The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment, or the OPRA exam, is one the most important exams for overseas pharmacists who want to work in Australia. It is the licensure exam for pharmacists and only after passing this exam can you register in the country.
Thousands of pharmacists across the world sit for this exam every year. And with thousands of dollars invested, needless to say, the exam is an investment for which you have to prepare well.
One of the best ways to prepare for the OPRA exam is through a professional preparation course. In this blog, we will discuss the advantages of an OPRA preparation course. With all the information in hand, you can make the best decision for yourself.
What is the OPRA Exam?
The Australian Pharmacist Exam is for overseas pharmacists who want to practice in Australia. It assesses your
- Clinical knowledge
- Ethical understanding, and
- Ability to apply pharmaceutical principles in a professional setting
The OPRA Part 1 is an online, computer-based exam with 120 MCQs. You get 2.5 hours to complete this exam.
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: $2245 AUD (INR 132,455)
- Test Center: Worldwide
Once you’ve passed the exam, you can apply for provisional registration and state your supervised internship. This is an essential part of the registration process.
After completing the required hours, you can take the Intern written exam and the oral exam. Once those are cleared, you are officially ready to be fully registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (under AHPRA) and start your independent practice.
OPRA Exam Syllabus
The Australian Pharmacist Exam Preparation Course syllabus includes:
| Content Area | % of Questions |
| Therapeutics and Patient Care | 45% |
| Biomedical Sciences | 20% |
| Pharmacology and Toxicology | 15% |
| Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics | 10% |
| Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics | 10% |
Eligibility Criteria for the OPRA Exam
To be eligible for the Australian Pharmacist Exam, candidates must:
- A pharmacy degree from a recognised institution.
- Have valid registration in their home country.
OPRA Exam 2026 Dates
The OPRA Exam is conducted multiple times a year. For the latest exam schedules, it is essential to check the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) website. For 2026, the council has released the dates.
| Registration Period | Exam Date | Result Released |
| 6 January - 23 February 2026 | 23 - 25 March 2026 | 21 April 26 |
| 28 April - 15 June 2026 | 13 - 15 July 2026 | 11 August 26 |
| 18 August - 19 October 2026 | 23 - 25 November 2026 | 22 December 26 |
How to Prepare for the Australian Pharmacist Exam?
Understand the Syllabus
Focus on core subjects such as clinical pharmacy, pharmacology, and law.
Study from Recommended Books
These books cover the topics that come in the OPRA exam. It is important to stick to the recommended books and avoid wasting time on non-standard resources.
Practice Sample Questions
Solve previous years OPRA exam sample questions to get familiar with the format.
Join Preparation Courses
Enroll in OPRA Exam Preparation Course With AI Grand Test. This will help you with a more disciplined approach towards your preparation. It also gives you access to mentor guidance, peer support groups and much more.
Take Mock Tests
Regular practice will improve time management and accuracy.
Best Books for the OPRA Exam
Some recommended study resources include:
- Pharmaceutical Calculations by Howard C. Ansel
- Rang and Dale's Pharmacology by James M. Ritter
- Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics by Roger Walker and Cate Whittlesea
- Aulton's Pharmaceutics by Michael E. Aulton
- Goodman and Gilman's: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
These resources provide in-depth knowledge and exam-oriented preparation.
Benefits of the OPRA Exam
Global Recognition
The OPRA Exam certified pharmacists can not only work in Australia’s healthcare industry, but are also eligible to work in countries like Qatar without any additional exams. Candidates who have passed the OPRA exam have attained a degree of respect and command over their field.
Wide Range of Practice Settings
OPRA success allows you to work in multiple roles such as:
- Community Pharmacist
- Hospital Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Medication Safety or Quality Roles
- Aged Care and Primary Care Settings
Higher Salary Opportunities
Australia offers attractive salaries for pharmacists across community, hospital, and clinical settings. OPRA success opens doors to:
- Full-time employment
- Better work-life balance
- Long-term career stability
| Experience Level | Salary (AUD) | Salary (INR) |
| Fresh Graduate (0–2 yrs) | AUD 65k – 80k | ₹36.9 – ₹45.5 Lakhs |
| Mid-level (3–7 yrs) | AUD 80k – 100k | ₹45.5 – ₹56.9 Lakhs |
| Experienced (8+ yrs) | AUD 100k – 120k+ | ₹56.9 – ₹68.3 Lakhs+ |
Better Job Prospects
The OPRA exam opens doors to roles in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and research. With the rising demand of pharmacists across the country, passing OPRA is a power move for your career.
A Future-Proof Career in a Regulated Healthcare System
Australia’s healthcare system is well-regulated, transparent, and pharmacist-friendly. Once you pass the OPRA exam, it will ensure:
- Job security
- Ethical practice
- Professional respect
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Pharmacists are in demand in Australia’s skilled occupation list.
- State-nominated visas (subclass 190)
- Regional visas (subclass 491)
This improves Permanent Residency (PR) prospects. This means it is much easier and faster for certified pharmacists who have cleared the OPRA exam to get their PR in Australia.
OPRA- Your Gateway To A Successful Pharmacy Career
The OPRA exam is not just the gateway to a career in Australia. It is your stepping stool for a more fulfilling and rewarding professional life. Once you match with the pharmacy education standard in Australia, you will also get professional validation across the globe.
The exam might be central to the Australian pharmaceutical sector, but it is gaining popularity and acceptance across the world. Countries like Qatar have moved to accept the positive outcome of the OPRA exam to allow candidates to practice in Qatar without any additional licensure exams.
Other than this, the career growth and lifestyle upgrade in Australia is undeniable. You have your whole life open up once you clear the exam.
So, what are you waiting for? Check your eligibility, register for the eczema and start with your preparation. And we are here to help you at every step of the way.
