The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC), founded more than 50 years ago, is the national certification body for the pharmacy profession in Canada. It is based in Toronto and helmed by a national Board of Directors comprised of representatives of the pharmacy profession from across Canada.
So, suppose you are a pharmacy technician or pharmacist looking to immigrate to Canada via the Express Entry System. In that case, you must get your Educational Credential Assessment report (ECA) via the PEBC.
Did You Know?
Canada boasts around 42,500 licensed pharmacists, with 70% in community pharmacies, 15% in hospitals, and 15% in diverse settings such as the pharmaceutical industry.
Role of Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada
The PEBC is crucial in ensuring the quality and standardization of pharmacy professionals in Canada. Its primary responsibilities include:
PEBC contributes to enhancing healthcare services in Canada by establishing and maintaining national licensing standards for pharmacists. The certification process ensures that pharmacy professionals possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide exceptional healthcare services.
The board evaluates degrees and diplomas obtained by individuals outside of Canada. This assessment is vital for determining the equivalency of foreign qualifications to Canadian standards. This process helps integrate internationally educated pharmacists into the Canadian healthcare system.
The board supports candidates who are attempting to re-enter the pharmacy profession. This assistance may include guiding the necessary steps, assessments, and requirements for individuals seeking to resume their careers as pharmacists in Canada.
PEBC is instrumental in developing and maintaining national licensing standards for pharmacists. It helps create a consistent and high level of competence across the country, contributing to the overall quality and safety of Canadian pharmaceutical care.
PEBC Certification Process for International Pharmacy Graduates
The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) certification process for international pharmacy graduates comprises several essential steps:
Step 1: Enrolment in Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada
Initiate the process by enrolling in Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada. This step is pivotal in obtaining a national ID number, a unique identifier that streamlines your progression through the certification process.
Step 2: Applying to PEBC for Document Evaluation
With the national ID number, apply to PEBC for document evaluation. This crucial step scrutinizes the acceptability of your pharmacy degree, setting the foundation for the subsequent phases.
Step 3: Pharmacist Evaluating Examination
Upon receiving the 'PEBC Certificate of Qualification,' you become eligible for the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination (PEBC-1). The Evaluating Examination is a single-day computer-based exam lasting 4.25 hours. This exam assesses candidates ' competence comprehensively by covering diverse subjects such as biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy practice, and behavioral, social, and administrative pharmacy sciences. They are granted three attempts with the possibility of petitioning for a fourth attempt after remediation as deemed necessary by PEBC.
Step 4: Applying for PEBC Qualifying Exam (PEBC-2)
The Qualifying Examination is the ultimate step toward attaining the coveted PEBC Certificate of Qualification. This examination rigorously evaluates candidates' competence, encompassing knowledge, skills, and abilities required for safe & effective pharmacy practice at an entry-level position. Divided into two parts, Part I involves a computer-based multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination, while Part II is an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) conducted in person. It is imperative to pass both parts within three years of passing one part.
Step 5: Applying to Pharmacy Regulatory Authority (PRA)
Facilitate the seamless transfer of your profile, documents, and results to the Pharmacy Regulatory Authority (PRA) by applying via Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada. Simultaneously, directly apply to the PRA in your desired province for licensure.
Step 6: Jurisprudence Exam
Undertake a province-specific Jurisprudence exam, a relatively straightforward assessment based on Canadian pharmacy practice laws. This step is crucial for understanding the legal aspects of pharmacy practice.
Step 7: Practical Training and Assessment
Embark on a practical training period as an intern, fulfilling the varying hour requirements stipulated by each province. This hands-on experience ensures candidates acquire proficiency in pharmacy patient care and align with competency standards.
Step 8: License Registration
Upon fulfilling all requirements, the PRA confirms your eligibility for licensure. Complete the necessary fee payments for the license, with subsequent annual renewals requiring variable fees.
Note: The PEBC does not require Language Proficiency Tests. However, Provincial Regulatory Authorities do require these tests.
Who is Considered to Be Pharmacist in Canada
In Canada, individuals who fall under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Code 3131 are considered pharmacists. This NOC code encompasses a variety of roles and titles within the pharmacy field. Those classified as pharmacists in Canada include:
Hospital Pharmacist
Community Pharmacist
Clinical Pharmacist
Retail Pharmacist
Industrial Pharmacist
Pharmacist Consultant
Registered Pharmacist
Drug Information Pharmacist
Dispensary Department Supervisor – Hospital
Healthcare Institution Pharmacist
Intern Pharmacist
Hospital Druggist
Provincial and Territorial Regulatory Authorities for Canadian Pharmacists
In Canada, the pharmacy practice is regulated by provincial legislation, and only qualified individuals licensed by provincial regulatory authorities are authorized to practice. The provincial licensing authorities for pharmacists in Canada are as follows:
College of Pharmacists of British Columbia
Alberta College of Pharmacy
Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals
College of Pharmacists of Manitoba
Ontario College of Pharmacists
Ordre des Pharmaciens du Québec
New Brunswick College of Pharmacists
Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists
Prince Edward Island College of Pharmacy
Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board
For licensing in the Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory, and Nunavut Territory, individuals can contact the respective authorities:
Registrar, Professional Licensing, Health and Social Services, Gov’t of the Northwest Territories
Yukon Consumer Services, Dept. of Community Services, Gov't. of the Yukon Territory
Registrar - Health Professions, Professional Practice Unit, Health and Social Services, Government of Nunavut
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Fee Schedule for Pharmacists
Explore the comprehensive fee structure outlined by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) for pharmacists, covering various application and service categories.
Application / Service
Fee
Document Evaluation & Examination
Document Evaluation
C$705
US Document Evaluation
C$250
US Document Evaluation
C$900
Evaluating Examination
C$845
Qualifying Examination - Part I (MCQ)
C$100
Qualifying Examination - Part II (OSCE)
C$200
Examination Re-Scoring (Hand scoring)
Evaluating Examination
C$100
Qualifying Examination - Part I (MCQ)
C$100
Qualifying Examination - Part II (OSCE)
C$200
Examination Rescheduling
Evaluating Examination
C$50
Qualifying Examination - Part I (MCQ)
C$50
Miscellaneous
Certificate Replacement
C$100
Sending Licensing Statement/Good Standing Cert.
C$100
ECA Report Request
C$100
Source: Official Website
Conclusion
The PEBC certification pathway shapes competent professionals and contributes to exceptional patient care and career success. By preparing candidates for the challenges of pharmacy practice, PEBC sets the way for a bright and impactful future in the healthcare sector.
FAQs
Why do I need to be certified by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada?
PEBC certification is essential for regulatory compliance, ensuring individuals meet national standards for pharmacy practice in Canada. It guarantees a consistent level of competence, upholds patient safety, and serves as a recognized credential for entry into the pharmacy profession. Without PEBC certification, individuals may not be eligible to practice in the Canadian healthcare system.
Who specifies the PEBC eligibility criteria?
PEBC sets its own eligibility criteria. As the regulatory authority, PEBC establishes the standards for educational qualifications and examination requirements to ensure candidates meet the necessary standards for safe and effective pharmacy practice in Canada.
How do I initiate the PEBC certification process?
To start the PEBC certification process, register on the Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada. Following successful registration, you will receive a national identifier number, enabling you to proceed with document evaluation and examinations.
Can I go to Canada on a tourist visa to apply for the PEBC Evaluating Examination, or should I apply for immigration beforehand?
Yes, it is possible to appear for the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Evaluating and Qualifying examinations while holding a visitor visa. However, it's important to note that for actual work authorization in Canada, you must obtain the appropriate approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.
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