Australian Pharmacist Qualifying Exam: From KAPS to the OPRA

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Australia faces a growing shortage of pharmacists from 2024 to 2026, according to The Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA). PGA reports that there are only 28,390 pharmacists in Australia, compared to a demand of 31,029 in 2024. This will continue to grow in the coming years, which, in turn, will create opportunities for internationally educated professionals.

Foreign-trained pharmacists must pass a qualifying exam before practicing in Australia. Currently, this is the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam. However, it’s important to note that the Australian Pharmacy Council will replace KAPS with the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) in March 2025. Furthermore, the final KAPS exam is scheduled for November 2024.

Why is KAPS changing to OPRA?

The Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences is transitioning to the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA™) to modernize the examination content. This change aligns with the Australian Pharmacy Council’s goal of ensuring the exam remains current, valid, and up-to-date. Here are the Here are the fundamental changes:

Exam Fees

OPRA fees have been adjusted to reflect the updated content and structure. Specific costs for the exam vary based on factors like location and whether it’s a first attempt or a retake. Compared to KAPS, candidates can expect a slight decrease in overall expenses.

Exam Duration

A significant change in the Australian Pharmacist qualifying examination is its duration and structure. While OPRA will maintain a similar difficulty level, it will be considerably shorter than KAPS.

OPRA will be shorter than KAPS but with a tighter time constraint. Examinees will have 48 seconds per question (2 hours and 30 minutes for 120 questions). Compared to KAPS, which has 50 seconds per question (4 hours for 200 questions).

This adjustment results in a more concentrated exam experience, with candidates having slightly less time per question. The shorter duration aims to assess candidates’ knowledge and decision-making skills more efficiently while evaluating their competence thoroughly.

Content Area 

Candidates preparing for the OPRA exam should adjust their study strategies to include the new content areas. Focus on clinical scenarios, ethical considerations, and patient care will be essential. In addition, the latest content area for the OPRA is divided into five (5) sections. The details are listed below:

Section 1 – Biomedical Sciences -20%

• Physiological processes and normal bodily function for all systems
• Pathophysiology
• Medical Microbiology
• Immunology
• Disorders affecting bodily fluids
• Symptoms and physiological values of disease states and disorders

Section 2 – Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics -10%

• Physicochemical properties of drugs
• Formulations for the delivery of drugs
• Drug and chemical stability
• Solubility
• Drug formulation
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology

Section 3 – Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics -10%

• Drug metabolism
• Principles of pharmacokinetics
• Factors affecting drug impacts
• Evaluation of pharmacokinetic data
• Using pharmacokinetic data in treating patients

Section 4 – Toxicology and Pharmacology -15%

• Impact of drugs on the body
• Receptor theory
• Mechanisms of action of drugs
• Adverse drug reactions
• Drug interactions
• Drug toxicity and treatment
• Factors causing changes in the pharmacology and toxicity of drugs

Section 5 – Patient Care and Therapeutics – 45%

• Screening
• Dose calculations
• Primary health care
• Safe and effective use of medicines in populations requiring extended consideration
• Safe and effective use of medicines
• Harm minimization
• Health promotion and disease prevention
• Confidentiality

While doing your review for the OPRA exam, take note of the percentages of the content areas. Make sure to focus on the content areas with higher exam percentages. 

OPRA will maintain a similar difficulty level but focus on more specific areas, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape in Australia. Moreover, this transition marks a significant development for pharmacists seeking nationwide registration.

Implementation

The last examination for KAPS will be on November 25-27, 2024. After that, it will be replaced by OPRA. In addition, registration for OPRA will start on January 9, 2025, and continue until February 3, 2025. Then, the first OPRA exam will be on March 3-5, 2025. 

Please note: KAPS registration will close on October 8, 2024. The next registration period for OPRA™ will be from January 9 to February 3, 2025. Please ensure you complete your registration before the respective deadlines.

Additional Information

The test will still be delivered only at accredited testing centers worldwide. There will be no changes to the eligibility and registration process, validity, or number of attempts. However, it would help if you took note of the following:

• Eligibility Check Applications

Make sure to check your eligibility as soon as possible. Time is running out for the final KAPS session in November. Moreover, you may contact IPASS Processing for a FREE consultation. We can assist with your eligibility check and identify potential application challenges. 

• Re-sitting the KAPS exam

You have two options if you haven’t passed the KAPS exam and need to re-sit. You can retake the KAPS exam or become eligible for the OPRA exam in 2025. In addition, this includes all single paper re-sits.

• Breaks

Also, unlike the 4-hour KAPS examination, which has a break, there will be no breaks for OPRA. Since the examination is only a single paper, it will be 2 hours and 30 minutes. So make sure that you will also prepare your examination for the OPRA. 

Aspiring pharmacists who want to get licensed in Australia should stay informed about these upcoming changes. Thus, pay attention to updates from the Australian Pharmacy Council regarding their qualifying exam for foreign pharmacists. Furthermore, preparing for the forthcoming changes can help you simplify the application process.

Salary of Pharmacists in Australia

If you are still hesitant to consider a career as a pharmacist in Australia, understanding the potential earnings is essential. Salaries can vary significantly depending on location, experience, and specific role. According to data from Seek.com, pharmacist salaries across different regions and territories in Australia offer competitive compensation. 

Here are the average annual salary for pharmacists in different cities and regions in Australia:

• Toowoomba & Darling Downs – $110,107
• Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter – $101,249
• Darwin – $94,999
• Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast – $93,982
• Adelaide – $93,500
• Cairns & Far North – $90,565
• Bairnsdale & Gippsland – $90,000
• Perth – $90,000
• Canberra – $89,999
• West Gippsland & Latrobe Valley – $87,499

Meanwhile, here is the average annual salary of pharmacists per territory:

• Northern Territory – $110,000
• Western Australia – $102,500
• South Australia – $94,250
• Queensland – $92,500
• Australian Capital Territory – $89,999
• Tasmania – $87,259
• New South Wales – $80,000
• Victoria – $80,000

These salary figures demonstrate the attractive earning potential for pharmacists across Australia. Moreover, salaries vary across regions, with Toowoomba, Darling Downs, and the Northern Territory offering the most. However, pharmacists can expect competitive pay nationwide. It’s worth noting that factors such as experience, specialization, and specific employers can influence individual salaries. 

For international pharmacists considering a move to Australia, these figures provide a helpful benchmark for what to expect financially. However, it’s also vital to consider the cost of living in different areas when evaluating these salaries. 

Overall, the data suggests that pharmacy remains a well-compensated profession in Australia, reflecting the high demand for skilled healthcare professionals across the nation.

Processing your OPRA with IPASS Processing

For those navigating the OPRA application process, seeking assistance can streamline your registration. Reach out to experts or support services, such as IPASS Processing, for guidance through the application complexities. These resources can help ensure all steps are completed correctly and efficiently.

Whether understanding documentation requirements or addressing specific concerns, getting help can alleviate challenges and expedite the process. Here are the benefits of processing your OPRA/KAPS registration with IPASS:

1. Expert Guidance

Our processing experts will guide you throughout the process. From understanding the requirements to gathering the necessary documents, our team will ensure no problems in your processing.

2. Streamlined Process

We will make your OPRA application process hassle-free. We have thousands of healthcare professionals throughout the years. Moreover, we will ensure your application process goes smoothly and accurately.

3. Comprehensive Support

At IPASS, we provide end-to-end support. In addition, we help with document preparation, track your application status, and address any issues that may arise, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

4. Timely Processing

Time is of the essence when it comes to international applications. Hence, we prioritize your application to ensure that promptly, allowing you to move forward with your plans without delay.

5. Personalized Service

We understand that each applicant has unique circumstances. Our dedicated team provides customized solutions to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the best possible service.

Still unsure about your OPRA application? Don’t wait. Get a FREE consultation with IPASS today. We’ll evaluate your eligibility, provide expert guidance, and help you navigate the OPRA process. So, let’s make your dream a reality!

Navigate Your OPRA With IPASS Today!

The transition from the KAPS exam to the OPRA exam is a positive step towards a more holistic assessment of pharmacy professionals in Australia. While change can be challenging, this update is designed to prepare pharmacists for the dynamic and evolving healthcare environment. Staying informed and adapting to these changes will be crucial to success.

Plan your global healthcare career now. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Act today and make it happen. Contact IPASS Processing and start your OPRA exam journey today!