For most overseas-trained pharmacists, migrating to Australia is a life-altering experience. But the journey towards becoming a registered pharmacist is not easy. The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA), initiated by the Australian Pharmacy Council in 2025, has been the portal through which foreign-trained pharmacists test their readiness to practice. It may sound daunting to pass on the first try, but for many hundreds of pharmacists, that has become a reality.
So, what’s the magic behind their success? Let’s see.
Learning the OPRA Exam
The OPRA exam is a 2.5-hour computer-based, single-session test. It contains 120 multiple-choice questions distributed across five categories:
- Biomedical sciences
- Medicinal chemistry & biopharmaceutics
- Pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacology & toxicology
- Therapeutics & patient care
Different from its predecessor KAPS, OPRA places greater stress on therapeutics and patient-centered care, and it is therefore modern and more practical. This change represents a tremendous barrier for pharmacists accustomed to information-laden testing in their homelands.
The Hurdles International Pharmacists Must Overcome
International pharmacists typically face three major obstacles:
- Different exam style – Transitions from memorization to clinical problem-solving can be daunting.
- Cultural and system variations – The Australian healthcare system prioritizes patient counseling and evidence-based practice.
- Limited availability of resources – Good preparation materials that are specifically designed for OPRA are not readily available, so most candidates do not know where to start.
It is no wonder that most pharmacists postpone the exam or try it without proper support, resulting in setbacks.
Why Mentorship Made the Difference
Behind most first-time success stories lies systematic mentoring. International pharmacists tend to attribute their success to mentors who have preceded them along the same path.
Consider the case of Arief Mohammad and Harika Bheemavarapu, both pharmacists who underwent training in India prior to establishing their careers in Australia. They themselves had experienced the cultural, academic, and professional challenges of international pharmacists.
They together established a platform that entailed mentorship and hands-on learning for international students. Elite Expertise is now a recognized academy known for rightly assisting thousands of pharmacists globally in their preparations for licensing exams such as OPRA, PEBC Exam, and PSI.
What Distinguishes Successful Candidates
Starting from reading the stories of dozens of students, one thing is evident, successful candidates who pass on their first try follow disciplined preparation. Here’s what helped them:
- Regular practice using mock-based exams based on OPRA’s format
- Case-based learning that bridges theory along with patient-focused application
- Personal guidance from teachers such as Harika, who is famous for her interactive sessions, and Arief for his clinical skills
- Support groups of peers that maintain the motivation level high during the preparation phase
A Course Created for First-Time Success
The OPRA Exam Preparation Course provided by Elite Expertise has been a lifesaver for most candidates. With over 300 hours of lectures, live and recorded classes, mock exams, counseling assistance, and lifetime access until passing, the course has continued to maintain pass rates of over 90%.
Students frequently mention not only academic assistance but also emotional support that they are given is something that makes all the difference during high-pressure exam times.
Isu’s Journey: From Sri Lanka to OPRA Success in Australia
One of the most inspiring first-time OPRA success stories is Isu, a pharmacist from Sri Lanka. She has not only beaten an eye condition but also managed to pass the exam with confidence within a short time of just six weeks. Her discipline step and Elite Expertise’s systematic guidance have made the difference .
Isu’s preparation tips for OPRA candidates:
- Commit 5–6 hours daily and be regular with your practice.
- The Pomodoro technique will help you to keep your concentration during study time.
- For a more organised learning, you should be present at open discussions during all your live classes.
- Repeat mock exams to build exam confidence.
- Trust on the materials that are given to you instead of always looking for more resources.
- Seek motivation and mentorship from instructors and peers.
Her journey is evidence that the correct plan, determination and expert help can have international pharmacists conquering difficulties and accomplishing success in OPRA for the first time.
Final Thoughts
OPRA exams are challenging, but it doesn’t have to be scary. By following the right combination of systematic learning, mentorship, and networking support, international pharmacists can easily pass the OPRA exams on their first try itself.
For pharmacists wanting to start a career in Australia, the success stories of people who have been mentored by Harika and Arief are evidence that with coaching, perseverance, and appropriate preparation, the dream of becoming an internationally licensed pharmacist can become a reality.
