PEBC Evaluating Exam Update: May 2025 Eligibility Changes for IPGs

Are you someone preparing for the PEBC Evaluating exam then here are the changes you need to know. The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada or in short, PEBC has announced a few changes to the eligibility criteria of the International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs) in order to streamline the Certification for Entry-to -practice licensure in Canada.

The PEBC has reviewed the steps that are required by IPGs to achieve certification for Entry-to -practice on this 13th May 2025. According to this announcement the IPGs who are eligible will be excluded from giving the PEBC Evaluating exam. The change do not include the Qualifying exam and like earlier the candidates or the IPGs need to clear or pass the Qualifying exam. The IPGs must pass the MCQ exam that is the part 1 first gives the eligibility of the candidate to clear the OSCDE or the part 2 exam.

The eligible candidates can apply for the November 2025 Pharmacist Qualifying exam Part I or the MCQ exam. It is estimated that the application will open this late May.

How does this help the IPGs:

The preparation time and the time attempting the Evaluating exam is saved with this latest change for the IPGs. This change also portrait’s the commitment of PEBC towards the continuous improvement of the licensure process and allowing it to be current and unbiased considering if the IPGs are accredited and meeting the standards of the international pharmacy programs by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) or the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP).

Who is eligible for this pathway:

Are all the IPGs eligible for this latest update? Let’s find out:

The first step in this journey to become registered pharmacist in Canada is Document Evaluation and this step is a mandate for all the IPGs.

After this there are two pathways to consider:

PATHWAY 1: The IPGs of the International pharmacy programs with accreditation from the CCAPP or ACPE

In this pathway the IPGs from who received a pharmacy degree and was granted a International Accreditation status (or equivalent) are eligible.

Please follow these links of ACPE and CCAPP and lets you check your eligibility according your country:

ACPE: Programs with International-Accreditation Status By Country – Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

CCAPP: International Programs – CCAPP

PATHWAY 2: The following category falls in this pathway 2:

· If you are an IPG from a college or pharmacy school outside of Canada and is recongnised by the national, regional or international body and,

· That country where you have graduated from or practised recently worked as a pharmacist has similar rules, regulations and responsibilities as of Canadaian standards,

Then PEBC you will be accepted by the PEBC matching the Canadian pharmacist standards in qualification and education.

So, according to this two types of IPGs are that might be allowed for the Pathway 2:

First, if you are a pahramcist in any of the following countries:

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Ireland

• South Africa

• UK

Then you will be accepted by the PEBC directly.

Secondly,

• If you do not graduate from any of the above mentioned contries but have an unrestricted full icense as a pharmacist from any of the above mentioned countries along with US and ,

• Worked in any of these countries in the patienty care department for atleast an year then you'll still be considered eligible according to your work experience.

To check the eligibility for one these pathways here is a link which consists of a set of questions for you to answer which decides your eligibility: Streamlined Pathway - Eligibility Survey | 1/6

Conclusion:

The PEBC exam is one of the toughest licensure exams when it comes to pharmacy. With this latest change in the eligibility the PEBC is ensuring fairness and transparency among all the IPGs if they maintain the standards required by the PEBC. So, why wait go ahead and check your eligibility today and start your preparation for the PEBC exams accordingly. To make this journey easy Elite expertise is providing assistance for the document evaluation and a crash course for PEBC Evaluating exam. Join us to make your Canadian dream career true!

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.

⚠️ Disclaimer

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.

Follow On

Head Business Writer | Elite Expertise