The OPRA exam is the pathway exam for internationally qualified pharmacists aiming to register and practice in Australia and New Zealand.

OPRA Pathway for Australia

STEP 1: Eligibility Assessment by APC

Submit documents to the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) for a Skills Assessment. If you’re a pharmacist trained outside the six recognized countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK, USA), your first step toward registration in Australia is the Eligibility Assessment by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). Pharmacists with qualifications from countries not recognized under the Competency Standards (i.e., outside Australia, Canada, Ireland, NZ, UK, USA).

If APC confirms your qualifications meet their standards: You’ll receive a Successful Skills Assessment Outcome. This makes you eligible to sit the OPRA exam — the next major step toward becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia

STEP 2: OPRA Exam for Australia

The OPRA exam is your gateway to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia if you’re trained overseas. It’s designed to assess whether your knowledge aligns with Australian pharmacy standards.

  • Purpose: Tests knowledge across biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences relevant to Australian pharmacy practice.
  • Format: Computer-based exam, typically includes multiple-choice and scenario-based questions.

This is not just a theory test — it’s a readiness check for real-life pharmacy practice in Australia. Once you pass, you’re eligible to begin your internship and move closer to full registration.

STEP 3: English language requirement

English language requirement is important as per APC guidelines. The required score may change at any time, so please make sure to check the official website regularly for updates.

STEP 4: Pharmacy Internship in Australia and Assessment

Once you’ve successfully passed the OPRA exam, you’re officially eligible to begin your pharmacy internship in Australia — a crucial phase in your registration journey.

Internship Combines hands-on experience with structured learning, and it helps you adapt to Australian pharmacy practice, patient care standards, and workplace culture.

Complete the Intern Written Exam and oral assessment during this period.

STEP 5: AHPRA Registration

After completing your internship and passing all required assessments, you’re ready to apply for AHPRA Registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. It’s the official status that allows you to:

  • Practice independently as a pharmacist anywhere in Australia
  • Dispense medications, counsel patients, and manage pharmacy operations
  • Be recognized as a fully qualified healthcare professional

Application Process

  • Submit your final documents and assessments via the AHPRA portal
  • Pay the registration fee
  • Await confirmation — once approved, you’ll receive your Registration number

OPRA Pathway for New Zealand

STEP 1: Eligibility via PCNZ

If you’re a pharmacist and want to register in New Zealand, your journey begins with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ) It’s an official eligibility check to determine whether your overseas pharmacy qualifications meet New Zealand’s standards for registration.

STEP 1 A: English language requirement

To register as a pharmacist in New Zealand, you must demonstrate English language proficiency—typically through the OET or IELTS exams. English language requirement is mandatory as per the PCN for New Zealand. Since the required scores may change at any time, please make sure to regularly check the official website for the latest updates.

STEP 2: OPRA Exam for New Zealand

The OPRA (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) exam is a key milestone for internationally trained pharmacists seeking registration in New Zealand. It is a 120 MCQ Computer based exam.

Eligibility: You must first be approved by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ) through the Non-REQR pathway before registering for the exam.

STEP 3: Pharmacy Internship in New Zealand

This is your Final Training Phase Before Registration. After passing the OPRA exam, internationally qualified pharmacists begin a 11-month supervised internship in New Zealand – a vital step toward becoming fully registered.

A structured, hands-on training program under the guidance of a registered pharmacist (your preceptor). It is Conducted in a community or hospital pharmacy approved by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ). It focuses on applying your knowledge in real-world settings, with emphasis on patient care, communication, and cultural competence

STEP 4: General PCNZ Registration

This is your Final Milestone in New Zealand. After months of dedication, training, and assessments, you’re now at the final step: applying for Registration with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ). It’s the official recognition that you are:

  • Fully qualified to practice as a registered pharmacist in New Zealand
  • Eligible to work independently in community or hospital pharmacies
  • Trusted to provide safe, culturally competent, and patient-centred care

You’re now a registered pharmacist in New Zealand- ready to begin your professional journey, contribute to public health, and even explore further specialization or permanent residency pathways.