But why should you consider an overseas pharmacy career?
Working as a registered pharmacist abroad comes with a truckload of perks like:
- Higher earning potential
- Great quality of life
- Incredible career opportunities
- Perfect work-life balance
- Professional development
- Access to great education and healthcare
Read on to explore the different pharmacist exams and find out the ones that check your boxes.
Registration Exam | Country | Authority |
| KAPS | Australia | Australian Pharmacy Council |
| PSI Exam | Ireland | Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland |
| SPLE | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Commission for Health Specialties |
| DHA | United Arab Emirates (Dubai) | Dubai Health Authority |
| PEBC | Canada | Pharmacy Examining Body of Canada |
KAPS Exam for Australia
The KAPS Exam stands for the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences. This exam, conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council, is the stepping stone to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia. Australia is, undoubtedly a great career destination for global pharmacists.
Eligibility Requirements
- BPharm or PharmD, including provisional degrees
- Transcripts or consolidated mark sheets
- Active registration with the state pharmacy council as a practising pharmacist
Steps Involved
- Initial skills assessment
- KAPS exam
- English proficiency test
- Job search
- Expression of interest and visa application
Why Australia?
Australia offers a great work-life balance and provides healthcare professionals with access to free healthcare, education and permanent residency.
- 185,000 PR visa offers
- 2600+ job openings
- Average annual salary of AUD 100,000
PSI Exam for Ireland
The PSI exam, conducted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, is the gateway to pharmacy practice in Ireland. Ireland is one of the most sought-after destinations as it is home to 85+ biopharmaceutical companies and 50+ FDA-approved manufacturing plants, and stands as the world’s third largest exporter of pharmaceuticals.
Eligibility Requirements
- PharmD (5-year full-time degree)
- Registration as a pharmacist in your home country
Steps Involved
- Third Country Qualification Recognition
- Application for verification
- PSI Equivalence Exam (PSI EE: MCQ+OSCE)
- Adaptation (Internship)
- Professional Registration Examination (PRE)
- English proficiency test
- Application for registration
Why Ireland?
Ireland is a great choice for global pharmacists. Here’s why:
- Average annual salary of €74,929
- 1000+ job openings
- Eligibility to practise in other European countries
SPLE for Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination (SPLE) is an essential step for international pharmacists seeking registration in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia provides great career opportunities for international pharmacists.
Eligibility Requirements
- PharmD
- Registration as a pharmacist in Saudi Arabia or any other country
- One year of supervised clinical practice
Steps Involved
- Document verification (DataFlow)
- Classification
- Generation of the classification ID (valid for one year)
- SPLE mock exam
- Licence certificate (valid for one year)
- Application for registration with SCFHS
Why Saudi Arabia?
One of the biggest advantages of Saudi Arabia is that you can earn tax-free income. Here are some other advantages:
- Easy work visas
- 2000+ job openings
- Average monthly salary of SAR 8539
DHA for United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
The DHA exam for pharmacists is a great choice for international pharmacists seeking licensure in a Middle East country. The DHA licence allows you to set up your pharmacy practice in Dubai. Global healthcare professionals are attracted to Dubai because of the tax-free income and inclusive community.
Eligibility Requirements
- BPharm from an established institution
- 2 years of post-qualification experience as a registered pharmacist
- Valid professional licence or registration from their home country or country of previous employment.
Steps Involved
- Preparation of required documents
- Creation of the Sheryan account
- Application for Primary Source Verification (PSV)
- Scheduling the DHA exam
- DHA exam
- Obtaining the licence to practise
Why Dubai?
Dubai is an exotic destination with different cultures. There are more benefits.
- 30,000+ job openings for healthcare professionals
- The average annual salary of INR 25 lakhs
PEBC for Canada
The PEBC Exam, which stands for the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada, is crucial for pharmacists seeking licensure in Canada. It ensures that pharmacists possess the necessary knowledge and skills to practise safely and effectively. Canada tops the list of places for healthcare professionals’ migration.
Eligibility Requirements
- BPharm/PharmD, including provisional degrees
- Transcript or consolidated mark sheets
- Active registration with the state pharmacy council in your home country as a practising pharmacist
- Valid passport
- Relevant work experience (not mandatory)
Steps Involved
- Document evaluation
- Pharmacist Evaluating Examination (PEE: MCQ+OSCE)
- Pharmacist Qualifying Examination (MCQ+OSCE)
Why Canada?
Canada offers excellent career prospects for pharmacists, with a strong emphasis on healthcare and patient safety. The PEBC certification is recognised across the country, opening doors to various professional opportunities. There are other benefits too.
- Average annual salary of INR 64 lakhs
- 4% rise in the salary of registered pharmacists every year
- 16,000+ job vacancies
Conclusion
Each of these exams represents a significant step for Indian pharmacists seeking to practice abroad. While the preparation and pattern may vary, all these exams are designed to ensure that pharmacists meet the high standards required in their respective countries. Choosing the right exam depends on your career goals, desired destination, and personal circumstances. By successfully navigating these exams, Indian pharmacists can unlock new opportunities and contribute to the global healthcare community. Academically is a digital destination that helps healthcare professionals build their careers abroad.
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