PEBC FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is the first step in becoming a pharmacist in Canada?

Enrolment in Pharmacists' Gateway Canada (Gateway) is the initial compulsory step for all international pharmacy graduates (IPGs) seeking a Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Certificate of Qualification.

Why should I enrol in Pharmacist Gateway Canada?

If you are an international graduate and want to proceed for document evaluation with PEBC it is a mandate to proceed further with a National ID or NAPRA ID.

What is National ID or NAPRA ID number for Canadian pharmacist?

The National ID number, also called the national identifier number, is a special code you get after signing up for Pharmacists' Gateway Canada. This code is used by everyone involved in the licensing process, like Pharmacists' Gateway Canada, the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada, and the pharmacy regulatory authorities you've applied to.

What is the fee to enrol in Pharmacist gateway Canada?

The fee for enrolment in the Gateway is CAD380 (as of May 2024).

What is the eligibility for pharmacist to start the licensure process in Canada?

The minimum requirement is a four-year undergraduate degree in pharmacy.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an age limit to become a Pharmacist in Canada?

No, there is no age limit to become a pharmacist in Canada.

Should I move to Canada to start or initiate my licensure process to become a Canadian Pharmacist?

No, initially it's not mandatory to move to Canada to begin the licensure process as a pharmacist. You can start the procedure from your current location, whether it's in your home country or elsewhere. Many of the initial steps, such as enrolling in the necessary programs, preparing for exams, and submitting applications, can be done remotely. Moving to Canada may become necessary later in the process, particularly for completing practical training or obtaining licensure, but it's not a requirement at the outset.

Do I need to clear English language test to apply for PEBC exam?

No, PEBC examination does not require any English language proficiency test as such but all pharmacy regulatory authorities (PRAs) require IPGs to meet language proficiency requirements for the licensure process.

What is the eligibility to apply for PEBC exam to become a Canadian pharmacist?

The candidate with a minimum four-year degree from Pharmacy and approval of document evaluation from PEBC is required to sit for the Pharmacy Evaluation Examination.

Who are international pharmacy graduates (IPGs)?

IPGs are Overseas pharmacy graduates (excluding US graduates from pharmacy).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to enrol in Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada for Quebec?

Enrolment in Pharmacists' Gateway Canada (Gateway) is the initial compulsory stage in the pathway to obtaining licensure as a pharmacist in Canada, with the exception of the province of Quebec.

What is Pharmacist’ Gateway of Canada?

Pharmacists' Gateway Canada is a program designed to assist international pharmacy graduates (IPGs) in their transition to practice pharmacy in Canada. It serves as a centralized platform that helps streamline the assessment and evaluation process for foreign-trained pharmacists seeking licensure in Canada. The program provides guidance, resources, and support tailored to the unique needs of international pharmacy graduates, facilitating their integration into the Canadian healthcare system.

Do I need to be a licensed pharmacist to become a Pharmacist in Canada?

No, any candidate with a minimum four-year degree in pharmacy is eligible to become a pharmacist in Canada.

What is PEBC?

The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) is the national certification body for the pharmacy profession in Canada.

Why should I take PEBC exam?

The candidate passing the PEBC exam (The evaluating exam and the qualifying exam) receive a PEBC Certificate of Qualification for pharmacists which serves as a licensing requirement for entry-to-practice applicants, regardless of whether they were trained in Canada or elsewhere. This requirement applies in all provinces and territories of Canada, with the exception of Quebec.

Frequently asked questions

Is it mandatory for a document evaluation before I sit for PEBC exam?

Successful completion of the document evaluation is a prerequisite for registering and scheduling the PEBC exams. Therefore, it is essential to undergo this evaluation before attempting to sit for the PEBC exams.

What is the fee for PEBC document evaluation for Canada?

The fee for Document evaluation is CAD705 (as of May 2014).

What documents are required for pharmacist document evaluation for Overseas pharmacists?

The following are the documents required for document evaluation:

• A properly witnessed printed application form (Couriered to PEBC).

• A certified copy of documents to support identity (PassportCouriered to PEBC).

• Documents to support graduation from an acceptable pharmacy program (University transcript, Couriered or emailed to PEBC by your college).

• Documents to support your international licensing status (Pharmacist licence from your home country. Couriered or emailed to PEBC by your licensing authority).

• Statutory declarations (mailed/couriered to PEBC).

What is a PRA in Canada?

In Canada, "PRA" typically stands for "Pharmacy Regulatory Authority." Each province and territory in Canada has its own pharmacy regulatory authority responsible for regulating the practice of pharmacy within its jurisdiction. These regulatory bodies oversee various aspects of pharmacy practice, including licensure, registration, standards of practice, and professional conduct.

What is the time taken for pharmacist document evaluation by PEBC in Canada?

If all the required documents are produced to PEBC correctly with no discrepancies then it takes 8 weeks for the document evaluation. In case of any discrepancies with the documents provided, PEBS will reach out to you through an email about any other required documents which might delay the time of evaluation mentioned.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find my results of Pharmacist document evaluation to become a pharmacist in Canada?

Once your Document Evaluation is finished, a results letter will be uploaded to the Digital Wallet in your Portal account within 5 business days.

What is PEBC?

PEBC stands for the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. It's the organization responsible for assessing the qualifications of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Canada through various examinations and assessments. PEBC ensures that pharmacy professionals meet the necessary standards to practise safely and effectively in Canada.

Can I practise as a pharmacist in Canada once I get the PEBC certification?

PEBC certification is an essential part of the process, securing a license from the relevant provincial authority is necessary to officially practise pharmacy in Canada.

What are the examinations for an international candidate to get the certification from PEBC in Canada?

International candidates seeking certification from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) typically need to pass the following exams:

• Pharmacy evaluating exam

• Qualifying Examination Part I (MCQ)

• Qualifying Examination Part II (OSCE)

What is the eligibility for the Canadian Pharmacy evaluating exam?

The candidate must have completed a minimum four-year pharmacy degree and cleared his document evaluation before applying for Pharmacy evaluating exam.

Frequently asked questions

What are the total number of attempts for Canadian Pharmacy evaluating exam?

Candidates are a maximum of three attempts to pass the Pharmacy Evaluating Exam (EE) administered by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). If a candidate is unsuccessful after three attempts, they may need to fulfill additional requirements or seek approval for one more attempt from the PEBC.

What is the eligibility for Qualifying exam of PEBC for International Pharmacy Graduates (IPG)?

The candidate must have completed a minimum four-year pharmacy degree and cleared his Pharmacy evaluation exam before applying for Qualifying exam.

How many times can I attempt Canadian Qualifying exam?

Candidates are typically allowed a maximum of three attempts to pass each part of the Qualifying Exam (Part I and Part II) conducted by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). If a candidate is unsuccessful after three attempts for either part, they may need to fulfill additional requirements or seek approval for further attempts from the PEBC. It's important for candidates to review the specific exam policies and regulations set forth by the PEBC regarding attempts and retakes.

What is Canadian OSCE?

OSCE stands for Objective Structured Clinical Examination. During an OSCE, candidates rotate through a series of stations where they encounter standardized patient scenarios or tasks. At each station, candidates are assessed on their ability to perform specific clinical skills, communicate effectively with patients and colleagues, and demonstrate appropriate decision-making and problem-solving abilities. OSCEs are designed to provide a standardized and objective evaluation of a candidate's clinical competencies and readiness for professional practice.

What is the fee for Part I (MCQ) of Canadian Qualifying exam?

The fee for Part I (MCQ) of qualifying exam is CAD845.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fee for Canadian OCSE?

The fee for Part II or OSCE is CAD1895.

Does the Canadian pharmacy evaluating exam have negative marking?

No, the Pharmacy Evaluating Exam does not have any negative marking.

What is the format of Canadian Pharmacy evaluating exam?

Evaluating Examination format is a one-day, multiple choice (MCQs) computer-based exam with no negative marking.

What is the length of the Canadian Pharmacy evaluating exam?

The time duration for Pharmacy evaluating exam is 4.25 hours.

What is the blueprint of the Canadian Pharmacy evaluating exam?

Examination blueprint: The percentage of questions appearing in the evaluating examination is fixed which helps the candidate to prepare accordingly. The blueprint is as follows:

• Biomedical Sciences (15%)

• Pharmaceutical Sciences (25%)

• Pharmacy Practice (50%)

• Behavioural, Social and Administrative Pharmacy Sciences (10%)

Frequently asked questions

When will the result of PEBC Canadian pharmacy evaluating exam be announced?

After 5 weeks of the exam, the results will be posted on the PEBC website.

Where can I check my PEBC Canadian pharmacy evaluating exam result?

The PEBC ID number of the candidate who has passed the exam will appear in the Pharmacist Evaluating Exam section of the website.

Where will the exam score for PEBC Canadian pharmacy evaluating exam be given?

No scores will be disclosed by PEBC. Only a pass or fail will be intimated to the candidate.

Where can I apply for Canadian pharmacy qualifying exam?

After successfully completing the Evaluating Examination, the applications for the Qualifying Examination (Part I and Part II) will be accessible on your Portal account.

What is exam format for Canadian Pharmacy qualifying exam part I (MCQ)?

It is a one-day, multiple choice (MCQs) computer-based exam with no negative marking and offered at secured proctor testing centres.