How to become a pharmacist in Canada
How to Become a Licensed Pharmacist in Canada for International Graduates
As Canada's largest pharmacist training company, PharmAchieve trains over 7,000 professionals annually. A common question we receive is about the process of becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada. In this article, we'll outline the key steps for International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs).
BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Register with Pharmacists' Gateway Canada
The first step for all International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs) is to register on the Pharmacists' Gateway Canada website. This portal is managed by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA). Upon registration, you will be issued a unique NAPRA ID number required for all subsequent steps.
STEP 1: Document Evaluation
Next, your pharmacy degree and qualifications must be evaluated by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). You will need to submit official documents, such as academic transcripts and your degree syllabus, to determine if your education is equivalent to a Canadian pharmacy degree. This formal process is called “Document Evaluation.”
It is crucial to review the PEBC website for detailed instructions and application forms. Applicants must submit all required documents for both Document Evaluation (Step 1) and the Evaluating Exam (Step 2) by the PEBC's official deadline for their desired exam sitting.
PEBC Website: www.pebc.ca
STEP 2: The Evaluating Exam (EE)
After your documents are successfully evaluated and approved by the PEBC, you become eligible to take the Evaluating Exam (EE). This exam assesses whether your foundational knowledge aligns with that of a graduate from a Canadian pharmacy program. The EE is held twice a year, typically in January and July, with registration deadlines several months prior.
The exam is offered at testing centres in Canada and select international locations, including London, UK.
Prepare for the Evaluating Exam with PharmAchieve
Historically, the pass rate for the EE has been challenging, often below 50%. We strongly recommend enrolling in a preparatory course to ensure you are fully prepared. Our course provides comprehensive notes, video lectures, and thousands of practice questions to help you succeed.
STEP 3: The Qualifying Exam - Part I (MCQ) & Part II (OSCE)
Upon passing the EE, you are eligible to sit for the PEBC Qualifying Exam, which consists of two parts:
- Part I (MCQ) is a computer-based, multiple-choice question exam covering a wide range of pharmacy competencies.
- Part II (OSCE) is an objective structured clinical examination that simulates real-life patient scenarios with actors, testing your practical and communication skills.
Part I (MCQ) can be taken remotely from anywhere in the world via online proctoring. The qualifying exams are held twice a year, and early registration is essential.
Excel in Your Qualifying Exams
According to the PEBC, pass rates for these exams historically range from 42% to 48%. To maximize your chances of success, we recommend our specialized Qualifying Exam Courses.
STEP 4: Language Proficiency
All candidates must demonstrate English or French language proficiency by passing a recognized language exam. The specific tests and required scores are determined by the pharmacy regulatory authority in the province where you wish to be licensed. You can find these requirements on the NAPRA website.
NAPRA Website: www.napra.ca
STEP 5: Practical Training / Internship
After successfully completing the PEBC exams, the next phase is your practical internship. The requirements vary by province. For example, Ontario requires IPGs to complete an evaluative placement program called PACE. Other provinces, like Alberta, mandate a multi-month internship.
To confirm the specific requirements, contact the College of Pharmacy in the province or territory where you plan to work.
STEP 6: Provincial Jurisprudence Exam
The final step before licensure is passing the Jurisprudence Exam for the province or territory where you intend to practice. This exam tests your knowledge of the federal and provincial laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing pharmacy practice in that jurisdiction.
