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Become a Registered Pharmacist in Ireland
The Pharmacy Society of Ireland (PSI) offers a clear pathway to recognition, but the process may seem complex at first. Don’t worry – Elite Expertise is here to guide you through every step of the process with our comprehensive PSI preparation course.
Arief Mohammad
1/9/20253 min read


Are you a pharmacist with qualifications from outside the European Union (EU) and looking to practice in Ireland? The Pharmacy Society of Ireland (PSI) offers a clear pathway to recognition, but the process may seem complex at first. Don’t worry—Elite Expertise is here to guide you through every step of the process with our comprehensive PSI preparation course.
What is the PSI?
The PSI is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring that pharmacists in Ireland meet the required standards to practice. For pharmacists holding qualifications from non-EU countries, the PSI offers a structured process to determine whether their qualifications meet the standards required to work as a pharmacist in Ireland. The process is known as the Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) process.
Who is eligible for the TCQR process?
This guide is aimed at international pharmacists (from non-EU countries) who want to practice in Ireland. If you have a qualification from a country outside of the EU or EEA (European Economic Area), including the UK and Northern Ireland, then you will need to go through the process of recognition to practice as a pharmacist in Ireland.
Step 1: Qualification Recognition
In order to begin working as a pharmacist in Ireland, your degree must be accepted as meeting Irish requirements. This means that your education, training, and credentials will be evaluated by the PSI to determine whether they meet the standards needed to practice pharmacy in Ireland.
There are two steps for the qualification recognition process:
1. Qualification Recognition: The PSI evaluates whether your credentials satisfy the requirements needed to practice pharmacy in Ireland.
2. Registration: Once your qualifications are recognized, you need to apply to the PSI to get officially registered as a pharmacist in Ireland.
Step 2: Eligibility Criteria
To apply for recognition, you need to meet the following criteria:
In addition to having finished the required education and training to work as a pharmacist in your home country, you must possess a pharmacist qualification from a non-EU or EEA nation.
You must be qualified to practice in the nation where you received your degree. A letter or certificate from the appropriate authority in your nation of residence can attest to this.
Step 3: Application Process
Here’s how to apply for recognition:
Read the Guide: Start by carefully reading the full guide from the PSI to understand the process.
Download Application Forms: Download the necessary forms from the PSI website. You’ll need to fill out the application form, a Certificate of Identity form, and a Statutory Declaration form.
Complete Forms: Fill in the forms and get them witnessed by a professional (like a legal or health professional).
Collect Documents: Gather all the required documents, such as transcripts, certificates, and any third-party verification from your university or competent authority.
Pay the Fee: Don’t forget to pay the application fee through electronic transfer.
Submit the Application: Once everything is ready, email your completed application and documents to the PSI.
Step 4: What Happens After You Apply?
Once you submit your application, the PSI will review it in stages:
Initial Review: The PSI will check that your application is complete and meets the eligibility criteria.
Holistic Assessment: If your application is complete, it will undergo a detailed assessment to determine whether your qualification is equivalent to the Irish standard. This step checks your education, training, and work experience.
Outcome of Assessment:
Path A: If your qualification matches the Irish standard, you can move on to the registration process.
Path B: If there are some gaps, you will need to complete an aptitude test (which includes a Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)) to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
Step 5: The Aptitude Test
If you are required to take the aptitude test, here’s what it involves:
MCQ Examination: This will test your knowledge in areas like pharmacology, pharmacy practice, and pharmaceutical calculations.
OSCE Examination: This is a practical exam where you will demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge in real-life situations.
Path B applicants will be required to complete either the MCQ component, the OSCE component, or both, depending on the deficits identified in the holistic assessment at stage 2. The holistic assessment will determine the components of the aptitude test that any applicant will be required to complete or any exemptions that can be provided.
Final Step: Registration
Once you’ve completed all the necessary steps and your qualifications are recognized, you’ll be issued a certificate confirming that your qualification is appropriate for practice in Ireland. This certificate allows you to apply for registration with the PSI and officially become a pharmacist in Ireland!
Conclusion:
You need to go through two main steps: Qualification Recognition and Registration.
Ensure that your qualification from a non-EU country meets the necessary standards.
Apply online by completing forms, submitting documents, and paying the application fee.
Your application will be assessed, and you may need to take an aptitude test if any gaps are found in your education.
After passing all stages, you’ll be eligible to register as a pharmacist in Ireland!
By following these steps, you can achieve your goal of becoming a pharmacist in Ireland, opening up new career opportunities in a growing healthcare sector.
If you are considering this pathway and need help preparing for exams or understanding the requirements, Elite Expertise offers training and guidance to help you succeed in the process.
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