Learning Format: Live Classes + Recordings

New Zealand OPRA Exam Coaching and Preparation Course

Become a Registered Pharmacist in New Zealand

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13 Jun 2026
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Our Key Deliverables

Did you know that there were over 4,200 practising pharmacists registered in New Zealand as of mid-2025, and that the number of internationally trained pharmacists entering the profession has been steadily increasing in recent years? The Overseas Pharmacists’ Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is a key requirement for overseas-trained pharmacists seeking to practise in New Zealand.

Academically’s NZ OPRA Preparation Course is designed to help candidates prepare confidently for this exam by providing structured guidance, comprehensive study resources, and expert support…all in one place.

Take the next step towards your pharmacy career in New Zealand…enrol in the NZ OPRA Preparation Course today.

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14 weeks of intensive sessions according to NZ OPRA syllabus

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One-on-one feedback sessions with the NZ OPRA trainer

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120 hours of live online NZ OPRA training

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Exclusive tips on approaching the OPRA exam for New Zealand

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Adaptive AI Based OPRA Exam Mock Tests

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Live classes + recorded sessions, study handouts, mock tests, and final NZ OPRA exam grand tests

Why Become a Pharmacist in New Zealand?

50 Lakh+

Annual salary of Registered Pharmacists In New Zealand

1000+

Current openings for the role of Registered Pharmacist

5%

Employment of Pharmacists is projected to grow every year

About The Course

Scholarship

Scholarship available!!

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About Course

Scholarship

Scholarship available!!

Get your free AI mock test now

🎓 Apply for Scholarship

Who Is The Course For?

Foreign-trained pharmacists who want to practice, migrate, and settle in New Zealand.

Pharmacists taking the NZ OPRA exam for the first time.

Pharmacy professionals with a Master of Pharmacy or PhD can take the exam to become registered pharmacists in New Zealand for academic careers.

Who is this course for

What's More That Comes
With Our Course?

1-On-1 Q&A Sessions

We provide online one-on-one counselling and Q&A sessions to ensure online learning is beneficial for the aspirants. Our mentors help aspirants clear their doubts and queries and get all the answers they need.

Live+Recorded Sessions

Missed a live lecture? Don\u2019t worry. You can always find a recorded lecture on our platform and revisit it as many times as you want during the course duration.

Extended Course Access

Getting the course once will help you prepare for not one but multiple attempts. You get access to all the resources for more than a year, to ensure proper revision.

Community Building

We help you get in touch with a community of experts, which includes mentors, registered practitioners, previous alumni and those who have successfully cleared the exams. This adds value to your preparation and get all the guidance and motivation you need.

Explore Our Curriculum

  • + Physiological processes and normal bodily function for all systems
  • + Pathophysiology
  • + Medical microbiology
  • + Immunology
  • + Disorders affecting bodily fluids
  • + Symptoms and physiological values of disease states and disorders
Module 2

Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics

Module 3

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

Module 4

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Module 5

Therapeutics and Patient Care

Success Stories

I still can't believe I have passed the exam of dental practice in Australia. Thanks to the AHPRA-registered faculty and program manager who was always there by my side. The live classes, recorded sessions, mock tests, and community suppor ton Discord helped me understand that ADC is not about memorising difficult concepts. It is about thinking like a general dentist, practicing in Australia. I had to pause my preparation due to personal reasons, but the support and flexibility helped me restart and stay focused. With consistent effort and the right strategy, I cleared the ADC Written Exam on my first attempt and moved one step closer to my dream of practising dentistry in Australia.

Dr. Marlyn Borgesi

ADC Qualified Student

Preparing for the DHA Exam while working at a dental clinic was challenging, but having the right structure made the journey possible. I managed my clinic hours along with recorded lectures, live sessions by DHA-qualified faculty, revision, and regular practice tests. The 1:1 mentorship and doubt-solving support helped me focus on the right topics instead of feeling overwhelmed. In the final days, I dedicated my time completely to revision and mock tests. Clearing the DHA Exam proved to me that with consistency, proper guidance, and a clear goal, it is possible to build an international dental career while managing your professional commitments.

Dr. Anushree

DHA Qualified Student

Preparing for OPRA while managing my family, children, and a business was not easy. There were days when finding time to study felt impossible, but I knew becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia was worth the effort. Academically gave me the structure, guidance, and confidence I needed. The live classes by OPRA and qualified faculty, notes, mock tests, and constant support from programme managers helped me stay focused. My final month of preparation was intense, but seeing the result made every sacrifice worth it. If you stay consistent and believe in yourself, OPRA is achievable.

Bushra

OPRA Qualified Student

After completing my pharmacy education, I started my career in QA and QC in India, earning around ₹16,000 per month despite long working hours. I wanted better growth, so I moved into retail pharmacy and spent four years building my skills, patient counselling experience, and confidence. I prepared for the DHA exam while working and successfully cleared it in November 2025. Today, I work as a licensed pharmacist near Burj Khalifa, Dubai. All thanks to Academically's coaching supported by DHA-qualified faculty, mock tests, support by programme managers and incredible community support on Discord.

Anisha

DHA Qualified Student

Moving to Australia and restarting my pharmacy career was challenging, but I knew I wanted to continue growing as a pharmacist. I started with a pharmacy assistant role, learning the Australian healthcare system step by step while preparing for the OPRA exam. Academically gave me the right guidance by AHPRA-registered faculty, structure, and confidence throughout my preparation journey. The recorded classes, revision materials, and AI based mock tests helped me stay consistent even while managing my studies and work. Clearing OPRA showed me that with the right approach and dedication, your global pharmacy dream is achievable.

Megha

OPRA Qualified Student

After working as a pharmacist in Oman for 16 years, returning to studies after such a long gap felt challenging. The OPRA Exam was a completely new experience for me, but Academically gave me the right guidance, resources, and confidence to prepare effectively. The lectures by OPRA qualified faculty, PDF notes, AI-based mock tests, and Grand Tests helped me understand what to focus on. In the final month, I studied consistently for 6–7 hours daily while managing my responsibilities. Clearing OPRA proved that age or years away from academics do not matter when you have the right mindset and preparation strategy. If I can do it, anyone can.

Nijeesh

OPRA Qualified Student

I completed my B.Pharm from RIMT University, Punjab, and gained experience in hospital and retail pharmacy roles in India. To pursue my international career goals, I prepared for the NPQE/Qatar Prometric Exam. With Academically’s live classes, recordings, study material, and mock tests, I cleared the exam on my first attempt. Stay consistent—success comes with focused preparation.

Zeeshan

NPQE/Qatar Prometric Qualified Student

After completing my MBBS, DCH, and DNB, I believed my career would remain purely clinical. Although I loved patient care, long working hours and limited work-life balance made me seek better growth and stability. Academically’s Executive Programme in Clinical Drug Development introduced me to non-clinical opportunities. With expert-led sessions and interview preparation, I cleared my first non-clinical interview and received multiple offers.

Dr. Lakshmi

Drug Safety Physicians - Tata Consultancy Services, 32 LPA

After completing my MBBS from a government medical college, I worked as a physician and believed clinical practice was my only career path. However, long hours, family responsibilities, and limited growth made me explore new options. Through Academically’s Executive Programme in Clinical Drug Development, I discovered non-clinical opportunities. With structured learning, LinkedIn guidance, and interview preparation, I transitioned successfully and secured a role at Accenture with ₹21 LPA.

Dr. Shruti Wagh

Pharmacovigilance Services Specialist - Accenture, 21 LPA

After completing my BDS, I was excited to begin my career, but the reality of low-paying dental jobs made me rethink my path. I discovered Academically on Instagram and joined the Executive Programme in Clinical Drug Development. The course improved my industry knowledge, communication, and interview skills. Within two weeks, I received multiple interview calls and secured job offers, including one worth ₹6.5 LPA.

Dr. Oshi Goswami

Pristyn Research - 6.5 LPA Offer

After completing my MBBS from Shihezi University, China, I spent eight years learning Mandarin and adapting to a new environment. I ranked third in my batch and earned a Certificate of Merit. After facing challenges with FMGE and AMC, I discovered Academically and joined the Executive Programme in Medical Affairs. With mentorship, training, and communication support, I gained confidence and secured a role at Bajaj General Insurance with ₹13 LPA.

Dr. Saif

Assistant Manager of injury claims, Bajaj General, 13 LPA

After completing my MBBS and rural posting, I realised I wanted to explore research beyond clinical practice. Coming from a medical family, choosing a non-traditional path was not easy. Academically’s Executive Programme in Clinical Drug Development helped me learn clinical research, pharmacovigilance, ICSR, signal detection, and MedDRA coding. With strong interview preparation, I confidently transitioned into a non-clinical role at Accenture with ₹17 LPA.

Dr. Pragya Mishra

Clinical Drug Development Professional, Accenture, 17LPA

Hear From Our Customers

About The Examination

Exam Img

Why Should You Take the New Zealand OPRA Exam?

New Zealand currently has over 4,200 practising pharmacists, and the demand for qualified healthcare professionals continues to grow. To support this need while maintaining patient safety, New Zealand allows overseas-trained pharmacists to join its workforce through a regulated assessment process.

The NZ OPRA Exam (Overseas Pharmacists’ Readiness Assessment), conducted by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ), is the required exam for international pharmacists seeking registration. Introduced in 2025, it replaced the KAPS exam and assesses whether candidates are ready to practise to New Zealand standards.

Passing the OPRA exam allows candidates to continue with pharmacist registration and explore job opportunities in New Zealand, with potential pathways towards longer-term career and residency options..

New Zealand OPRA Eligibility Criteria?

The New Zealand OPRA registration procedure...

  1. Initial Skill Assessment by Pharmacy Council of New Zealand

The first step is to check if you are eligible to appear for the OPRA Exam. For this, the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand will check your records and declare your eligibility.

 

Once you clear this initial assessment, you will be eligible to appear for the OPRA Exam.

 

Pharmacy Council of New Zealand

https://pharmacycouncil.org.nz/pharmacy_registries/pharmacists-from-other-countries/ 

 

  1. The NZ OPRA Exam

The NZ OPRA Exam is an online multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam, so you can take it from your chosen test centre. This exam happens thrice yearly: in March, July, and November. 

 

It is a Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) exam. To qualify, you must obtain 50% in all subsections and an overall score of 50%.

 

  1. New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation (NZPL) Course

This course provides overseas-qualified pharmacists with an understanding of the professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities required for practicing in New Zealand.

 

Enrollment is available only once per year. This online course has 10 modules and lasts 3 months. 

Fee: 2400$ 

 

NZPL Course 

https://www.publicprogrammes.ac.nz/nz-legislation/ 

 

  1. Registration in the Intern Pharmacist Scope of Practice

Apply for registration in the Intern Pharmacist Scope of Practice. This initial step allows you to gain practical experience under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist, ensuring you develop the necessary skills and knowledge required for full professional practice.

 

  1. EVOLVE Internship program

This program offers practical training and support for interns throughout their intern year, running from February 1st to November 7th. Managed by a dedicated team of pharmacists and support staff, the program includes assignments, workshops, portfolios, and appraisals. Interns work full-time under the supervision of experienced pharmacists to develop essential skills and competencies. 

 

  1. Complete Registration

Once the exams are cleared and internships are done, pharmacists must register with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ) as registered pharmacists in New Zealand. 

The eligibility criteria for the New Zealand OPRA exams is mentioned below-

To be eligible to write the NZ OPRA Exam, a pharmacist must have the following:

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree
  • BPharm/PharmD transcripts or consolidated mark sheets
  • At least one year of post-registration practice experience
  • Active registration with the state pharmacy council in your home country
  • English Proficiency Certificate

NZ Job Market & Employers

Demand Overview

  • Pharmacists are in consistent demand, especially in:

    • Community pharmacies
       
    • Regional and rural areas
       
    • Hospital settings

Typical Employers

  • Major pharmacy chains:

    • Green Cross Health (Unichem, Life Pharmacy brands)
       
    • Chemist Warehouse
       
  • Public healthcare system:

    • Te Whatu Ora (hospitals nationwide)

Permanent Residency (PR) Pathway

  • Pharmacists are often listed on skill shortage / Green List roles in New Zealand
     
  • Common pathway:

    1. Obtain registration
       
    2. Secure employment
       
    3. Apply under Skilled Migrant or Work-to-Residence pathway
Know more >>
Students Studying
Procedure

Procedure For New Zealand OPRA

  1. Initial Skill Assessment by Pharmacy Council of New Zealand

The first step is to check if you are eligible to appear for the OPRA Exam. For this, the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand will check your records and declare your eligibility.

 

Once you clear this initial assessment, you will be eligible to appear for the OPRA Exam.

 

Pharmacy Council of New Zealand

https://pharmacycouncil.org.nz/pharmacy_registries/pharmacists-from-other-countries/ 

 

  1. The NZ OPRA Exam

The NZ OPRA Exam is an online multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam, so you can take it from your chosen test centre. This exam happens thrice yearly: in March, July, and November. 

 

It is a Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) exam. To qualify, you must obtain 50% in all subsections and an overall score of 50%.

 

  1. New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation (NZPL) Course

This course provides overseas-qualified pharmacists with an understanding of the professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities required for practicing in New Zealand.

 

Enrollment is available only once per year. This online course has 10 modules and lasts 3 months. 

Fee: 2400$ 

 

NZPL Course 

https://www.publicprogrammes.ac.nz/nz-legislation/ 

 

  1. Registration in the Intern Pharmacist Scope of Practice

Apply for registration in the Intern Pharmacist Scope of Practice. This initial step allows you to gain practical experience under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist, ensuring you develop the necessary skills and knowledge required for full professional practice.

 

  1. EVOLVE Internship program

This program offers practical training and support for interns throughout their intern year, running from February 1st to November 7th. Managed by a dedicated team of pharmacists and support staff, the program includes assignments, workshops, portfolios, and appraisals. Interns work full-time under the supervision of experienced pharmacists to develop essential skills and competencies. 

 

  1. Complete Registration

Once the exams are cleared and internships are done, pharmacists must register with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ) as registered pharmacists in New Zealand. 

Take the next step towards your goals

  • Join our platform with 10000+ students
  • 100+ faculty members
  • 50+ courses, and a 90% passing rate ensuring your success

New Zealand OPRA Exam Format

The NZ OPRA Exam consists of a single paper comprising 120 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) to be completed in 2.5 hours. The exam is scored using the Rasch methodology, which assesses performance based on the difficulty level of questions attempted rather than a simple percentage score.

New Zealand OPRA Exam Test Centres

The NZ OPRA Exam is an online exam. Therefore, you can take the exam at the nearest test centre. There are 7 test centres in India, which include:

  • Bangalore
  • Chennai
  • Hyderabad
  • Mumbai
  • New Delhi
  • Pune
  • Noida
New Zealand OPRA Format

About Us

Academically is a global Ed-Tech healthcare platform, led by Dr. Akram Ahmad (PhD in Medicine, University of Sydney, Global Healthcare Career Coach) and his expert team, that helps pharmacists, doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, and other allied healthcare professionals to achieve their career goals in India and abroad. We provide complete career guidance, like skill assessment, Visa, PR and coaching for International licensure exams such as AMC, OPRA, APEP, ADC, DHA, SPLE, OCANZ COE and more for countries like Australia, New Zealand, Gulf countries, the US, the UK, and Canada. We have trained more than 8,000 students across 30+ countries, with a 90%+ success rate on international healthcare licensure exams. We are India’s first healthcare Ed-Tech platform to introduce AI-based mock tests, to help students study smarter and track progress effectively. Beyond exam preparation, we also offer job assistance programmes, such as Upskill by Academically, covering clinical drug development and MSL (Medical Science Liaison). To help you land your dream job, we have recently launched our job platform Jobslly by Academically, only for healthcare professionals for both India and abroad.

OPRA Exam Comparison: NZ vs Australia

Feature

New Zealand

Australia

Attempts AllowedMaximum 2 attemptsNo limit
Experience RequirementsMinimum 1 year professional experience in retail or hospital pharmacy in home countryNo mandatory prior experience
Internship / Registration Pathway“Evolve” internship (~37 weeks), focuses on practical skills, Māori health, and legal requirements12-month internship + Intern Oral Exam (IOE) for general registration
Governing BodyPharmacy Council of New ZealandAustralian Pharmacy Council

Frequently Asked Questions

The KAPS exam has been replaced and is no longer the standard pathway for overseas-trained pharmacists. The NZ OPRA Exam is now the required assessment for international pharmacists who wish to practice in New Zealand.

Yes, you can take the OPRA exam from India. There are 7 test centres in India, which include Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, and Noida.

An Indian pharmacy degree is not automatically valid in New Zealand. However, you can have your qualifications assessed by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ).

The OPRA exam in New Zealand is similar to the OPRA exam in Australia. This exam assesses the international pharmacist’s knowledge and skills for practising in New Zealand.

The exam will be tested according to the Rasch methodology. The scoring pattern is based on the level of difficult questions attempted.

Yes, an Indian pharmacist can work in New Zealand, but they must first obtain a New Zealand pharmacist license. This involves having their qualifications assessed, completing the exams, and obtaining registration from the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.

Yes, pharmacists are in demand in New Zealand. Therefore, the chances of getting a job are also high.

In New Zealand, the average salary for a pharmacist is $83,746 per year, which is equal to $42.95 per hour. Entry-level pharmacists typically earn around $74,818 annually, while those with more experience can make up to $100,231 per year.

The syllabus for the OPRA exam will be similar to that of the KAPS exam, but it will include additional emphasis on therapeutics and practical application to align with current New Zealand pharmacy practice standards.
 

The OPRA exam is not designed to be harder than KAPS, but it is structured differently. While the core knowledge required remains similar, OPRA places greater emphasis on clinical judgement, readiness for practice, and applying knowledge within the New Zealand healthcare context.

The OPRA exam contains 120 multiple-choice questions, each with one correct answer and three incorrect options. The total duration is 2.5 hours. 

The OPRA exam does not use a fixed pass mark like 50% or 60%. Instead, it is scored using the Rasch methodology, a psychometric model that determines your result based on the difficulty level of questions attempted rather than a simple percentage. Results are reported as either pass or unsuccessful.

Candidates have 2 attempts to pass the OPRA exam. If you need to resit, you must register and pay the full exam fee again during the next available exam window.

The OPRA exam fee is AUD $2,245. Candidates should budget for all stages of the process, not just the exam itself.

With a structured study plan, most candidates generally need around 16–18 weeks of focused preparation. However, Academically’s course spans 14 weeks to ensure thorough coverage of the entire OPRA syllabus, with additional time for mock tests and grand test practice.

The OPRA syllabus covers five weighted areas: Biomedical Sciences (20%), Pharmaceutical Chemistry (10%), Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics (10%), Pharmacology (15%), and Therapeutics (45%).  Therapeutics carries the highest weightage, so candidates should prioritise clinical application and patient care scenarios in their preparation.

New Zealand OPRA Exam Coaching and Preparation Course

Become a Registered Pharmacist in New Zealand