Step 1: Complete and Submit the Application Form
Fill Out the Required Forms
The first step in the PSI registration process is to submit the Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) application form. This form is essential for the PSI to evaluate whether your qualifications from outside of Ireland meet the necessary standards for pharmacy practice.
In addition to the TCQR form, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Certificate of Identity Form
- Statutory Declaration Form
These forms can be downloaded from the PSI website, and it is important to fill them out accurately and fully to avoid delays in your application process.
Request Third-Party Documents
As part of the application process, you must arrange for official third-party documents to be sent directly to the PSI. These documents typically include:
- Academic transcripts
- Certificates of completion
- Regulatory authority confirmation i.e, Proof of registration or licensure with the pharmacy regulatory body in your home country.
It is essential that these documents are sent directly from the relevant institutions (such as your university or regulatory authority) to the PSI, as this ensures the authenticity of the documents.
Submit Documents and Pay Application Fees
After completing the forms and obtaining third-party documents, submit your application and pay the fee via electronic transfer. Email scanned documents to noneuroute@psi.ie with “TCQR Application” in the subject line.
Step 2: Stage 1 - Internal Review for Validity and Eligibility
After submitting your application, the PSI will conduct an initial internal review to assess the following:
- Eligibility: The PSI will check if your qualifications meet the necessary requirements for consideration.
- Completeness: The PSI will verify that all required documents have been submitted and that your application is complete.
This stage typically does not involve a detailed assessment of your qualifications but rather ensures that your application meets the basic eligibility criteria and is in order for further review.
Step 3: Stage 2 - Holistic Assessment
Once your application passes the internal review, it will proceed to the holistic assessment stage. At this point, independent assessors appointed by the PSI will evaluate your qualifications and experience to determine whether they align with Irish pharmacy standards.
Key Assessment Factors
The holistic assessment is based on three primary components, each focusing on different aspects of your qualification and experience:
- Input Components: Your academic qualifications and practical training, comparing them to Irish standards.
- Quality Components: The accreditation and regulatory framework of your home country’s pharmacy program.
- Output Components: Your professional development, including work experience, postgraduate education, and ongoing learning.
Possible Outcomes of the Holistic Assessment
After the holistic assessment, the assessors will recommend one of the following paths:
- Path A: If your qualifications and experience align with Irish pharmacy standards, you will be issued a Certificate of Qualification Appropriate for Practice. This certificate confirms that your qualifications are deemed equivalent to Irish standards, allowing you to proceed with registration without any additional examination.
- Path B: If deficiencies are found, you will be required to take further steps to address those gaps. This typically involves sitting for an examination (Stage 3B), where your knowledge and competence will be evaluated in specific areas.
Step 4: Examination Stage (Stage 3B)
If the holistic assessment determines that your qualifications do not meet the necessary Irish standards, you will be required to take an aptitude test at Stage 3B. The goal of this test is to evaluate whether your qualifications meet the minimum acceptable standards for pharmacy practice in Ireland.
This test evaluates your knowledge and competence in essential pharmacy areas, such as:
- Pharmacology and pharmacy practice
- Basic sciences and properties of medicines
- Pharmaceutical calculations
The test might include Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) or Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) or both, based on the outcome of the holistic assessment.
Step 5: Stage 3A & 4B – Certificate of Qualification Appropriate for Practice
After successfully completing the aptitude test or if your qualifications already meet Irish standards, the PSI will issue a Certificate of Qualification Appropriate for Practice. This certificate confirms that you meet the requirements to practice pharmacy in Ireland.
With this certificate, you are eligible to proceed with the final registration process and legally practice as a pharmacist in Ireland.
Also Read: The New PSI Registration Process for Overseas Pharmacists: Latest Update
Parting Thoughts
The PSI registration process is thorough and ensures that only qualified overseas pharmacists are allowed to practice pharmacy in Ireland. By following these steps carefully, from submitting the application form to completing the holistic assessment and possibly taking an exam, you will be on your way to obtaining your certification and registering as a pharmacist in Ireland.
So start preparing today and for more personalised guidance, fill out this form.
