Clearing the PEBC exam is essential if you wish to practice as a pharmacist in Canada. Before that, candidates need to understand the PEBC exam fee structure strongly. For better understanding, this guide will break down every aspect of the PEBC exam fee structure.
The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) is a certification exam for pharmacy professionals to practice in Canada. PEBC exams are comprehensive and assess candidates to meet the expected standards for practicing pharmacy in Canada. The PEBC syllabus consists of a wide variety of topics and parameters like pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacology, case-based scenarios, and problem-solving skills.
To apply for the PEBC exam, specific procedures and steps must be followed. As it’s a certification exam, there is an examination fee for Canadian citizens and international candidates, as well as additional expenses.
Requirements of Overseas Graduates/International Students
Overseas or international pharmacists who are looking to apply for the PEBC exam need to follow a few steps.
Step 1:
Document Evaluation: Before applying for PEBC, international pharmacists need to submit professional and educational credentials to be eligible for the pharmacist evaluation exam.
Step 2:
Pharmacist Evaluation Exam: Candidates need to pass this examination to be eligible for the Pharmacist Qualifying Exam, Part 1 (MCQs) and Part 2 (OSCE).
Step 3:
Pharmacist Qualifying Exam, Part 1 (MCQs) & Part 2 (OSCE): The final step in the process is to pass the pharmacist qualifying exam, after which you will be certified and registered with PEBC.
Also Read: Applying Document Evaluation for PEBC Certification
Breakdown of the PEBC Exam Fees
The basic exam fees are the same for Canadian and overseas candidates; there are additional charges for international candidates in applying for the PEBC exam. As of February 2025, document evaluation costs $715 CAD; this is the same for Canadian and international candidates, except for US candidates, which is $250 CAD. After document evaluation, candidates can apply for the evaluating exam, which costs $910 CAD; for the qualifying exam Part 1 (MCQs), it’s $855 CAD. Part 2 of the qualifying exam (OSCE) costs $1915. The additional cost for examination rescoring (hand scoring) for the evaluating exam and the qualifying exam part 1 is $100, and for the qualifying exam part 2, it’s $200. Along with these charges, there are also certificate replacement charges, which are $100. Sending a licensing statement and educational credentials assessment report also costs $100.
| Exam | Fees (CAD) | Applies to |
| Document Evaluation | 715 | International students only |
| US Document Evaluation | 250 | US Candidates |
| Evaluating Exam | 910 | IPGs |
| Qualifying exam Part 1 (MCQs) | 855 | All Candidate |
| Qualifying Exam Part 2 (OSCE) | 1915 | All Candidates |
| Exam Re-scoring (Hand Scoring): Evaluating Exam & Qualifying Exam Part 1 | 100 | Optional |
| Exam Re-scoring—Qualifying Exam Part 2 (OSCE) | 200 | Optional |
| Certificate Replacement | 100 | Optional |
| Sending Licensing Statement & Educational Credential Assessment Report | 100 | Optional |
Note: PEBC’s fee structure is subject to change; please refer to its official website for the latest updates.
Also Read: What You Need to Know About Latest on PEBC Evaluating Exam
Where Can the PEBC Exam Be Taken?
PEBC works with Prometric to offer multiple test centers across Canada, providing accessibility for both Canadian and international candidates. PEBC offers remote proctoring as an additional exam delivery option for its multiple-choice computer-based testing (CBT) examinations, including the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination and Pharmacist/Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ). Candidates can choose to take these exams either at a Prometric test center or remotely using the ProProctor Remote Proctoring Platform. However, the Qualifying Examination – Part II (OSCE) does not offer a remote option and must be taken in person.
Not all test centers may be available for a given exam session, so candidates should check the PEBC official website for updated availability. The PEBC exam consists of multiple-choice questions designed to assess candidates’ knowledge and competence.
The Evaluating Exam includes 200 MCQs, while the Qualifying Exam – Part I also consists of 200 MCQs. The Qualifying Exam – Part II (OSCE) features 12 interactive stations and 2 non-interactive stations. Understanding the exam format is crucial for better preparation and performance.
Understanding the Exam Pattern
It’s important to understand the PEBC exam pattern for better preparation.
The PEBC exam consists of two parts
- The Evaluating Exam: The Evaluating Exam follows a multiple-choice question format, covering pharmaceutical sciences, clinical cases, and pharmacy practice. It also includes common topics such as pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pathophysiology. The exam consists of 200 MCQs to be completed in one sitting over 4.5 hours.
- Qualifying Exam: The qualifying exam is divided into two parts:
Part 1 is a multiple-choice question on topics like clinical knowledge, patient care strategies, and safe pharmacology practice.
Part 2 is the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), which tests candidates on their patient’s interactive, communication, and decision-making skills. The OSCE has 12 interactive and 2 non-interactive stations where candidates are evaluated in real-world pharmacy practice scenarios.
How to Pay for PEBC Exam Fees
These payments can be made through various methods based on your location. For online methods, only Visa and MasterCard are required. If the candidate opts for the offline method, send certified Canadian checks, bank drafts, or money orders to the Pharmacy Examination Board of Canada. This option is for Canadian candidates applying for PEBC for international candidates’ international money orders or bank drafts drawn from a Canadian bank with the transit number printed at the bottom, ensuring clearance through the Canadian banking system.
PEBC is very strict regarding refunds, as the fees are usually non-refundable, with certain exceptions. Fees for document evaluation are not refundable, but costs for the evaluating exam will be refunded(partially) if the candidate withdraws their application before the exam. Fees cannot be forwarded to the next exam if the candidate fails to appear for the first one. PEBC accepts refunds only in case of medical emergencies that makes the candidates unavailable due to an emergency, family emergencies, or visa rejection. Proper documents need to be submitted in case of visa rejection.
Also Read: A Complete Guide to PEBC Document Submission for International Students
How Do the PEBC Exam Fees Compare to Other Certification Exams?
| Feature | PEBC (Canada) | NAPLEX (USA) |
| Comprehensive Assessment | Three-stage exam ensures thorough evaluation of knowledge and skills | Single-stage exam may not assess all competencies adequately |
| Exam Type | Includes both MCQs and OSCE for practical skills assessment | MCQs only, no practical evaluation |
| Practical Component | OSCE ensures real-world pharmacy skills are tested | No practical component, only theoretical knowledge tested |
| Global Recognition | PEBC certification is recognized across Canada and offers better credibility for international pharmacists | NAPLEX is limited to the USA, requiring state-specific licensure |
| Thorough Candidate Evaluation | Evaluating Exam + Qualifying Parts 1 & 2 ensure candidates are well-prepared for clinical practice | Single exam may not sufficiently test all required competencies |
| Scoring System | Competency-based pass/fail ensures only qualified pharmacists pass | 75/150 passing score may not fully reflect real competency |
| Testing Locations | PEBC exams can be taken either at Prometric test centers or remotely through Prometric’s ProProctor platform, with candidates indicating their preference during application. | Restricted to Pearson Vue centers in the USA |
| Licensing Rigor | Higher standards ensure better-prepared pharmacists enter practice | Easier licensing process may not ensure comprehensive skill assessment |
It’s important to understand that PEBC consists of multiple levels and parts that sum up higher examination fees, while NAPLEX is a single examination. Even the currency difference plays a major role in the total cost of examinations.
PEBC Exam Preparation Course with Elite Expertise
Elite Expertise is a specialized platform dedicated to empowering aspiring pharmacists to clear different pharmacy licensing exams worldwide. Focusing on delivering high-quality training, Elite Expertise offers expert guidance, comprehensive study materials, and tailored coaching to ensure candidates excel in their preparation journey.
The Elite Expertise PEBC exam course is designed to equip candidates with the skills needed to pass the exam with confidence.
The course includes:
- Detailed study modules covering pharmaceutical science and clinical knowledge.
- Mock exams and practice sessions: providing real-time exam experience to boost confidence and time management.
- Expert-led sessions: Experienced pharmacists provide in-depth guidance on complex topics and exam strategies. Their real-world expertise ensures candidates gain practical insights for success.
Enrolling in Elite Expertise’s preparation program can significantly improve your understanding of the exam syllabus, enhance your test-taking skills, and increase your chances of success in the PEBC exams.
Conclusion
As a pharmacist applying for the PEBC examination, it is important to understand the fee structure, exam pattern, and comparison to other certification examinations to make a decision. This blog covers almost all the topics with thorough information about fee structures and payment options.
⚠️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.
