Eligibility Criteria for the OPRA Exam
To be eligible to take the OPRA Exam, an international pharmacist must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualifications:
Pharmacists must possess either a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Additionally, candidates must provide their mark sheets and degree certificates to verify their educational background.
Professional Registration:
Candidates must have active registration with the state pharmacy council in their home country as a practising pharmacist. This ensures that they are recognised professionals within their field and have met the necessary local standards for pharmacy practice.
Steps for Registration for OPRA
These are the detailed steps you have to follow to take the OPRA exam and get registered as a pharmacist in Australia.
1. Verify Your Eligibility
The first step in registering for the OPRA exam is to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements. This involves two key actions:
- Complete Your Eligibility Check with the APC: The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) must verify that you have the necessary qualifications and experience to sit for the OPRA exam. This process typically involves submitting your educational and professional credentials for review.
- Receive Confirmation Email: After the APC has reviewed your documents and determined your eligibility, they will send you an email confirming that you are eligible to sit for the OPRA exam. Keep this email safe, as it is crucial for the next steps in the registration process.
2. Register for the OPRA Exam
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can proceed to register for the exam. Here are the details you need to know:
- Registration Timing: The registration portal opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm AEDT/AEST. Since these times are specific to the Australian Eastern Time zone, it is important to use a time zone converter to match these times with your local time zone to avoid any confusion.
- Registration Window: The registration period closes approximately one month before the exam date. Please make sure to register within this window as late registrations are not accepted. Missing the registration deadline could mean waiting until the next exam session.
- Key Registration Dates:
| Registration Period | Exam Dates | Results Released |
| 6 January – 23 February 2026 | 23 – 25 March 2026 | 21 April 2026 |
| 28 April – 15 June 2026 | 13 – 15 July 2026 | 11 August 2026 |
| 18 August – 19 October 2026 | 23 – 25 November 2026 | 22 December 2026 |
3. Upload a Photo
During the registration process, you will need to upload a recent headshot. Here are some tips to ensure your photo meets the requirements:
- Photo Type: The photo can be a selfie, but it should be clear and professional.
- Background: Use a plain background to ensure your face is the focal point.
- Lighting: Make sure the photo is well-lit, with no shadows obscuring your face.
- Format: Follow any specific format guidelines provided by the registration portal.
4. Pay the Registration Fee
The registration fee must be paid at the time of registration. If payment is not received, your seat will be released, and you will need to go through the registration process again. Make sure to have your payment method ready when you start your registration to avoid any delays.
OPRA Exam Centres around the World
| Country | City / Cities |
| Argentina | Buenos Aires |
| Australia | Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Alice Springs, Sydney |
| Botswana | Gaborone |
| Canada | Toronto |
| Egypt | Cairo, Giza, and surrounding areas |
| Fiji | Suva |
| Finland | Espoo, Helsinki |
| Ghana | Legon |
| Greece | Athens |
| Hong Kong | Wan Chan |
| Jamaica | Kingston |
| Kenya | Nairobi |
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur |
| Nepal | Itahari |
| New Zealand | Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch |
| Oman | Muscat |
| Pakistan | Lahore, Karachi |
| Peru | Lima |
| Philippines | Manila |
| Poland | Krakow |
| Qatar | Doha |
| Saudi Arabia | Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh |
| Singapore | Singapore |
| Spain | Madrid |
| South Africa | Johannesburg, Cape Town |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo |
| Taiwan | Taipei City |
| Thailand | Bangkok |
| Türkiye | Istanbul |
| United Arab Emirates | Dubai |
| United Kingdom | London |
| Zimbabwe | Harare |
OPRA Test Centres in India
India | City / Cities |
| Bangalore | |
| Chennai | |
| Hyderabad | |
| Mumbai | |
| New Delhi | |
| Noida |
Having multiple test centres across different countries ensures that candidates have access to convenient locations to take the OPRA exam.
Conclusion
The transition to the OPRA exam represents a significant change for aspiring pharmacists. By understanding the registration steps, keeping track of important dates, and knowing the available testing centres, you can ensure a smooth and successful registration process. Prepare well and take the first step towards your future in pharmacy with confidence.
Academically offers comprehensive preparation course especially designed for the OPRA exam. Our experienced instructors with years of industry experience provide personalised guidance, detailed study plans, and practice tests to help you excel.
Remember to share this guide with fellow candidates and stay updated on any further announcements regarding the OPRA exam.
Good luck on your journey to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia.
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