Consultation and Q&A Session for Foreign Pharmacists Before the Supplementary Exam (April 25, 2025)

We present to you the full transcript of the consultation meeting (April 23, 2025, 18:30) in the form of a clear question-and-answer dialogue, held during an online Q&A session intended for foreign pharmacists preparing for the supplementary exam in Slovakia.

The meeting was organized on the initiative of Med-Integro as part of the course Slovak Language for Pharmacists – Phase 3 + Exam Preparation, in cooperation with MALnS and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava.

Questions were answered by doc. PharmDr. Marek Máťuš, PhD., Vice-Dean for Educational Activities in the Pharmacy Study Program at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava.

Question 1: How many candidates usually pass the exam on their first attempt?
Answer: We don’t keep exact statistics, but the overall success rate in recent years has been around 20%. In 2024, only 13% of candidates passed.

Question 2: Is it taken into account that we are not native Slovak speakers?
Answer: The exam is conducted in the official state language – Slovak. You are expected to know professional terminology. We try to formulate the questions clearly, but still with professional accuracy.

Question 3: Can we ask for language assistance during the exam?
Answer: No. In the written part, no clarifications are provided. In the oral part, we can try to communicate if necessary.

Question 4: How is the oral part of the exam evaluated?
Answer: It’s important to demonstrate a basic professional understanding. You don’t need to know every detail, but you should understand the system and principles.

Question 5: How important is knowledge of Slovak professional language?
Answer: Very important. In the written part, it’s essential. In the oral part, it’s acceptable to describe things if you don’t know the exact term.

Question 6: What materials do you recommend for preparation?
Answer: For now, we recommend available textbooks and attending lectures. We are working on making presentations and possibly some methodological materials accessible.

Question 7: What should we focus on and what are common mistakes?
Answer: The most common mistake is misunderstanding the question. Practice reading comprehension and careful reading.

Question 8: Can we study from foreign textbooks?
Answer: Yes, absolutely. But Slovak textbooks will help you better learn the necessary terminology.

Question 9: Will there be any test collections available?
Answer: We plan to publish sample questions – not an official collection, but a selection from previous exams (around 30 questions).

Question 10: What should we focus on most before the exam?
Answer: Focus on the fundamental principles. We cannot suggest specific topics – that would be considered unfair.

Question 11: Are there any study tables or lists of medicines?
Answer: Yes, we are working on a list of essential medicines that tend to appear repeatedly in the questions.

Additional Questions from the Meeting:

Question: Where can we find Slovak professional terminology if it’s not taught in standard Slovak language courses?
Answer: We understand your situation. We are working on making more materials available, but for now, we recommend attending lectures and using textbooks.

Question: Will the exam conditions be simplified in the future?
Answer: No, there are currently no such plans. Any changes depend on legislation.

Question: Is it possible to get accommodation in a university dormitory?
Answer: Dormitories are occupied by full-time students. Please refer to the "Services → Accommodation" section on the Comenius University website.