Pharmacist in Kuwait: A Step-by-Step Guide to Passing the MOH Exam
Kuwait offers great opportunities for pharmacists looking to advance their careers in the Middle East. If you're considering working as a pharmacist in Kuwait, you'll need to pass the Kuwait Ministry of Health (MOH) Exam. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the eligibility criteria, exam format, and the entire application process to help you succeed in your journey.
Eligibility Criteria for the Kuwait MOH Exam
To be eligible for the Kuwait MOH Exam for Pharmacists, you must meet the following requirements:
- A B.Pharm or M.Pharm degree.
- A minimum of two years of experience as a pharmacist or pharmacy assistant (experience must begin after your degree convocation).
- Registeration as a licensed pharmacist in your home country.
Once you meet these criteria, you can begin the process of applying for the exam.
Step-by-Step Procedure for the Kuwait MOH Exam
Here is a step-by-step guide for the procedure you need to follow to become a pharmacist in Kuwait as an international pharmacy graduate:
1. Attest Educational Documents
Before applying, have your educational documents attested by the Government of India. This is a crucial step if you're planning to work as a pharmacist in Kuwait.
2. Obtain an Employment Letter
Secure a position as a pharmacist or pharmacy assistant in Kuwait. You’ll need to request an employment letter from your prospective employer confirming their intention to hire you.
3. Submit Documents to the Drug Inspection Authority
Submit your attested educational documents and employment letter to the Drug Inspection Authority in the Sabah region. This can be done in person or through your HR department.
4. Apply for Data and Equivalency Verification
- ISVSC Data Check: Apply online for data verification through the ISVSC portal. The process takes about a month and costs around 100 KD.
- Ministry of Kuwait Equivalency: Apply for equivalency verification with the Ministry of Kuwait. Upload your documents and schedule an appointment at Sanabil Tower. This process may take 3 to 6 months.
5. Complete Training and Testing
While waiting for equivalency verification, the Drug Inspection Department will arrange for you to complete one week of training at a government hospital. After training, you’ll take a test, and your results will be sent to the Drug Control Department.
6. Schedule and Take the Exam
Once you receive your ISVSC verification, submit it to the Drug Control Committee to schedule your MOH pharmacy exam. The exam will be conducted using an OMR sheet.
7. Obtain Pharmacist ID Card
Pay the membership fee of 25 KD at the Kuwait Pharmacy Association (KUPHA) to receive your Kuwait Pharmacist ID Card.
8. Process Your Electronic Pharmacy License
Submit the KUPHA receipt to your HR department to process your electronic pharmacy license. This license is valid for 2 years and will include your employer’s name.
Kuwait MOH Exam Format
The exam covers several major areas of pharmacy, including:
- Social/Behavioral/Administrative Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Calculations & Compounding
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Care & Disease Management
- Basic Biomedical Sciences
The exam consists of 50 questions, divided into two parts:
- 30 questions in English: Covering pharmaceutical analysis, pharmacology, and therapeutics.
- 20 questions in Arabic: Focusing on pharmacy laws (with no translations, but invigilators can assist).
The passing score is 60%, and candidates who pass will proceed to an oral exam.
Final Steps: Becoming a Licensed Pharmacist in Kuwait
Once you've passed the exam, your final step is to process your electronic pharmacy license. After paying the membership fee at KUPHA, your HR department will help you submit the necessary documents to the Drug Control Department to finalise your licensing.
Ready to Take the Leap?
Preparing for the Kuwait MOH Pharmacist Exam requires dedication and the right study materials. If you're looking for personalised guidance, Academically offers comprehensive courses and resources to help you ace the MOH exam and kickstart your pharmacy career in Kuwait. With our expert trainers, we’ll ensure you’re fully prepared for every step of the process!
Join Academically today and take your first step toward becoming a licensed pharmacist in Kuwait!
