Through a special partnership, Durrani Law Firm is able to offer our exclusive "Ask A Pharmacist" page, where Pharmacist Pooja Gupta answers questions related to foreign pharmacists with immigration issues. Don't see the answer your looking for? Get an answer! Just email askpooja@durrani.com, and watch for her response on this page.
Ask A Pharmacist - With Pooja Gupta |
| Question: |
What is the stepwise procedure for a foreign pharmacist to obtain Equivalent Licensure in USA? |
| Response: |
Foreign pharmacy graduates who wish to become Pharmacists in U.S. should follow the following procedure:
a. Obtain FPGEC® Certification
b. Meet Internship requirements of the State
c. Pass NAPLEX
d. Pass MPJE |
| Question: |
What is FPGEC® Certification? |
| Response: |
Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee® (FPGEC®) certification is a means of documenting the educational equivalency of a candidate's foreign pharmacy education. This certificate is provided by the National Associations of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®). |
| Question: |
How can I obtain FPGEC® Certificate? |
| Response: |
In order to obtain FPGEC® Certificate, candidates must provide documents that verify their educational background and licensure and/or registration and take the following exams:
a. Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Exam (FPGEE®) conducted by NABP® and obtain a passing score of no less than 75,
b. Test of English as Foreign language (TOEFL) and obtain a passing score of no less than 213 on computer based exam and no less than 550 on the paper based TOEFL,
c. Test of Spoken English (TSE) and obtain a passing score of no less than 50.
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| Question: |
Where can I learn more about these exams? |
| Response: |
For detailed information about these exams, please refer to the following links:
www.nabp.net for information on FPGEE®
www.toefl.org for information on TOEFL and TSE |
| Question: |
How can I be considered eligible for FPGEE®? |
| Response: |
To be eligible to take FPGEE®, order an application form from NABP® by writing or email at the following address:
NABP®
FPGEC®
Examination Committee
700 Busse Highway
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068-2402 USA
Email: fpgec@nabp.net Send your completed application along with the supporting documentation to NABP® at the above address. The FPGEC® will process and evaluate your application for accuracy, authenticity and fulfillment of program requirements.
The Committee will notify the candidate regarding the status of his or her file, including any deficiencies. It will also give you an opportunity to correct the deficiency. It is important to note that any slight error in your application can tremendously slow down your application process. You will receive an approval to sit for the exam once your applications requirements have been met. |
| Question: |
Can I appear in FPGEE® from a country other than USA? |
| Response: |
No. FPGEE® Exam is offered only in the United States. You can take the exam only in the United States. |
| Question: |
When should I take the TOEFL and TSE exams? |
| Response: |
The TOEFL and TSE must be passed within two years (either before or after) of passing the FPGEE® and must be completed by all foreign pharmacy students, even those who are native English speakers. After completing the tests, you must request the Educational Testing Services, ETS, to submit an authentic report of your TOEFL and TSE scores directly to the FPGEC®.
For more information about these exams write to: TOEFL/TSE Services
PO Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
USA
(609)771-7100 |
| Question: |
What is the next step after the FPGEC® Certification? |
| Response: |
The licensure requirements after obtaining FPGEC Certification vary from state to state. It is always advisable to check these requirements with the Pharmacy Board of the State(s) in which you wish to become a licensed Pharmacist. Most states require the foreign candidate to get acquainted with the practice of pharmacy and gain experience in patient care. This program is called the Internship program. After completing the internship hours as determined by the state, the candidate becomes eligible to appear in NAPLEX.
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| Question: |
What is an Internship Program? |
| Response: |
In an internship program, the candidate works under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist (Preceptor) in a retail/hospital pharmacy setting. The duration of the Internship is determined by each state. Most states require 1500 hours of internship. |
| Question: |
What are the requirements to do Internship? |
| Response: |
The candidate should submit copies of FPGEE, TOEFL and TSE Score Reports and FPGEC Certificate and other documents as required by the state in which he/she wishes to be licensed. The state then issues the candidate Intern Permit, using which the candidate can find a job to complete internship hours. |
| Question: |
What are the Visa requirements for doing Internship? |
| Response: |
For doing internship, you should either be:
a. A citizen of the United States
b. An alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States
c. H-1B Visa holder |
| Question: |
What is the next step after completing your internship? |
| Response: |
After completing the internship hours, you request the State Board of Pharmacy to consider you eligible to sit for the next exam NAPLEX. |
| Question: |
What is NAPLEX? |
| Response: |
NAPLEX is North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination. |
