Did you know that Australia needs thousands of pharmacists to answer the growing demand in 2026? And even better news is that the Australian government is actively inviting qualified pharmacists from around the world to register in the country!
If you are a pharmacist registered in your country, the only thing between you and a fulfilling career in Australia is the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment.
The OPRA exam, as it is commonly known, is more than just a simple test. It is the gateway to a career many dream of.
But what exactly is it, and how much do you need to score to clear the exam? Well, the answer is not a simple number.
But don’t worry, today, we will discuss all about the OPRA Exam passing marks in Australia for pharmacists. Let’s start.
The OPRA Exam
The Australian Pharmacy Council had the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment, or OPRA, replace the KAPS exam in 2025. This exam has a more streamlined process, a single-siting test and an evaluation that follows the Rasch methodology of scoring.
Take a look at some of the particulars for the exam:
| Exam Particulars | Details |
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Format | Computer-based MCQ, single paper |
| Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
| Scoring Method | Rasch Model (adaptive scoring) |
| Exam Fees | AUD 2245 (INR 132,455) |
| Test Center | Worldwide (Pearson VUE) |
OPRA Exam Syllabus
The syllabus covers everything you have already covered in your bachelor's.
| 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% |
OPRA Exam Passing Marks 2026: What Candidates Need to Know
One of the most common questions OPRA candidates ask is: “What is the passing mark?”
For the OPRA Exam 2026, the answer isn’t a fixed percentage. That’s where the Rasch method comes in.
What Is the Rasch Method?
The Rasch method is a modern assessment model that looks at:
- How difficult each question is
- How candidates perform across all questions
- Whether a candidate meets the required minimum professional standard
Instead of simply counting correct answers, the Rasch method sees how well the candidate has demonstrated the level of knowledge and decision-making required to practise safely.
Why OPRA Uses the Rasch Method
Different exam sittings may have slightly easier or harder questions. The Rasch method adjusts for this automatically. The passing standard stays the same, even if the exam difficulty changes
Is There a Fixed Passing Score in OPRA?
No. OPRA does not use a traditional pass mark like 50% or 60%. Instead, it uses a Rasch-based scoring system, which focuses on competency, not just raw scores.
This approach ensures the exam remains fair and consistent, even when different exam versions vary slightly in difficulty.
What This Means for OPRA Candidates
Here’s how Rasch scoring affects you as a candidate:
| Aspect | What It Means for You |
| No fixed % pass mark | Passing is based on competency, not percentages |
| Fairer scoring | You’re not disadvantaged by a harder paper |
| Focus on understanding | Memorising answers alone won’t guarantee a pass |
| Consistent standards | Every candidate is judged against the same benchmark |
How Should You Prepare for OPRA 2026?
Once you understand the Rasch method, you can change your exam and preparation strategy. Here’s how you can prepare for the same:
- Practice adaptive tests, like the AI-based testing models
- Focus on answering each question with precision
- Don’t fall into the trap of risky guessing
- Understand the concepts, not rote learning
- Apply knowledge to clinical and professional scenarios
- Practice decision-making, not guessing patterns
- Mark an answer only if you have the correct reason and are confident
Strong overall performance matters more than perfection in one topic.
OPRA Passing Marks to Become a Pharmacist in Australia
For the OPRA Exam 2026, there is no fixed passing mark. And that’s a good thing.
The Rasch method ensures fairness, consistency, and a focus on real-world competence.
If you prepare to think like a professional, you’re preparing the right way. The new marking system has, in fact, made it so that getting OPRA passing marks to become a pharmacist in Australia is more attainable than ever!
And if you feel lost on where to start, take a look at our OPRA Exam Preparation Course With AI Grand Test. It is curated especially with the Rasch method in mind, so you know you’re getting the best.
Make 2026 your year to pass OPRA and become a registered pharmacist in Australia.