The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) is the licensing process for International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs) aspiring to practise in Canada. English language testing is not a mandate for the PEBC licensure exam it is important for registration with Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada and provincial/territorial Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (PRAs).
The barriers in language are the major hurdles that IPGs face, and failing to meet the requirements of the PRAs may delay your licensure process.
Why English Language Proficiency Is Important for PEBC Exams
- Proving your English language proficiency and score is a mandate for visa purposes, a mandate for certain provinces, and a mandate for registration.
- Effective communication is key for pharmacists who are in continuous interaction with patients.
- Pharmacists also counsel patients, collaborate with healthcare teams, and review medication information. Good communication skills are essential.
- Language proficiency significantly is not a mandate for the PEBC exams, but it is essential and will impact your performance in both the Evaluating and Qualifying exams. Especially the OSCE components, where communication skills play an important role in scoring.
- For any Overseas candidate, adjusting and acclimating to the new circumstances in a new country is a challenge, but knowing the language of the locals makes this challenge easy to face.
- A better score on the language test can earn you better points in the visa application.
- A pharmacist’s ability to communicate is critical in the delivery of safe and effective patient care.
- It must be noted that all provinces have regulations set by the provincial governments regarding language requirements for professions. Pharmacists must meet these respective requirements in order to practice in the province for which they are licensed.
Also Read: Who Can Apply for the PEBC Exam in Canada
Who Needs to Meet the English Language Requirements
- Pharmacists who have pursued their pharmacy degree from an educational institution outside of Canada and the United States must prove their proficiency in the English language via the tests conducted.
- These scores are only valid for two years from the date of appearing in the examination.
- The scores are required for:
- Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada (NAPRA) during the application
- The PRA in its licensing jurisdiction
U.S. and Canadian pharmacy graduates (from CCAPP-accredited programs) are exempt.
Accepted English Language Tests by PEBC & NAPRA
Though PEBC doesn’t consider English language test scores a mandate, NAPRA and PRAs accept the following:
- IELTS Academic or International English Language Testing System:
- Overall ≥ 7, no section < 6.0
| Sections | Score |
| Speaking | 6 |
| Writing | 6 |
| Reading | 6 |
| Listening | 6 |
| Overall Band | 7 |
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: Use destination institution code 7603 for NAPRA; any date after August 31, 2024, must meet the revised policy.
| Sections | Score |
| Speaking | 27 |
| Writing | 25 |
| Reading | Standard setting procedures only focused on the writing and speaking components. The minimum total scores implicitly account for the scores for reading and listening. |
| Listening | Standard setting procedures only focused on the writing and speaking components. The minimum total scores implicitly account for the scores for reading and listening. |
| Overall Band | 97 |
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
| Sections | Score |
| Speaking | 3+ |
| Writing | 82 |
| Reading | Standard setting procedures only focused on the writing and speaking components. The minimum total scores implicitly account for the scores for reading and listening. |
| Listening | Standard setting procedures only focused on the writing and speaking components. The minimum total scores implicitly account for the scores for reading and listening. |
| Total | 85 |
- The Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST)
| Sections | Score |
| Speaking | 4.5 |
| Writing | 4.5 |
| Reading | 4.5 |
| Listening | 4.5 |
| Total | CanTest does not report the final score |
Note: Each province may have different score requirements—check your PRA’s website. Most adopt NAPRA’s 2024 policy effective September 1, 2024
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- NAPRA permits IELTS academic scores only and not IELTS General Training. Submitting IELTS General training instead of IELTS Academic.
- Failing to set NAPRA as the TOEFL destination (code 7603): When you have taken the TOEFL iBT test, you must select NAPRA as the institution to receive your score report. To do so, you must enter the Destination Institution (DI) code 7603 when registering. Failing to do so will cause the PEBC to reject your application, delaying the process.
- Most English language test scores are valid for 2 years only, and allowing test scores to expire will delay the process.
- Every province has a different priority when it comes to English language test requirements. One must be vigilant in completing the required test by the PRA and should not assume that one score fits all provinces without checking provincial variations.
Also Read: Updated NAPRA Language Proficiency Requirements for Pharmacy Licensure in Canada
Tips to Prepare for the English Language Tests
- Understand the test format thoroughly before you proceed with your preparation. Knowing the scoring structure, the duration of the exam, the time limit for each section, and the type of questions will make your path easy.
- Before you start your preparation vigorously, it’s always better to assess your English standard or level. To do this, take a full-length exam and analyze where you stand. Assess your strengths and weaknesses and proceed further in your preparation.
- Create a Study planner and stick to it. Set realistic goals. Consistency is the key to success.
- Include English in your daily interactions.
- Read Newspapers, novels, and Online literature that interests you. This improves your reading skills and vocabulary.
- Try to watch News and movies in English, listen to podcasts in English, and focus on the different accents.
- Practice real-world pharmacy scenarios: Focus on technical reading and speaking tasks
- Enroll in advanced language courses, which are preferably tailored for healthcare and medical communication.
- Use official resources: IELTS and TOEFL/Cambridge sample tests.
- Take simulation tests: It is important to practice as many mock tests as possible to improve your skills and speed. This gives you immense confidence while you take your actual exam.
- Consider tutor-led prep when you find it difficult to study on your own
Also Read: Preparing For the PEBC Exam: Key Tips and Best Practices
Final Thoughts
Many candidates pass licensing exams like the PEBC Exam Canada, OPRA, PSI, etc., but find getting a good English language test score difficult. Meeting PEBC English language requirements is crucial early in your licensure journey. The English language is not for the test scores, but is a mandate for basic communication with patients and other healthcare professionals. While PEBC doesn’t require scores, proficiency proofs affect both Gateway progression and PRA registration. Monitor expiration dates, follow submission protocols, and align with your province’s standards for a smooth pathway to Canadian pharmacy practice. Sign up for a PEBC preparatory course if you find it difficult to prepare all by yourself.
⚠️Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and reflects our views and interpretations. While we strive for accuracy, licensing requirements and regulations may change. Readers are advised to verify information with official sources such as the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) and the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) before making any decisions. We do not assume responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided.
