
To become a pharmacist in Ireland, especially if you’re coming from a non-EU/EEA country like India, you must follow a specific process called the Third Country Qualification Recognition. This guide will help answer common questions from a student’s perspective.
Who is eligible to become a pharmacist in Ireland through the Third Country Qualification Recognition?
Non-EU/EEA Qualified Pharmacists: If you obtained your pharmacy degree from a country outside the EU/EEA, you need to follow this process. This includes pharmacists from the UK who qualified after Brexit.
What is the first step to becoming a pharmacist in Ireland?
Step 1: Qualification Recognition
Application: You must submit an application for your qualification to be recognized in Ireland.
Documents Required:

Fee: A non-refundable fee of €1,500 is required.
Process for UK Qualifications: If you have a UK qualification obtained before 2021, you might be eligible for a streamlined process under certain conditions.
What happens after applying for qualification recognition?
Stage 2: Equivalence Examination
Purpose: The Equivalence Exam assesses whether your qualification meets Ireland’s standards for pharmacists.
Components:

Outcome: Based on your performance, you may proceed directly to the Professional Registration Examination (PRE) or be required to complete an adaptation period.
What if my qualification isn’t fully recognized?
Stage 3: Adaptation Period
What is it? If your qualification doesn’t fully meet the required standards, you might need to undergo an adaptation period of 6 months to 3 years.
Next Steps: After completing the adaptation period, or if you meet the standards without it, you can move on to the Professional Registration Examination.
What is the Professional Registration Examination (PRE)?
Stage 4: Professional Registration Examination
Eligibility for PRE: After completing the adaptation period (if required), you’ll take the PRE.
Exam Details for PRE:

Do I need to prove my English language skills?
Language Competence Requirements for Ireland
Options: You can prove your language competence by:

Super-Scoring: If needed, you can combine scores from two attempts of the same test within six months to meet the required scores.
What happens after I pass all these stages?
Registration: After passing the PRE, you’ll receive a certificate confirming your qualification. You can then apply for registration as a pharmacist in Ireland via the PSI’s online portal.
This process ensures that your qualifications and skills meet the standards required to practice as a pharmacist in Ireland. The journey is rigorous, but it’s a crucial step for ensuring that pharmacists in Ireland can provide the best care to their patients.