Understanding the OPRA Rasch Methodology

1. Understanding the OPRA Rasch Methodology We all want the exams to be fair and reliable. In this modern times making sure that the results are truly reflective of a candidate's ability is important. That is why the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has introduced the Rasch Methodology for the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA). With this introduction many overseas pharmacists have been confused. To help you better understand the Rasch Methodology used in OPRA, read this blog. What Is the Rasch Methodology? The Rasch Methodology is a mathematical model used to assess exam performance in a fair, consistent, and evidence-based way. Rather than just counting how many answers are right or wrong, Rasch looks deeper, it matches the difficulty of each question with the ability of each candidate. This method ensures that a candidate’s score reflects their actual level of competence, not just how hard or easy the paper happened to be. In simpler terms: ● If a question is harder, it carries more weight. ● If a candidate gets a harder question right, it reflects higher ability. ● Everyone is assessed on the same scale, regardless of which specific questions they got. How Does Rasch Methodology Work? Every question in the OPRA exam is pre-calibrated using Rasch analysis. This means its difficulty level has already been statistically validated. When you take the test: ● Your responses are compared against the difficulty level of each question. ●The model calculates your “ability measure”, a score that represents your actual level of competence, not just the number of correct answers. ● The passing standard is also based on this ability measure, not a fixed percentage. So, even if two candidates answer the same number of questions correctly, their Rasch scores might differ, because they answered different questions of varying difficulty. Academically Global Pvt Ltd. Location Australia: Suite 207A/30 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148 Location India: Plot A2, IT Park, Sahastradhara Rd, Doon IT Park, Sidcul, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 Email: contact@academically.com Phone: 08071722349 Phone: +61 416 424 328 / +61 406 525 564

2. Final Thoughts The APC’s use of the Rasch Methodology in OPRA is a step towards making assessments more transparent, equitable, and scientifically grounded. While it may take some time to get used to the idea, remember: it’s designed to ensure that only truly competent and practice- ready pharmacists make it through. Instead of fearing the change, adapt to the change using Academically’s AI-based mock tests. This has been made according to the Rasch Methodology. So, enroll in Academically’s OPRA Preparation Course today and become a registered pharmacist in Australia. Academically Global Pvt Ltd. Location Australia: Suite 207A/30 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148 Location India: Plot A2, IT Park, Sahastradhara Rd, Doon IT Park, Sidcul, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 Email: contact@academically.com Phone: 08071722349 Phone: +61 416 424 328 / +61 406 525 564