For internationally trained pharmacists, the journey to practice in Australia or New Zealand begins with a crucial checkpoint—the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA). This exam is more than a test; it’s a comprehensive evaluation of your academic foundation and clinical reasoning, designed to ensure you’re ready to enter supervised practice in a new healthcare environment.
What Is the OPRA Exam?
Administered by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), the OPRA Exam is a computer-based, closed-book assessment that forms part of the Skills Assessment process for overseas pharmacists. It focuses on core scientific and therapeutic knowledge, rather than country-specific laws or regulations. The OPRA exam is conducted in March, July and November in every year.
The goal? To confirm that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to begin supervised practice in Australia or New Zealand.
Exam Format
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions
- Mode: Computer-based, closed-book
- Location: Approved test centres worldwide
Each question includes one correct answer and three distractors, designed to challenge your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Understanding the Australian Pharmacy Council OPRA Exam
The OPRA exam is designed to assess a candidate’s competency in real world pharmacy scenarios. It consists of various factors where candidates are required to demonstrate their clinical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and ability to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals. The exam is structured to test various aspects of pharmacy practice, including:
- Medication Review and Management – Assessing patient prescriptions and providing appropriate recommendations.
- Patient Communication – Engaging with patients, explaining medication use, and addressing concerns.
- Pharmaceutical Calculations – Ensuring accuracy in dosing and medication preparation.
- Ethical and Professional Conduct – Demonstrating professionalism in various pharmacy settings.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance – Understanding Australian pharmacy laws and regulations.
Passing the OPRA exam is a significant step toward obtaining a pharmacy license in Australia, and proper preparation is essential to achieving success.
Australian pharmacist assessment exam passing tips:
Here are some valuable tips to improve your chances of success:
- Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Format
Understanding the structure of the OPRA exam is the first step in your preparation.
Tip: Practice under timed conditions to get comfortable with the exam format.
- Enrol in a Professional Preparation Course
Enrol in a structured preparation course, which can significantly enhance your understanding and readiness for the exam:
- Comprehensive Study Materials – Covering all essential topics and guidelines.
- Mock OPRA Exams – Simulating real exam conditions to improve confidence.
- Expert Mentorship – Providing insights from experienced professionals.
- One-on-One Coaching – Personalized feedback to address individual weaknesses.
- Master Pharmaceutical Calculations
Pharmaceutical calculations are an important part of the OPRA exam. Being accurate and quick with calculations ensures patient safety and demonstrates your competency.
Tip: Regularly practice dosage calculations, unit conversions, and dilution formulas to improve accuracy and speed.
- Understand Australian Pharmacy Laws and Regulations
Having a thorough understanding of pharmacy laws and ethical considerations in Australia is critical. You will be tested on your ability to apply these laws in different pharmacy scenarios.
Tip: Study the Australian pharmacy code of conduct, regulations on medication dispensing, and guidelines on patient confidentiality.
- Take Mock Exams and Simulated Assessments
Mock exams help in identifying strengths and areas that need improvement and simulate the actual testing environment, helping candidates build confidence and refine their skills.
Tip: Take regular mock exams that simulate the real OPRA exam to identify weak areas, improve time management, and build exam confidence.
- Stay Calm and Confident During the Exam
Exam stress can affect performance. Maintaining a calm and focused mindset is crucial to effectively responding to questions and scenarios.
Tip: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and visualization to stay composed during the exam.
Final Thoughts
The OPRA Exam is a vital step in your professional journey—one that validates your expertise and opens doors to a fulfilling career in pharmacy. With the right preparation and mindset, you can rise to the challenge and take your place in a healthcare system that values excellence, safety, and compassion.
