Pharmacy and Poisons Board 2024: PPB Examinations, Requirements, Exam Dates and Centers

Pharmacy and Poisons Board Exam Registration: Your Path to Becoming a PharmacistAre you aspiring to become a pharmacist in Kenya? If so, you must be familiar with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), the regulatory authority responsible for ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products and services in the country. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board exam registration process, a crucial step on your journey to becoming a licensed pharmacist.

Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board, commonly called PPB, is a vital institution established under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Chapter 244 of the Laws of Kenya. Its primary role is to regulate pharmacy practice and oversee the manufacture and trade of drugs and poisons within the country. PPB is committed to upholding the highest safety, efficacy, and quality standards for all pharmaceutical products, whether locally manufactured, imported, exported, distributed, sold, or used.

Types of PPB Exams

PPB administers several professional exams, each tailored to different categories of individuals seeking careers in pharmacy:

1. Stage I Exams: These exams are designed for individuals with degrees or diplomas from international universities. Successful candidates proceed to an internship program, which spans one year and is supervised by PPB.
2. Stage II Exams: These exams are intended for individuals with a degree from the University of Nairobi. To be eligible, candidates must have completed a one-year supervised internship as required in Stage I exams. Passing Stage II exams allows PPB to register them as pharmacists.
3. Level I Exams: PPB administers this exam to individuals who have graduated with a diploma from international colleges approved by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board or Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). Successful candidates progress to a practical attachment for seven months, supervised by the board.
4. Level II Exams: These exams are for individuals who have completed their seven-month attachment and are either students of KMTC or graduates of the institution—Passing Level II exams results in registering their names as Pharmaceutical Technologists.

Eligibility Requirements for PPB Exams

Before you can embark on your Pharmacy and Poisons Board exam registration, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, which include:

• Completion of O-level education with a minimum grade of C+ or equivalent.
• Qualification from a university or college offering a four-year pharmacy degree program recognized by PPB.
• Possession of a bachelor's degree in pharmacy with a curriculum approved by PPB.
• Proficiency in the English language.

It's important to note that PPB exams are not exclusive to Kenyan citizens. Non-citizens can also register if they meet the following conditions:

• Eligibility for registration by a pharmacy regulatory authority in their home country.
• Completion of a four-year degree course recognized by their home country's pharmacy regulatory authority.
• Basic understanding of the Kiswahili language.

Step-by-Step Guide to PPB Exam Registration

Now that you meet the eligibility requirements let's walk through the process of registering for PPB exams:

Visit the PPB Website

The official Pharmacy and Poisons Board website contains essential information about exam registration, including eligibility, requirements, and fees.

Create an Account

The process of creating an account depends on your status:

For Students in an Institution: Your PPB profile will be created through Pharmacy and Poisons Board online indexing if you are currently enrolled. Your institution's administrator will handle this process. You will receive an email with an activation link to complete your indexing, so be sure to finish this step before accessing other services on the PPB website.

For Other Individuals (Not in an Institution): If you are not affiliated with any institution, you must create your profile on the PPB website. Here's how:

• Visit the PPB website and register an account as a student.
• Select "Not Registered" and choose the "Student" option.
• Complete all required details.
• Check your email for a registration confirmation link.

Create Your Exam Application

Follow these steps to create your exam application:

• On the Pharmacy and Poisons Board portal, navigate to the "Exams" section to access the exam application page.
• Click on the "Exam Application" link.
• If this is your first time taking the board exam, select "First Time" under "Entry Level." If not, choose "Resit" and specify the number of times you have previously attempted the exams.
• Upload the necessary documents as prompted, then click "Save & Continue."

After saving your application, the PPB system will generate an invoice for your exam application fee, and you will receive a prompt to make the payment.

Payments and Downloads

Paying for your PPB exam registration is a crucial step in the process. Follow these instructions:

• Click on the "Make Payments" prompt and follow the instructions for submitting your exam fees.
• Once your payment has been received, you will receive a notification from PPB.
• PPB will send you an email with instructions on downloading your receipt.
• Subsequently, you will receive another notification about downloading your exam card.

Fees for PPB Exams

The fees for PPB exams may vary and are subject to change. You can view the fee structure at the end of your exam registration process. Keep in mind that exam fees differ for Kenyan citizens and non-citizens.

Exam Dates and Centers

The PPB exams are scheduled at specific dates and venues, typically posted on the PPB website at the beginning of each academic year. The exam centres include:

• Nairobi (KICC, Aberdare-Lenana Hall, Harambee Avenue)
• Nakuru (Nakuru PPB offices, Shiv Plaza, 3rd floor, Kenyatta Avenue, opposite Gilanis)
• Eldoret (Rift Valley Technical Training Institute)
• Kisumu (Kisumu National Polytechnic, Technology Road, next to Kisumu Stadium)
• Mombasa (Mombasa PPB offices, 2nd Avenue, Nyali, off Mombasa-Malindi Rd)
• Nyeri (Nyeri PPB offices, along Ring Road, near Kwa Wambui wa Kenyatta, about 2km from White Rhino Hotel)

Candidates who wish to change their exam centres should email training@pharmacyboardkenya.org, indicating their ID number and the preferred alternative centre.

Preparing for the Exam

Before the scheduled exam, it's essential to:

• Read and understand the Online Examinations Guide for Candidates on the PPB website.
• Familiarize yourself with the structure and duration of your exam.
• Review the general and exam centre regulations and any additional instructions PPB set in the guidelines.
• Be aware of the COVID-19 prevention measures.
• Ensure you know your examination centre's exam date, time, and location.
• Have access to your Examination Platform at https://exams.pharmacyboardkenya.org/login/index.php.
• Install Safe Exam Browser (SEB) as instructed on the PPB website.

During the Exam

When taking the exam, it's crucial to:

• Adhere to COVID-19 prevention measures.
• Attempt the exams only at your designated centre; attempting them elsewhere can lead to disqualification.
• Use the internet provided by PPB unless otherwise permitted.
• Read the instructions before starting the exam.
• Keep an eye on the timer.
• Plan your answers and use the flag options for questions you wish to review later.
• In case of technical problems, remain calm and seek help from the invigilators.

Checking Your License Status

Upon completing your examinations, you can track your licensing status through the PPB student portal. Here's how:

• Visit the License Status page on the PPB website.
• Select your cadre/type and enter your registration number to search and track your licensing status.

For more Information or Feedback:

Website: https://web.pharmacyboardkenya.org/exams/  

• Exam dates
• Exam notices
• Exam guidelines

Email: training@pharmacyboardkenya.org    

• General enquiries
• Complaints  

Phone: 0709770211/0709770212/0713303963

• General Enquiries
• Complaints

https://www.facebook.com/pharmacyboardkenya ;

https://twitter.com/ppbkenya

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Conclusion

Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Kenya is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, rigorous preparation, and adherence to PPB regulations. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board exam registration is a crucial step that sets you on the path to a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry. With PPB's commitment to excellence in healthcare, you can be confident in the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products and services provided to the public. Best of luck on your journey to becoming a pharmacist, and may you contribute significantly to promoting and protecting public health.