Language Requirements
Language competence requirements apply to all qualified pharmacists who have completed their training outside of Ireland and who are seeking first time registration with the PSI.
A pharmacist’s language competence must enable them to effectively communicate, understand, treat patients and discharge professional obligations as a pharmacist in Ireland.
The legislative basis for these language competence standards is derived from the Professional Qualifications Directive as implemented by the European Union (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 2017, the Pharmacy Act 2007 (as amended) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Registration) Rules 2008 to 2017.
Criteria
The PSI Council accepts the criteria listed below as being satisfactory to assure language competence: Please note that no exceptions will be made to these requirements.
- Training to become a qualified pharmacist has been carried out in a country that has English or Irish recognised as a native and first language of that country. Please note that, from 1 June 2026, we will no longer accept a letter from a university stating that the pharmacy course was conducted through English as proof of language competence.
OR
- The applicant has lived and practiced in a whole-time capacity as a registered pharmacist for three out of the preceding five years in a country that has English or Irish recognised as a native and first language. (Satisfactory independent evidence must be provided if relying on this criteria)
OR
- A certificate issued by an internationally recognised body or authority, recognised by the PSI Council, attesting that the holder has attained a standard of competence in the English language. The PSI Council has approved language standards that must be met by an applicant in completing one of the recognised international language tests – an applicant may choose which of these tests she/he wishes to undertake. Test results are valid for two years from date of test.
Language Test Requirements
The PSI Council reviewed its current exams and scores at its meeting on 20 September 2019 and adopted the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) C1 level as the minimum required standard for language proficiency. Following an updated benchmarking exercise, at its meeting of 23 June 2022, the PSI Council approved adjustments to the minimum acceptable score for the ‘Writing’ component across the four recognised tests. The revised scores are outlined in the table below:
| English Test/ Certificate | Details | Minimum score | Base score required if super-scoring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Academic format | Speaking | 7 | 6.5 |
| Writing | 6.5 | 6.5 | ||
| Reading | 7 | 6.5 | ||
| Listening | 7 | 6.5 | ||
| Overall Band | 7 | 7 | ||
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Internet based test (iBT) | Speaking | 25 | 21 |
| Writing | 21 | 20 | ||
| Reading | 24 | 20 | ||
| Listening | 22 | 18 | ||
| Total | 95 | 95 | ||
| Cambridge Assessment of English (CAE) | C1 exam | Listening | 180 | 176 |
| Reading |
180 | 172 | ||
| Writing |
180 | 176 | ||
| Speaking |
180 |
172 | ||
| Use of English | 180 | 172 | ||
| Total | C1 (180) | C1 (180) | ||
| OET | Pharmacy | Listening |
350 | 300 |
| Reading | 350 | 300 | ||
| Writing | 300 | 300 | ||
| Speaking* | 350 | 300 | ||
| All components | B (350) | B (350) | ||
| * From June 2026, the OET Speaking sub-test will be delivered at home through a new platform. This applies to the OET Test on Computer candidates only) | ||||
In general, applicants must meet or exceed the minimum score in each component, in addition to meeting the minimum total score. All components of the IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, and OET tests must be attempted at the same sitting i.e. if the minimum score on one component is not met at a sitting, all components must be attempted at a subsequent sitting. The PSI does not accept one-skill retakes.
Applicants must also ensure that the PSI has verification access to their results and should contact the language competency provider if they do not know how to grant verification access to the PSI. Applicants should never provide their own login details or password to the PSI.
Accepted Tests
Currently IELTS, TOEFL, CAE and OET tests are accepted by the PSI. As these tests are pre-approved, results will be subject to faster approval times.
The PSI may consider results from other tests where an applicant can provide evidence that the results are comparable and equivalent to CEFR (C1) level. However, as the PSI will be required to carry out further verification, approval of test results from other providers will add to processing times.
Please note that home-based tests are not accepted. From June 2026, the OET Speaking sub-test will be delivered at home through a new platform. This applies to the OET Test on Computer candidates only)
Super-Scoring
There is an allowance of super-scoring for two examinations (must be of the same format), if taken within six months only. To avail of super-scoring, applicants must meet or exceed the base-score (see table) per component and overall, for the exam to be considered valid. Across the two sittings, applicants must meet or exceed the required minimum score as defined in the table. Examples of super-scoring are available for review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find a list of commonly asked questions about our language requirements.
As per criteria 1 of the language requirements, unless English is recognised as a native and first language of that country, you are required to undertake a language test. Please note that English being an official language does not meet this requirement.
Yes. As per criteria 1 of the language requirements, unless English is recognised as a native and first language of that country, you are required to undertake a language test. Please note that English being an official language does not equate to a first/native language.
Yes. To meet the requirements of criteria 2, you must have been practising as a registered pharmacist in Ireland
All components of the language test must be attempted at the same sitting, and you must meet or exceed the minimum score in each component as well as the minimum overall score. If you do not achieve the minimum score in any component, you must re-sit all components at a subsequent sitting. The PSI does not accept one-skill retakes.
Yes. The requirements that apply are those published on the PSI website when you submit a valid first-time registration application through the PSI online portal.
No. Under criteria 1, from 1 June 2026, letters from universities confirming that a pharmacy programme was delivered through English are no longer accepted as evidence of language competence.
No. The relevant training relates to your primary pharmacy degree in the country where you obtained your qualification as a pharmacist.
No. Living in Ireland does not, by itself, satisfy criterion 2. You must also have practised in a whole-time capacity as a registered pharmacist for three of the preceding five years in a country where English is recognised as a native and first language
Yes, provided you can submit satisfactory independent evidence of this practice
No. Criterion 1 relates to the primary pharmacy degree completed in the country where you obtained your qualification as a pharmacist. A postgraduate degree completed in Ireland does not satisfy this criterion.
No. Work as a Pharmacy Technician or OTC Assistant does not satisfy criterion 2. You must have practised in a whole-time capacity as a registered pharmacist for three of the preceding five years in a country where English is recognised as a native and first language.
No. For criterion 1, English must be recognised as a native and first language of the country where you completed your primary pharmacy degree. For criterion 2, English must be recognised as a native and first language of the country where you practised as a registered pharmacist. The fact that English is an official language does not satisfy either criterion.
No. The criteria have been determined by the PSI Council, and the PSI is not authorised to allow any exceptions
