Latest Changes to the PEBC Exam (2025 Update)

The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) has announced significant updates to the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination, which is all set to take effect in June 2025. These changes, once set into motion, will mark an important evolution in how internationally trained pharmacists are being assessed before beginning their practice in Canada.

The basic goal is just one - to ensure transparency and competency when registering internationally-trained pharmacists, so that the healthcare system of Canada recruits only the best and smartest of all pharmacists out there.

This educational update is based on the latest educational standards and curriculum changes in Canadian pharmacy schools and aims to improve the alignment between pharmacy education and professional practice. So, whether you are an international graduate preparing for your licensing exam, or an advisor helping candidates navigate the PEBC process, this article will walk you through the key updates, their implications, and what to expect.

Why Did PEBC Revise The Exam?

The previous blueprint, published by PEBC, and last revised in 2015, was based on a system where most Canadian pharmacy schools offered a four-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree.

Since then, every accredited pharmacy program in Canada has transitioned to a more robust and clinically focused entry-level Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.

This evolution in pharmacy education meant that the PEBC had to adapt its evaluating exam to reflect:

• The updated Pharm.D. curriculum
  

• The changing scope of pharmacy practice
  

• Emerging healthcare priorities such as equity and cultural safety

Key Changes To The 2025 PEBC Evaluating Exam

Given below is a detailed breakdown of the changes made to the PEBC Pharmacist Evaluating Examination:

Removal of Biomedical Sciences

One of the most prominent changes is the removal of Biomedical Sciences as a distinct subject area. This includes subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pathology.

Why? These topics are now considered ‘prerequisites’ to the Pharm.D. programs in Canada. As such, they are no longer directly tested in the PEBC Evaluating Exam, and hence have been taken off the charts for good.

Redistribution of Exam Content

With the exclusion of Biomedical Sciences, the exam’s content has been redistributed across three main subject areas, with added emphasis on Pharmacy Practice and Social Determinants of Health.

This redistribution of testing subjects supports the growing importance of patient-centered care, cultural competence, and health system navigation skills.

Inclusion of New Topics

The revised blueprint of PEBC also expands to incorporate modern public health themes, which are now important to pharmacy practice in Canada.

The new and updated content of PEBC includes:

• Health equity
  

• Social determinants of health
  

• Cultural diversity and safety
  

• Indigenous health

This inclusion reflects the Canadian healthcare system’s commitment to delivering inclusive and equitable care, particularly for marginalized communities.

New Subject Area Weights:

Changes in Exam Structure and Duration

Previously, the PEBC Evaluating Exam contained 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). As of June 2025, this number will be reduced to 140.

• The exam will still be divided into two sections.
  

• Each section will have 70 questions.
  

• Candidates will be given 90 minutes per section, for a total duration of 180 minutes.

The reduction in exam length is designed to maintain the energy of the candidates while minimizing fatigue, improving the overall test-taking experience.

Understanding The Three-Step PEBC Certification Process

For internationally trained pharmacists, the pathway to PEBC certification includes three major steps:

Step 1: Document Evaluation

PEBC reviews your educational and professional background to determine your eligibility.

• Some candidates (e.g., from other foreign universities, such as the Qatar University, Lebanese American University) may qualify for a streamlined process, skipping Step 2.

Step 2: Pharmacist Evaluating Examination

The Pharmacist Evaluating Exam has undergone key changes:

New Blueprint (June 2025):

• Now, the exam will consist of 140 MCQs (down from 150), split into two 90-minute sections.

• Biomedical Sciences removed.

• Greater focus on Pharmacy Practice (55%), Pharmaceutical Sciences (25%), and Behavioural, Social & Administrative Sciences (20%) including topics like Indigenous health, health equity, and cultural safety.

Also read: PEBC Evaluating Exam Update: May 2025 Eligibility Changes for IPGs | Elite Expertise

New Streamlined Pathway (Effective May 13, 2025):

Many international graduates no longer need to take the Evaluating Exam. You may be exempt if:

• You graduated from an ACPE or CCAPP-accredited program, or

• You have worked in direct patient care (1+ year, unrestricted license) in countries like the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.

If you are not an eligible candidate, then you must complete this exam before taking the Qualifying Exams.

Please have a look at this video for better understanding: PHARMACIST IN CANADA 2025 PEBC EXAM 2025 NEW UPDATES CANADA PHARMACIST INDIA #shorts #india #canada

Step 3: Pharmacist Qualifying Examination

This has two parts:

• Part I (MCQ): Tests application of knowledge
  

• Part II (OSCE): Objective Structured Clinical Examination to test practical skills.

How Will These Changes Affect Candidates?

All in all, the revised blueprint is not expected to significantly affect pass rates, since the changes are largely a reallocation of familiar topics.

However, now, the candidates will need to adjust their preparation strategies to reflect the:

• New emphasis on pharmacy practice
  

• Greater focus on health systems, policy, and equity
  

• Less importance placed on biomedical sciences

  Recommended Preparation Strategies:

• Use updated review guides aligned with the new blueprint
  

• Focus on case-based questions
  

• Be aware of public health and policy discussions in Canada
  

• Practice cultural safety scenarios

Why Is This Change Important For Canadian Healthcare?

Pharmacists are a key part of the frontline healthcare workforce in Canada. With increasing complexity in medication therapy and a growing need for preventive care, the role of pharmacists is expanding.

The new exam blueprint ensures that future pharmacists are well-prepared to:

• Communicate effectively with diverse populations
  

• Provide safe and evidence-based care
  

• Understand broader healthcare and social policies

This also aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in Canada, particularly in recognizing the role healthcare professionals play in promoting cultural safety and Indigenous health equity.

At A Glance: 2025 PEBC Exam Changes

Role of Elite Expertise in PEBC Exam Preparation

Elite Expertise is a reliable and trusted educational platform brand when it comes to training pharmacy professionals, particularly the internationally-trained ones, to pass the PEBC examinations.

Established by Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu and Mr. Arief Mohammad, Elite Expertise has assisted hundreds of international pharmacy graduates with a systematic, thorough process of licensing in Canada.

This is the way in which Elite Expertise supports future pharmacists:

• Blueprint-Aligned Curriculum:
  The courses are currently modified to the most recent 2025 PEBC blueprint, and there is a significant emphasis on Pharmacy Practice and the knowledge of the Canadian healthcare system.

• Practice-Oriented Learning:
  Students work on actual case scenarios and practice mock tests that are designed keeping the real exam in mind.

• Live And Recorded Sessions:
  The ability to flexibly access lectures means that professionals across all time zones can take part. Candidates have the option of availing both online and offline lectures, which further adds to the comfort of accessing these lectures from within their homes.

• Professional Faculty And Mentorship:
  The trainers at Elite Expertise are certified pharmacists, who know the exam, back to front. They are also aware of the way the candidates are likely to be questioned in the exam, and therefore, make sure that all the candidates are prepared accordingly for the exam.

• Emphasis on New Subjects:
  Subjects such as Indigenous health, cultural safety, and health equity are incorporated into the course content.

Led by the charismatic personalities of Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu and Mr. Arief Mohammad, Elite Expertise has quickly established itself as a destination of choice among the candidates seeking personal attention and high-quality teaching that is geared towards PEBC success.

You can find out more about their programs by visiting the official page of Elite Expertise or by getting in touch with them to enroll in their programs.

Final Thoughts

The PEBC’s 2025 exam blueprint brings Canadian pharmacy assessment into alignment with modern education and healthcare priorities. For candidates, this means preparing not only for drug knowledge but also for public health, cultural sensitivity, and system navigation.

Resources like Elite Expertise offer structured, expert-led guidance that can make the journey easier and more effective.Get ready, stay focused, and take advantage of support systems designed to help you succeed in your Canadian pharmacy career.

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.

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About the Author

Sahana Rao

Sahana Chinthapatla is renowned for her expertise in scientific and medical writing, backed by an MPharm in Pharmacology and years of experience in research analysis and scientific writing.

As the Head Business Writer at Elite Expertise, she provides insightful and well-researched content on KAPS, OPRA, PEBC, PSI and global pharmacy pathways, guiding aspiring pharmacists in their professional journeys.

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Head Business Writer | Elite Expertise