Practicing as a pharmacist in the Sultanate of Oman is regulated by the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB), which works closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH). The licensing process for internationally qualified pharmacists is standardized, requiring credential verification, a mandatory licensing examination (the OPE), and securing a job in the Sultanate.

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Phase 1: Eligibility and Document Verification

This phase confirms that your professional background meets Oman’s high standards for healthcare practitioners.

Confirm Eligibility Requirements

International applicants must meet the following general criteria to apply for the Omani Pharmacist Examination (OPE) and licensure:

• Education: Hold a recognized Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm), or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree from an accredited university.
• Registration: Must hold a valid license/registration to practice in their home country.
• Work Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of continuous, post-qualification experience in a hospital or retail (community) pharmacy is typically required for exam eligibility. This experience must be recent and without significant gaps.
• Language: Unlike some Gulf countries, Oman does not impose a mandatory language proficiency test (like IELTS/TOEFL) for professional registration, making the process easier for non-native English speakers.

Gather and Prepare Required Documents

Collect all necessary documentation. Key items include:

• Pharmacy degree certificate and academic transcripts.
• Professional license/registration from your home country.
• Experience certificate(s) detailing continuous practice.
• Certificate of Good Standing (GSC) from your current licensing authority.
• Passport copy and recent photograph.

Initiate Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)

The OMSB mandates Primary Source Verification (PSV) of all core documents through the DataFlow Group.

• Purpose: The PSV is a mandatory background check to verify the authenticity of your educational degree, professional license, and work experience directly from the issuing sources.
• Process: You must upload your documents and pay the required fee through the OMSB’s designated portal to initiate the DataFlow process. A successful, positive DataFlow report is a prerequisite for moving to the examination phase.

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Phase 2: The Omani Pharmacist Examination (OPE)

The national licensing exam is the main assessment of your professional competency.

Register and Schedule the OPE

After your documents have been successfully verified by DataFlow, the OMSB will grant you eligibility to register for the Omani Pharmacist Examination (OPE), also known as the Oman Prometric Exam.

• Booking: You will use an eligibility number provided by the OMSB to book your exam slot through the Pearson VUE or Prometric testing platform.

Prepare for the OPE

The OPE is a standardized, computer-based assessment.

• Format: The exam consists of 150 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Duration: Candidates are given approximately 3 hours to complete the exam.
• Passing Score: A minimum score of 60% (90 out of 150 questions correct) is required to pass.
• Syllabus: The exam is comprehensive, covering four major domains: Basic Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Sciences & Therapeutics, and Social/Behavioral/Administrative Sciences. Clinical knowledge and pharmaceutical calculations are heavily weighted.

Sit the OPE Prometric Exam

You can sit the OPE at approved Prometric testing centers globally, making it possible to take the exam in your home country before migrating to Oman.

Receive OPE Results and Eligibility Letter

Upon passing the OPE, you will receive an official Assessment Result or Eligibility Certificate from the OMSB. This document confirms your successful qualification and is essential for securing a job and final licensure. Candidates are typically allowed a maximum of three attempts to pass the examination.

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Phase 3: Employment and Final Licensure

The final steps involve securing a job and formally activating your practice license.

Secure an Employment Offer

With your OPE passing certificate, you can actively apply for jobs within the Sultanate. Securing a job offer is mandatory, as your employer acts as your sponsor and handles the final licensure steps. Pharmacists are hired by government hospitals (MOH), private hospitals, and retail pharmacies.

Complete the Viva Examination (Oral Interview)

Some licensing pathways and employers require you to undergo a final Viva Examination (Oral Interview) upon arrival in Oman. This short interview, typically conducted by the OMSB or a panel, verifies your practical knowledge and experience.

Obtain Final Professional License

Your employer will complete the final application for your practice license through the MOH’s e-Health portal. This step involves:

• Providing documents for the residency visa process.
• Completing a mandatory Medical Fitness Test in Oman.
• Obtaining Professional Liability Insurance.

Once all requirements are met and the fees are paid (currently 100 Omani Riyals for non-Omani pharmacists), the MOH issues your official License to Practice.

11. Maintain CPD and License Renewal

Once licensed, you must adhere to the OMSB’s regulations for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), completing the required number of hours to ensure your knowledge and skills remain current. The license must be renewed regularly as stipulated by the OMSB.