%)
Case-based patient scenarios, drug interactions, patient safety and medication management
Biomedical Sciences (20%)
Pathophysiology, microbiology, immunology and metabolism
Pharmacology & Toxicology (15%)
Drug mechanisms, adverse effects and toxicological aspects
Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics (10%)
Absorption, metabolism and action mechanisms
Medicinal Chemistry & Biopharmaceutics (10%)
Drug formulation, delivery systems and drug design
The exam includes 120 MCQs, with 90% contributing to your final score and 10% used for calibration.
OPRA Exam Pattern: What to Expect
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Format | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Questions | 120 Multiple Choice Questions |
| Scoring | Based on the Rasch model (Pass/Fail, no percentage) |
| Language | English |
OPRA Exam for Indian Pharmacists: An Evolving Opportunity
If you’re from India and have a B.Pharm or M.Pharm degree, now is the perfect time to consider the OPRA exam for Indian pharmacists.
Why?
Indian pharmacists are in high demand in Australia.
Your degree is usually recognised by the APC.
Several coaching programs now cater specifically to Indian applicants preparing for OPRA.
OPRA Exam Dates 2025
Here’s what we know about the OPRA exam dates this year:
March 2025: First session launched
June 2025: Second round
September 2025: Third round
December 2025: Final batch for the year
OPRA Registration Process: Step-by-Step
Once you pass the exam, the OPRA registration process continues:
Language Test: IELTS, PTE, or OET
Apply for Provisional Registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Apply for Internship Placement (Minimum: 1575 hours).
After the internship and a final assessment, receive your General Registration.
Apply for PR (Permanent Residency) and begin your pharmacy career in Australia.
OPRA vs KAPS: What’s the Difference?
You’ve heard of KAPS; maybe even prepared for it. So, how does it compare to OPRA?
| KAPS | OPRA | |
|---|---|---|
| Papers | 2 | 1 |
| Duration | 4 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Format | Theory-heavy | Practical/Clinical focus |
| Cost | AU$2,290 | AU$2,190 |
| Assessment | Percent-based | Rasch (pass/fail) |
| Relevance | Outdated | Modern, job-ready |
OPRA Exam Preparation Tips
Here’s how to prepare for the OPRA exam like a pro:
Stick to the Syllabus: Prioritise therapeutic topics and patient-centred case studies.
Mock Tests: Practice full-length mocks under timed conditions.
Join Online Coaching: Contact our OPRA exam team who will help you suggest the best OPRA training institute online.
Study from Top Resources: Only APC-recommended books are recommended.
Group Study & Forums: Connect with fellow aspirants.
Rest Well: Your mental clarity is key. Remember, burnout helps no one.
How to Become a Pharmacist in Australia Through OPRA
Here’s your step-by-step journey:
Meet OPRA exam requirements through initial skills assessment
Apply and pass the OPRA exam.
Fulfil English language criteria.
Complete internship hours and qualify intern written exam and oral exam
Register with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
Get your license and start practising.
Why Choose Australia?
Australia offers the best work-life balance, healthcare, and educational systems in the world.
Here’s what you gain as a registered pharmacist:
Annual salary of AU$100,000+ (minimum ₹56 lakhs)
Free education for your children
Access to top-tier public health
Easy pathway to PR and citizenship
Isn’t that worth aiming for?
If you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly serious about your pharmacy career in Australia. The OPRA exam full form might just be five words, but it represents a life-changing opportunity for overseas pharmacists.