Preparing for the Overseas Pharmacist Registration Assessment (OPRA) can feel challenging, especially with the wide range of topics it covers, from clinical knowledge and pharmacology to pharmacy calculations and therapeutics. One of the most effective ways to build confidence and ensure success is through consistent practice with sample questions. In this blog, we provide a set of OPRA-style sample questions along with detailed answers to help you revise and strengthen your understanding.
Practising these questions not only familiarises you with the format of the exam but also sharpens your clinical reasoning, calculation skills, and knowledge of pharmacy law and therapeutics. Let’s dive in.
Sample questions that will help you Excel
- Gemfibrozil is primarily prescribed for which condition?
A. Hyperlipidaemia
B. Hyperglycaemia
C. Hyperaldosteronism
D. Hypertension
- What is the typical daily dose range of hydrochlorothiazide for an adult?
A. 0.5 - 1 mg
B. 2 - 5 mg
C. 6.25 - 25 mg
D. 50 - 100 mg
- A child weighing 30 kg is to receive 250 mg of metronidazole every 8 hours. If each mL of a 500 mg/500 mL metronidazole ampoule contains 0.135 millimol of sodium, how much sodium will the child receive in 24 hours?
A. 33.8 millimol
B. 101.3 millimol
C. 202.5 millimol
D. 1852 millimol
- How much chlorinated lime (with 30% w/w available chlorine) is needed to achieve a chlorine concentration of 1.5 ppm in a 6000 L animal drenching facility?
A. 3 g
B. 27 g
C. 30 g
D. 270 g
- Where are alpha-1 adrenoreceptors mainly found?
A. Arterioles
B. Bronchioles
C. Atria
D. Cardiac ventricles
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate works as an exchange resin. Which ion is primarily exchanged for sodium?
A. Potassium
B. Phosphorus
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
- What is the recommended daily calcium intake for women after menopause?
A. 300 - 600 mg
B. 700 - 900 mg
C. 1000 - 1500 mg
D. 1600 - 2000 mg
- Which of the following drugs is usually avoided in children under 12 years of age?
A. Norfloxacin
B. Amoxicillin
C. Azithromycin
D. Rifampicin
- Which of the following is NOT considered an official pharmacopeial test for tablets?
A. Dissolution
B. Hardness
C. Disintegration
D. Friability
- Which parameter does NOT affect the steady-state plasma concentration of a drug given intravenously?
A. Dose
B. Drug clearance
C. Volume of distribution
D. Dosing interval
- Which factor is a key determinant of myocardial oxygen consumption?
A. Systolic blood pressure
B. Diastolic blood pressure
C. Cardiac output
D. Blood volume
- What is the mechanism of action of allopurinol?
A. Increase renal excretion of uric acid
B. Inhibit uric acid production
C. Reduce absorption of dietary purines
D. Inhibit prostaglandin synthesis
- Which method can be used to separate an enantiomer from a racemic mixture?
A. Acid-base reaction
B. Boiling point
C. Chromatography
D. Infrared spectrometry
- After the primary tetanus vaccination, how frequently should booster doses be administered?
A. Every 2 years
B. Every 3 years
C. Every 5 years
D. Every 10 years
- Which medication is most effective in treating metastatic bone pain?
A. Meloxicam
B. Fentanyl
C. Amitriptyline
D. Carbamazepine
Expert Tips for OPRA Exam Success
1. Understand the Exam Format
- OPRA tests your clinical knowledge, drug calculations, pharmacy law, therapeutics, and patient counselling skills.
- Knowing the format reduces exam anxiety and allows you to plan your preparation.
2. Make a Study Plan
- Break your syllabus into manageable sections.
- Focus on high-yield topics first, such as cardiovascular drugs, antibiotics, and drug calculations.
- Allocate daily practice time for calculations, as these can be tricky.
3. Practice with Sample Questions
- Solve 50–100 questions weekly.
- Use timed sessions to simulate exam conditions.
- Review wrong answers carefully and understand why you got them wrong.
4. Use Mnemonics and Memory Aids
- Mnemonics help recall drug classes, side effects, and doses.
- Example: “ABCD” for antihypertensives: Ace inhibitors, Beta-blockers, Calcium channel blockers, Diuretics.
5. Focus on Drug Calculations
- Practice calculations daily, including:
- Dose conversions
- IV drip rates
- Pediatric dosing
- Always double-check units (mg, mL, mmol).
6. Revise Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Create flashcards for key drugs:
- Mechanism of action
- Side effects
- Contraindications
- Focus on high-risk medications like anticoagulants, antibiotics, and chemotherapy agents.
7. Know Pharmacy Law & Ethics
- Learn Australian pharmacy regulations and prescription rules.
- Know controlled drugs, Schedules 4 & 8 medications, and dispensing rules.
- Ethics questions often test your decision-making and patient safety skills.
8. Master Patient Counselling
- Be prepared to explain drug usage, side effects, and lifestyle advice.
- Use the ‘CLEAR’ approach:
- Check understanding
- Listen actively
- Educate clearly
- Assess comprehension
- Review instructions
9. Take AI Mock Exams
- Simulate full-length OPRA exams to build stamina.
- Review your answers and identify weak areas.
- Time management is crucial aim to finish questions efficiently without rushing.
10. Stay Healthy and Confident
- Take short breaks during study sessions.
- Maintain proper sleep, nutrition, and hydration.
- Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
Answer Key
| Q.No | Correct Answer |
| 1 | A |
| 2 | C |
| 3 | B |
| 4 | C |
| 5 | A |
| 6 | A |
| 7 | C |
| 8 | A |
| 9 | B |
| 10 | C |
| 11 | C |
| 12 | B |
| 13 | C |
| 14 | D |
| 15 | A |
Take Your OPRA Preparation to the Next Level
Preparing for the OPRA exam doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Regular practice with sample questions, targeted revision, and effective exam strategies can make all the difference. But if you want to fast-track your preparation, build confidence, and ensure you’re exam-ready, our comprehensive OPRA Preparation Course is designed just for you.
With our course, you’ll get:
- Extensive question banks with detailed explanations
- Step-by-step guidance on calculations, therapeutics, and pharmacy law
- AI Mock exams and timed practice sessions to simulate real exam conditions
- Personalized tips and strategies from experienced pharmacists
Don’t leave your OPRA success to chance. Enroll in our course today and take the stress out of preparation. Get the right guidance, practice smart, and walk into the exam confident and ready to succeed.
