Aspiring to work as a pharmacist in Canada? You should be aware of the PEBC exam, which is the licensure exam for overseas-trained pharmacists like yourself who wish to work in Canada. In the past few years, thousands of skilled pharmacists have cracked this exam, and so can you. If you are ready to dedicate yourself to achieving this milestone, this guide is for you.
We will provide a structured roadmap that includes eligibility, application process, books and study materials, and preparation tips to help you succeed. So let’s dive in!
About the PEBC Exam
The Pharmacist Evaluating Board of Canada exam is the licensure exam that, when you clear, gives you the license to practice pharmacy in Canada. Clearing this exam means your entry into the global world of pharmacy, which is full of exciting opportunities. Here are the major details about the PEBC exam that you should know.
PEBC Exam Eligibility 2025
The eligibility criteria for the PEBC exam are simple. You only need a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from a recognized institution. You must have the transcript in good condition and translated into English. No prior experience is required to apply for the exam.
PEBC Exam Syllabus
The PEBC exam is divided into 3 subject areas, which you need to prepare for. Here are more details-
| Domain | Weightage | Topics Covered |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | 25% | Pharmaceutics and drug delivery systems Pharmacokinetics and biopharmaceutics Pharmacology Toxicology Biotechnology and pharmacogenetics |
| Pharmacy Practice | 55% | Pathophysiology Clinical biochemistry and diagnostic testing (including point-of-care testing) Pharmacotherapeutics (prescription, nonprescription, complementary, nutritional therapies) Patient care process (assessment/intervention/monitoring/follow-up/documentation) Special populations (geriatrics, pediatrics, pregnancy, lactation) Prescription processing and product preparation (including nonsterile compounding) Medication administration Prescription calculations Communication (patient/caregiver education) Collaborative care (intra- and interprofessional) |
| Behavioural, Social, and Administrative Sciences | 20% | Health promotion and disease prevention Literature evaluation (critical appraisal, research methods, evidence-based decision making, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacoeconomics, biostatistics) Medication and patient safety practices Professionalism and ethics Pharmacy management (financial, personnel, marketing, quality improvement, risk management, workplace safety) Canadian healthcare system, health equity, and social determinants of health (Indigenous health, cultural diversity/safety) |
PEBC Exam Format
The PEBC Qualifying Examination for pharmacists consists of two parts:
- Part I, which is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) section, and
- Part II, which is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) section.
The Evaluating Exam is no longer part of the process, making the Qualifying Exam the primary assessment. Here are the key points about the PEBC exam format-
- The Evaluating Exam has been removed from the PEBC process.
- The exam focuses on testing core competencies.
- The exam is made up of computer-based MCQs.
- Part II is a practical OSCE conducted in a simulated environment.
- Questions in both parts emphasize the application of pharmacy knowledge.
PEBC Exam Preparation Material
Let us now tell you about the books, resources, and other PEBC exam preparation material recommended by PEBC, which can help you prepare for and crack the exam.
Official Canadian Pharmacy References
- From Canadian Pharmacists Association
- CPS Drug Information (Drug monographs, Lexi-Interact, clinical tools)
- CPS Full Access (Includes content from Therapeutic Choices and Minor Ailments)
- From Vigilance Santé
- RxVigilance Essential Version (Monographs, charts, antibiotic guides, pediatric dosing)
- RxVigilance Complete Version (Includes compounding formulas, patient info, provincial drug coverage)
Recommended Textbooks
| Category | Title | Author(s) | Publisher |
| Pathophysiology / Pharmacotherapy | Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs | Zeind et al | Wolters Kluwer |
| Pharmacotherapy | Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach | DiPiro et al | McGraw-Hill |
| Pharmacotherapy Principles | Pharmacotherapy: Principles and Practice | Chisholm-Burns et al | McGraw-Hill |
| Pharmacology | Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics | Brunton et al | McGraw-Hill |
| Lab Data | Basic Skills in Interpreting Laboratory Data | Lee | ASHP |
| Patient Assessment | Patient Assessment in Pharmacy Practice | Jones | Wolters Kluwer |
| Biopharmaceutics & PK | Applied Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics | Shargel, Yu, Ducharme | McGraw-Hill |
| Pregnancy & Lactation | Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation | Briggs et al | Wolters Kluwer |
| Psychotropic Drugs | Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs | Procyshyn et al | Hogrefe |
| Drug Info & Literature | Drug Information: A Guide for Pharmacists | Malone et al | McGraw-Hill |
| EBM | How to Read a Paper | Greenhalgh | Wiley-Blackwell |
| Calculations | Stoklosa and Ansel’s Pharmaceutical Calculations | Stockton | Wolters Kluwer |
| Communication | Communication Skills in Pharmacy Practice | Beardsley et al | Wolters Kluwer |
| Ethics | Ethics in Pharmacy Practice: A Practical Guide | Sullivan et al | Springer |
| Pharmacy Management | Pharmacy Management in Canada | Hindmarsh et al | Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy |
Free Online Information Sources
- Bugs & Drugs – Infectious disease and antimicrobial use
- CredibleMeds – QT prolongation risk
- Merck Manual Professional Version – General medical reference
- RxFiles – Drug therapy comparisons (limited free access)
- Therapeutics Initiative (UBC) – Evidence-based treatment recommendations
Subscription-Based Drug Databases
- AHFS DI Essentials
- DynaMed
- Micromedex
- TRC Healthcare
- UpToDate
- UpToDate Lexidrug (formerly Lexicomp)
Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Canadian Cardiovascular Society
- Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
- Canadian Thoracic Society
- Diabetes Canada
- Hypertension Canada
- Thrombosis Canada
Final Words
With the help of these resources, you can prepare well for the PEBC examination. However, if you need more concise notes and guides along with mock tests and expert guidance, you need an online PEBC coaching.
Academically offers an outstanding PEBC preparation course, which helps pharmacists like you prepare for PEBC and kickstart your pharmacy career in Canada. Ready to begin your journey to success? Book a FREE counseling session with our experts today!
