Qualification Obtained Outside the EU (includes UK qualifications)

You can apply to the PSI to have your qualification recognised in Ireland through the Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) process if you are a pharmacist who qualified in a non-EU/EEA country, regardless of your nationality. 

This route of registration is a two-step process. The first step is an application for recognition of your qualification. The second step is an application for registration.

“Third Country” means all countries other than countries in the European Union/European Economic Area. Following the UK's exit from the European Union (Brexit), from 1 January 2021, applicants with pharmacist qualifications obtained in Great Britain and Northern Ireland are assessed under the Third Country route, subject to any applicable transitional arrangements.

Qualification Recognition 

An applicant’s qualification must be recognised as “appropriate for practice” in accordance with Section 16 of the Pharmacy Act 2007. This Act regulates the practice and profession of pharmacy in Ireland. The PSI determines whether an applicant’s Third Country qualification is appropriate for practice in Ireland by assessing qualifications in accordance with Rule 19, of the PSI (Registration) Rules 2008 (as amended) (S.I. No 494 of 2008).

Third Country applicants holding a qualification from Great Britain and Northern Ireland 

Applicants holding a qualification obtained in Great Britain or Northern Ireland are assessed under the Third Country Qualification Recognition route. The requirements that apply depend on when you began your pharmacist training.

All other Third Country Applicants

All other Third Country applicants must apply for qualification recognition under the Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) process. 

Application Fees 

The table below set outs the application fees that are associated with the qualification recognition process.

Note: A €300 fee will also apply for any appeals that are submitted in relation to Stage 2, the Holistic Assessment. 

*Payment for stage 1 must be made after submission of your formal application. After we receive your application, you will get an email with a payment link from us. You will be required to use this link to make payment by credit or debit card.   

Request for payment for stages 2 and 3 are notified directly to applicants as applicable. 

Summary of the TCQR Process

The TCQR process is summarised in the flowchart below. 

Application Process Flowchart for Qualification Recognition: A step-by-step visual guide outlining the review, assessment, and certification stages, with possible outcomes based on the holistic assessment.

Information Guide 

This information guide provides important and detailed information about the process. Please read this document in full if you intend to apply for qualification recognition. 

This Frequently Asked Questions document should answer any further queries you may have. 

Making your Application 

To begin the qualification process please download the relevant application forms from the following links: 

Please also see this TCQR Application Guidance Document which will assist you in completing the application form.

Follow the instructions in the information guide to submit your completed application. 

Update May 2026

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) is appointed by the PSI to provide the Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) examination.

Examination Structure  

The TCQR examination is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required to practise as a pharmacist in Ireland. It consists of two components:  

• Part 1 – Multiple Choice Examination (MCQ)  
  There are two parts to the MCQ.  Part A assesses pharmaceutical calculations and Part B assesses applied pharmacy practice.  Each part must be passed independently.    
• Part 2 – Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)  
  Assesses clinical and professional skills through a series of structured, practice-based scenarios.

Depending on the outcome of their completed holistic assessment, an applicant may be required to sit one component, or both components. 

If required to sit both the MCQ and OSCE, each component must be passed independently. There is no compensation scoring between the two components of the exam. 

Syllabus 

The examination is aligned to the PSI Core Competency Framework for Pharmacists and assesses: 

• Pharmaceutical knowledge and calculations
• Applied clinical and practice-based skills
• Patient safety and medicines optimisation
• Professional judgement and communication

A detailed syllabus and supporting materials are provided to candidates in advance. 

Preparation and Support 

Exam candidates will be provided with access to a dedicated online portal by RCSI which includes: 

• Examination guidance and policies 
• Sample questions and OSCE scenarios 
• Preparation resources and learning materials 
• Pre-examination briefing sessions 

Exam Delivery and Logistics 

• All examinations are delivered in person in Dublin by RCSI.
• Candidates receive full exam details (including venue and timing) in advance. 
• RCSI manages all aspects of logistics, delivery, including facilities, invigilation, and assessment. 

Results 

Examination results are issued approximately 4–6 weeks after the examination. 

Cost of Examination 

Candidates will be issued a payment form by the PSI to complete payment once their exam place has been confirmed to them. Please note that the exam place is not secured until payment is received by the PSI.

Examination Dates 

Dates currently scheduled for examinations in 2026/2027.

Please note that these dates are subject to change, and that places at each sitting are limited.  We anticipate an initial high demand for places, and you may not be accommodated at the first sitting for which you apply. 

In advance of each exam sitting an expression of interest will be issued to eligible applicants who have been notified that they are required to proceed to Stage 3 Examination.  Further details will be provided at this time.