Learning Format: Live Classes + Recordings

New Zealand OPRA Exam Coaching and Preparation Course Become a Registered Pharmacist in New Zealand

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.

24 May 2026 Batch Starts On
4 Months Course Duration

Your journey with us begins now!

Kindly share your basic details to unlock exclusive benefits

Scholarship Available
I hereby accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

14 weeks of intensive sessions according to NZ OPRA syllabus

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

120 hours of live online NZ OPRA training

Exclusive tips on approaching the OPRA exam for New Zealand

Adaptive AI Based OPRA Exam Mock Tests

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

1

The NZ OPRA (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment ) exam is a comprehensive assessment conducted by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ) for pharmacists seeking registration to practise in New Zealand.

2

The New Zealand OPRA Exam Preparation Course covers essential content and offers guidance and resources for boosting success in the NZ OPRA exam.

3

Secure lifelong membership to our OPRA pharmacist-led chat group and access complimentary CV writing webinars, along with tips for securing your first job.

4

By clearing this exam, international pharmacists can become and practice as registered pharmacists in New Zealand.

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.

What's More That
Comes With Our Course?

What's More...

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 The Full Curriculum

Biomedical Sciences

  • 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

Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Therapeutics and Patient Care

Our Testimonials

prince bansal

Firstly, i am very grateful towards academically team. It has been a month being student of Academically.They focus in the specific, relevant and important content which they are assisting us to Crack KAPS. In this period, i found they are concentrating on Quality rather than Quantity. I am very delightful because of your guidance and support.

Alina Rana

I would like to thank all tutors and teams for providing us necessary resources and guidance to pass the KAPS examination. I was fully dependent on their materials and was worth it. The tutors guidance helped me to pass the exam on my first attempt. I heartily recommend others to join academically if you want to pass KAPS examinations.

Dharmendra Gupta

Very good Academically plateformfor your nice dream health professional to achivement for other countries like Australia

Saad Choudhry

Well it's a wonderful institution that will help you in getting the basic concepts revised of all the important subjects required in KAPS exam. The faculty is very awesome, the technical staff is really cooperative, the website/mock tests are designed same as that appear in the actual exam, the recalls are there, practically all the requirements fo...

Gourav Jangra

Hello guys, today I am very happy after seeing my result, I am student of academically from july batch, as per my experience all the staff members including the teachers are vey helpful and having a lot of knowledge regarding KAPS examination. Each session is very informative and productive. Academically provide very precise syllabus and made it ve...

Sayyadah Fazal

Took the classes for Australian Physiotherapy written assessment (APC) and had a positive experience. Michael sir and Manasi mam we’re very knowledgeable and had an amazing time learning from them. The concepts were made easy and practice exam helped a lot. Big shoutout to Shohini for coordinating everything and helping me through this journey.

Gladys James

I came to know about academically through Instagram. I have being a part of this family since 1 month. I have joined for both PTE and APC classes. Classes are really good. As a working person, i thought it will be difficult for me to attend classes, but the recordings provided by the team is really helping me a lot. I would like to appreciate the t...

Dorcas Grace

Good guidance.. for how to approach the AMC (Australian Medical Council) exam and comprehensive review.

Susan Laka

Greetings from Papua New Guinea. At first I didn’t know where to start and how to approach the AMC MCQ exam. Since June 2023 when I started this sessions on AMC preparation the story is different now. The Two lecturers Namely, Dr Swapnil and Dr Udara are exceptionally committed and deliver well. The team is always available to answer to us anytime....

Rahul Rajput

The session was informative and worthy. I got to know more career options about the field which currently I'm pursuing. Working internationally, career options overseas, information about pharm. D and MD, etc are the things which is new for me and actually very informative. Interacting with the guest was really helpful and had influenced me positiv...

Dharani Rajendran

I recently passed the KAPS exam, and I owe a huge thanks to Academically. Their support and guidance helped me throughout my preparation. The teachers were exceptionally kind and explained complex concepts in a way that made them easy to understand. I wholeheartedly recommend Academically to any aspiring individuals preparing for the KAPS exam in t...

Athira Raju

Academically is a great platform to achieve our dream. I recently joined but the classes they providing is very informative and understandable and they always ready to help and clarify our doubts regarding our KAPS preparation. Thank you so much to team Academically for your valuable support.

Md Imteyaz Ahmad

Academically is an organisation which able to qualify the Australian KAPS exam. I have good experience with academically. It's provides all necessary knowledge and stuffs for the KAPS.

Success Stories

About The New Zealand OPRA

What is the New Zealand OPRA

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 Exam Eligibility Criteria

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

Procedure for New Zealand OPRA Exam

  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. 

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take KAPS or OPRA?

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.

Can I take OPRA from India?

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.

Is an Indian pharmacy degree valid in New Zealand?

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).

What is the OPRA exam in New Zealand?

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.

How will the exam be tested and what is the passing criteria?

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

Can an Indian pharmacist work in New Zealand?

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.

Are pharmacists in demand in New Zealand?

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

How much is a pharmacist paid in NZ?

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.

Will the syllabus be the same for OPRA?

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.
 

Is OPRA difficult than KAPS?

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.

How many questions are in the NZ OPRA exam and how long is it?

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

How is the NZ OPRA exam scored? Is there a fixed pass mark?

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.

How many times can I attempt the NZ OPRA exam?

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.

What is the fee for the NZ OPRA exam?

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

How long does it take to prepare for the NZ OPRA exam?

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.

What topics does the NZ OPRA exam cover?

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.

Do you have more Questions ?
Contact Us

Our Services Are Way Beyond Exam Preparations!

Resume Tips

Get proven tips from experts on building a robust resume to help you land your dream job.

Interview Preparation

Chisel your interview skills to ensure you mesmerise the interviewers into giving in.

Career Support

Receive support at each step of your journey- during your exam preparation and beyond.

Connect with our 1000+ alumni working at recognised organisations

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.

Do you have more Questions ?