ما هو اختبار OPRA؟: دليلك الشامل

What is the OPRA exam? It is a new and important step for international pharmacists wishing to register and work in Australia, as it will replace the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam from March 2025. This exam aims to ensure that international pharmacists have the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the standards of the profession in Australia, and because it requires the highest level of preparation, Dr. Ahmed Yassin Center is proud to provide high-level training courses to help pharmacists pass this exam with the highest grades.

What is the OPRA test?

What is the OPRA test? The Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Test is the new exam launched by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) which will replace the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) test from March 2025. This move is an important step towards enhancing the standards for assessing the competency of international pharmacists.

November 2024 is the last chance to take the KAPS exam, meaning time is running out for applicants to take advantage of this outdated system before it is replaced. The OPRA exam aims to assess international pharmacists’ understanding of biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences and clinical sciences, ensuring they are aligned with modern standards of pharmacy practice in Australia.

What is the OPRA exam? This exam focuses on assessing the skills and knowledge needed to meet the challenges they may face in the Australian healthcare environment, contributing to the delivery of safe and effective healthcare to the community. Overall, the OPRA exam represents a new step towards enhancing the competence of international pharmacists and better preparing them to work in Australia.

What is the structure of the OPRA exam?

What is the OPRA test? It is a modern, computer-based test with an innovative design that aims to assess the competence of international pharmacists wishing to practice pharmacy in Australia. Here are the main features of this test format:

Number of sheets: The test consists of a single comprehensive paper, reflecting the emphasis on comprehensive assessment of knowledge and skills.
Number of questions: The test contains 120 questions, carefully selected to ensure that a wide range of pharmacy-related topics are covered.
Test duration: The test duration is 2.5 hours which requires participants to be able to manage time effectively.
Rest periods: There are no breaks during the test so it is advisable to practice continuous concentration for a long period.
Cost: The test costs AUD$2,190, reflecting the importance of good preparation to succeed.
Test method: It is based on the Rush methodology, known for its accuracy and objectivity, which contributes to measuring the efficiency of applicants in a fair and reliable manner.
Test results:Results are announced within 4 weeks of the exam date, allowing applicants to plan their career future based on their performance.

What is the OPRA exam syllabus?

What is the OPRA exam? It is a vital new step towards qualifying international pharmacists to practice in Australia. This exam is similar in content to the previous KAPS exam, but has evolved to include questions that focus more on therapeutics and application of knowledge, reflecting the ongoing changes in pharmacy practice in Australia. This approach includes a comprehensive assessment of your knowledge and skills, which helps determine your readiness to enter the practical training (internship) stage in Australia:

Biomedical Sciences – 20%:

Understanding physiological processes: The study of how the normal body works and the functions of different systems.
Pathophysiology: Knowing how diseases affect physiological functions.
Medical Microbiology and Immunology: Identify pathogens and how the immune system responds.
Disturbance analysis: Study of symptoms and physiological values associated with disease states.

Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceuticals – 10%:

Exploring the physical and chemical properties of drugs:Learn how these properties affect the effectiveness of the drug.
Drug formulation: Understand the different methods of drug delivery, stability and dissolution.
Application of pharmaceutical microbiology: Study of how microbes affect drugs.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics – 10%:

Drug metabolism mechanism:Understand how drugs are metabolized in the body.
Principles of pharmacokinetics: Analyze how drugs are affected by different factors in the body.
Application of pharmacokinetics data in therapeutics: Use this data to improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Pharmacology and Toxicology – 15%:

Effect of drugs: Explore how drugs affect the body and how they work on receptors.
تفاعلات الأدوية والسمية: فهم كيفية تفاعل الأدوية مع بعضها البعض وتأثيراتها السلبية المحتملة.
العوامل المؤثرة في الفارماكولوجيا: Learn how different factors can affect the effectiveness and safety of medications.

Therapeutics and patient care – 45%:

Conducting medical examinations: Evaluating patients' condition and ensuring proper use of medications.
Dosage calculation:Understand the importance of accurate dosing to achieve effective therapeutic results.
Prevention and health promotion: Strategies to reduce risks and promote community health.
Maintain confidentialityRespecting patient privacy and the importance of confidentiality in health care.

Steps to register for the OPRA exam

If you are looking to register for the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness (OPRA) exam that will qualify you to practice as a pharmacist in Australia, here are the necessary steps to ensure a successful registration after knowing what the OPRA exam is:

Check your eligibility: First of all, make sure you complete the eligibility verification process with the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). This includes ensuring that you meet the required academic qualifications and experience. You will receive an email confirming your eligibility to sit for the OPRA exam. Be sure to review this email carefully.
Registration dates: Registration is open daily from 9am to 5pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT/AEST), use the time zone converter to check times in your area.
Registration deadline: Make sure to register one month before the test date as no late registrations will be accepted.
Upload Image: You will need to upload a recent photo, whether it's a selfie or a recently taken photo, and make sure the photo is clear and shows your face clearly.
Pay registration fees: Registration fees are paid at the time of registration. If payment is not received in time, your seat reservation will be cancelled. Please ensure that the payment process is completed successfully.
Document verification: After knowing what the OPRA exam is, make sure that all required documents are ready and up to date, including academic certificates.

Who benefits from the OPRA test?

What is the OPRA exam? Designed specifically for pharmacists who aspire to practice in Australia, this exam is intended for individuals who meet the following criteria:

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Their applications must include all required documents, such as transcripts and graduation certificates, to ensure that their academic qualifications are fully proven.
Applicants must be actively registered as a pharmacy practitioner in their home country, this requires them to hold a valid license to practice pharmacy, demonstrating their commitment to the principles of pharmacy practice and ethical practices.

Finally

The transition from KAPS to OPRA represents a major advancement in the evaluation of foreign pharmacists. By understanding what the OPRA exam is, the curriculum content, the registration process, and preparation strategies, you can qualify for success.

For additional support, you can enroll in preparatory courses offered by reputable institutions. Dr. Ahmed Yassin Center is among these leading and best institutions, as it provides specialized training designed to help candidates excel in the OPRA exam and understand what the OPRA exam is. By investing in these courses, you will be prepared to pass this exam.