What is OPRA?
The Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is the new exam name for overseas pharmacists who want to register and work in Australia. It has replaced the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS).
OPRA is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) to make sure that the overseas pharmacists meet the Australian standards.
What is a Skills Assessment?
Skill Assessment is the first step for pharmacists who want to become registered pharmacists in Australia. In this process, the degrees, certificates and professional experiences are assessed. It is to make sure all these are up to Australian standards.
The process for requesting a Skills Assessment Outcome has two parts, in which you have to pass:
- The eligibility check
- The OPRA™ exam
Note: There is no expiry on the eligibility check.
How Does the Skill Assessment Work?
There are certain steps for the OPRA Skills Assessment.
Eligibility Check
Before starting the OPRA skills assessment, make sure you are eligible for the OPRA exam. The eligibility for the OPRA Exam are:
- Have a valid pharmacy degree (B.Pharm or M.Pharm) from a recognised university.
- Be registered or eligible for registration as a pharmacist in your country.
Application Submission
You will have to submit your application to the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). This includes detailed information about your academic qualifications, work experience, and any additional certifications or training you have completed.
Document Verification
After you have applied for verification, the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) will review your documents to check whether they meet the necessary Australian standards. This can involve verifying the authenticity of your transcripts and professional certifications.
Passing the OPRA Exam
Once you have checked that you are eligible for the OPRA exam, you will have to pass the exam. The OPRA exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions which have to be answered in 2.5 hours. You can take the exam at your nearest exam centre. Also, make sure you prepare for the OPRA exam by enrolling into the best OPRA preparation course.
Outcome Notification
Finally, once the APC has completed the assessment of your application and documents, you will be notified of the outcome. If successful, you will receive a skill assessment outcome letter, which is important for registration as a pharmacist in Australia.
What Documents Are Required For Skill Assessment?
- Degree certificate: Whether you have a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm), you will need to provide a valid degree certificate issued by your college or university.
- Transcript: You will also need to submit the transcript. If you don’t have your transcript, collect it from the college or university where you studied. Make sure it is in English.
- Birth Certificate: Submit your birth certificate (in English language).
- Valid Passport: A passport without any restrictions and the expiration date.
- Government ID Proof: You can submit any valid government-issued ID, such as a PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving License, etc. (Indian citizens)
- Passport-Sized Photograph: Submit a clear and recent passport-size photograph and upload it within the recommended size.
- Pharmacist Registration Certificate: Provide the pharmacy registration certificate issued to you by your state or country’s pharmacy registration authority.
Why is Skill Assessment Important?
The skills assessment is important for the following purposes:
- Registration as a pharmacist in Australia with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (AHPRA).
- To get jobs in Australia.
- To have professional credibility and a positive skills assessment gives it.
- For visa requirements.
Note: Skills assessment will be valid for 3 years from the release of the exam results.
How To Get A Positive Skill Assessment?
The Skill Assessment process can be a bit challenging, but don't worry; with these tips, you can get a positive skills assessment!
- Understand the requirements
- Prepare the documents accordingly
- Stay updated with the Australian pharmacy sector developments
- Seek Guidance If you're unsure about any part of the process.
Final Words
The OPRA Skills assessment is an essential part of registering a pharmacist in Australia. All you need to do is understand the eligibility requirements, exam process, and required documents.
To start a hassle-free journey towards Australia. Enroll in Academically’s OPRA Preparation Course. By joining the course, you will get help from the skills assessment process to pass the OPRA Exam on the first attempt. All your needs and requirements will be met at one point, i.e. Academically.
For more information or guidance, fill up this form and get a free one-on-one counselling session with our expert!
