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.

13 Jun 2026 Batch Starts On
4 Months Course Duration

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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

mamatha reddy

I enrolled with opra course and recently I cracked it with help of academically team. I strongly recommend for this type of exams, especially shohini helps me lot in this exam I joined the academic program for the OPRA exam and successfully passed on my very first attempt. The academic team provided outstanding support throughout my preparation. Th...

Nileena Anna Varghese

The overall experience with the OPRA program has been very positive. The classes are well-planned, the content is exam-focused, and the support system is reliable. A special thanks to Shohini Ma’am for being so approachable and efficient in coordinating everything and ensuring that students get the help they need on time. Her support behind the sce...

Hardik Chaudhari

I just passed the OPRA exam! I took classes from excellent lecturers who taught us well. Overall, it was the best academic experience. Special thanks to Dr. Nishitha Ma'am, Kiram Ma'am, and the support team, who always helps students.

Deepak

I’m thrilled to share that I have successfully cleared my OPRA exam, and I couldn’t have done it without the outstanding guidance from Academically. The coaching was well-structured, comprehensive, and tailored to the OPRA syllabus, making even the most challenging topics easy to understand. The faculty was extremely knowledgeable, supportive, and...

Muthuramalingam

I am currently taking the OPRA course for Australia Pharmacist registration. Dr. Akram, the founder, has built a very well-structured program. Special thanks to Shohini, who guided me throughout—she understood my busy schedule and designed a clear preparation plan, showing me exactly where to focus and providing helpful mock tests. Each topic is ta...

Arsh Deep

Academically is an excellent platform for the OPRA course. And I have recently cleared my OPRA exam in first attempt. The great faculty they provide and supports you with their great experience. They are always available for doubts and support you. I would like to thank all the faculty and especially Kiran and Sohini maam. Once again, I extend my h...

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.

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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 ?