PSI Pharmacy Exam

A person who wishes to become a pharmacist in Ireland must:

• Complete a four-year accredited pharmacy degree course in a school of pharmacy in Ireland and obtain a pharmacy degree.
• Complete a period of one year’s practical training, approved by the Professional Development and Learning (PD&L) Committee of the PSI Council, under the direct supervision of a practising tutor pharmacist. (i.e the National Pharmacy Internship Programme)
• Pass the Professional Registration Examination.

The overall purpose of the professional registration examination is to finally assess and confirm that the examinee possess the knowledge, skills and competencies appropriate for practice as a pharmacist in Ireland. Applicants must pass the professional registration examination within 3 years of his or her successful completion of their adaptation period or if being noticed that no period of adaptation is necessary. Procedures, requirements and rules which apply to the PSI professional registration examination are identical to those which apply to the national pharmacy graduates.

The main difference between the GPhC exam and the PSI exam include:

• The PSI exam has OSCEs - based around pharmacy practice.
• There are no open book resources, i.e. all questions are closed, the PSI will give references in the exam.