Singapore Pharmacy Licensing for International Pharmacists
The Singapore Pharmacy Council (SPC) and Ministry of Health Singapore (MOH) have established a comprehensive licensing system for international pharmacists seeking to practice in Singapore.
The process involves multiple stages including verification of qualifications, pre-registration training, examinations, and conditional registration before achieving full registration status. This system ensures that all practicing pharmacists in Singapore meet the high standards of pharmaceutical care required in the country.
International pharmacists must navigate a carefully structured pathway that includes qualification recognition, practical training, competency assessment, and ongoing professional development.
Singapore Pharmacist exam
To work in Singapore as a pharmacist, the following eligibility criteria must be reviewed before starting the licensing journey.
The applicant must be a graduate with a Singapore degree in pharmacy or hold a qualification recognized by the Singapore Pharmacy Council (SPC) from a tertiary institution outside Singapore.
For Singapore degree holders, at least 12 months of practical pharmacy experience at SPC-approved training sites is required.
For those with recognized qualifications from a foreign tertiary institution:
- Completed prescribed training and registered as a pharmacist in the country of study.
- Currently holds a valid license to practice in that country.
- Accumulated a minimum of 3 months of practical pharmacy experience at an SPC-approved establishment in Singapore.
- Selected for employment as a pharmacist in Singapore at an SPC-approved hospital, institution, or pharmacy practice.
- Successfully passed the competency and forensic examinations prescribed by the SPC.
After meeting the SPC’s registration requirements, the applicant can be conditionally registered as a pharmacist for a minimum of 12 months.
Pre-registration Pharmacy Training
The following are a few training completion conditions provided by the Singapore Pharmacy Council:
- Meet the minimum pre-registration training period.
- Pass both the Competency and Forensic Exams.
- Attain minimum competency as per the Singapore Pharmacy Council (SPC) Competency Standards Framework.
- Fulfill all other pre-registration training requirements.
Requirements for Foreign Pharmacist in Singapore
Foreign pharmacists looking to work in Singapore should comply with the requirements set by the Singapore Pharmacy Council (SPC), which include:
- Candidates applying must obtain a pharmacy degree from specific universities. In short, they are only accepting students from Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the United States of America, Ireland, and New Zealand.
- Candidates must have a job offer letter to initiate the registration procedure. That job offer letter must be from SPC-approved training centers only. A full list of SPC-approved training centers is available.
Pharmacy License Requirements
To obtain a pharmacy license in Singapore, candidates must submit a set of required documents to the Singapore Pharmacy Council (SPC). All original documents must first be verified by the SPC Secretariat before the application is forwarded to the Registrar for review.
Approval is granted based on the decision of the Council. Applicants should allow 5 to 7 working days for the pharmacy licence registration process, including Registrar approval and administrative processing, before beginning their pre-registration pharmacist training in Singapore.
As part of the pharmacy license requirements, the following documents must be submitted:
Original pharmacy transcript and a Letter of Verification confirming the duration of pharmacy studies. These must be sent directly from the university where the pharmacy degree was completed. Note that the degree must be from a pharmacy degree recognized in Singapore.
An original Letter of Good Standing issued directly by the foreign registration authority in the candidate’s country of origin, confirming the individual’s professional status.
Applicants must also meet the necessary qualifications to be a pharmacist in Singapore. While the pharmacy license cost may vary, it is essential to prepare and submit all documentation as outlined to ensure a smooth registration process.
- Personal identification document
- Registration certificate with an accepted foreign registration authority
- Pharmacist registration evidence/status with an accepted foreign authority
- Degree scroll or basic pharmacy qualification
- Job offer letter for a pre-registration training position from an SPC-approved training institution
- Original testimonials. These should not be dated more than 6 months before the date of application and must come from at least the last two employers
- Original curriculum vitae, mentioning all relevant education and work experience details
- Duly signed pre-registration application form by the preceptor and pharmacy manager
- English proficiency evidence. This requirement is only for candidates who studied pharmacy outside the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
Check the full list of pharmacy universities allowed to send their candidates for Singapore pharmacy registration.
Pre-Registration Appointment
Moreover, 1 day before the appointment should be with SPC for pre-registration.
For documents to be sent directly to SPC via normal mail, please send to:
SINGAPORE PHARMACY COUNCIL
College of Medicine Building
16 College Road #01-01
Singapore 169854
For documents to be sent directly to SPC via registered mail or couriered services, please send to:
SINGAPORE PHARMACY COUNCIL
81 Kim Keat Road
NKF Centre, Level 9
Singapore 328836
Tel: (65) 6478 5068
Fax: (65) 6478 5069
Approval of an application is dependent on the Singapore Pharmacy Council’s decision. An applicant should expect 5 to 7 working days for processing, and a prior approval letter from the Registrar will be issued to them before they can start their pharmacy pre-registration training.
Pre-Registration Approval
If a candidate receives pre-registration approval, he can start training in the approved training centers. The training period will range from 3 months to 12 months.
Applicants must take the compulsory Forensic Examination related to the pharmacy laws of Singapore and the SPC competency exam for assessment.
Forensic exams are conducted three times a year. Upcoming Singapore Pharmacy Law exams will be held on the following dates:
| Month | Date |
| November | 11, November, 2024 |
| April | 28, April, 2025 |
| August | 03, August, 2025 |
| November | 02, November, 2025 |
Fees
Fees for the compulsory Singapore pharmacy forensic or law exam will be S$300.
The examination should be taken with the SPC, and an application should be submitted with the application form and payment at least 2 weeks before the examination date.
The passing mark for the Forensic Exam is 60.
SPC Competency Examinations (Assessments)
These exams are conducted four times a year. Upcoming exams will be communicated to candidates after registration.
The pharmacy examination/assessment must be booked online on SPC’s official website. The application form must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the exam date. (Note: There are no overseas centers for these examinations or assessments.)
Once both the Forensic Examination is passed and the pre-registration criteria are fulfilled, the applicant may apply for conditional registration at the Council office. The application should be submitted with the following documents:
- Pre-Registration Pharmacists Evaluation Summary Form
- Application for Registration Form
- Notification of Forensic Examination passing result conducted by SPC
- Singapore Pharmacy Practicing Certificate Application Form
| FEES | Singapore Dollar S$ | $ US Dollar | ₹ Indian Rupees |
| Registration fees | S$ 250 | $ 186.46 | 15499 |
| Application fees | S$ 500 | $ 372.91 | 30998 |
Singapore License Final Approval
If approved by the Registrar, a conditional registration certificate will be issued by the council to the applicant. The applicant can now start work as a pharmacist under Conditional Registration with an approved institution or company.
Conditions which rule to the Practise for Pharmacists on Conditional Registration
- Restricted to practice in SPC special areas.
- Supervisory Framework by registered pharmacist with a minimum of 3 years working experience.
- Could be pharmacist-in-charge but subject to Supervisory Framework.
After the completion of conditional registration, the applicant may now apply for Full Registration.
Congratulations. Finally!
Average Salary of a Pharmacist
Just like other health professionals, Pharmacists are paid according to their skills, experience and responsibilities which may vary depending on the organization:
Here is a general breakdown of how much a pharmacist in Singapore earns depending upon their experience
| Level | Salary Range (USD) | Salary Range (INR) |
| Entry-level | $2,960 – $3,700 | ₹253,058 – ₹316,498 |
| Mid-level | $3,700 – $5,180 | ₹316,498 – ₹442,757 |
| Senior-level | $5,180 – $9,520 | ₹442,757 – ₹815,625 |
| Management | $9,520 – $12,520 | ₹815,625 – ₹1,070,461 |
Institutions Approved by Pharmacy Council
Different pharmacy organization offers different pharmacy courses”
Hospitals Approved
- Alexandra Hospital
- Changi General Hospital
- K K Women’s & Children’s Hospital
- Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
- National Cancer Centre Singapore
- National Heart Centre Singapore
- National University Hospital
- Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
- Sengkang General Hospital
- Singapore General Hospital
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital
- Raffles Hospital
Centres
- Institute of Mental Health
- National Cancer Centre Singapore
- National Heart Centre Singapore
Pharmacies Approved
- National Healthcare Group Pharmacy
- NUHS Pharmacy
- IHH Healthcare Singapore Pharmacy Services
- Guardian Health & Beauty
- NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited (Unity By Fairprice)
- Watson’s Personal Care Stores – Pharmacy
Good luck with your process of obtaining a Singapore pharmacy license, where you will not only be satisfied but also gain experience and add value to your degree. You will be amazed by the advancements in the health industry in Singapore. Although all these conditions and procedures may seem difficult, you will excel through them to become a top-notch pharmacist. Even if you have not fully understood the whole process, you can drop us your query.
FAQs for the Singapore Pharmacy License Process
Q: How many attempts are allowed in the Competency Exam (SPC) and Forensic Exam?
A: Maximum 3 attempts within 2 years from the first attempt are allowed
Q: What exams do I need to pass for the pharmacy license?
A: You need to pass both the competency examination and forensic exam (SPC) as part of the license process. The maximum number of attempts is typically three within a specified timeframe.
Q: Can I apply for a Singapore pharmacy license if my qualification is from a foreign institution?
A: Yes, you can apply as a foreign pharmacist in Singapore with your pharmacy qualification recognized by the SPC and you meet all specified requirements, including practical experience and exams.
Q: How can I check if my foreign qualification is recognized by the SPC?
A: You can visit the Singapore Pharmacy Council’s official website to find a list of recognized foreign qualifications and guidelines for recognition.
Q: How to become a pharmacist in Singapore from India?
A: If you have an Indian BPharm degree, you can’t directly become a pharmacist in Singapore. You need to enrol in a Pharmacy technician course at a Singaporean university. After completing the course, passing exams, and doing internships, you can then become a pharmacist.
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