OPRA Exam (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment) is the licensure exam for pharmacists aiming to practise in Australia. Clearing this exam requires a lot of preparation, considering its vast syllabus, which can be achieved only through rigorous training. This test ensures that pharmacists meet the competence and skills required for Australian Healthcare. Passing this does not directly allow you to practise in Australia but is the first and mandatory step towards fulfilling an Australian pharmacist's dream for an overseas candidate. Therefore, understanding the OPRA exam, who is eligible for this exam, and how to register properly are some of the essential details to be handy before you start the process for a smooth transition into the Australian healthcare system.
OPRA Exam (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment) is the test conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). As the name indicates, this is an exam to check the readiness of overseas candidates to enter the Australian pharmaceutical field. Every country has a licensure exam that one needs to clear before starting a career as a pharmacist in that country, and the OPRA exam is the doorway for Australia. This licensure exam was previously called the KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences). The OPRA exam replaced this exam to meet the current needs of the industry.
This exam is for any overseas candidate who wants to become a pharmacist in Australia and has a pharmacy degree from a country other than Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US, Canada, or Ireland. It falls under the Knowledge stream.
Another step before you assess your eligibility for the exam is "Skills Assessment," where you get your document evaluation done. The process of Skills Assessment outcome has parts to follow:
There is no expiry on the eligibility check; once it's done, it gives a lifetime validity.
The APC suggests the candidates apply at least 8 weeks before the registration closing date. A well-prepared and timely application can be the difference between progressing smoothly toward registration or facing frustrating delays. Sometimes, there might be situations where the PAC might identify some errors in documentation, missed deadlines, or misunderstanding eligibility criteria, which could result in significant delays. Therefore, it's always better to know each step of the process before starting the journey—and that's where Elite Expertise can guide you.
Before applying for the OPRA Exam, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements set by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC):
Another criterion to be fulfilled by the candidate is that they must be:
If you need help with document evaluation or eligibility, training centres like Elite Expertise can assess your readiness and gather the necessary documentation.
Here's a document checklist that you'll need when applying for the Eligibility Check:
Pro tip: Make sure all documents are certified according to APC guidelines. Any deviation might lead to a delayed process.
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Before you start the process, confirm your eligibility as mentioned above in the eligibility section.
Step 2: Gather all your documents:
Gather all the documents mentioned above that the APC requires to prove your eligibility to proceed further.
Step 3: Apply in the candidate portal:
It is always better to start your eligibility process at least 8 weeks before the registration closing date.
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation and Document Verification
Wait to get a confirmation from the APC via email. This process might be delayed if any wrong or insufficient documents are provided. In such cases, the APC will ask for the required documents, and you will have 180 days or 6 months to provide them.
Step 5: Book the OPRA Exam Slot
Once the APC confirms your eligibility, you can book the slot for your OPAR exam. The exam is typically conducted in various locations, and you can choose from the test centres that are feasible for you. This test can be taken in your home country.
Step 7: Prepare for the OPRA Exam
Considering the vast syllabus of the OPRA exam, many candidates find it difficult to self-study, and that's where many candidates need guidance. Elite Expertise is an online coaching centre that offers one-on-one coaching, mocks, and case-based scenario training to boost your confidence and performance.
Considering its vast syllabus, preparing for an OPRA exam is different from preparing for other competitive exams. Most candidates get confused about where to start, which textbooks to follow, and where the material is curated for OPRA exam preparation. Apart from these hurdles, time management and preparation are some of the difficulties faced by general candidates appearing for the OPRA exam. However, with the right mentoring and guidance, one can easily confidently crack the exam.
The OPRA Exam is the first step in your journey to becoming a fully registered pharmacist in Australia. While the process may seem tiring and daunting, with careful planning, accurate documentation, and expert guidance from our mentors and directors of Elite Expertise, Mr. Arief Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu, you can transform your experience.
