Passing the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is a big achievement for overseas-trained pharmacists who want to build their careers in Australia. But passing the exam is not the final step. There are still a few requirements to complete before becoming a fully registered pharmacist.

One of the important things pharmacists need to understand is Continuing Professional Development (CPD). In Australia, pharmacists are expected to keep learning throughout their careers to stay updated with changes in medicines, treatments and pharmacy practices.

The CPD requirements for pharmacists in Australia are designed to help professionals maintain their knowledge and provide safe, effective healthcare services.

If you have recently passed OPRA or are preparing for registration in Australia, understanding how CPD works will help you plan your next steps.

What Happens After Passing OPRA?

Passing OPRA brings you closer to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia, but there are a few more stages to complete.

The usual pathway includes:

1. Applying for provisional registration.

2. Completing approved supervised practice.

3. Completing an Intern Training Program (ITP).

4. Passing the Intern Written and Oral Examinations.

5. Applying for general registration.

6. Meeting ongoing CPD requirements.

Pharmacists generally need to complete 1,527 hours of approved supervised practice, or another period approved by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Preparing for these stages can feel challenging, especially when you are unfamiliar with the Australian healthcare system.

Structured learning programs can make the preparation process more manageable. For example, Academically Global Healthcare Academy offers an Australian Pharmacist Exam Preparation Course with 109 CPD points, along with an Intern Written & Oral Exam Preparation Course.

These programs are designed to help overseas-trained pharmacists strengthen their knowledge and prepare for the examinations involved in the registration process.

What Are the AHPRA CPD Requirements for Pharmacists?

The Pharmacy Board of Australia sets the CPD requirements for pharmacists, while the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) administers the national registration system.

Registered pharmacists generally need to complete at least 40 CPD credits every year.

However, collecting 40 credits is not enough on its own. Pharmacists must also make sure they complete the right combination of learning activities.

Here is a quick overview:

One important point to remember is that extra CPD credits cannot be carried forward to the next CPD year.

This is why planning your learning activities throughout the year is better than leaving everything until September.

Understanding the Three Types of CPD Activities

Not all CPD activities earn the same number of credits. The Pharmacy Board divides them into three groups depending on how the learning takes place.

Group 1: Learning New Information

Group 1 activities focus on gaining knowledge without a formal assessment.

For example, you might attend a pharmacy webinar, participate in a conference or read a professional journal.

These activities generally earn one CPD credit per hour. A maximum of 20 Group 1 credits can count toward the annual 40-credit requirement.

Group 2: Learning With Assessment

Group 2 activities involve learning something new and completing an assessment to demonstrate your understanding.

Examples include online courses with assessments, case-based learning and educational workshops.

These activities generally earn two CPD credits per hour.

Group 3: Improving Your Practice

Group 3 activities focus on putting your knowledge into practice and evaluating whether it has made a difference.

Examples include clinical audits, reviewing pharmacy procedures and participating in practice improvement projects.

These activities generally earn three CPD credits per hour.

The idea behind these groups is simple: pharmacists should not only learn new information but also understand how to use it in their everyday work.

Do Intern Pharmacists Need CPD?

Yes, pharmacists with provisional registration also need to understand their CPD responsibilities.

However, there is an important difference between completing an Intern Training Program and undertaking CPD activities.

Not everything you do during your internship will automatically count toward your CPD requirements.

For example, some mandatory training activities may be part of your internship assessment rather than eligible CPD.

The best approach is to maintain a separate CPD record and check whether each activity meets the Pharmacy Board's requirements.

Developing this habit during your internship can make managing CPD much easier once you receive general registration.

How to Keep Track of Your CPD Credits

Keeping CPD records might sound like extra paperwork, but it can save you considerable time if your records are selected for an audit.

Your CPD portfolio should include:

• The date and name of each activity.

• The CPD group and credits earned.

• What you wanted to learn.

• Certificates or other evidence of completion.

• A short reflection on what you learned.

• How the learning relates to your pharmacy practice.

Pharmacists must keep their CPD records and supporting evidence for at least three full CPD periods.

It is also helpful to review your progress every few months instead of waiting until the end of the CPD year.

A Simple Way to Plan Your CPD Throughout the Year

Completing 40 CPD credits becomes easier when you spread your learning across the year.

You could follow a simple quarterly plan:

January–March: Review your learning needs and complete educational activities relevant to your role.

April–June: Focus on assessed courses, workshops and professional development programs.

July–September: Complete any remaining activities, review your credits and organise your evidence before the CPD deadline.

October–December: Begin planning your learning goals for the new CPD period.

This approach helps you stay organised while choosing activities that genuinely support your professional growth.

Can CPD Help You Explore Careers Beyond Pharmacy Practice?

CPD is not just about maintaining registration. It can also help pharmacists develop skills for different career opportunities.

While community and hospital pharmacy remain popular career choices, some pharmacists are interested in working in pharmaceutical companies, research organisations and other healthcare settings.

Possible career paths include:

• Regulatory affairs

• Pharmacovigilance

• Clinical research

• Medical affairs

• Medical writing

• Quality assurance

• Clinical data management

If you are considering moving into one of these fields, choosing relevant learning activities can help you develop the knowledge required for the transition.

Academically Global Healthcare Academy also offers a Non-Clinical Course with 180 CPD points, designed for healthcare professionals interested in exploring non-clinical career opportunities.

Before claiming credits from any course, pharmacists should confirm that the activities and supporting documents meet the applicable Pharmacy Board CPD requirements.

Finding Pharmacy and Healthcare Jobs in Australia

Once you have progressed through the registration pathway, the next challenge is finding a role that matches your qualifications and interests.

Depending on your experience and eligibility, you may explore opportunities in community pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies or clinical research organisations.

Platforms such as Jobslly, a healthcare-focused job portal, can help professionals explore pharmacy and non-clinical healthcare vacancies.

Along with relevant qualifications and experience, continued professional learning can help demonstrate your commitment to developing your skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many CPD credits do pharmacists need in Australia?

Registered pharmacists generally need at least 40 CPD credits each year. At least 20 credits must come from Group 2 and/or Group 3 activities. The CPD year runs from 1 October to 30 September.

2. Do I need to complete CPD immediately after passing OPRA?

Passing OPRA alone does not mean you must immediately start meeting registration-based CPD requirements. Your obligations depend on your registration status. Pharmacists with provisional registration should check the CPD requirements that apply during their internship.

3. What activities can I include in my CPD portfolio?

You can include eligible activities such as webinars, professional courses, assessed learning modules, workshops and practice improvement projects. The activities should be relevant to your professional learning needs and meet the Pharmacy Board's requirements.

4. Can OPRA preparation courses help me earn CPD credits?

Some structured preparation courses may include eligible CPD activities. Academically's Australian Pharmacist Exam Preparation Course offers 109 CPD points. However, you should confirm which activities qualify under the Pharmacy Board's CPD rules before claiming credits.

5. Can CPD help pharmacists find non-clinical jobs in Australia?

CPD can help pharmacists build knowledge and skills relevant to non-clinical careers such as pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs and clinical research. Although CPD does not guarantee employment, relevant professional development can strengthen your career profile.

Conclusion

Passing OPRA is an important first step toward becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia, but your professional learning continues well beyond the examination.

Understanding the CPD requirements for pharmacists in Australia will help you stay prepared for registration responsibilities and maintain your professional knowledge.

The key is to complete at least 40 CPD credits annually, choose the right combination of activities and keep accurate learning records.

Most importantly, think of CPD as more than a requirement. It is an opportunity to improve your skills, stay updated with changes in pharmacy practice and prepare for the next stage of your healthcare career.