This comprehensive guide explains the key differences between the OPRA™ exam and KAPS exam, how the Australian Pharmacy Council conducts the skill assessment, and what pharmacists need to know to practice pharmacy in Australia. Learn how this exam helps overseas pharmacists gain registration and secure a pharmacist job in Australia.
Introduction:
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has introduced significant changes to its assessment process for internationally trained pharmacists seeking registration in Australia. The traditional Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam is being replaced by the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam, effective from March 2025. This transition reflects APC’s commitment to contemporary exam design and alignment with current pharmacy practice standards in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the OPRA™ Exam (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), candidates must be internationally trained pharmacists who have completed a recognized pharmacy degree. They must undergo an APC skills assessment, which includes verifying their qualifications and meeting the English language proficiency requirements set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Only candidates who successfully pass the initial assessment are eligible to sit for the OPRA™ Exam as part of the pharmacist registration process in Australia.
Key Differences Between KAPS and OPRA™ Exams:
- Exam Structure and Duration:
| Exam Type | Number of Papers | Total Questions | Duration | Key Difference |
| KAPS | 2 papers | 200 (100 per paper) | 4 hours | Traditional format with a broader assessment scope |
| OPRA | 1 (Single paper) | 120 multiple-choice questions | 2.5 hours | Streamlined format for a more targeted assessment |
- Syllabus:
| Exam | Content Areas | Weightage (%) |
| KAPS (Paper 1) | Pharmacology and Physiology | 70% |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 30% | |
| KAPS (Paper 2) | Therapeutics | 70% |
| Pharmaceutics | 30% | |
| OPRA | Therapeutics and Patient Care | 45% |
| Biomedical Sciences | 20% | |
| Pharmacology and Toxicology | 15% | |
| Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics | 10% | |
| Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics | 10% |
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- The OPRA exam places a greater emphasis on therapeutics and patient care, ensuring pharmacists are well-prepared for direct patient management in modern healthcare settings.
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- Assessment Methodology:
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- The OPRA™ exam adopts contemporary psychometric methodologies, specifically the Rasch model, for question selection and scoring, ensuring a robust and defensible assessment of candidate abilities. Unlike the KAPS exam, which utilized traditional scoring methods, the OPRA™ exam aligns with best practices in exam design. The computer-based format provides a standardized assessment experience, enhancing fairness and accuracy in evaluating pharmacy knowledge. This transition reduces redundancy while maintaining a comprehensive assessment of pharmacists’ readiness to practice in Australia.
- Cost Implications:
| Exam | Cost (AUD) | Cost-Effectiveness |
| KAPS | Approximately AU$2,470 | Higher cost due to two separate papers |
| OPRA | AU$2,190 | More cost-effective, single streamlined exam |
Implications for Aspiring Pharmacists
For internationally trained pharmacists, understanding these changes is crucial for effective preparation:
- Preparation Strategies: With a heightened focus on therapeutics and patient care, candidates should tailor their study plans to encompass these areas extensively.
- Time Management: The reduced duration necessitates efficient time management during the exam to ensure all questions are addressed adequately.
- Financial Planning: The decreased examination fee may alleviate some financial burden, allowing candidates to allocate resources to other preparatory materials or courses.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the OPRA™ Exam?
The OPRA™ Exam (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) is a new exam by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) for internationally trained pharmacists to assess their readiness to practise in Australia.
- How is the OPRA™ Exam different from the KAPS Exam?
The OPRA™ Exam has a single paper with 120 MCQs, while KAPS had two papers with 200 MCQs. OPRA™ focuses more on therapeutics and patient care and uses a modern scoring system.
- Who conducts the OPRA™ Exam?
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) conducts the OPRA™ Exam as part of its skill assessment process for overseas pharmacists.
- What is the duration of the OPRA™ Exam?
The OPRA™ Exam lasts 2.5 hours (150 minutes), shorter than the KAPS Exam, which was 4 hours.
- Can I get a job in Australia after passing the OPRA™ Exam?
Yes, passing the OPRA™ Exam is a key step toward pharmacist registration in Australia, allowing you to apply for pharmacy jobs.
- How can I prepare for the OPRA™ Exam?
Use the APC OPRA™ guide, sample papers, and practice MCQs focusing on therapeutics, patient care, and pharmacy practice in Australia.
Conclusion
The transition from KAPS to OPRA™ marks a significant evolution in the assessment of overseas pharmacists in Australia. This change not only aligns the evaluation process with contemporary pharmacy practices but also underscores the APC’s dedication to upholding the highest standards in pharmacist accreditation. Aspiring pharmacists must acquaint themselves with these changes to navigate the registration process successfully and contribute effectively to Australia’s healthcare system.
