Becoming a pharmacist in Canada is a rewarding prospect that opens you to many opportunities and allows you to stay at the forefront of medical development.
Pharmacists serve an essential role in every community; they serve as a bridge for people who need medication by explaining how the drugs are taken, their effects, side effects, and potential drug interactions. Ideally, a person should use the same pharmacist as their supplier; this way, they can warn of any adverse interaction that could develop.
Having the knowledge and skill to fulfill the duties required of pharmacists is no easy feat, which is why Canada employs such strict barriers to deter those who do not meet the requirements. To help you navigate the complex process of becoming a pharmacist in Canada, this article discusses the process and materials required of you.
Canada’s requirements to be a pharmacist
Becoming a pharmacist in Canada requires a few things. For one, the process can take as long as 8 years if you’re starting the process from high school. For International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs), the process takes about three years and can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $24,000.
- First on the list is a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy degree from one of 11 Canadian programs accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs or from any university accredited by the U.S. Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
- Next is to pass a national board examination through the Qualifying Exam of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). This applies to most territories except Québec, which has its own process.
- Despite your credentials, everyone is expected to undergo a 12-month supervised apprenticeship/internship program to gain hands-on experience.
- Due to pharmacists’ role in the community as one of the faces of the healthcare system, it’s no wonder there is a requirement for proof of fluency in English or French, depending on the province where you plan to work.
- Canada’s healthcare system is heavily provincial, meaning each province and territory has its own regulators. They serve as licensing authorities, assessing competency, issuing licenses, and ensuring pharmacists meet professional standards. Before you can practice, you must obtain provincial licensure.
The process for International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs)
The process is a little different for IPGs seeking to practice in Canada. For one, the process starts with:
- Registering with Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada, a platform that serves as an introduction to the Canadian pharmaceutical system. It provides a detailed explanation of the exam, what to expect from it, how to enroll and apply for it, and even an online learning program for international pharmacy graduates, pharmacy students, and pharmacists. This applies to most provinces except Québec and IPGs applying to Nova Scotia’s streamlined licensure pathway.
- The Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada serves another purpose beyond introduction. It is also a repository of confidential national documents, accessible to the candidate, the PEBC, and the pharmacy regulatory authority. Thus, it is to them that you submit your documents for evaluation. All applicants must submit transcripts and professional credentials to PEBC for primary source verification. Only those whose education is deemed equivalent to a Canadian program become eligible to write the Evaluating Examination. A minimum of a four‑year pharmacy degree is required.
- Depending on the province, you will be asked to prove fluency in English or French. Most provinces accept IELTS (Academic) or CELPIP (General) with minimum scores (e.g., IELTS 7.0 overall, no band below 6.5) to ensure there will be effective patient communication and ethical practice.
- Next comes the first exam on this journey, the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination (MCQ). To progress, IPGs must pass this 200‑question multiple‑choice exam, which tests core pharmaceutical sciences and practice knowledge. Candidates are given three attempts, with a fourth possible after at least six months of preparation and remediation approval. This single-day exam lasts for 4.25 hours and is notoriously challenging, with a pass rate of 36%. However, proper preparation will help you overcome any barriers that may come up.
CanadaQBank provides question banks that are indispensable resources to anyone preparing for the EE. It has a bank of over 1500 questions, and its features are second to none. - After passing the EE, the next step is to complete pre-registration with your provincial regulatory authority. Each province has its own College of Pharmacy or regulatory body that oversees the profession and thus has its own requirements.
- In the weeks leading up to the next exam, it is expected that IMGs take a bridging course to fill any gaps in their knowledge of Canadian pharmacy practice. IPGs benefit from the additional education as it teaches them about the local systems and their peculiarities. This period can also be used to learn about the different provinces and what they require from potential workers.
- After passing the Evaluating Exam and completing the bridging course, candidates can attempt the PEBC Qualifying Exam. It is a two-part exam spread out over two half‑days.
- Part I is a written 200‑question MCQ.
- Part II is an OSCE involving 12 scored clinical stations simulating real‑world scenarios.
Passing the exam yields the PEBC Certificate of Qualification.
- After gaining the PEBC certification, pharmacists must complete any required practical training mandated by their province’s regulatory authority (PRA). Many provinces require a supervised internship, often 1,000 hours across multiple practice settings, and the passage of a jurisprudence exam covering provincial pharmacy law and ethics. This will be followed by a practice assessment where your skills and knowledge will be scrutinized in a practical setting.
Final step: licensure
Upon completing both the practical assessment and the jurisprudence exam, you are finally awarded the thing you labored so hard for. You become a licensed pharmacist, certified to practice and serve Canada’s people with your battle-tested skills.
However, not all provinces require every step. Also, depending on your background and the province where you want to practice, different pathways might be available to you. Your best bet would be to check with Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada and your provincial regulatory authority of choice for the most current and specific requirements.
Conclusion
To conclude, becoming a pharmacist in Canada is long and expensive, but the rewards and opportunities gained are undeniable. Estimates suggest that pharmacists take home an average salary of $100,694 per year and an estimated total pay of $107,321 annually. So, your hard labour will definitely pay off.