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Right after revealing the KAPS results for the July 2024 attempt, the Australian Pharmacy Council announced a transformative update, which altered the registration process for global pharmacists. The update was the discontinuation of the KAPS exam and the unveiling of the OPRA exam for pharmacy registration in Australia.
The reform was a result of the APC’s continued efforts to streamline the registration process while ensuring an effective evaluation of overseas pharmacists. In this article we’ll cover all you need to know about this considerable update and the OPRA exam which will be a successor to the predominant KAPS exam!
What is OPRA?
OPRA or Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment, is the exam that will replace KAPS with effect from March 2025. Having said this, the KAPS attempt of November 2024 will be its last ever attempt. If this update has left you confused and bewildered, we are here to talk facts and support you with the knowledge needed to restructure your preparation for registration as a pharmacist in Australia.
Alterations Explained
KAPS is now OPRA, and here are the major changes that aspiring pharmacists must be aware of.
1. Reduced Exam Duration and Complexity- Unlike the KAPS exam which had 2 papers, the OPRA will comprise a single paper that has to be completed in 2 hours. This will make the exam easier and the attempt quicker.
2. Revised Content Area- Certain subjects/topics of the exam have been revised to give more emphasis on clinical skills. The exam will focus more on therapeutics and practical knowledge application.
3. Change in Scoring and Assessment- Since 2020, APC has been using the Rasch methodology for testing for the CAOP examination. From March 2025, the same will be applied to the OPRA examination.
4. Reduction in Cost- While the cost of all other steps remains the same, the cost of taking the exam will be reduced by AUD 100. The KAPS exam costs AUD 2,290, and OPRA will cost AUD 2,190.
What Remains Unchanged?
Not everything pertaining to the exam and the assessment criteria has changed. Here are some factors that will make OPRA similar to KAPS.
• The difficulty of the exam will more or less be the same. However, the Rasch testing methodology might make it a little difficult for aspirants to understand whether they are on the right track or not.
• The process starting from the eligibility check and the documents and English proficiency requirements, will remain the same. Also, there will be no changes in the eligibility criteria.
• Factors such as the number of attempts and the validity of results will also remain unaltered.
• The candidates will still be allowed to take the exam in their home country at their nearest testing centres. However, for India, there’s good news, as three new centres have been added to the list.
Tip for KAPS Aspirants
Now, you might be wondering how this will impact your KAPS attempt. First of all, not that if you have already registered yourself for the KAPS exam or completed the skills assessment. You can take the KAPS exam in November 2024. Even if you have already taken the KAPS exam, failed, and wish to re-appear, you can choose to re-appear for the KAPS exam.
However, if you are planning to register for the KAPS exam any time soon, you will be asked to take the OPRA exam instead.
The registration for the OPRA exam for March 2024 will open on January 9, 2025, and you must prepare in accordance with the new format and syllabus to ensure success. Consider this as a piece of good news as the exam will now have a reduced cost and a simplified paper. With the right guidance and support, you can navigate your journey to OPRA quite easily. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
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