Purpose of OEAP
- Competency Assurance: The exam ensures that candidates possess the required skills and knowledge to practice pharmacy safely and effectively.
- Eligibility for Employment: Passing the OEAP serves as a key criterion for employment as an assistant pharmacist in Oman.
Eligibility
To qualify for the OEAP, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Hold a 2-year Diploma in Pharmacy from a recognised institution.
- Possess a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in either a retail or hospital pharmacy setting, with employment limited to no more than two employers.
Procedure for Registering and Taking the OEAP Exam
Visit the OMSB Website
Start by visiting the official Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) website. Navigate to the “Professional Competence Affairs” section. This section ensures that international pharmacy technicians meet the necessary standards to practice in Oman.
Select the Occupational Classification Testing Section
In the Professional Competence Affairs section, click on the “Occupational Classification Testing Section”. This is the specific area that handles exams for various healthcare roles, including pharmacy technicians.
Access Online Services
Next, go to the Online Services section. Here, you can manage your exam scheduling, applications, and other professional services related to the OEAP exam.
Schedule and Take Your Exam
You can schedule, reschedule, or cancel your exam through the Pearson VUE website, which administers the OEAP at authorised testing centres.
Apply for Your Professional License
After successfully passing the exam, you can proceed to apply for your professional license to practice as a pharmacy technician in Oman.
Exam Format
The OEAP consists of:
- 100 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): The exam is designed to assess your knowledge across 9 key areas:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Quality and Safety
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Ethics, Regulation, and Professionalism
- Basic Statistics
- Public Health and Health Promotion
- Communication Skills
- Pharmacy Management and Supply Chain
- Pharmaceutical Calculations
- Duration: The total exam duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Syllabus
The OEAP syllabus covers various topics essential for pharmacy technicians, which are as follows:
| Topics | Percentage |
| Pharmacy practice | 35 |
| Quality and safety | 5 |
| Pharmaceutical sciences | 10 |
| Ethics, regulation, and professionalism | 10 |
| Basic statistics | 5 |
| Public health and health promotions | 5 |
| Communication skills | 5 |
| Pharmacy management and supply chain | 10 |
| Pharmaceutical calculations | 15 |
Venue of Examination
- In Oman: The exam is held at the Oman Medical Specialty Board.
- International Locations: Candidates residing outside Oman will take the exam at Pearson VUE centers worldwide.
Results
Results will be emailed to candidates within 24 hours after the completion of the exam.
Suggested References and Study Materials
To help you prepare for the OEAP, here are some useful textbooks and resources:
- Guide for Reporting Adverse Drug Reactions and Quality Problems (DGPA&DC, MOH, 2017).
- Cairns, D. Essentials of Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Pharmaceutical Press, 2012).
- Whalen, K. Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology (Wolters Kluwer Health, 2018).
- Pharmacy Practice Law (Royal Decree No. 35/2015, Oman).
- Narcotics & Psychotropic Substances Law (Royal Decree No: 17/99 and its Executive Decision No: 98/2001, Oman).
- Kumar, R. Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (SAGE, 2011).
- Levin, B., Hanson, A., & Hurd, P. D. Introduction to Public Health in Pharmacy (Oxford University Press, 2018).
- Berger, B. A. Communication Skills for Pharmacists (American Pharmacists Association, 2009).
- Rees, J. A., Smith, I., & Watson, J. Introduction to Pharmaceutical Calculations (4th ed., Pharmaceutical Press, 2015).
- Drug Information Handbook (LexiComp, Latest Edition).
- Pharmacy Technician Certification: Review & Practice Exam (Barbara Lacher, Latest Edition).
- Joint Formulary Committee, BNF (British National Formulary) (Latest Edition).
- Bachenheimer, B. S. Manual for Pharmacy Technicians (ASHP, 4th ed., 2011).
Final Words
The Omani Examination for Assistant Pharmacists (OEAP) is for assistant pharmacists or pharmacy technicians seeking to practice in Oman. By evaluating key competencies such as pharmacy practice, safety, and pharmaceutical sciences, the OEAP ensures that assistant pharmacists uphold the highest standards of healthcare.
Preparation is key to success, and utilising the suggested references, understanding the exam format, and following the registration process will help you navigate the journey effectively. With the right focus and effort, aspiring assistant pharmacists can achieve their goals and begin a rewarding career in Oman.
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