Key Points to Remember
- OMSB is the official organisation that grants pharmacists licenses in Oman.
- Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow is required before the test.
- An Omani Examination for Pharmacists (OEP) pass is required to be eligible for a licence.
- Go through the MOH licensing process and keep your licence renewed by attending CPD activities.
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If you’re a pharmacist with an international degree and wish to work in the Sultanate of Oman, the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) is the one you have to approach. OMSB is the organisation responsible for verifying the skills and qualifications of healthcare professionals throughout Oman. The said professionals include not only doctors but also dentists, nurses, and pharmacists.
The OMSB, through the Professional Competence Affairs Department, is the body that governs licensing, manages exams for professional classification, and conducts qualification verifications. The said department is responsible for the Occupational Classification Examination (OCE) — a compulsory licensing exam for all healthcare practitioners intending to work in Oman.
For pharmacy professionals, this test is called the Omani Examination for Pharmacists (OEP). A person must pass the OEP and complete all verification steps to obtain a pharmacist licence in Oman.
Educational & Documentation Requirements
International candidates should comply with certain academic and professional requirements before submitting their application for a pharmacist licence with OMSB.
Eligibility Criteria
- The candidate must have one of the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
- Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm)
- A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree must be obtained from a recognised institution.
- If you are coming from a different country, you must meet specific requirements. You must have a valid pharmacy licence or registration in your home country.
- At least 3 years of unbroken pharmacy work experience (hospital or retail) after graduation is required.
Documents Required
You have to make sure that all the important documents are ready prior to your application:
- Academic transcripts and Degree
- Pharmacy registration certificate of the home country
- Certificates of experience and employment
- Copy of passport and recent photograph
- Current CV and professional references
Tip: During this process ensure that your name and details are the same in all your documents. Any mismatch can delay the verification and issuance of the licence.
| Requirement | Details |
| Qualification | B.Pharm / M.Pharm / PharmD |
| Experience | Minimum 3 years post-graduation |
| License | Valid home-country pharmacist registration |
| Verification | Compulsory via DataFlow (PSV) |
| Language | English fluency is preferred for the exam and documentation |
DataFlow and Primary Source Verification
It is mandatory for every applicant to undergo a Primary Source Verification (PSV) through the DataFlow Group before taking the OMSB exam. This is definitely the first step that guarantees the submitted documents – education, license and work experience – to be genuine.
Step-by-Step PSV Process
- Create a DataFlow account: Go to the official DataFlow website and choose the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) option.
- Upload documents: Provide attested copies of your degree, license, and employment records.
- Payment and review: Pay the verification fee and track your application status online.
- Get a PSV report: After the verification is done, DataFlow will send the results to OMSB. A successful verification will give you the go-ahead to register for the exam.
⚠️ Note: PSV might take several weeks, especially if institutions are slow in confirming. Therefore, ensure that you start early if you want to take the exam at your preferred time.
This is an essential step for licence verification of pharmacists in Oman, and it is a confirmation that your qualifications are at the level required by OMSB.
OMSB Licensing Examination
The next significant step will be a licensing examination by OMSB, which is officially referred to as the Omani Examination for Pharmacists (OEP). One of the first things this exam assesses is pharmaceutical knowledge, followed by professional ethics and clinical competence.
Exam Overview
- Exam Type: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Format: 100–150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Passing Score: Minimum 60% required
- Fee: Around USD 200
- Mode: Available at the OMSB National Test Centre (Muscat) and global Pearson VUE centres.
Syllabus Highlights
- Basic and Clinical Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmacotherapeutics and Patient Care
- Omani Drug Regulations and Ethics
Registration Process
- Perform a full PSV to get an OMSB eligibility ID.
- Signing up for the test can be done through the Pearson VUE OMSB site.
- Choose the date and place that suits you best.
- The examination fee is to be paid, and the venue is to be confirmed.
Preparation Tip: Understand patient safety, drug studies, and lifelike clinical situations — these are the major parts of the OEP.
Licence Renewal and Career Prospects
Candidates who have successfully passed the exam must complete the final formalities with the Ministry of Health (MOH). Oman to get their official pharmacist licence.
Licence Renewal
Pharmacist licences must be renewed regularly in accordance with the rules set by OMSB and MOH. A renewal usually entails:
- Valid practice licence
- Updated PSV (if applicable)
- The license should include a record of the necessary and compulsory credits for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Career Opportunities
Pharmacists in Oman have the chance to develop their careers in a progressive and lucrative setting. In this career, positions are available in hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and the drug regulatory sector.
- Entry-Level Salary: It’s about 600–1,000 OMR per month (around 1,500–2,600 USD)
- Experienced Pharmacists: Their salaries can exceed OMR 1,500 and are contingent on experience and area of specialisation.
- The healthcare system that is growing in the country keeps on requiring the services of qualified international pharmacists.
Tip: Be in the know through OMSB’s official website and CPD programmes if you want to keep your professional status and be able to renew your license without any hassle.
Conclusion
The pathway to obtaining a pharmacist licence in Oman follows a step-by-step manner under the supervision of OMSB. If you have the right qualifications, your documents are real, and you do well on the exam, you can work in Oman’s fast-growing healthcare sector.
This route is open to you as a new graduate or a seasoned professional from overseas, ensuring that every pharmacist meets the stringent healthcare standards for which Oman is known.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Pharmacist Licensing in Oman
The Oman Medical Specialty Board regulates healthcare licensing.
Complete PSV, pass the OMSB exam, and get the MOH licence.
Verification is done through DataFlow Primary Source Verification.
OMSB under the Occupational Classification Section conducts the exam.
It is a computer-based test with 100–150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
A minimum of 60% is required to qualify successfully.
You can take the OMSB exam at OMSB Muscat or Pearson VUE centres.
Approximately 200 US dollars per attempt.
Usually three to six months in total.
Yes, renewal with CPD credits is required.