Key concepts:
- For an overseas pharmacist who wish to practice in Canada have to successfully clear PEBC evaluating and Qualifying examination
- PEBC Qualifying examination have two parts: Part 1 – MCQs and Part 2 – OSCE
- PEBC OSCE exam mainly evaluate the communication skills, problem solving and efficiency of a pharmacy to practice safely in Canada
- There are 11 stations in the OSCE exam
- Among the 11 stations, 9 are interactive stations and 2 non-interactive
- Time taken to complete the exam is 6.5 hours in total
Introduction to the OSCE Exam
For an overseas pharmacist who wishes to become a registered pharmacist in Canada, must pass two mandatory exams. They are PEBC Evaluating examination and PEBC qualifying examinations. The PEBC Qualifying examination is further divided into two parts:- Part 1: Multiple-choice questions
- Part 2: OSCE exam (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)
Purpose and Importance of PEBC OSCE in Pharmacy
The PEBC OSCE exam guide explains that this test is designed to measure practical competencies required for pharmacy practice in Canada. It ensures that internationally trained pharmacists can:- Gather and interpret patient information
- Solve drug therapy and practice problems
- Communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals
- Collaborate in a clinical setting
- Apply professional judgment and ethics
PEBC OSCE Exam Structure: Stations and Scenarios
The OSCE exam structure consists of 11 examination stations plus rest stations:- 9 interactive stations (with standardized patients, caregivers, or healthcare professionals)
- 2 non-interactive stations (written tasks without live interaction)
- 7 minutes long, with an additional 2 minutes to move and read instructions before entering.
- Furnished with necessary references, instructions, and sometimes aids like a magnifying sheet.
Exam Day Schedule (6.5 hours total):
- 30–60 minutes: Admission & registration
- 60 minutes: Demonstration of timing signals, washroom break, waiting
- 90 minutes: First half of the exam
- 20 minutes: Mid-session break
- 90 minutes: Second half of the exam
- 30–90 minutes: Sign-out & sequestering
PEBC OSCE Exam Dates in 2025-26
| Date | Centers available | Application dates | Results released by: |
| November 8, 2025 | Calgary Edmonton Hamilton Kingston London (Ontario) Montreal Ottawa Toronto Vancouver Kitchener-Waterloo | May 30-August 7 (till 12.00 PM noon) | December 18, 2025 (12.00 PM noon) |
| February 22, 2025 | Calgary Hamilton Kingston London (Ontario) Montreal Ottawa Toronto Vancouver | August 29, 2025-November 6 | March 30, 2025 (12.00 PM noon) |
Skills Tested in the PEBC OSCE Exam
The OSCE exam tests a wide range of professional competencies, including:- Patient counseling and medication history-taking
- Prescription evaluation and identification of drug therapy problems
- Resolving medication-related issues
- Drug information provision and follow-up care
- Communicative skills of a candidates with clinical team
- Decision making skills and ability to take responsibilities
How PEBC OSCE Scoring Works?
The OSCE exam scoring system is based on structured rubrics:- The scoring is done by comparing the standardized checklists by the examiners.
- Examiners assess the accuracy, communication skills and professionalism carried out by the candidates during the exam with the problem-solving skills
What are the Passing Criteria with success strategy?
To pass the PEBC OSCE exam, candidates must meet the passing standard across all stations. Success depends on:- Applicants must know to manage time. They should have an idea about the exam duration.
- Regular practice of mock stations and past scenarios plays a crucial role in the success
- Candidates must focus on competencies that are assessed by PEBC in the OSCE exam
- Book the exam at the earliest
- Be prepared for the exam day as the exam duration is around 6.5 hours
Practical OSCE Exam Tips
- Boost the confidence by regular practice of mock stations and stay calm on the exam day
- Applicants must consider the OSCE exam schedule to practice during preparation.
- Improve communication skills. There should be clarity while talking
- Understand the Canadian pharmacy guidelines.
Final Thoughts: Mastering the PEBC OSCE Exam
For overseas candidates, the part 2 of the qualifying exam can be the most challenging part of the whole licensing process. This is the final step before applying for the license. If the candidate is able to successfully clear the exam, it can be a rewarding experience for becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada. Understanding the structured OSCE exam pattern, and practising regularly with the OSCE exam practice stations. It will improve the success rates. Candidates must have a clear idea about the OSCE exam scoring system. It ensures that only competent professionals move forward. By preparing early, following the OSCE exam guide, and practicing consistently, you can achieve strong OSCE exam results and take a major step toward your pharmacy career in Canada.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the PEBC OSCE Exam
The OSCE exam lasts about 6.5 hours including registration, breaks, and the exam itself.
There are 11 examination stations (9 interactive + 2 non-interactive) plus rest stations.
Each station is 7 minutes, with 2 extra minutes to read instructions and move between stations.
Skills include patient counseling, prescription review, drug problem-solving, communication, and decision-making.
Candidates interact with Standardized Patients (SPs), caregivers, or healthcare professionals.
Non-interactive stations require written answers, such as identifying prescription errors or providing drug information.
Examiners use structured rubrics and standardized checklists to assess accuracy, communication, and professionalism.
Results are typically released 4–6 weeks after the exam date.
The OSCE exam is usually held twice a year in multiple Canadian cities.
The best strategy is regular practice with mock stations, improving communication skills, and reviewing Canadian pharmacy guidelines.
