The March 2026 OPRA exam results are out! If you checked your APC Candidate Portal on 21st April and saw that dreaded “Unsuccessful”, don’t lose heart. And if you passed, congratulations, your Australian pharmacy journey just got real. Either way, the next OPRA exam slot is coming up sooner than you think, and this time, you want to be ready.
Or maybe you haven’t sat the exam yet and you’re just here wondering - when is the next OPRA exam? When does registration close? And when will I get my results? You’re in the right place. This blog has everything you need to know, dates, deadlines, what comes after, and why it’s all worth it.
OPRA Exam July 2026: Important Dates
Here is the official schedule straight from the APC:
Event | July 2026 Session |
| Registration Opens | 28 April 2026 |
| Registration Closes | 15 June 2026 |
| Exam Window | 13–15 July 2026 |
| Results Released | 11 August 2026 |
You can start registering as soon as registration opens. Do not wait until June, test centre slots, especially in India, UAE, and other high-demand regions, fill up fast.
What Is the OPRA Exam?
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). It replaced the old KAPS exam in 2025 and is now the mandatory gateway for internationally trained pharmacists who want to practice in Australia or New Zealand.
The exam is computer-based, held at authorised Pearson VUE test centres worldwide, and consists of 120 MCQs to be completed in 2.5 hours. It covers:
Content area | Percentage of questions allocated |
| Biomedical sciences | 20% |
| Medicinal chemistry and biopharmaceutics | 10% |
| Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics | 10% |
| Pharmacology and toxicology | 15% |
| Therapeutics and patient care | 45% |
If you are thinking of taking the July 2026 OPRA exam, do it with proper preparation. Enroll in Academically’s OPRA Exam Preparation Course and pass the exam on the first attempt like the pharmacists who did it March 2026 OPRA exam.
Full 2026 OPRA Exam Schedule
Session | Registration Period | Exam Dates | Results |
| March 2026 | 6 Jan – 23 Feb | 23–25 March | 21 April |
| July 2026 | 28 Apr – 15 Jun | 13–15 July | 11 August |
| November 2026 | 18 Aug – 19 Oct | 23–25 November | 22 December |
Steps to Become a Pharmacist in Australia
Passing OPRA is just step one. Here’s the full roadmap:
1. Complete the APC Eligibility Check
Before anything else, submit your academic and professional credentials to the APC Candidate Portal. You cannot proceed to any examination without a successful eligibility assessment, this is the official gateway to the entire process. Allow at least 8–12 weeks for this step.
2. Pass the OPRA Exam
Once eligible, register for your preferred session and sit the exam at an authorised Pearson VUE test centre. A pass gives you your Skills Assessment Outcome from the APC.
3. Meet the English Language Requirement
You must prove English proficiency to AHPRA through OET, IELTS, or PTE Academic with specific minimum scores.
4. Apply for Provisional Registration
Using your Skills Assessment Outcome, apply through AHPRA with the Pharmacy Board of Australia to begin supervised practice.
5. Complete Your Internship
Work under a supervising pharmacist in an approved Australian pharmacy setting for the required hours.
6. Pass the Intern Written Exam
A written assessment conducted by the APC, this is the second-last exam before full registration.
7. Pass the Oral Exam
Conducted by AHPRA across different states, this tests your practical competency in a real pharmacy context.
8. Apply for General Registration
Once both intern exams are cleared, you can apply for general registration and practice independently anywhere in Australia.
Why Becoming a Pharmacist in Australia Is Worth It
If you’re still on the fence about whether this journey is worth the effort, here’s a reality check:
- Salary: Pharmacists in Australia earn between AUD 80,000 – AUD 110,000 annually on average
- Job Security: Pharmacy is on Australia’s skilled occupation list, meaning strong visa pathways. You can find pharmacists in Jobslly
- PR Pathway: Most pharmacists become eligible for Permanent Residency within 2–3 years
- Quality of Life: Australia consistently ranks among the top countries for healthcare professionals in terms of work-life balance and working conditions
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re retaking after March or attempting OPRA for the first time, the July 2026 window is your next real opportunity. Registration is open, seats are limited, and the results will be out by 11th August, giving you enough time to plan your next step before the year ends.
Get your documents ready, book your Pearson VUE slot early, and start preparing today. Your Australian pharmacy career is closer than it feels.
If you need any more information or guidance, you can reach out to the experts at Academically.
