If you’re an internationally trained pharmacist aiming to qualify to practise in Australia, it’s time to act fast — the OPRA exam window is just around the corner, scheduled for 24–26 November 2025. With only one month left, this is your final stretch to revise smartly, strengthen your weak areas, and build the confidence you need to succeed.
What Is the OPRA Exam?
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA), conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), is the key assessment for overseas-qualified pharmacists seeking registration in Australia.
It’s designed to evaluate whether international pharmacists have the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment needed to practise safely and effectively within the Australian healthcare system.
Replacing the previous KAPS exam, OPRA places a stronger focus on therapeutics, patient care, and clinical decision-making — essential areas for pharmacists working in a patient-focused healthcare environment.
Why the Date Matters
With the OPRA exam only weeks away, it’s no longer about long-term preparation — it’s about targeted revision and exam readiness. The next few weeks are critical for revisiting key topics, doing timed practice, and reinforcing confidence through mock tests.
Your individual time slot will fall on one of the three exam days, so make sure you’ve received your official confirmation and understand your specific exam day, time, and testing instructions.
Exam Format and Structure
The OPRA is a computer-based test that ensures consistent and fair assessment across all candidates.
Here’s what to expect:
Total Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Duration: 2.5 hours (no scheduled breaks)
Scoring Method: Rasch model (adaptive testing for consistency and fairness)
Content Distribution:
Biomedical Sciences – 20%
Medicinal Chemistry & Biopharmaceutics – 10%
Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics – 10%
Pharmacology & Toxicology – 15%
Therapeutics & Patient Care – 45%
With nearly half the paper focused on Therapeutics and Patient Care, your last few weeks of preparation should emphasize case-based learning, clinical reasoning, and application of knowledge to real-world scenarios.
What These Numbers Mean for You
You’ll have 1.25 minutes per question, so quick, confident decision-making is key.
There are no breaks, meaning you must maintain focus and mental stamina throughout.
The adaptive format means the exam may vary in difficulty depending on your responses — consistent performance matters more than perfection.
This final month should be about improving speed, accuracy, and mental endurance.
How to Prepare in the Final Month
Here’s how to use the last few weeks effectively:
- Focus on Revision, Not New Topics
At this stage, it’s wiser to consolidate what you already know than to start completely new material. Review summaries, flashcards, and core notes.
- Prioritise Therapeutics and Patient Care
With 45% of questions from this section, go over major therapeutic areas — cardiovascular, infectious diseases, endocrinology, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Sharpen Your Calculation Skills
Revisit key pharmaceutical calculations and ensure you can perform them quickly and accurately under pressure.
- Do Timed Practice Papers
Simulate the real exam — 120 questions in 2.5 hours — to build time management and mental focus.
- Review Australian Pharmacy Practice
Brush up on laws, ethical principles, and local healthcare practices relevant to pharmacists in Australia.
- Eliminate Weak Spots
Go through your mock exam results or previous notes to find recurring mistakes and fix them now.
- Stay Calm and Balanced
Avoid burnout. Get enough rest, eat well, and take short study breaks to stay fresh and alert.
Final Preparation Tips
Double-check your exam confirmation email, ID requirements, and testing location or online access details.
Prepare your documents the night before and ensure all login credentials are ready.
Avoid last-minute cramming on exam day — review light notes, relax, and trust your preparation.
During the exam, if a question feels tricky, mark and move on — don’t lose time dwelling on a single item.
The OPRA exam (24–26 November 2025) is only a month away — the final step between you and your dream of practising as a registered pharmacist in Australia.
This is your moment to focus, refine, and perform. The exam’s 120 MCQs over 2.5 hours test not just your knowledge, but your judgment and ability to think under pressure. Prioritise therapeutics, master your calculations, and stay confident.
Every hour of focused revision now moves you closer to success. When you walk into the OPRA exam next month, walk in knowing you’ve done everything you could to prepare.
Mark the date, stay consistent, and make November 2025 the month your Australian pharmacy journey officially begins.
