The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) conducts two exams to evaluate the readiness of pharmacists to practice in the Canadian healthcare system.
They are PEBC Evaluating Exam and PEBC Qualifying Exam
PEBC Qualifying exam have two parts-Part1-MCQ and Part 2-OSCE
The PEBC OSCE Exam tests the ability of candidates to apply pharmacy knowledge in real-life scenarios.
There are 11 stations (9 interactive and 2 non-interactive)
The duration of the exam is a total time of 6.5 hours including breaks.
The exam evaluates the knowledge of candidates in clinical reasoning, communication, and time management.
Candidates should strategically Prepare for the examination by role-playing, reviewing guidelines, and taking mock OSCEs under timed conditions.
Introduction:
International pharmacy Candidates who wish to practice in Canada, should attempt two exams. PEBC Evaluating exam and PEBC Qualifying exam. The PEBC qualifying exam is conducted in two parts-Part 1 (MCQs) and Part 2 (OSCE) The PEBC Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part II (OSCE) is a highly competitive and tough exam which evaluates the clinical skills of pharmacists seeking licensure in Canada. This exam assesses not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to communicate,clinical solving skills and provide safe therapeutic care to the patients.This guide will cover the PEBC OSCE format, sample pharmacy OSCE case scenarios, exam-day schedule, preparation tips, pass rate, and strategies to help you succeed.
PEBC Qualifying OSCE Exam Format
The Qualifying OSCE format is designed to make candidates familiar with the real-life scenarios that they will come across in Canadian pharmacies
There are Total 11 Stations in which 9 are interactive and 2 non-interactive
In Each station a candidates will get 7 minutes per station ( 2 minutes to read instructions)
At Interactive Stations, it Involve role-play of candidate with a examiner who will be a Standardized Patients (SPs), caregivers, or health professionals
At Non-Interactive Stations, candidates have to give written answers, find error in the given content, or prescription review
At some OSCE stations, references are provided which are accepted by the PEBC.
Registration, ID verification, Candidate’s Agreement signing
Exam Materials
Candidate Notebook, pencils, barcode labels, ID badge
Scoring
Objective criteria, observed by trained pharmacist assessors
PEBC OSCE Exam Day Schedule
Activity
Duration
Admission & Registration
30–60 minutes
Demo of Timing Signals & Wait
60 minutes
1st Half of OSCE
90 minutes
Mid-Session Break
20 minutes
2nd Half of OSCE
90 minutes
Sign-out & Sequestering
30–90 minutes
Pharmacy OSCE Sample Scenarios You May Encounter
PEBC OSCE Case Scenario Types
Case Scenario Type
Example
Patient Counseling
Educate a patient on insulin injection technique
Medication History
Collect a complete medication list for a patient with polypharmacy
Prescription Review
Identify a drug interaction between warfarin and TMP-SMX
OTC Consultation
Recommend appropriate antihistamine for seasonal allergies
Drug Information
Provide evidence-based answer for antibiotic prophylaxis
Clinical Problem-Solving
Adjust therapy for uncontrolled hypertension
Professionalism / Ethics
Handle a dispensing error disclosure scenario
PEBC Qualifying OSCE Exam Preparation Tips
Some of the common strategic preparation to succeed in OSCE exam is:
Understand the Format and prepare for exam timing and practice reading instructions quickly.
Develop the ability to Review Clinical Guidelines which Focus on Canadian guidelines (diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc.)
Candidates must Practice Role-Playing by Interacting with peers as patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Improve on Communication skills by Speaking clearly, and maintain a patient-centric care.
Develop Time Management skills by Allocating time for assessment, counseling, and error finding
Regular practice of Mock OSCE tests under timed conditions and focus on the weak areas and do revision
Prepare summarized Notes and Use for structured frameworks like PPCP (Pharmacist Patient Care Process).
Learn to Stay Calm to avoid anxiety during exams by practicing breathing techniques to manage exam-day stress.
What to Expect during the PEBC Qualifying OSCE exam?
Interactive Stations: You will be observed by assessors and sometimes video-recorded.
Non-Interactive Stations: Focus on documentation accuracy and bubble-sheet technique.
Barcode Labels: Attach the correct barcode to answer sheets and give them to assessors.
Confidentiality: No communication with other candidates during breaks.
Station Materials: Do not write on or mark reference materials – only use your Candidate Notebook.
PEBC OSCE Pass Rate
The PEBC Qualifying OSCE pass rate typically ranges from 65%
Candidates who prepare with mock OSCEs and focus on communication + problem-solving skills have higher success rates.
Regular practice and familiarity with Canadian guidelines significantly improve performance of candidates in exams.
Conclusion
The PEBC Qualifying exam consists of two parts. Part-1 is MCQ and Part-2 is OSCE. The OSCE Exam is a comprehensive test which evaluates the clinical skills that plays a crucial role in the readiness of a pharmacist to practice pharmacy in Canada. Understanding the exam format, schedule, and expectations is significant to avoid anxiety on exam day. Candidates must prepare with a structured study, role-play practice, and time management strategies to boost performance. With the right preparation, you can confidently pass the OSCE and take the next step toward becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the PEBC OSCE
There are 11 scored stations (9 interactive + 2 non-interactive), plus rest stations.
Each station is 7 minutes, with 2 minutes for reading instructions.
Nothing – all materials (pencils, notebook, barcode labels) are provided at registration.
Yes, but only if provided in the station. Candidates must be familiar with them to use efficiently.
You may take a short break, request a washroom break (escorted), and drink water.
No, candidates must remain under exam conditions until dismissed by the Chief Administrator.
Assessors use standardized scoring sheets based on competencies like communication, problem-solving, and professionalism.
Around 65–75% of first-time candidates pass.
Yes, you can reapply for the next available session and retake the exam.
Practice with peers, use mock OSCEs, review Canadian guidelines, and work on timing and communication.
