 (1) (1).png){kind=logo}
- 01 Aug 2024, 11:23
#6065
Are you an overseas pharmacist aspiring to practice in Australia? Prepare for significant changes in the registration process. The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has announced a major overhaul of its knowledge assessment exam for international pharmacists. Starting March 2025, the current Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam will be replaced by the new Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA™) exam. This comprehensive guide will help you understand these changes and prepare effectively. Important Changes to Australian Pharmacy Registration: OPRA™ Exam Replaces KAPS in 2025.
Key Changes in the OPRA™ Exam
1. Streamlined Exam Duration
- OPRA™ exam: 2.5 hours, single paper with 120 questions
- Current KAPS exam: 4 hours, two papers with 100 questions each
- Goal: More efficient assessment process
2. Updated Content Areas
- Biomedical sciences (20%)
- Medicinal chemistry and biopharmaceutics (10%)
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (10%)
- Pharmacology and toxicology (15%)
- Therapeutics and patient care (45%)
- Focus: Greater emphasis on clinical skills and patient-centered care
3. Advanced Scoring Methodology
- Implementation of Rasch methodology
- Benefits: More accurate and fair assessments
4. Reduced Examination Cost
- Lower fees compared to the current KAPS exam
- Exact pricing to be announced
Consistent Elements
- Overall exam difficulty
- Eligibility and registration processes
- Test center delivery
- Number of attempts allowed
- Validity period of results
Critical Dates for Overseas Pharmacists
- Final KAPS exam: November 25-27, 2024
- First OPRA™ exam: March 3-5, 2025
- OPRA™ registration: January 9 - February 3, 2025
Preparation Resources
The APC has developed new support materials for OPRA™ exam candidates:
1. Comprehensive Exam Guide
2. OPRA Sample Paper
Should You Wait for the OPRA™ Exam?
Consider these factors when deciding between KAPS and OPRA™:
- Current preparation progress
- Alignment with your strengths
- Application status for eligibility check
Embracing Change in Pharmacy Assessment
The transition to the OPRA™ exam reflects the APC's commitment to ensuring overseas pharmacists are well-prepared for contemporary pharmacy practice in Australia. While change can be challenging, it also presents opportunities for growth and development in your professional journey.
Stay informed about these changes and use the resources provided by the APC to prepare effectively. For any questions or concerns about the OPRA™ exam, contact the APC Candidate Relationship Team at [email protected].
With thorough preparation and a positive attitude, you can successfully navigate this new chapter in your path to practicing pharmacy in Australia. Good luck on your OPRA™ exam and future career as an Australian pharmacist!
Key Changes in the OPRA™ Exam
1. Streamlined Exam Duration
- OPRA™ exam: 2.5 hours, single paper with 120 questions
- Current KAPS exam: 4 hours, two papers with 100 questions each
- Goal: More efficient assessment process
2. Updated Content Areas
- Biomedical sciences (20%)
- Medicinal chemistry and biopharmaceutics (10%)
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (10%)
- Pharmacology and toxicology (15%)
- Therapeutics and patient care (45%)
- Focus: Greater emphasis on clinical skills and patient-centered care
3. Advanced Scoring Methodology
- Implementation of Rasch methodology
- Benefits: More accurate and fair assessments
4. Reduced Examination Cost
- Lower fees compared to the current KAPS exam
- Exact pricing to be announced
Consistent Elements
- Overall exam difficulty
- Eligibility and registration processes
- Test center delivery
- Number of attempts allowed
- Validity period of results
Critical Dates for Overseas Pharmacists
- Final KAPS exam: November 25-27, 2024
- First OPRA™ exam: March 3-5, 2025
- OPRA™ registration: January 9 - February 3, 2025
Preparation Resources
The APC has developed new support materials for OPRA™ exam candidates:
1. Comprehensive Exam Guide
2. OPRA Sample Paper
Should You Wait for the OPRA™ Exam?
Consider these factors when deciding between KAPS and OPRA™:
- Current preparation progress
- Alignment with your strengths
- Application status for eligibility check
Embracing Change in Pharmacy Assessment
The transition to the OPRA™ exam reflects the APC's commitment to ensuring overseas pharmacists are well-prepared for contemporary pharmacy practice in Australia. While change can be challenging, it also presents opportunities for growth and development in your professional journey.
Stay informed about these changes and use the resources provided by the APC to prepare effectively. For any questions or concerns about the OPRA™ exam, contact the APC Candidate Relationship Team at [email protected].
With thorough preparation and a positive attitude, you can successfully navigate this new chapter in your path to practicing pharmacy in Australia. Good luck on your OPRA™ exam and future career as an Australian pharmacist!
