Are you thinking of working in Australia as an overseas pharmacist, and earn up to 90 LPA? The Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment or OPRA Exam is an important step in getting a Skills Assessment Outcome from the Australian Pharmacy Council or APC.
You can think of the OPRA exam as your gateway to a fulfilling pharmacist career in Australia.
Did you know that you can start working as a pharmacist in Australia in only 2 short years? That’s right, if you plan well, you can get your registration and start as a pharmacist in Australia. And the first step towards planning is getting informed.
So this blog will take you through the entire process of registering, passing and what’s after the OPRA exam.
Let’s dig in.
What is the Australian Pharmacists Skills Assessment ?
The Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment replaced the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences Exam in March 2025.
It assesses the knowledge and skills of internationally trained pharmacists. This ensures that they meet Australian pharmacy practice standards.
Key Features of Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment:
Some of the OPRA exam particulars are:
- Duration of Exam: 2.5 Hrs
- Number of Questions: 120
- Mode of Exam: CAT MCQ (Online)
- Exam Fee: $2190 AUD (INR 120,450)
- Test Center: Worldwide
- Evaluates pharmaceutical sciences knowledge and clinical practice readiness.
- A mandatory step for pharmacists under the Knowledge Stream pathway.
Who Needs to Take the Australian Pharmacist Exam?
The Australian Pharmacist Exam is for pharmacists who:
- Hold a pharmacy degree from a non-recognized country, outside
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom, or
- USA
- Are registered or eligible for registration as pharmacists in their home country.
- Want to migrate to Australia and practice as a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacist Skills Assessment Pathway for OPRA Students
To become a registered pharmacist in Australia through the Knowledge Stream, you need to follow these steps:
1. Determine Your Eligibility
- Ensure your pharmacy degree meets APC standards.
- Have an active or previous pharmacist registration in your country.
2. Submit an Application to APC
Create an account on the APC website. Upload documents, including:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate
- Proof of pharmacist registration
- Identity documents (passport, ID, etc.)
- Apply for Eligibility check via the official website.
- Fees for Eligibility Check- AUD 810 (INR 48,600)
3. Register for the Australian Pharmacists Skill Assessment Exam
Upon receiving a positive eligibility check, register for the OPRA exam
- Log in through your candidate portal.
- Register for your OPRA exam, and select your date and exam venue.
- Pay the exam fees.
- Exam Registration Fees- AUD 2190 (INR 1,31,400)
4. Prepare For and Pass the Australian Pharmacists Skill Assessment
- Focus on the most scoring subjects first.
- Take mock tests to get familiar with OPRA question patterns.
- Schedule and sit for the exam through the APC portal.
5. Receive Your Skills Assessment Outcome
After passing the OPRA exam, the APC issues your Skills Assessment Outcome. This document is essential for applying for General Skilled Migration visas or progressing toward pharmacist registration.
Skills Assessment Outcomes Fees- AUD 300 (INR 18,000)
6. Complete Internship and Registration Process
- Apply for an internship training program (ITP) in Australia.
- Complete supervised practice and pass the Intern Written Exam.
- Apply for full pharmacist registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Preparation Tips for OPRA Exam
Understand the Exam Syllabus and Format
Study previous OPRA exam patterns for reference. Understand the syllabus and mark out the most important topics.
| Content Area | % of Questions | Major Topics Covered (Non-exhaustive list) |
| Therapeutics and Patient Care | 45% | Primary healthcare Health promotion Harm minimisation Patient confidentiality |
| Biomedical Sciences | 20% | Pathophysiology Microbiology Immunology Symptoms |
| Pharmacology and Toxicology | 15% | Drug actions Side effects Toxicity Interactions |
| Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics | 10% | Drug metabolism PK/PD Treatment monitoring |
| Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics | 10% | Drug solubility Formulation Chemical stability |
Use APC-Approved Study Resources
Make use of recommended study resources, including
- Textbooks
- Online materials
- Practice questions
- Mock exams
Books for every subject are recommended by the APC.
Create a Study Plan
Develop a structured study plan that encompasses all relevant topics. Allocate ample time for revision and practice. Make sure to have a balanced approach that addresses both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
An ideal study plan should have time allocated for:
- Learning new topics
- Self-Assessments
- Mock-tests
- Mock Clinical Exams
- Breaks
- Revision
Practice Mock Tests
Regular practice with mock tests improves time management and question-solving speed. It will also help you understand the weak points that need to be addressed.
Support Groups
Join study groups or enrol in coaching programs designed for the OPRA exam. It can be very beneficial to connect and discuss with peers. You will also receive guidance from experienced mentors.
Stay Updated with APC Guidelines
Keep a regular check on the APC website for changes in exam structure or requirements.
Get Ready For Pharmacist’s Skill Assessment in Australia
The path to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia as an overseas pharmacist is very rewarding. The process has been much simplified over the years with many government incentives.
A career in pharmacy is both fulfilling and rewarding. The country is known for its high salaries, great infrastructure, and lifestyle. If you’re looking to make a move to Australia, this is the right time.
Enroll into the OPRA Exam Preparation Course and clear the licensure exam in your first attempt.
Start early, stay consistent, and take the next step toward your dream pharmacy career in Australia!