OPRA Exam Dates 2026–2028
Complete Schedule & Guide
Full examination schedule, registration deadlines, result release dates, and preparation timelines for internationally qualified pharmacists seeking registration in Australia.
What is the OPRA Exam?
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) replaced the KAPS Exam in 2025 and is now the primary knowledge assessment for overseas-trained pharmacists seeking to practice in Australia, conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
The exam evaluates clinical reasoning, patient safety, and real-world pharmacy practice. Successful candidates can progress towards pharmacist registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Therapeutics & Patient Care
Biomedical Sciences
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics
Medicinal Chemistry & Biopharmaceutics
OPRA Exam Dates 2026
The Australian Pharmacy Council has announced three official examination sessions for 2026. All dates below are confirmed by APC.
March Session
Session 1 of 3 · Confirmed
Examination Dates
- Monday, 23 March 2026
- Tuesday, 24 March 2026
- Wednesday, 25 March 2026
July Session
Session 2 of 3 · Confirmed
Examination Dates
- Monday, 13 July 2026
- Tuesday, 14 July 2026
- Wednesday, 15 July 2026
November Session
Session 3 of 3 · Confirmed
Examination Dates
- Monday, 23 November 2026
- Tuesday, 24 November 2026
- Wednesday, 25 November 2026
Expected OPRA Exam Dates 2027 & 2028
Official dates for 2027 and 2028 have not yet been published by APC. The following projected windows are based on established APC examination cycle patterns.
March Session
Expected Session 1 · Not Yet Confirmed
Expected Window
- Mid to Late March 2027
July Session
Expected Session 2 · Not Yet Confirmed
Expected Window
- Mid July 2027
November Session
Expected Session 3 · Not Yet Confirmed
Expected Window
- Mid to Late November 2027
March Session
Projected Session 1 · Unconfirmed
Projected Period
- March 2028
July Session
Projected Session 2 · Unconfirmed
Projected Period
- July 2028
November Session
Projected Session 3 · Unconfirmed
Projected Period
- November 2028
OPRA Exam Dates 2026–2028 Overview
A consolidated reference across all three examination years and sessions.
| Year | 🌸 March Session | ☀️ July Session | 🍂 November Session | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23–25 March 2026 Results: 21 Apr |
13–15 July 2026 Results: 11 Aug |
23–25 November 2026 Results: 22 Dec |
✓ Confirmed |
| 2027 | Expected Mid–Late March Results: ~April |
Expected Mid July Results: ~August |
Expected Mid–Late Nov Results: ~December |
⏳ Expected |
| 2028 | Projected March Results: ~April |
Projected July Results: ~August |
Projected November Results: ~December |
⏳ Projected |
* 2027 and 2028 schedules are projected based on APC examination patterns. Official dates to be announced by APC.
Registration Process
Registration involves multiple steps. Always begin the process several months before your target session as registration windows close well in advance.
Eligibility Assessment
Apply to APC and have your overseas qualifications assessed against Australian standards.
Document Verification
Submit certified copies of transcripts, degree certificates, registration documents, and identity proof.
Exam Application
Once eligible, submit your OPRA Exam application and pay the required examination fees.
Exam Booking
Book your preferred test centre date and location via Pearson VUE within your allocated booking window.
Attend Examination
Sit the OPRA Exam at your chosen Pearson VUE centre on your scheduled date.
Results Release
Results are typically released 3–5 weeks after the examination session concludes.
OPRA Exam Preparation Timeline
Most successful candidates dedicate 4–6 months of structured preparation. Plan your study schedule using the milestones below.
6–8 Months Before
Foundation Phase
- Complete eligibility assessment with APC
- Gather all required documents
- Begin study planning & schedule
- Review OPRA syllabus & competency standards
4–6 Months Before
Structured Study
- Register for the examination
- Begin structured topic-by-topic preparation
- Enrol in coaching program if required
- Start with therapeutics & clinical reasoning
2–3 Months Before
Practice Phase
- Focus on timed mock tests
- Practise pharmaceutical calculations
- Strengthen weak therapeutics areas
- Review Australian pharmacy practice guidelines
Final Month
Revision & Consolidation
- Revise all key concepts systematically
- Complete full-length practice exams
- Review Australian pharmacy practice standards
- Confirm venue, travel & logistics
Which OPRA Exam Session is Best for You?
There is no universally best session — choose the timeline that best fits your current preparation level and circumstance.
March Session
Ideal if you want to start early in the year. Begin preparation from September–October the previous year for at least 5–6 months of structured study.
July Session
Popular with candidates who want additional preparation time. Start around January–February and use the first half of the year for structured study.
November Session
Suitable for candidates needing a full year’s preparation. Begin around May–June for a strong 5–6 month preparation run through the year.
OPRA Exam Test Centres
The OPRA Exam is delivered through Pearson VUE testing centres across Australia and select international locations.
Australian Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Planning for Your OPRA Exam Today
Whether you are targeting 2026, planning for 2027, or mapping ahead to 2028 — early, structured preparation makes the biggest difference to your outcome.