For overseas pharmacists thinking of moving to Australia, clearing the OPRA exam is very important, but it also brings up new questions. One of the most common is: How long are the results valid? Even after passing, many candidates aren’t sure how long they have to use their results for an internship application, a skills assessment, or a visa process.
In this blog, you’ll find clear answers to all your questions about OPRA exam validity, what happens if you don’t pass, and how you can prepare to clear it confidently, possibly in just four months with the right support.
What is the OPRA Exam?
The Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is for overseas pharmacists wanting to register in Australia. It is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). This exam is to evaluate the knowledge and competency of overseas pharmacists seeking to practice in Australia.
The OPRA exam consists of a single paper of 120 multiple choice questions and it has to be completed in 2.5 hours.
How long is the OPRA exam valid for?
Once you pass the OPRA exam, your results remain valid for three years from the date the APC officially releases them. This three-year validity period gives you enough time to complete the next steps. The next steps being applying for internship, visa, and registering with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
What is the validity of the Skills Assessment?
After clearing the OPRA exam, you’ll receive a Skills Assessment letter from the APC. This Skills Assessment is a mandatory document for skilled migration or registration purposes. This letter is also valid for three years from the date of issue.
If your letter expires before you complete your registration or visa process, you’ll have to retake the OPRA exam.
What happens if you fail the OPRA exam?
Don’t worry, failing the OPRA exam isn’t the end of the road. You can resit the exam in future test windows. However, keep in mind:
- There is no limit on the number of attempts
- You must pay the exam fee each time
- Make sure to prepare better for the next attempt
With the right strategy and support, many candidates clear it in their second or third attempt, some even in their first with Academically’s OPRA Preparation Course.
Key Dates and Timelines to Remember
The APC usually conducts the OPRA exam thrice a year—typically in March, July and November. Here’s what to keep track of:
- Application opening and closing dates
- Document submission deadlines
- Exam schedule and location
- Result release date
Visit the official APC website regularly or follow trusted platforms like Academically for reminders and updates.
How to Pass the OPRA Exam?
Most candidates struggle with time management and adapting to Australian pharmacy practice standards. But with the right preparation, you can pass within 4 months, even on your first attempt.
Here’s how Academically‘s OPRA Preparation Course can help:
- Live and recorded lectures according to the OPRA syllabus
- High-yield notes and structured study plans
- AI-based mock exams (first time in India)
- One-on-one mentoring from pharmacists who’ve cleared the exam
Overseas pharmacists who follow the Academically’s OPRA Preparation Course often report better understanding, improved test-taking confidence, and faster progress, making the 4-month success story very achievable.
Final Thoughts
For overseas pharmacists thinking of moving to Australia, the first step is passing the OPRA exam. After passing, what’s more important is knowing the validity of the exam, because this way, you can prepare for the internship and visa process on time.
So, don’t forget that the validity of the OPRA exam is three years. If you want to make your journey to Australia hassle-free, enrolling in an OPRA Exam Preparation Course can provide the right guidance, resources, and support to help you succeed every step of the way.
