Who is Eligible to Become a Registered Pharmacist in Ireland?
To apply for registration with the PSI, your pharmacy degree must meet Ireland’s professional standards. But here’s some good news under the updated 2025 TCQR process, also known as the Third Country Qualification Recognition pathway, now candidates with a B. Pharm and M. Pharm from India can be considered, as long as they have the right experience.
If your education and training meet the PSI’s expectations during their holistic review, you could still be eligible, even if your degree isn’t a single continuous program like the Irish MPharm.
You’re eligible to apply if:
You’ve completed all the education and practical training needed to practise pharmacy in the country where you qualified.
You’re eligible to register and practise as a pharmacist in that country, even if you’re not currently practising.
Note: After Brexit, the UK and Northern Ireland are now treated as “Third Countries” under the PSI system, just like India or other non-EU countries.
What Changed in the PSI Exam (2025)
Latest Update: The 2025 PSI revision replaced the adaptation period with a holistic assessment. Applicants may now be exempt from the exam (Path A) if their qualifications are deemed equivalent to those required for the exam.
| Feature | Before 2025 | April 2025 Update |
| Internship required? | Often yes | ❌ No longer mandatory |
| Adaptation period | Common | ❌ Removed |
| Eligibility | Mostly Pharm.D | ✅ B. Pharm/M. Pharm included |
| Assessment | Fixed routes | ✅ Holistic, flexible (Path A/B) |
| Payment | Vague | ✅ Clear stage-wise structure |
| Exam format | Unclear | ✅ MCQ + OSCE, modular based on deficits |
If not (Path B), they must take a revised MCQ + OSCE exam in Ireland. The process now includes stage-wise fees and clearer eligibility for B.Pharm and M.Pharm graduates. If you need more information on the latest update on the PSI exam, you can talk to our experts.
Steps to Become a Registered Pharmacist in Ireland
To practice as a registered pharmacist in Ireland, an applicant must go through a two-step process of qualification:
PSI TCQR Process (April 2025)
Qualification Recognition
- Non-EU/EEA pharmacy graduates (B. Pharm, M. Pharm, Pharm. D) are eligible.
- They must be eligible to practise in the country of qualification (registration not mandatory, but proof of eligibility is).
- Registration: Once the qualification is approved, you have to apply to be officially licensed before starting practice in Ireland.
4 Stages of the TCQR Process
Stage 1 – Application Review
- Submit application + documents via email to noneuroute@psi.ie. Within 6 months.
- Third-party docs (like transcripts, regulatory forms) must come directly from institutions.
- The Statutory Declaration form must be signed in Ireland or at an Irish Embassy/Consulate, self-witnessed, or local notarizations abroad are not accepted.
Stage 2 – Holistic Assessment
- Assesses:
- Input: Pharmacy degree + internship
- Quality: Accreditation and standards of the issuing authority
- Output: CPD, postgraduate education, work experience
- Two possible paths:
- Path A: If equivalent → proceed directly to certification.
- Path B: If gaps exist → proceed to exam (Stage 3).
Stage 3 – Examination (Only for Path B)
- The exam consists of:
- MCQ: Pharmacology, calculations, practice topics, community pharmacy
- OSCE: Clinical/practical assessment
- Based on the M.Pharm Irish curriculum (Level 9, NQF).
- You may take only MCQ, only OSCE, or both, based on holistic assessment.
| Stage | Fee | Notes |
| Stage 1 – Application Fee | €500 | Paid when submitting your TCQR application |
| Stage 2 – Holistic Assessment | €1,000 | Paid once your application is deemed complete and valid |
| Stage 3 – PSI Equivalence Exam | €3,000 | Only if routed through Path B (exam required) |
Note: A €300 fee will apply for any appeals that are submitted concerning the Holistic assessment (Stage 2).
Stage 4 – Certification
- After successful completion of all necessary stages, a “Certificate of Qualification Appropriate” for Practice is issued. And you are eligible to apply for registration via PSI’s online portal.
Additional Key Verifications
| Topic | Confirmed | Notes |
| Adaptation period | ✅ Removed | Now fully replaced by holistic review + exam |
| Stage-wise fee payment | ✅ Yes | Pay per stage only; no bulk upfront |
| Appeal option | ✅ Yes | €300 fee for Stage 2 appeal |
| Application deadline | ✅ Yes | 6-month validity for file completion |
| Language test | ✅ At registration only | Not required for qualification recognition |
| Naric Statement | ✅ Required | Must confirm pharmacy qualification |
Why Ireland?
There are many reasons why you should consider Ireland as your pharmacy career destination. The average annual salary of a registered pharmacist in Ireland is €74,929. Apart from the lucrative salary, you can get global recognition. Registration in Ireland can make way for registration in other European countries as well. ou’ll also have chances to grow professionally—whether it’s through specialisation, further study, or hands-on experience in a healthcare system known for its high standards.
Conclusion
Ireland isn’t just a beautiful place to live, it’s also full of opportunities for pharmacists. With great salary, a respected healthcare system, and a place to grow in your career, it is no surprise that so many international pharmacists are taking this step.
If you are serious about working as a pharmacist in Ireland, the process takes the plan and patience, and it is absolutely worth it. And if you need to keep a checklist together, review your documents, or help in preparing for the exam, Academically can guide you at every step.
