Overview of the Oman Prometric Exam for Pharmacists
The Oman Prometric Exam is an assessment managed by Prometric, a global testing services provider, on behalf of the Oman Ministry of Health. It ensures that healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, meet the country’s standards before they are allowed to practise.
Costs Involved in the Oman Prometric Exam
The costs associated with the Oman Prometric Exam for pharmacists are divided into several categories:
- Dataflow Fees: 23,500 INR
- Additional Oman Processing Fees: 5,500 INR
- Exam Fee: 19,500 INR
Preparation Costs
Study Materials
Investing in quality study materials is essential for successful exam preparation. The costs for books, study materials, and review sessions can vary but typically range from 5,000 to 15,000 INR, depending on your choice of resources.
Online Courses
Many candidates find joining online Oman Prometric exam (OPE) Preparation Courses beneficial. For example, joining Academically’s OPE Preparation Course, you will get study materials, live and online lectures, practise and mock tests, one-on-one feedback from the trainer and much more.
Additional Expenses
Travel Costs
If you need to travel to Oman for the exam, consider the following expenses:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Transportation
Procedure for Oman Prometric
- Document Verification (Primary Source Verification - PSV)
Before taking the Oman Prometric Exam, the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) and Dataflow Group must verify your credentials and documents. This Primary Source Verification (PSV) confirms the authenticity of your educational and professional qualifications.
- Exam Registration
Once your PSV is completed, you will receive an Eligibility Number. With this number, you can register for the Oman Prometric Exam by scheduling your online test through the official Oman Prometric website. This step marks the beginning of your journey to becoming a licensed pharmacist in Oman.
- Visa Application and Job Search
After passing the Prometric exam, the next step is to secure a job in Oman, which you can easily search for online while still in your home country. Once you've found a job, your documents must be attested by the Oman embassy in your country. After this, you will be granted a visa to work in Oman.
- Viva Exam in Oman
Upon arrival in Oman, your employer will typically sponsor your accommodation and meals while you prepare for the viva exam, which is the final step in the process. Once you pass the viva, you’ll be officially registered as a licensed pharmacist in Oman.
Additional Benefits of Working in Oman
Employer-sponsored housing and Tax-Free Income
One of the major advantages of working as a pharmacist in Oman is that most employers provide free housing and cover other essential needs. Additionally, Oman offers tax-free income, which allows you to maximise your earnings and save more compared to countries with high taxation rates.
Recover Costs Quickly
Although the initial cost for the Oman Prometric Exam might seem high, pharmacists in Oman can typically recover these expenses within the first two months of employment. The competitive salary, combined with employer-provided housing benefits and no income tax, allows professionals to save significantly.
Why is Oman a Great Option for Pharmacists?
Lower Costs Compared to Other Countries
Compared to countries like the UK, Australia, or the USA, where moving and qualifying can be more costly and complicated, Oman provides a much more affordable pathway. The initial costs are lower, and you can quickly begin earning and saving without taxation.
No English Proficiency Requirement
A major benefit of working in Oman is that no English proficiency test (like IELTS or TOEFL) is required to take the exam or practice as a pharmacist. This makes Oman an attractive option for professionals who may not have strong English language skills but are qualified and ready to work in healthcare.
Build Savings and Move to Another Country
For those who want to use Oman as a stepping stone, it’s an excellent option. You can work, save money due to the lower cost of living and tax-free income, and then choose to move to another country, like Australia, Canada, or the UK, once you’ve built sufficient savings and experience.
Future Career Prospects
Pharmacists in Oman enjoy attractive salaries, often ranging from 1,30,000 to 1,50,000 INR per month. With free housing and tax-free income, professionals can significantly increase their savings. This makes Oman an ideal option for pharmacists who want to save money before potentially relocating to another country with more stringent requirements or higher costs.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the financial aspects of the Oman Prometric Exam is essential for effective planning. By budgeting for all associated costs and preparing thoroughly, you can ensure a smoother transition into your pharmacy career in Oman. Investing in your future can open up opportunities in a rewarding healthcare environment.
Academically, it offers a cost-effective online OPE Preparation Course that is helpful throughout the exam journey and beyond. To learn more about this and the exam, fill out this form for a free one-on-one counselling session with our expert today.
