Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Pre-registration Examination for Pharmacists
Administered by Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN)
The national licensing examination for pharmacy graduates seeking registration to practise in Nigeria. All graduates of accredited pharmacy programmes must pass the PEP after completing their internship to be registered by the PCN.
Quick Facts
Format
Written examination (MCQs) covering all major pharmacy disciplines
Duration
3 hours
Passing Score
50% overall pass mark
Valid For
Leads to full PCN registration and pharmacist practising licence
Cost
Approximately N50,000 to N80,000
Cost in Naira
N50,000 to N80,000
Test Centres in Nigeria
- PCN-designated examination centres across Nigeria
What is Tested
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Drug chemistry, structure-activity relationships, analytical methods, and quality control.
Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Drug actions, adverse effects, drug interactions, and clinical therapeutics for common diseases.
Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology
Drug formulation, dosage forms, manufacturing processes, and biopharmaceutics.
Pharmacognosy
Natural product chemistry, herbal medicines, and traditional medicine relevant to Nigerian pharmacy practice.
Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice
Patient counselling, prescription review, drug information services, and pharmacy law in Nigeria.
How to Register
- 1
Graduate from a PCN-accredited pharmacy programme.
- 2
Complete your one-year pre-registration internship at an approved facility.
- 3
Obtain your internship completion certificate from your supervising pharmacist and the PCN.
- 4
Register for the PEP through the PCN (online or at PCN offices).
- 5
Pay the examination fee.
- 6
Receive your exam date and venue assignment.
- 7
Sit the examination at the designated centre.
- 8
Upon passing, apply for your full PCN registration and practising licence.
Tips for Nigerian Candidates
The PEP is usually held once a year, typically between September and November. Confirm dates with the PCN.
You must complete your full one-year internship before you can sit the PEP. No exemptions.
During your internship, start reviewing for the PEP. Do not wait until after your internship ends.
PCN registration is mandatory for employment in any pharmacy practice setting in Nigeria.
Community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and industrial pharmacy graduates all take the same PEP.
After passing, keep your PCN licence current. Renewal requires evidence of continuing professional development.
If you plan to practise abroad, your PCN registration is needed for credential verification by international pharmacy regulators.
Preparation Tips
Review all five major pharmacy disciplines thoroughly. The exam tests breadth of knowledge.
Focus on pharmacology and therapeutics as it typically carries the highest weight.
Study the Nigerian Drug Formulary and Essential Medicines List.
Review pharmacy law and ethics, including the Pharmacy Council Act and Poisons and Pharmacy Act.
Practise MCQs from past PEP papers. Many questions follow a predictable pattern.
Review clinical pharmacy concepts: drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and patient counselling.
Form study groups during your pre-registration year to maintain exam preparation momentum.
Recommended Resources
Cost Breakdown
Exam Fee
Approximately N50,000 to N80,000
In Naira
N50,000 to N80,000
Who Needs This Exam
Pharmacy graduates who have completed their one-year pre-registration internship in Nigeria
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