Stages of the Recognition Process

There are four stages involved in the recognition process.

Stage 1

To make a valid application for recognition of your qualification as a pharmacist from a Third Country, you are required to:

  1. Complete the application form
  2. Complete the certificate of identity form
  3. Complete the statutory declaration form
  4. Provide all relevant supporting documentation
  5. Pay a non-refundable fee of €1,500.00*.

Stage 2

You will need to sit an equivalence exam if our qualification recognition is succesful.

Stage 3

This stage consists of an adaptation period to ensure that you gain the competencies required to practise safely as an independent and professional pharmacist and gain the knowledge and skills required to exercise the independent legal, professional and ethical responsibilities of a pharmacist in Ireland. You may be required to carry out training for a minimum period of at least six months under the supervision of a tutor pharmacist. Tutor pharmacists are required to assess your performance during your adaptation placement. You can contact noneuroute@psi.ie for information on tutor pharmacists for adaptation periods.

Stage 4

If you successfully complete the adaptation period, you will then be eligible to undertake a Professional Registration Examination (PRE). This exam will assess and confirm that you possess the knowledge, skills and competencies appropriate for practice as a pharmacist in Ireland.

This supporting documentation will give you an overview of the process involved in the Third Country Qualification Recognition procedure. Please read this in full if you intend to  apply for qualification recognition.

You can contact a member of the Registrant and Customer Relations Team by email or by phone +353 (0)1 2184000 if you have any questions.

*Temporary protection or refugee status

The PSI Council at its meeting on 21 June 2018, adopted a policy position under the provisions of Rule 5 of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Fees) Rules 2014-2020, to waive the application fee for recognition of third country qualification in the case of applicants availing of protections under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme in Ireland. At its meeting on 28 April 2022, the PSI Council adopted the same position in the case of applicants availing of Temporary Protection status in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. In order for the application fee to be waived, on submission of an application under the Third Country Qualification Recognition process, applicants should include a copy of their relevant document from the Department of Justice confirming their status (i.e. Refugee or Temporary Protection status).