What You Need to Know About the Pharmacy Licensure Exam in Canada

Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada is a rewarding career goal that offers professional fulfillment and the opportunity to significantly impact public health. However, international pharmacy graduates must undergo a comprehensive evaluation and examination process before practising in Canada. One of the most crucial steps in this journey is passing the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exam.

In this PEBC exam guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the pharmacy exam in Canada. From pharmacy exam requirements Canada, PEBC exam format, PEBC exam registration process to PEBC exam tips and what to do after passing the exam in Canada – we’ve answered all your questions to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

The Importance of Licensed Pharmacists in Canada

Pharmacists in Canada are vital members of the healthcare system. They ensure the safe and effective use of medications, provide patient education, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to optimise patient outcomes. 

With Canada’s growing population and increasing healthcare demands, there’s a significant surge in demand for skilled pharmacists across provinces and territories. By 2031, Canada is expected to add more than 16,000 new roles for pharmacists. The need is particularly strong in areas where healthcare services are scarce. International pharmacy graduates (IPGs) play a vital role in meeting this demand, bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to the profession.

To practice as a pharmacist in Canada, IPGs must obtain licensure, which involves a series of evaluations and exams administered by the PEBC. The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada is the national certification body that assesses the qualifications and competencies of international pharmacy graduates (IPGs) to ensure they meet Canadian standards. Let’s break down what this process involves.

What is the PEBC Pharmacy Exam in Canada?

The PEBC Exam is a series of rigorous evaluations that assess the academic and practical competencies of pharmacy graduates trained outside of Canada. It is a mandatory step for international pharmacy graduates who wish to become licensed and practise as pharmacists in Canada.

The process of the pharmacy exam in Canada includes:

1. Document Evaluation
2. Evaluating Examination
3. Qualifying Examination Part I (MCQ)
4. Qualifying Examination Part II (OSCE)

Each stage tests a different aspect of your pharmacy education and professional readiness, from theoretical knowledge to clinical decision-making and patient communication.

Also Read: About PEBC Exam Fees and How are They Structured

Register with Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada

The first step in the PEBC exam requirements is registering with the Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada. This step is required as part of the pharmacy licensure process in Canada (excluding Quebec).

Once completed, you’ll be assigned a NAPRA ID (National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities), which acts as your unique candidate profile.

This profile is where your essential documents, language proficiency test results, and pharmacy exam scores are stored for assessment by the regulatory bodies.

Fee: CAD 385

Eligibility Criteria for the PEBC Exam

Document Evaluation:

Before sitting the PEBC exams, you must meet all the PEBC exam requirements. For this, you have to follow the Document Evaluation process. This step verifies whether your pharmacy degree and academic background are substantially equivalent to Canadian standards.

• You must hold a minimum of a four-year undergraduate degree in pharmacy from a university that is recognised and approved by the PEBC.
• Your credentials must be evaluated and approved by the PEBC before you can sit for the pharmacy exam in Canada.

Complete the application form on the PEBC website and pay the evaluation fee (non-refundable, payable online). 

Arrange for all required documents to be sent to the PEBC.

Also Read: A Complete Guide to PEBC Document Submission for International Pharmacists

Documents Required for PEBC Document Evaluation:

1. University Transcript: Official, sealed and sent directly from your institution to the PEBC.
2. Degree Certificate: A certified copy of the pharmacy degree.
3. Proof of Identity: Valid passport or other government-issued identification.
4. Name Change Document: If applicable, legal documents supporting any name changes.
5. Internship or Practical Training Certificate: If part of your degree requirement.

The PEBC typically takes 8-12 weeks to process and evaluate the documents. Once done, results will be uploaded to your portal account within 5 business days.

Fee: CAD 715

PEBC Evaluating Examination

Upon successful document evaluation, you can sit for the Evaluating Examination, which assesses foundational knowledge in core subject areas of a Canadian Pharmacy curriculum, such as biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy practice, and ethics.

PEBC Evaluating Exam Format: One-day, multiple-choice (MCQ), computer-based exam with no negative marking

Duration: Approximately 3.25 hours

Fee: CAD 910

Content Areas:

• Biomedical Sciences​ 
• Pharmaceutical Sciences​ 
• Pharmacy Practice​ 
• Behavioural, Social, and Administrative Pharmacy Sciences

You must pass the Evaluating Exam before registering for the Qualifying Exams.

PEBC Exam Preparation Tips

• Review the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the exam blueprint provided by the PEBC.​
• Study Resources: Use recommended textbooks and practice questions.​
• Time Management: Develop a study schedule that covers all content areas thoroughly.

PEBC Qualifying Examination

After passing the Evaluating Examination, you must complete the Qualifying Examination, which is divided into two parts. Both exams can be taken in a single sitting or separately, as per your choice. 

Part I: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ)

Assess clinical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.

PEBC Exam Format: one-day, multiple-choice (MCQs), computer-based exam with no negative marking.

Duration: 4 Hours 30 minutes

Content Areas:

• Pharmacotherapy​
• Pharmaceutical Care​
• Communication and Ethics​
• Legislation and Healthcare Systems​

Fee: CAD 855

Part II: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

This test is completely different from the previous ones. OSCE consists of a series of interactive stations simulating real-life scenarios that pharmacists commonly face in practice. 

At these stations, you may interact with a “Standardized Patient” (SP), a “Standardized Client” (SC) such as a caregiver or parent, or a “Standardized Health Professional” (SHP), depending on the scenario.

Each station is specifically designed to evaluate certain professional competencies. An examiner, specially trained to use consistent evaluation criteria, will observe how you engage with the scenario, complete the task, and communicate throughout.

In total, the OSCE includes 13 stations and additional rest periods.

Each station runs for 5-10 minutes and includes:

• 12 interactive stations
• 2 non-interactive stations

Duration: Approximately 6.5 hours(including orientation and scheduled rest periods).

Skills Assessed:

• Patient Communication​
• Clinical Decision-Making​
• Ethical Reasoning​
• Professionalism

Fee: CAD 1915

Exam Results

• Results are usually released 6 to 8 weeks after the exam and are posted on the PEBC website.
• No scores are disclosed. Candidates only receive either a pass or fail status.
• After a week, the results are posted in the digital wallet of your portal as well.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed?

• Candidates are permitted a maximum of three attempts for all tests: Evaluation exam & each part of Qualifying Examination.
• If unsuccessful after 3 attempts, a special appeal must be submitted with supporting documentation.

Exam Validity

• Once you pass the Qualifying Exams, your results do not expire.
• However, regulatory authorities may have their own timelines, so it’s best to apply for licensure soon after certification.

Registration Procedure for the PEBC Examinations

Registering for the PEBC exams involves several steps:​

1. Create an Online Account: Register on the PEBC website.​
2. Submit Application and Fees: Complete the application forms and pay the required fees for the specific examination.​
3. Schedule the Exam: Once the application is approved, schedule your exam at a designated testing center.
4. Receive confirmation and attend the exam at your assigned test centre.
5. Prepare for the Exam: Utilize official PEBC resources, review past questions (if available), and consider enrolling in preparatory courses like Elite Expertise’s PEBC Exam Preparation Course.

Also Read: Key Tips and Best Practices for Preparing PEBC Exam

Study Tips to Prepare for the PEBC Exam

The PEBC exams are highly competitive and demand focused preparation. Here are a few tips to guide your study plan:

• Start early: Begin at least 6 to 12 months before the exam date.
• Use Canadian resources: Study Canadian pharmacy texts like Therapeutic Choices, Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS), and Canadian Clinical Guidelines.
• Take practice exams: Familiarise yourself with the question format and pacing.
• Join study groups: Peer discussions and mock OSCEs are extremely helpful.
• Enrol in a PEBC prep course: These provide structured learning, mentorship, and practice tools.

Can You Write the PEBC Exam from Your Home Country?

The Evaluating Examination is offered internationally at select locations outside Canada, subject to availability through PEBC’s approved testing centres. For example, testing centres have been established in countries such as India, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates for the Evaluating Exam.

However, the Qualifying Examination Part II (OSCE) is only offered in Canada, as it involves in-person assessment at physical OSCE stations simulating patient and pharmacist interactions.

You can complete the document evaluation and Evaluating Exam from your home country but must travel to Canada to complete the OSCE.

Visa Options for International Pharmacy Graduates

To travel to Canada for the Qualifying Exam Part II (OSCE) or other necessary activities, international pharmacy graduates typically apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on their country of citizenship.

1. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)

A visitor visa may be required for candidates attending the PEBC Qualifying Exam in Canada (especially OSCE). This allows you to stay in Canada for up to 6 months.

Required Documents:

• PEBC exam registration letter
• Invitation letter (if applicable)
• Proof of financial support
• Passport and identity documents
• Accommodation and travel itinerary
• Ties to home country (to prove you’ll return)

Processing time: Usually 2–6 weeks, depending on the country of application

 Note: Visitor visas do not allow you to work or study long-term in Canada.

2. Study Permit (if pursuing a Bridging Program)

If you’re enrolling in a bridging program like the International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) program (required by some provinces), you’ll require a study permit, which allows longer stays and part-time work rights.

Documents required:

• Letter of acceptance from a Canadian educational institution (e.g., IPG bridging program)
• Proof of funds
• PEBC evaluation report
• IELTS/English proficiency

Processing time: Varies; check the IRCC website for country-specific timelines.

3. Work Permit / Express Entry

After licensure, you may qualify for a work permit or apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program).

What to Do After the PEBC Exam

Once you’ve passed the Exams and registered with PEBC, the next steps involve working with your chosen provincial or territorial pharmacy regulatory authority to obtain licensure.

1- Provincial Regulatory Authority (PRA) Registration

Each Canadian province has its own regulatory authority responsible for issuing licenses to practise. Some of the key authorities include:

• Ontario: Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP)
• British Columbia: College of Pharmacists of BC
• Alberta: Alberta College of Pharmacy

2 – Structured Practical Training (SPT)

Most provinces require candidates to complete a period of supervised practice, often referred to as Structured Practical Training (SPT), internship, or practicum. This experience allows you to apply your knowledge in a real-world pharmacy setting under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

• Duration: Varies by province (typically 12–32 weeks)
• Setting: Hospital or community pharmacy
• Supervisor: Must be a licensed pharmacist approved by the PRA

3 – Jurisprudence Examination

Before becoming fully licensed, you must also pass a jurisprudence exam. This test assesses your knowledge of provincial laws, ethics, and professional responsibilities related to pharmacy practice.

• Format: MCQs
• Administered by: Provincial regulatory authorities
• Topics Covered:
  • Pharmacy Act and Regulations
  • Code of Ethics
  • Professional Standards and Guidelines

4 – English Language Proficiency

Some provinces may also require proof of English or French language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.), especially if your pharmacy education was completed in a non-English-speaking country.

5 – Obtaining Licensure

Securing your pharmacy license or registration is the final step in becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada.

At this stage, the provincial regulatory authority (PRA) confirms that you’ve met all the required conditions for licensure.

You’ll be required to pay a licensing fee, which varies depending on the province or territory where you’re registering.

Keep in mind, this isn’t a one-time payment — your license must be renewed every year, and the renewal fee may not be the same as your initial registration cost.

Career Opportunities After Passing the PEBC Exam

Once fully licensed, Pharmacists in Canada can explore diverse roles such as:

Permanent Residency and Citizenship

After gaining Canadian work experience, many pharmacists apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through Express Entry. Eventually, they may qualify for Canadian citizenship.

Also Read: What You Need to Know About the Pharmacy Licensure Exam in Canada

How Elite Expertise Excels PEBC Exam Prep

At Elite Expertise, we specialise in helping international pharmacy graduates succeed in their pharmacy exams with the all-in-one PEBC Exam Preparation Course.

In this course;

1. We offer online interactive classes and recordings of the sessions so you can study at your pace.
2. Our courses are designed specifically for international pharmacy graduates aiming for Canadian licensure.
3. Our Mock Exams and study materials help students build confidence and familiarity.
4. Personalised mentorship and feedback from accredited consultant pharmacists and educators to help you throughout the process.
5. We assist with documents, timelines, and next steps after the exam—including job search support.
6. Students who study with us regularly exceed national averages on Evaluating exam

Conclusion

The pharmacy licensure process in Canada may seem complex, but with the right guidance, preparation, and support, you can confidently navigate every step. By understanding the PEBC process, preparing effectively for each step, and fulfilling provincial licensure requirements, you can successfully transition into a rewarding pharmacy career in Canada.

Need help preparing for the PEBC? Our expert instructors and tailored study plans are here to support you every step of the way.