PEBC Latest Update on Evaluating Exam

Why the 2025 Blueprint Revision?

The team last updated the current version of the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination blueprint in 2015. At that time, Canadian pharmacy schools offered a four-year bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Since then, the education landscape for pharmacy graduates has evolved significantly.

All Canadian pharmacy programs now offer entry-level Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degrees. The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) has announced a new plan for the 2025 exam. This change will make sure the exam includes the latest skills needed for pharmacists in Canada.

This revision aims to make the exam match current pharmacy practices. It ensures that the exam reflects the skills and knowledge expected from new graduates.

Key Changes to the PEBC Exam

Here are the major changes to be aware of for the June 2025 Pharmacist Evaluating Examination:

1. Elimination of Biomedical Sciences

• The Biomedical Sciences category will no longer appear as a standalone subject area. Experts will now integrate the knowledge previously tested in this domain into broader pharmacy practice and behavioral sciences topics.

2. Focus Areas Redistributed

• The exam will now focus on two key subject areas:

• Pharmacy Practice (making up 50% of the exam)

• Behavioral, Social, and Administrative (BSA) Pharmacy Sciences

• This shift better reflects the current educational framework and day-to-day responsibilities of pharmacists in Canada.

3. New Topics Introduced

• The blueprint now includes essential topics like:

• Health equity

• Social determinants of health

• Indigenous health

• Cultural safety

• These topics show the increasing focus on inclusive and diverse healthcare in Canada. They ensure pharmacists can meet the needs of all patients.

4. Shorter Exam

• The exam will reduce the number of questions from 150 to 140. The exam will still consist of two sections, with each section containing 70 questions and an 84-minute time limit.

• Even though the number of questions has decreased, the new exam should still remain just as hard. This change is not likely to greatly impact pass rates.

Timeline for the Changes

The 2025 blueprint will apply starting with the June 2025 exam. The current version of the exam will remain for the October 2024, January 2025, and March 2025 sessions. This gives candidates time to prepare with the current format.

What This Means for Candidates

While these changes may seem daunting, they’re designed to align the exam with the real-world practice of pharmacy in Canada. By understanding these updates and preparing accordingly, candidates can approach the exam with confidence.

At Elite Expertise, we’re here to guide you through these changes. Whether you plan to take the exam in 2024 or prepare for the 2025 revision, we have what you need. Our study materials, mock tests, and expert-led sessions will help you get ready.

Stay Updated with Elite Expertise

Staying up to date with these changes to the PEBC Evaluating Exam is crucial. At Elite Expertise, we offer regular updates and personalized resources. These tools help international pharmacy graduates succeed in becoming licensed pharmacists in Canada.

For more information and to get personalized support, contact Elite Expertise today.

Mr. Arief Mohammad is renowned for his excellent teaching skills and practice-based experience which can contribute to developing practice-based knowledge for a learner. He has been a practicing pharmacist in Australia for the last 5 years and has been a preceptor to several students and intern pharmacists.

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