Latest Updates and Clarifications for the PSI Equivalence Exam 2025

PSI equivalence exam for Ireland creates a lot of confusion amongst the students or overseas pharmacy professionals who are willing to work, practise and establish a career in Ireland. At Elite Expertise, we understand the chaos that could be created in the transition and how difficult it becomes for the pharmacists to adapt to the situation. As we always say change is the only constant and we need to adapt to them at earliest. There were a tonne of questions that were popping up everyday in our emails, Whatsapp, Facebook, LinkedIn and every social media platform that we have and our admin team is constantly working to address all your queries, but here’s the catch! To address atleast a few of them we have decided to answer most common ones, the frequently asked questions in this blog.

Also read this blog How to Become a Pharmacist in Ireland via the TCQR Pathway (2025 Guide) to know the latest changes in the TCQR pathway of Ireland

Let’s understand the latest changes to the PSI equivalence exam before we proceed any further:

PSI Equivalence Exam: Previous vs. Current Process (2024–2025)

There is a slight increase in the fee structure in the current process but this can be still considered as the adaptation which was for 6months to 3 years has been removed completely in the latest version of the TCQR pathway meaning we are going to save a lot of time and time is money. Therefore, the candidates are still at advantage with the new change to the PSI exam process.

Frequently asked questions for TCQR pathway or PSI equivalence exam:

1. Is B Pharmacy or M Pharmacy candidate from India eligible for the TCQR pathway?

· This is one the most common question from many candidates to answer this

· Yes, B Pharmacy or M Pharmacy candidates from India are eligible for the TCQR pathway or PSI Ireland.

2. Is the statutory declaration form mandatory? How can I obtain a statutory declaration if my home country doesn’t have an Irish embassy or consulate?

· Yes, the statutory declaration from is mandatory and has to be witnessed in the Irish embassy or consulate. Statutory declaration witnessed outside the Irish embassy or consulate is considered invalid. If you don’t have an Irish embassy or consulate in your home country, you may have to visit the nearest embassy or consulate and get it witnessed.

3. Are there any fees changes? If yes, what are the fees?

· Yes, there are changes to the fees structure and here is the latest version:

4. Will there be any refund if I do not attempt the exam or in the entire process?

· No, during the entire process there will not be any refunds possible.

5. What is the appeal fee during the stage 2?

· A fee of €300, is charged for any appeals made in stage 2

6. Should I pay all the fee for entire process at once during the time of application?

· No, You can pay the fee amount of €500 at the point of application and later once you are notified that you are eligible for the next stage 2 that is, the Holistic assessment you can pay a fee of €1,000. So in this way as you are eligible you need to proceed further and pay the fee for that particular stage in the process.

7. How should I submit the documents?

· Documents can be submitted as scanned PDF documents to the PSI email, noneuroute@psi.ie

8. Is there a deadline by which my application file is required to be complete?

· Yes, the PSI will have your application form open for 6 months from date of receipt. Incase all the required documents are not produced to the PSI during this 6 months period then the will be considered incomplete and invalid.

9. Is English language test or competency mandate for PSI exam?

· No, English language test proof is not a mandate for the qualification recognition process. It is required at point of application for first time registration.

10. Who and where can I have the Statutory Declaration Form witnessed by?

· The statutory declaration form must be witnessed in Ireland for it to be valid. Incase you are applying from outside of Ireland, you can make the Statutory Declarationin your country in front of an Irish embassy or consulate official. It is advised to check with your nearest Irish embassy or consulate if they will provide this service prior to visiting them.

11. I am not currently residing in Ireland; can the Statutory Declaration Form be completed outside of Ireland?

· The statutory declaration form must be witnessed in Ireland by a practicing solicitor, notary public, or peace commissioner for it to be valid. Alternatively, it can only be witnessed at an Irish Embassy or Consulate abroad.

12. What are the criteria for the holistic assessment to decide whether I go Path A or Path B?

· An external assessor will carry out a holistic paper-based assessment of your application and supporting documentation.

· The assessor will review your input (pharmacy qualification(s) and in service/practical training) and quality (regulatory data form completed by your home competent authority) components.

· If following an assessment of these components your application is considered equivalent to the Irish Standard, you will proceed via Path A and will not be required to demonstrate through examination.

· If any deficiencies are identified, you will be required to proceed via Path B and complete an examination.

Conclusion:

There are many changes to the PSI equivalence examination and it is confusing for the candidates applying for this exam to know and adapt to the latest updates of the TCQR pathway. We Elite Expertise is looking into all possible ways to help guide the candidates through this situation. Our admissions are open for the candidates aspiring to become a pharmacist in Ireland for the PSI exam preparatory course. We will guide you through the application process, document evaluation, and the exam preparation making this journey easy for you. Our preparatory course by mentors and educators Mr Arief Mohammad and Mrs Harika Bheemavarapu, helps you learn at your own pace with the live interactive and recorded sessions and curated mocks. The abundance of the experience of the course trainers Mr Arief, Mrs Harika and Rifga Kamil who is a registered pharmacist in Ireland will guide you through real life case scenarios making the subject easy to understand and remember not just for the exam but also through out your practise as a pharmacist in Ireland.

Join us now! And begin your career abroad with Elite Expertise today! WE will make sure you travel this path with ease!

This blog is for informational purposes only and represents the views and interpretations of Elite Expertise regarding the PSI registration process and pharmacy career opportunities in Ireland. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date insights, pharmacy licensing requirements, immigration policies, and healthcare regulations in Ireland are subject to change. Elite Expertise does not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on the information provided in this article.

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About the Author

Sahana Rao

Sahana Chinthapatla is renowned for her expertise in scientific and medical writing, backed by an MPharm in Pharmacology and years of experience in research analysis and scientific writing.

As the Head Business Writer at Elite Expertise, she provides insightful and well-researched content on KAPS, OPRA, PEBC, PSI and global pharmacy pathways, guiding aspiring pharmacists in their professional journeys.

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Head Business Writer | Elite Expertise