Eligibility Criteria for the OPRA Exam

In order to sit for the exam, candidates must satisfy certain OPRA exam eligibility criteria set by the APC. Such conditions normally are:

• A pharmacy degree that is accepted by the Australian authorities. Four years of full-time academic studies or a postgraduate pharmacy degree (BPharm, Master’s, or PharmD graduates).
• The qualification should provide basic knowledge of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.
• Registration at home, being allowed to register in that country, or starting the registration process.
• Accepted tests are PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 66 and 66 for each component and 56 in writing, IELTS Academic (with a minimum overall band score of 7, and 6.5 in writing), or OET (Occupational English Test) for Pharmacy (with a minimum score of B in speaking, reading, and listening and C+ in writing). Cambridge (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency).

OPRA Exam Format and Syllabus

The OPRA exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each having one true and three false answers. The test-takers are given 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) to finish the test.

The OPRA exam syllabus is a set of five key content areas:

• Biomedical Sciences (20%)
• Medicinal Chemistry & Biopharmaceutics (10%)
• Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics (10%)
• Pharmacology & Toxicology (15%)
• Therapeutics & Patient Care (45%)

The major part of the syllabus focuses on therapeutics and patient care based on real life, which involves solving realistic patient scenarios, medication management, and ethical considerations.

Additionally, the exam also focuses on cognitive abilities such as remembering/recalling, comprehension/understanding, and application.

How to Prepare for the OPRA Exam

Preparing for the OPRA Exam requires a structured approach and access to quality resources. You will also need prior understanding and guidance to clear the exam successfully. For this, an OPRA Exam online coaching is the best OPRA exam preparation to get support, focus on your strengths, and improve your weaknesses. With expert feedback, you can take a step forward on your journey to becoming a registered pharmacist.

It is important to understand how you can prepare for your OPRA exam. You can achieve this in 3 months with effort and dedicated preparation. Here is the plan:

Month 1: Build Your Foundation

• Understand the exam structure comprising 120 MCQs. It is a closed-book computer test.
• Focus on biomedical sciences and pharmacology.
• Get acquainted with the OPRA format through sample questions.
• Start reading Australian pharmacy practice standards.

Month 2: Dive into Therapeutics

• Make therapeutics and patient care your top priority, as they account for almost 50% of the exam.
• Apply clinical scenarios and case-based questions for practice.
• Think of joining a structured pharmacist course for guided learning.

Month 3: Practice & Refine

• Do full-length mock exams in a timed, exam environment setting.
• Spot the weak points and revise smartly.
• Review the Rasch method used in the OPRA exam.

Registration Process for the OPRA Exam

The upcoming OPRA exam dates and OPRA exam registration period 2026 are

March Exam:

• Registration: 6 January – 23 February 2026
• Exam Dates: 23 – 25 March 2026
• Results Release: 21 April 26

July Exam:

• Registration: 28 April – 15 June 2026
• Exam Dates: 13 – 15 July 2026
• Results Release: 11 August 26

November Exam:

• Registration: 18 August – 19 October 2026
• Exam Dates: 23 – 25 November 2026
• Results Release: 22 December 26

Here is all you need to know about the registration process:

1. Check your eligibility by submitting the accurate documents.
2. Register for the exam via the Candidate Portal. Registrations open at 9 am and close at 5 pm AEDT/AEST.
3. Upload a photo of yourself.
4. Pay registration fee.
5. Appear for the exam at the centre.
6. Request a Skill Assessment letter.

What to Expect on Exam Day and After

It is important to stay focused and not be distracted during the exam. The test is a closed-book test with 12 MCQs, each with a valid answer. Consider these points:

• 150 minutes (2.5 hours) to complete the exam
• 5 minutes to read and sign the non-disclosure agreement prior to the exam
• 10-minute tutorial to familiarize yourself with the exam software
• After finishing the exam, you will have 5 minutes to complete a feedback survey
• Live versions of the exam are assigned randomly
• The order of the questions is also random

These pre- and post-exam activities do not count against exam time. The 150-minute timer begins as soon as you answer the first question. The method of the OPRA exam is unique and hence requires thorough preparation.

After Passing OPRA: Next Steps to Pharmacy Registration

• Request your Skills Assessment Outcome via the Candidate Portal after clearing the exam.
• Use it to apply for a visa through the Department of Home Affairs and for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (AHPRA).
• Complete your supervised practice
• Pass the pharmacist intern written and oral exam
• Pass the English Language required test (PTE, OET, IELTS)

Conclusion

The OPRA exam aims to facilitate the path for overseas pharmacists aiming to practice in Australia.

Stay updated with the latest OPRA Exam syllabus with strategic preparation, clinical insight, and familiarity with Australian standards.

You can follow a structured plan by understanding the exam format and learning from the official APC website. You can confidently navigate the journey from exam readiness to full registration. OPRA is not just a test, it’s your launchpad to a rewarding pharmacy career in Australia.