The OPRA Exam — Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment — is essential for pharmacist registration in Australia, especially for internationally trained professionals like those from India.

Ensures Competency in Australian Pharmacy Standards

  • The OPRA exam evaluates whether overseas pharmacists meet the clinical knowledge, pharmaceutical science, and ethical standards required to practice safely in Australia
  • It covers key areas such as pharmacology, therapeutics, clinical pharmacy, legislation, and pharmaceutical calculations

Passing OPRA Exam for Pharmacist unlocks career in Australia

Standardization of Competency -OPRA exam evaluates whether overseas pharmacists possess the same level of knowledge and skills as those trained in Australia. This includes clinical decision-making, pharmaceutical calculations, and legal responsibilities.

  • Eligibility for Registration- Passing the OPRA exam is a mandatory requirement for provisional registration with the Australian Pharmacy Council. Without it, overseas pharmacists cannot begin supervised practice or move toward full registration.
  • Visa and Migration Support- A successful OPRA exam outcome is often required for skilled migration visas under Australia’s health workforce programs. It validates your qualifications for immigration purposes.
  • Patient Safety and Public Trust- By ensuring pharmacists are competent and knowledgeable, OPRA exam helps maintain high standards of patient care and protects public health.
  • Replacement of KAPS -OPRA has replaced the previous KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) exam, offering a more comprehensive and practice-oriented assessment.

Regulated by Trusted Authorities

  • The exam is administered by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), ensuring that pharmacists meet national healthcare standards

Career Opportunities in Australia

  • Australia faces a shortage of pharmacists, making it a lucrative destination for qualified professionals
  • OPRA certification opens doors to employment, permanent residency pathways, and professional growth.

Streamlined Format

  • Unlike older assessments like KAPS exam, Australian Pharmacist Assessment Exam is a single paper with 120 multiple-choice questions over 2.5 hours, making it more accessible and focused

In short, the OPRA exam isn’t just a test—it’s a professional milestone that validates your readiness to serve in world-class healthcare systems.

Career Opportunities After OPRA

  • Internship Placement: Once an overseas-trained pharmacist passes the OPRA exam, the next major step is completing 1,575 hours of supervised practice—commonly referred to as the internship year.
  •  General Registration: Once the internship and final written/oral exams are completed, pharmacists can apply for general registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia, allowing them to practice independently.

 Job Roles Available:

  • Community Pharmacist
  • Hospital Pharmacist

Why It Matters for PR and Career

  • A positive skills assessment via OPRA is required for PR visa subclasses like 189, 190, and 491.
  • It’s also essential for employer-sponsored visas (e.g., 482, 186).
  • Passing OPRA opens doors to roles like hospital pharmacist, community pharmacist and more.

Long-Term Prospects

  • Pharmacists in Australia enjoy strong job security, competitive salaries, and opportunities for specialization.
  • With additional experience, you can move into leadership roles, academia, or consultancy.