Medan, 08 June 2026 – The Diploma Program in Pharmaceutical and Food Analyst, Faculty of Vocational Education, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), conducted the National Competency Examination (UKOMNAS) for Vocational Pharmacy Education (PDVF) using the Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) method on Monday, 08 June 2026, at the OSCE Center Room of the Faculty of Pharmacy USU. The activity was attended by the Program Secretary, lecturers, laboratory staff, education personnel, and students. This examination serves as an important component in strengthening student competencies as well as evaluating learning outcomes achieved throughout their studies.

A total of 40 students participated in this structured and practice-based competency examination. The participants consisted of 1 student from the 2022 cohort and 39 students from the 2023 cohort of the Diploma Program in Pharmaceutical and Food Analyst. The UKOMNAS was conducted using the OSPE method, designed to assess students’ abilities through simulation and practical skill testing in accordance with national competency standards in the field of pharmaceutical and food analysis.

The examination was divided into seven stations. At each station, participants were given 1 minute to read the instructions and questions, followed by 8 minutes to complete the assigned tasks or practical work. This system was designed to assess accuracy, technical skills, analytical ability, and professionalism in completing each assessment stage.

To ensure objectivity and the quality of the examination process, each station was supervised by one examiner lecturer and one laboratory staff member responsible for ensuring that procedures were properly followed. After completing each station, examiners directly input and submit scores to the national system as part of the UKOMNAS assessment process.

During the examination, students who were not yet scheduled to take the test were placed in a designated waiting room provided by the committee. This arrangement was implemented to maintain order, ensure a well-organized participant flow, and support the objectivity of the assessment process at each station.

The activity was supervised by the Secretary of the Diploma Program in Pharmaceutical and Food Analyst, Mrs. Sri Yuliasmi, S.Farm., M.Si., Apt., who monitored the implementation of the examination and provided support to students throughout the process.

The implementation of the UKOMNAS PDVF OSPE method reflects the commitment of the Faculty of Vocational Education USU to maintaining high-quality vocational education focused on competency, practical skills, and graduate readiness to meet workforce demands and developments in the health sector. Through this activity, students are expected to demonstrate their best competencies and become professional, outstanding graduates ready to contribute to the field of pharmaceutical and food analysis.