Qualification Obtained Outside the EU

You can apply to the PSI to have your qualification recognised in Ireland via 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 Brexit, from 1 January 2021, applicants with pharmacist qualifications from the United Kingdom (UK) are assessed for registration under the Third Country route. 

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).

Applicants holding a qualification from the UK

Applicants holding a qualification gained in the UK, which would have been automatically recognised under the Professional Qualifications Directive before 31 December 2020, with training that commenced before 31 December 2020, can apply under this route by using this application form, and submitting it, along with supporting documents to the Registrant and Customer Relations Team, PSI – The Pharmacy Regulator, PSI House, 15-19 Fenian Street, Dublin 2, D02 TD72.

If you are a pharmacist with a qualification obtained in the UK, and started your training before 31 December 2020, you may be able to have your qualification recognised in a one-step process.  To apply to have your qualification recognised under this route, please return this application form along with supporting documents to the Registrant and Customer Relations Team. 

All Other Third Country Applicants

All other Third Country applicants must first apply for qualification recognition under the Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) process. The PSI has recently revised the TCQR process, which is outlined in the flowchart below. This information guide provides detailed information on the revised process.  Please read this document in full if you intend to apply for qualification recognition. The corresponding revised TCQR application form, required to apply, will be published here in the coming weeks. 

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.

Once you have received confirmation that your qualification has been recognised by the PSI you can apply to register as a pharmacist. The registration portal contains instructions and information videos to assist with your registration application.  

Language competence 

Assessment of language competence is required to be submitted when making an application for registration. On submission of an application for registration, applicants must prove that they have achieved a standard of competence in the English language by complying with one of the three criteria recognised by the PSI Council as being satisfactory to assure language competence. It should be noted that provision of evidence of language competence is not required to be provided under the qualification recognition process.