What Is the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland?
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) is a public body established in law to protect the health, safety of patients and the public by regulating pharmacists and pharmacies in Ireland. Pharmacists and pharmaceutical assistants must be registered with the PSI in order to practise in Ireland. The PSI also keeps a register of pharmacists, pharmaceutical assistants and pharmacies published here and can be searched by any member of the public.
Below is a list of options available to both first time and continued registration applicants:
First Time Registration - This details how you can apply for registration as a first-time applicant in Ireland with the PSI. There are different routes of registration for pharmacists depending on where a person has graduated and trained as a pharmacist.
Continued Registration - Pharmacists wishing to remain on the register to practise in Ireland must apply on an annual basis for continued registration and pay a yearly fee.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - In order to be accepted for continued registration, all pharmacists must complete a declaration on an annual basis that they undertake to maintain appropriate experience in the practise of pharmacy, keep up-to-date of continuing education and professional developments in the profession of pharmacy, and continuing professional development relevant to the practise of pharmacy.
Changes to Registration Details - Registrants can make changes to personal details held by the PSI using the online Registrant login section. It is important that registrants keep their contact details and other information updated for the public registers.
Cancelling your Registration - If you no longer wish to be registered with the PSI or if you are considering retiring from the Register of Pharmacists, you can voluntarily cancel your registration with the PSI on request.
Restoring your Registration - If you wish to restore your name to the Register, having previously withdrawn, you should complete the restoration form and return it to the PSI.
Certificates of Registration are issued once applications for registration or continued registration, including fees, have been processed.
How Does a New Pharmacist Register with the PSI?
There are three routes to registration. The route you take depends on where you received your training.
Irish Trained Pharmacist
If you trained in Ireland, then your National Pharmacy Internship Programme (NPIP) course qualifies you to apply for registration. Once you successfully complete the NPIP (and pass the Professional Registration Exam), you can apply for PSI registration by providing some personal documentation including proof of your course, ID and the registration fee.
EU Trained pharmacist
If you are an EU national and trained as a pharmacist in an EU/EEA member state, then there are two ways to register as an EU pharmacist.
Complete your application and submit all required documents. If you trained in a non-English speaking country, you will also need to provide evidence of your English language competence. Once your application is processed, you will be invited to attend a meeting to review your application.
Register by using your European Professional Card
(EPC) . The EPC is available to pharmacists, nurses, doctors etc. Your EPC allows your home state to verify your information and send it to the PSI on your behalf. However, the EPC does not guarantee your right to work in Ireland.
Trained Outside of the EU/EEA
If you have trained outside the EU/EEA, then you must apply to have your pharmacist qualifications recognised in Ireland.
The PSI evaluates your education with a four-stage process.
Make a valid application
Pass an equivalency exam
Adaptation period
Professional Registration Examination (PRE)
Once you have successfully completed the qualification recognition assessment you can then submit an application to be added to the register of pharmacists. You will also have to meet the PSI’s Language Competency Requirements.
More information on how to register with the PSI can be found here.