Expression of Interest process open to appoint an External Examiner (TCQR Examination) and Reserve Panel

June 9, 2026
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The PSI - the Pharmacy Regulator is seeking to appoint an External Examiner in respect of the delivery of Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) examination that is being provided by a contracted provider on behalf of the PSI.

The External Examiner will provide independent oversight and quality assurance for the delivery of the TCQR examination, supporting the PSI in assuring fairness, validity, reliability and appropriate standards for entry to the Register.

The TCQR examination forms part of the PSI’s process for recognising pharmacist qualifications obtained outside the European Union/European Economic Area for the purpose of registration as a pharmacist in Ireland. The examination includes two components - a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examination and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has been appointed as the examination provider.

The first examination dates have been set for 29 and 30 July 2026.

The role

  • The External Examiner reports to the PSI and provides independent, high-level scrutiny of the design, standard and delivery of the TCQR examination.
  • The role is advisory in nature and focused on system-level assurance rather than operational delivery.
  • The role includes review of relevant examination materials and outputs, observation of examination delivery, and provision of written reports to the PSI following each examination sitting.
  • The External Examiner does not approve or ratify candidate results and does not participate in operational decision-making relating to examination delivery.
  • The External Examiner will attend at least one examination sitting per year, with flexibility to attend additional sittings if required. The TCQR examination is delivered 2–3 times per year in Dublin.

Candidate profile

  • Applicants should have substantial experience in pharmacy education (within Ireland or abroad), with expertise in assessment, examination processes and quality assurance in healthcare education.
  • Applicants must be able to critically evaluate assessment design and standard-setting approaches, exercise professional judgement in relation to competence for entry to practice, and provide clear, evidence-based and constructive feedback.
  • The External Examiner must be independent of the examination provider (RCSI) and able to bring an objective and impartial perspective to the role.

Appointment and remuneration

  • One External Examiner will be appointed by the PSI following this expression of interest process.
  • A reserve panel will also be established to provide cover where required and to support continuity if the role becomes vacant.
  • The External Examiner will be appointed on a three-year basis, which may be renewed for a further two years, subject to satisfactory performance and continued operational requirement. The total duration of appointment shall not exceed five years.
  • The reserve panel shall be appointed for a period of five years.
  • The External Examiner will be remunerated at a daily rate of €500. Travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed separately in line with PSI policy.

How to apply and closing date

Applicants should submit both a:

  • current CV and
  • brief cover letter or email outlining relevant experience, suitability for the role, and confirmation of independence.

Expressions of interest submissions must be received by email to noneuroute@psi.ie by 5pm on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.

Additional information

Read more about the PSI’s Third Country Qualification Recognition route.

Informal queries can be submitted to noneuroute@psi.ie.