What Happens After Clearing the OPRA Exam? (2025 Guide)
You might know what happens after you clear the OPRA exam—you become a registered pharmacist in Australia. But this sounds easier said than done. While cracking the OPRA exam or the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment is a major milestone, the journey ahead is also quite important and needs careful planning and attention.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process you must follow after clearing the OPRA exam Australia. With this guide, your journey to become a registered pharmacy practitioner in Australia will be smoother than ever!
Step 1- AHPRA Registration
Legal pharmacy practice in australia begins with one step- registration with the Australian Healthcare Practitioner Regulation Agency. After you get your OPRA result from the Australian Pharmacy Council, you need to register with the AHPRA by submitting your results and other required documents.
Step 2- English Proficiency Test
Working in an English-speaking country like Australia demands that you be proficient in English so that you can better cater to the needs of the patients. While the OPRA exam does not demand English proficiency, you must prove your expertise in English language to register with the AHPRA. You can meet this requirement by clearing any of the following exams-
- IELTS: Overall 7.5 with no band less than 7.0
- OET: Minimum B grade (350/500) in each component
- PTE: At least 65 in each section
However, if you have already cleared any of these exams with the required score, you do not need to take them again and can skip this step.
Step 3- Apply for Provisional Registration
Once you have proven your English proficiency, you are ready to apply for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. This allows you to kickstart pharmacy practice in Australia. After completing this step, you can work as a provisional pharmacist (paid role) while completing your internship.
Completing 1,575 hours of internship is mandatory for getting complete registration with the PharmBA.
Step 4- Start Your Job Search
The next step is to find an employer who is ready to offer you an internship with sponsorship. This will allow you to move to Australia on a work visa and start earning. You can look for enticing opportunities on platforms like Seek, Indeed, Jobslly or LinkedIn. Update your CV and mention that you have cleared the OPRA exam for Australia to get internship opportunities.
Need guidance on job-hunting? Don’t miss detailed resources (like YouTube videos by Academically) on how to find pharmacy jobs in Australia.
Step 5- Understanding Your Visa Options
While you are seeking sponsorship from your employer, you should know about the best visa options that can help you fulfil your goals of working in Australia. Here are some visas you can choose from–
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Regional Sponsored Visa (Subclass 491)
- Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa (Subclass 482 or 494)
Do complete research about the visa options and what they mean in terms of eligibility and features, or consult with a migration expert to select the right visa.
Step 6- Complete Your Internship Hours and Take the Australian Intern Exam
As mentioned earlier, you need to get an internship and complete 1,575 hours of supervised practice in Australia. Once you complete that, you need to clear the Australian Intern Written and Oral Examination, and apply for full registration with the AHPRA and the PharmBA. Getting complete registration means you are now eligible for independent pharmacy practice and a full-time pharmacy role in Australia.
Step 7- Landing Your Full-time Pharmacy Job
Once you are fully registered, you can either continue to work in the same position with your employer or search for better opportunities. You must furnish your CV with all your achievements and certifications, and prepare for interviews to be eligible to step into the Australian workforce! Standing out in the job market takes effort, but the rewards are worth it.
Final Words
The Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment, or the OPRA exam, readies you for work opportunities in Australia. It opens up the doors to a world of possibilities. One way to effectively prepare is through the OPRA exam course by Academically, designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed. However, the OPRA exam is not the end of the licensure process, but the start of your career enhancement journey in Australia. From gaining registration and experience to building a long-term career in Australia’s healthcare system, each step offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference.
If you’re ready to turn your OPRA success into a thriving pharmacy career, take your next steps confidently, and let the adventure begin!
