Pharmacists are highly in demand in Australia, also receiving competitive salaries and other benefits such as relocation assistance and bonuses in some cases. These reasons are the primary reasons among other important reasons why professionals in this field prefer to work in this country.   These career opportunities plus a high standard of living, and a favorable environment for healthcare professionals make Australia very attractive to overseas pharmacists.  However, if you are an aspirant, you have to pass the OPRA Exam first.  

In the past years, the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) administered the KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) exam for overseas pharmacists but starting March 2025, OPRA (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) will be held instead.  It is an assessment given to overseas-trained pharmacists aspiring to practice in Australia.  It is a modernized exam to assess the baseline knowledge and skills required to enter the Australian pharmacy profession.  Passing this test will open pathways to further training and eventual registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.  How should one prepare for the OPRA exam?

Let’s check first the OPRA exam syllabus.  Twenty percent of the questions in the exam are all about Biomedical Sciences that deal with normal and abnormal body functions.  Ten percent consists of Medicinal  Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics which is all about the fundamentals of drug design and development.  Another ten percent is the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics which involves factors that affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of medicine from the body.  The next fifteen percent is all about Pharmacology and Toxicology which deals with how chemicals and toxins affect the body and how to manage the adverse effects.  Finally, the biggest 45 percent of the test concentrates on Therapeutics and Patient Care promoting health, prevention, and quality medicine use.  

Study Tips for OPRA Exam Preparation

Familiarize yourself with the syllabus.  You may check the OPRA syllabus at the Australian Pharmacy Council website and try to break it down into manageable sections and prioritize areas you need improvement.

Gather the right resources.  You may use the Therapeutic Guidelines Australia as a source for clinical knowledge and other standard textbooks.  Secure APC Practice Exams to familiarize yourself with the exam format.  Always check the APC website for needed information.

Create a study plan.  Set daily and weekly goals and follow strictly the specific dates you have set on your plan.  Include time for practice exams.

Join study groups.  Collaborating with peers or joining an online forum can provide different perspectives on challenging topics.

Take mock exams.  Observe time limits during mock tests and analyze the results to identify weak areas and refine your strategy to meet necessary adjustments.  

Manage stress and stay healthy.  Practice relaxation techniques and exercise regularly to reduce exam anxiety.  Have a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.  

Understanding the OPRA syllabus is your foundation for exam preparation.  Your dedication, strategic planning, study techniques, and the right resources will complete your readiness to start your journey to become one of Australia’s official pharmacists.  Best of luck!