The New OPRA Pathway: Your Guide to Pharmacy Registration in Australia & New Zealand

For international pharmacists, particularly those in the Philippines, a career in Australia or New Zealand represents a world of opportunity within highly respected healthcare systems. The key to unlocking this career path is navigating the official registration process, which has recently undergone a significant update.


This definitive guide provides the most current information on the new 2025 pathway for overseas-qualified pharmacists. We will walk you through the correct steps, focusing on the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA), and explain how to successfully achieve your goal of becoming a registered pharmacist.

A Major Change for 2025: OPRA Replaces KAPS

  • KAPS Exam (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences): This is the first major exam you must pass. It assesses your foundational pharmacy knowledge and is a prerequisite for moving forward. This exam has already been replaced by OPRA since.
  • OPRA (Overseas Pharmacists Registration Assessment): This is a written exam taken after the KAPS exam and a period of supervised practice (internship) in Australia.
  • OPRA Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment: Sitting is part of the process of applying for a Skills Assessment Outcome under a specific stream.

The New 4-Step Pathway to Your Australian Pharmacy License

Navigating the registration process requires following a precise, sequential path. Here is the correct journey you must undertake.

Step 1: Eligibility Check

  • The APC will evaluate your qualifications, requiring you to submit the necessary documentation to substantiate the claims made in your application. At this stage, the APC will notify you via email regarding your eligibility to sit for the OPRA.
  • Why it's critical: You cannot proceed to any examination without a successful eligibility assessment from the APC. This is the official gateway to the entire process.

Step 2: The OPRA Exam

  • The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA®) is a computer-based exam featuring multiple-choice questions designed to assess candidates' understanding of biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences vital for pharmacy practice in Australia. This assessment ensures that internationally trained pharmacists comply with Australian standards. OPRA is an important step in the process of provisional registration as a pharmacist in Australia.

Step 3: Provisional Registration

  • Once you have the assessment results after successfully completing the OPRA, you can use them to apply for provisional registration with the PharmBa. Make sure you meet all requirements, including having a valid visa to be able to enroll with the supervised training requirement of the board. At this stage, you will need to pass the required internship exam.

Step 4: General Registration

  • Upon successfully finishing an internship training program, passing the exams, and fulfilling the required duration of board-approved supervised practice, you may proceed to apply for registration.

Expanding Your Horizons: OPRA for New Zealand

  • The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA®) is a computer-based exam featuring multiple-choice questions designed to assess candidates' understanding of biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences vital for pharmacy practice in Australia. This assessment ensures that internationally trained pharmacists comply with Australian standards. OPRA is an important step in the process of provisional registration as a pharmacist in Australia.

Your Journey to Australia, Simplified

  • The path to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia is one of the most complex licensing journeys for any healthcare professional. From the initial APC eligibility check to preparing for the OPRA exam, every step must be perfect. This is where expert guidance becomes invaluable. NEAC is a pioneer in medical exam applications, specializing in assisting Filipino healthcare professionals like you. We manage the intricate application process for the APC assessment and OPRA exam, ensuring your documentation is flawless and submitted correctly. We handle the bureaucracy, so you can focus on what matters most: preparing to pass your exams.

Let our experts handle the process, so you can focus on your success.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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What is the OPRA exam, and how is it different from the old KAPS exam?

The OPRA (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment) is the new gateway exam that, as of March 2025, replaces the KAPS exam. It is a comprehensive computer-based test that assesses your knowledge and readiness for the Australian pharmacy practice environment.

Who is eligible to take the OPRA?

International pharmacists who completed their pharmacy degree outside of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA are generally required to take the OPRA after a successful eligibility assessment by the APC.

Can I take the OPRA exam in my home country?

Yes. The OPRA is a computer-based exam administered at various Pearson VUE test centers globally. Most applicants can schedule and take the exam in their home country or a nearby major city.

What happens right after I pass the OPRA?

After passing the OPRA, you receive a Skills Assessment Outcome letter from the APC. You can use this positive outcome to apply for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia and to support your visa application to complete your supervised practice in Australia.

Is the OPRA exam really used for both Australia and New Zealand?

Yes. The OPRA is a recognized assessment for overseas pharmacists by the pharmacy regulatory authorities in both Australia (APC/PharmBA) and New Zealand (NCNZ), making it a valuable step for those considering either country.

What is a "Skills Assessment Outcome"?

This is the official result provided by the APC after you have completed the required steps, including passing the OPRA. A positive outcome states that your skills are suitable for an occupation in Australia, which is essential for both registration and immigration purposes.

How long does the entire registration process take with the new pathway?

From the initial eligibility check to gaining general registration, the process can take 1.5 to 2 years or more. This depends on APC processing times, your OPRA preparation, securing an internship, and completing the supervised practice requirements.

What is "provisional registration"?

Provisional registration is a temporary form of registration granted by the Pharmacy Board of Australia. It is not a full license but allows you to legally complete your required supervised practice (internship) under the supervision of a fully registered pharmacist.

Are there any exemptions to taking the OPRA?

Exemptions are generally only for pharmacists who are currently registered and completed their qualifications in the UK, Ireland, Canada, or the USA, as these countries have more direct registration pathways. Most other internationally qualified pharmacists must take the OPRA.

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Why is expert help crucial for the new OPRA pathway?

The APC has extremely strict documentation requirements for the eligibility assessment. An expert agency like NEAC ensures your application is prepared perfectly according to the new 2025 standards, preventing common errors that can cause months of delays and jeopardize your entire timeline.