Understanding OPRA Fees: A Comparison with KAPS Fees and its Benefits

Aug 06, 2024 3 min read
OPRA Fees with KAPS Fees

The journey to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia involves various steps and associated costs. After the recent transition from the KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) exam to the OPRA (Objective Structured Clinical Examination for Pharmacists) exam, there have been some significant changes in the overall cost of becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia as an international pharmacy graduate.

Understanding these costs is important for international pharmacists planning their career and looking to migrate to Australia and start their successful pharmacy practice.

How much does the OPRA exam cost?

The OPRA exam has a specific fee structure, including an eligibility check costing AU$810 per request, a skills assessment outcome fee of AU$300 per request, an updated skills assessment request fee of AU$610, and the OPRA exam itself, which costs AU$2190. An updated skills assessment request means reviewing and re-evaluating your previous skills assessment to include any new information or changes, like added qualifications, work experience, or new documents that could affect the assessment results.

  • Eligibility Check: AU$810 per request
  • Skills Assessment Outcome: AU$300 per request
  • Updated Skills Assessment Request: AU$610
  • OPRA Exam: AU$2190

Comparison with KAPS Fees

Previously, candidates had to undertake the KAPS exam, which also involved significant costs. Although the exact fees for KAPS varied, the overall expenditure often exceeded that of the new OPRA exam structure due to additional steps and repeated assessments required for many candidates. The cost of the KAPS exam alone was AUD 2290.

Benefits of Reduced Costs

The reduced costs associated with the OPRA exam compared to the overall KAPS process can significantly benefit students:

Financial Relief: Lower fees mean less financial strain on students, making the path to registration more accessible.

Fewer Assessments: The streamlined process reduces the need for multiple exams and assessments, saving time and money.

Focused Preparation: With fewer financial worries, students can focus more on their studies and exam preparation.

CONCLUSION 

Understanding the costs associated with the OPRA exam and comparing them with the former KAPS fees highlights the benefits of the new system. The reduced financial burden allows students to better utilise their resources, ensuring an affordable path to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia. For personalised support and guidance through this process, visit Academically. We offer comprehensive resources, consultations, and services to help you achieve your career and PR goals in Australia. For more detailed information and updates, prospective candidates should visit this website.

FAQs

Q. What is the total cost of the OPRA process?

A. The total cost includes the eligibility check (AU$810), the skills assessment outcome (AU$300), any updated skills assessment requests (AU$610), and the OPRA exam itself (AU$2190). The overall total comes to AU$3910.

Q. How does the cost of OPRA compare to KAPS?

A. While the exact fees for KAPS varied, the overall process often resulted in higher cumulative costs due to repeated exams and multiple assessments. The OPRA exam structure is easier and cost-effective.

Q. Can the eligibility check and skills assessment be paid in instalments?

A. NO. The payment structure for OPRA fees is typically per request. It’s best to check with the assessing authority (such as AHPRA) for specific payment plans or options.

Q. Are there any additional hidden costs in the OPRA process?

A. Apart from the stated fees, candidates should also budget for study materials, travel (if required for exams), and potential preparatory courses.

Q. How can reduced costs impact my preparation and career path?

A. Reduced costs reduce financial stress, allowing students to invest more in quality preparation resources and focus on passing the exam.

Aqsa Ahmed
Aqsa Ahmed
about the author

Aqsa Ahmed is an aspiring medical writer with a strong passion for communicating healthcare topics to non-medical audiences. Motivated by a love for contemporary literature, she believes in using literature to increase awareness about complex medical topics and diagnostic procedures in an attempt to eliminate prejudice surrounding medical science and improve public health understanding.