What is the pass percentage for PEBC MCQ Part 1?

Key Takeaways

• PEBC does not publish one single "pass percentage" for the MCQ exam

• PEBC instead publishes pass rates by candidate subgroup, based on real exam data.

• For Canadian graduates writing for the first time, the MCQ pass rate is 87.2%.

• Canadian repeat test takers have a pass rate of 67.3% on the MCQ.

• It is the MCQ, a computer-based, single-day exam that you need to complete within 4 hr and 30 minutes. 

• You have 4 attempts to pass this exam.

• Before applying for this, you must know the fees for the exam so you can make your budget for it. 

• PEBC exam does not provide an exact percentage rate; it will show results in a pass-or-fail format.

• You have attempts to take it if you fail the exam. 

• Use official learning resources for better exam preparation. 

Quick Summary 

PEBC does not share one overall MCQ pass percentage. It shares pass rates by group instead. Canadian first-time grads pass at 87.2%. Repeat Canadian test takers pass at 67.3%. International first-timers pass at 35.6%. International repeat takers pass at 47.1%. This is the data that covers May 2024 to May 2026.

Are you preparing for the PEBC MCQ exam? You probably want one number first. What is the actual pass percentage? This guide answers that question. It uses only official PEBC data. It also explains scoring, attempts, fees, and prep tips.

What is the PEBC MCQ Part 1 Exam?

The Pharmacist Qualifying Examination consists of two parts. Part I is the MCQ exam. Part II is the OSCE exam. Both parts lead to PEBC certification. This certification lets you register as a pharmacist in Canada.

Part I tests your knowledge and clinical judgment. Each question checks one specific competency area. The exam is computer-based. You take it at a Prometric test centre or remotely.

What is the Pass Percentage For PEBC MCQ Part 1?

This is the real answer, straight from PEBC's own website. PEBC publishes performance data by candidate subgroup. The table below shows the most recent official figures.

This data covers two years of exam sittings. The period runs from May 2024 through May 2026. 

Candidate Subgroup	Number Of Candidates	MCQ Pass Rate
Reference (Canadian grads, first attempt)	2,468	87.2%
Canadian Repeat Test Takers	379	67.3%
International First-Time Test Takers	3,182	35.6%
International Repeat Test Takers	2,066	47.1%

A few notes on these groups:

• Reference means graduates of Canadian-accredited pharmacy programs. They write the exam for the first time in their graduation year.

• Canadian Repeat Test Takers are Canadian grads who failed the same exam part before.

• International First-Time Test Takers are graduates of non-U.S., non-accredited programs. This is their first attempt.

• International Repeat Test Takers are international grads who failed the same part before.

There is no combined, single-number pass rate published for all candidates together. This is intentional. PEBC explains why below.

Why does PEBC not Publish One Single Pass Rate?

PEBC uses a criterion-referenced standard. This means passing depends on your own performance. It does not depend on how other candidates performed.

There is no built-in passing or failure rate. A group's pass rate simply reflects how many candidates in that group met the standard. It is not a quota or a curve.

This is why PEBC breaks results down by subgroup instead of one blended number. A single overall percentage would hide real differences between groups. It would also suggest a fixed pass quota, which does not exist.

How is the PEBC MCQ Part 1 Passing Score Set?

Each MCQ exam has slightly different difficulty. PEBC accounts for this using a process called equating.

Here is how it works, step by step.

Step	What Happens
1	A panel of practitioner experts reviews exam content
2	Experts set the minimum ability level needed to pass
3	This ability level becomes the fixed pass/fail standard
4	Equating adjusts the raw score needed, exam by exam
5	Harder exams need fewer correct answers to pass
6	Easier exams need more correct answers to pass

This standard was originally set in June 2016. It has stayed the same ever since. Only the raw score cutoff shifts, based on exam difficulty. The underlying skill level required stays fixed.

PEBC does not release the exact passing score. Scores and pass marks are kept confidential.

What does the PEBC MCQ Part 1 Exam Look Like?

Understanding the PEBC Qualifying Exam format helps you prepare better. Here are the core facts, straight from PEBC.

Feature	Detail
Exam type	Multiple-choice questions (MCQ)
Format	Single-day, computer-based
Duration	4 hours and 30 minutes
Location	Prometric test centre or remote proctoring
Marking	Each question is worth one mark
Materials allowed	On-screen calculator and formula sheet only
Book policy	Closed-book exam

You must arrive 30 minutes early for admission checks. Late arrival past 30 minutes means no entry, and no rescheduling for that sitting.

From May 2026, the syllabus for ‌the PEBC Qualifying Exam ‌Part 1 was also updated. Clinical care now carries the heaviest weight.

Blueprint Category	Weight
Providing Care – Clinical Care	50%
Providing Care – Distribution	20%
Knowledge & Expertise	11%
Professionalism	12%
Communication & Collaboration	4%
Leadership & Stewardship	3%

Check the full Qualifying Examination Blueprint for competency details.

How Many Attempts do You Get at the PEBC MCQ?

You get four attempts at each part of the exam. This limit applies separately to Part I and Part II.

• After three failed attempts, you may request a fourth attempt.

• This requires proof of remediation, following PEBC's specific requirements.

• Remediation must start after your results letter date.

• It must finish within one year of your fourth attempt.

After four failed attempts, you cannot register for that part again. Your only path forward is completing an eligible pharmacy program again. This resets your attempt count.

There is also a lifetime cap. You cannot attempt either part more than eight times total, across all program completions.

What are the PEBC MCQ Part 1 Fees For 2027?

Below are the confirmed 2027 fees for pharmacist candidates.

Fee Type	Pharmacist Fee
Qualifying Exam – Part I (MCQ)	$870 CAD
Qualifying Exam – Part II (OSCE)	$1,950 CAD
Re-scoring (hand scoring)	$100 CAD
Rescheduling or cancellation	$60 CAD + HST

All fees are listed in Canadian currency, and if you want to know more, you can visit the official website. 

How are PEBC MCQ Part 1 Results Released?

Results are pass/fail only. PEBC does not release your actual score.

Here is what to expect after your exam.

Timeline	What Happens
Within 6 weeks	Results posted on PEBC website, by ID number
Within 1 week after posting	Results letter added to your Digital Wallet
Within 8 weeks after results	Feedback report added, for unsuccessful candidates only

Results are never given by phone. PEBC also forwards successful candidate lists to provincial regulators right away. This speeds up your licensure process. You can check the current results list on the Results of Recent Examination page.

What If You Don’t Pass The Exam?

Failing is not the end of your path. PEBC gives structured next steps.

• Request re-scoring - This confirms correct data entry only. It does not re-assess your actual performance.

• Review your feedback report -This shows relative strength across competency areas.

• Plan remediation early - Especially important after your third unsuccessful attempt.

• Reapply before the deadline - Do not wait for PEBC to confirm your remediation status first.

Note that exam content and standards cannot be appealed. This is fixed board policy.

How to Boost Your PEBC MCQ Pass Rate?

Preparation matters most for international and repeat test takers. Their pass rates are notably lower than first-time Canadian grads.

Here are practical steps that align with PEBC's own guidance.

• Study the blueprint first. Clinical care makes up half the exam weight now.

• Use official sample questions. PEBC updates these annually for accuracy.

• Try the demo tutorial. This shows the exact computer interface you will use.

• Time yourself early. The exam runs 4.5 hours, so build stamina in practice.

• Review feedback reports carefully. If you failed before, target your weak competencies.

• Confirm your remediation plan. Especially if you are on your third or fourth attempt.

Explore the official Sample Questions and Demo Tutorial pages before exam day.

Conclusion

PEBC does not publish one overall MCQ pass percentage. It reports rates by group instead. Canadian first-time grads pass at 87.2%. International first-timers pass at 35.6%. The standard itself never changes, only the raw score needed. Strong preparation against the current blueprint remains the biggest factor in passing.

Are you preparing for the PEBC Qualifying Part 1 MCQ exam? If you need proper guidance on it, please contact Elite Expertise. We have expert trainers who will provide guidance in structured exam preparation.