Key Takeaways

• The PSI Equivalence Exam is a part of the TCQR route that is only necessary when a holistic assessment report shows gaps.

• The exam can be a written paper(MCQ), an OSCE or both.

• The practice should concentrate on Irish pharmacy law, clinical pharmacy, communication and core sciences.

• PSI issues a syllabus and a suggested reading list, which the candidates must follow closely.

• The fees are composed of €500 for the application, €1,000 for the holistic assessment, €3,000 for the exam (if needed) and €300 for the appeal.

• The planned support by Elite Expertise raises the first-time success rate as a result of the expert-led teaching and mock exams.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) regulates through the pharmacy profession. It is responsible for regulating patient safety across the whole country. International pharmacists who obtained their qualifications outside the EU/EEA are required to go through the Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) route.

In this procedure, some of the candidates may be required to take the PSI Equivalence Exam. This exam checks your knowledge, skills in practice and professionalism to meet the Irish standards. Efficiently preparing is a must and organised support can be a complete game changer.

This document is a step-by-step guide on how to plan your 2025 PSI Equivalence Exam and the reason behind the Elite Expertise preparation course is to help your success.

What Is the PSI Equivalence Exam?

The equivalence exam (sometimes called the aptitude test) will only be given to you if PSI’s holistic assessment of your qualification identifies significant differences between your qualification and the Irish MPharm standard.

• Who must sit it?

Non-EU/EEA pharmacists whose academic or practice training is not fully equivalent.

• Format:

Written Paper – Multiple-choice and case-based questions to evaluate pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy and practice knowledge.

OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) – Practical, scenarios based patient counselling, law compliance and clinical decision-making skills.

• Purpose:

To verify the ability of a person to practice safely, independently in Ireland.

Watch it now : https://youtu.be/q_IzfWQ8sj0

PSI Equivalence Exam Fees (2025)

The PSI TCQR fees are fixed at each stage:

• Path A (no exam): €500 + €1,000 = €1,500

• Path B (exam assigned): €500 + €1,000 + €3,000 = €4,500 (excluding appeal)

How to Prepare For the Irish Pharmacist PSI Exam

1. Understand the Structure

The phases of clear preparation. The written paper asks for a strong theoretical background, whereas the OSCE demands practical skills and flawless interaction. Both theoretical and practical skills are a reflection of pharmacy practice in Ireland.

2. Study the Indicative Syllabus

The Pharmacy Society of Ireland offers the 2024 sample teaching plan and recommended reading based on the MPharm learning outcomes. The suggested study areas are:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences – pharmacology, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmacognosy.

• Clinical Pharmacy – therapeutics, case-based decision-making, medicines management.

• Pharmacy Practice – dispensing, compounding, and patient counselling.

• Law & Ethics – Irish pharmacy legislation, professional conduct, EU regulations.

• Communication Skills – effective interaction with patients and healthcare teams.

The suggested readings are Aulton’s Pharmaceutics, FASTtrack Clinical Pharmacy, Rang & Dale’s Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Medicines Law in Ireland, and Pharmacy OSCEs – A Revision Guide.

Tips: While the PSI does not publish a “single official syllabus,” all these subject areas do align with both MCQ and OSCE expectations.

3. Build a Structured Study Plan

• Split the syllabus into weekly topics.

• Use both theory and practice to complement each other.

• Do not forget to assign more time to Irish law and ethics, as this is the common challenge for most candidates.

4. Practise Exam Scenarios

• Try to complete timed MCQs quickly to improve accuracy under pressure.

• Do a mock-up with peers or mentors at the rehearsed OSCE station.

• Do a counselling performance and look at the feedback to see whether you are being clear and professional.

5. Focus on Communication

Communication is just as important as accuracy. Try to explain the treatment in a very simple and empathetic manner, as it is the core of the OSCE.

Why Elite Expertise for PSI Exam Preparation?

Lack of support and proper guidance can cause huge distress and sole preparation for the PSI Equivalence Exam can seem overwhelming. Especially for an International Pharmacist trying to adjust to new healthcare standards. Elite Expertise understands your struggle. They bring to you their custom-built PSI Equivalence Exam Preparation Course that walks with you through each step of your journey.

Expert Instructors

The team is led by the pharmacologist who is familiar with the PSI procedure, and challenges faced from the ranks of the top-performing non-EU/EEA candidates.

Full Syllabus Coverage

This course covers the complete range of subjects involved in the pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, law, ethics and communication skills — that is in alignment with PSI’s indicative syllabus.

Mock Exams & OSCE Practice

The format, including MCQs, case-based scenarios and OSCE stations, is the same as in the actual tests. It will help you perform under the exam conditions confidently.

Flexible Learning

You can choose from three types of classes (live, recorded, and individual) and therefore study at your own convenience.

Proven Results

Among all those pharmacists who were trained by Elite Expertise, a large number have gone through the TCQR procedure successfully and have been registered in Ireland.

Smart Preparation Checklist

Before sitting the exam, you need to ensure that you have:

• Studied the PSI syllabus and essential readings.

• Attempted MCQs and case-based written questions.

• At least two complete mock OSCEs you have done.

• You should have also revised the Irish pharmacy law and ethics thoroughly.

• Polished your communication skills and patient counselling.

• Enrol for getting strong preparation with Elite Expertise. It will help you through the process and keep you on track.

Final Words

The PSI Equivalence Exam 2025 is a key turning point for those pharmacists from outside the EU/EEA who wish to be registered in Ireland. Proper preparation with hard work makes it not just a way to get through the exam, but your gateway to a very respected and rewarding health care career.

At Elite Expertise, pharmacists are’ best choice when it comes to passing the written and the OSCE parts of the exam. To put you in the position of being able to succeed in your first attempt, we give you expert-led teaching, personalised tactics and actual exam simulations.

It is with the help of proper preparation that your career as a registered pharmacist in Ireland is going to start, and the first step of preparation.

About the Author

Aditi Pathak

Content Writer | Elite Expertise

Aditi Pathak is an experienced SEO content writer with over 4 years of expertise in crafting engaging, well-researched, and search engine–optimized content. Currently pursuing her Master’s in English, she brings together strong academic knowledge and creative writing skills to deliver blogs and articles that are both informative and reader-friendly. Aditi is passionate about simplifying complex topics into clear, accessible content that resonates with diverse audiences. Her focus lies in creating value-driven content strategies that enhance online visibility while keeping readers informed and engaged.

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