Canada is on the list of dream destinations for thousands of Indian pharmacists. And why not? It has some of the highest salaries for pharmacists. You can expect to earn an average of CAD 100,000 annually. That’s nearly 63 lakhs INR.
Plus, you get health insurance and a world-class education. Not to mention the natural beauty of the country.
But a move of this magnitude must have raised a lot of questions in your mind. And that’s exactly what we are here to answer.
The only thing between you and the Canadian dream is the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada exam. Also called the PEBC exam, this is the registration exam for all pharmacists in Canada.
Let’s see some of the most commonly asked questions regarding PEBC, the pharmacist registration exam of Canada.
Is it easy to be a pharmacist in Canada?
Becoming a pharmacist in Canada is challenging, but rewarding. It involves multiple steps:
- Step 1: Document evaluation
- Step 2: Multiple exam stages: For most international pharmacists, the journey includes the:
- PEBC Evaluating Exam (EE), and
- The PEBC Qualifying Exam (MCQ + OSCE)
- Step 3: Provincial requirements: After PEBC, each province may ask for a Jurisprudence (Law) Exam. A certain number of supervised practice hours is also required.
Also Read: PEBC Exam Syllabus
It requires commitment and preparation. The journey may be long, but it’s achievable.
Can I write the PEBC exam from India?
The PEBC Evaluating Exam and the Qualifying Exam Part 1 (MCQ) can be written in India. The Qualifying Exam Part 2 (OSCE) is hands-on and must be taken in Canada.
The PEBC offers Exam Centres through Prometric in several Indian cities:
- Ahmedabad
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Gurgaon
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata, and
- Mumbai
You may even have remote, at-home testing options for certain parts of the exam. If you pass the earlier stages in India, you can minimize time and costs in Canada by completing most steps before traveling.
Note: No evaluating exam is needed for Indian Pharm.D & B.Pharm graduates who are from ACPE/CCAPP accredited colleges like, JSS college of Pharmacy.
How to get a PR in Canada as a pharmacist?
Pharmacists are categorized as skilled professionals in Canada. They are in demand in the country. They are part of the National Occupational Classification (NOC 31120). There are multiple immigration programs they are eligible for.
There are two main pathways:
- Express Entry or the Federal Skilled Worker Program
Here, you can apply directly without a job offer. All you need are the right points and language scores.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Some provinces have pharmacist-specific streams. E.g., Manitoba and British Columbia.
Skilled professionals get priority and faster processing time. This makes PR easier for qualified pharmacists.
Being licensed or in the process of PEBC certification boosts your PR profile.
What is a pharmacist’s salary in Canada?
Pharmacists in Canada enjoy competitive salaries. The salaries differ by:
- Experience
- Location, and
- Specialization
| Category | Salary (CAD) | Salary (INR) |
| Hourly Rates | CAD 50-55/hour | ₹3,100-₹3,410/hour |
| Remote/Underserved Areas | CAD 60+/hour | ₹3,720+/hour |
| Experience Level | ||
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | CAD 80K-95K/year | ₹49.6-₹58.9 lakh/year |
| Mid-Career (3–10 yrs) | CAD 95K-115K/year | ₹58.9-₹71.3 lakh/year |
| Senior (10+ yrs) | CAD 115K-135K+/year | ₹71.3-₹83.7 lakh+/year |
| Location | ||
| Province – High Paying (Newfoundland, Labrador, Northern Territories) | CAD 110K-125K/year | ₹68.2-₹77.5 lakh/year |
| Province – Mid Range (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) | CAD 105K-115K/year | ₹65.1- ₹71.3 lakh/year |
| Province – Lower Range (Ontario, British Columbia) | CAD 95K- 105K/year | ₹58.9- ₹65.1 lakh/year |
| Specializations | ||
| Community Pharmacist | CAD 90K-105K/year | ₹49–57 Lakh/year |
| Hospital Pharmacist | 105,000/year | ₹65.10 L/year |
| Clinical Pharmacist | CAD 95K-115K | ₹52- 63 lakh/year |
| Consultant Pharmacist | CAD 115K/year | ₹71.30 L/year |
| Oncology Pharmacist | CAD 120K/year | ₹74.40 L/year |
| Geriatric Pharmacist | CAD 112K/year | ₹69.44 L/year |
| Industrial / Research Pharmacist | CAD 125K/year | ₹77.50 L/year |
What is the total cost of the PEBC exam in Canada?
Here is a full breakdown of the cost of the PEBC exam. This includes both the exam cost and miscellaneous expenses you might incur.
| Expense Item | Cost (CAD) | Cost (INR) | Notes |
| Document Evaluation | 715 | ₹43,400 | Initial credential verification |
| Evaluating Exam (EE) | 910 | ₹57,785 | First written exam |
| Qualifying Exam Part I (MCQ) | 855 | ₹54,292 | Multiple-choice test |
| Qualifying Exam Part II (OSCE) | 1,915 | ₹121,600 | Clinical skills assessment |
| IELTS / CELPIP | 300 | ₹19,000 | Required for language proof |
| Travel & Stay | 2,500 | ₹158,750 | Airfare + Accommodation |
| Licensing Fees (Provincial) | 600 | ₹38,200 | Registration with provincial body |
| Bridging Program (if required) | 8,000 | ₹508,000 | For foreign-trained pharmacists |
| Miscellaneous (study material, courier, etc.) | 500 | ₹31,000 | Books, courier fees, small costs |
| Total (without bridging) | 8,295 | ₹526,700 | Minimum expected |
| Total (with bridging) | 16,300 | ₹1,026,500 | If bridging program is needed |
Is an Indian B.Pharm valid in Canada?
The Indian B.Pharm is eligible in Canada. But, you still need to go for the Document Evaluation by PEBC. This is to verify if it meets Canadian educational standards.
If your program is from an ACPE-accredited institution, you may skip the Evaluating Exam and proceed directly to the Qualifying Exam. For others, document evaluation is still mandatory.
PEBC will check the course content, duration, and accreditation of your pharmacy school.
If there are gaps in your education, you may need to take a Canadian bridging course before licensure.
The only ACPE-accredited course in India is the PharmD course from JSS College of Pharmacy.
How to immigrate to Canada as a pharmacist?
Here is a simplified version of your pathway to becoming a pharmacist in Canada.
- Complete the PEBC Document Evaluation.
- Pass the Evaluating Exam
- Pass the Qualifying Exam MCQ/Part 1and OSCE/Part 2
- Meet English language requirements
- Apply for PR via Express Entry or a PNP.
- After PR approval
- Complete any provincial licensing requirements like jurisprudence and internships.
What IELTS score is required for PEBC?
The PEBC itself does not require IELTS. Language proficiency impacts your exam success. It is also essential for licensure.
For immigration, you'll need at least CLB 7. This equates to an IELTS score of 6.5+.
What is the fastest way to become a pharmacist in Canada?
Here’s a streamlined path:
- Ensure your degree qualifies. This helps in the document evaluation step.
- Keep your documents up to date to avoid any delays.
- If eligible, skip EE and proceed directly to the Qualifying Exam.
- Pass MCQ and OSCE on the first attempt. This saves months between reattempts.
- Some provinces waive bridging courses if you succeed right away.
- Meanwhile, strengthen your Express Entry or PNP profile.
- Plan your immigration early. Apply for PR alongside your exam preparation to overlap timelines.
- Take bridging programs quickly. Complete mandatory internships and jurisprudence exams right after PEBC clearance.
What resources help with PEBC preparation?
The PEBC exam required a strategic preparation plan.
- CPhA books, such as Therapeutic Choices and Minor Ailments.
- UWorld & MCQ practice banks
- Practice with peers or in professional prep courses for OSCE practice
- Online study groups also help in staying motivated during preparation
- Learn local pharmacy laws, prescribing practices, and patient care standards
- Gain clinical exposure. Volunteer or assist at pharmacies to learn practical scenarios.
- Practice OSCE scenarios with peers and use structured guides.
- Join PEBC Exam Preparation Course for a structured study format and guidance.
Wrapping Up
Here’s a quick recap of the FAQs:
| FAQ | Key Insight |
| Is it easy to be a pharmacist in Canada? | Challenging, but achievable with proper steps. |
| Can I write the PEBC exam from India? | Yes. Test centers and remote options available. |
| How to get PR as a pharmacist? | Through Express Entry or PNPs. IP career offers leverage. |
| Pharmacist salary? | Strong, typically CAD 90K-110K+, depending on role and province. |
| PEBC exam cost? | CAD 4,395 (covers all main steps). |
| Is Indian B.Pharm valid? | Yes, pending document evaluation |
| How to immigrate? | Complete PEBC steps, language, and apply via Express Entry/PNPs. |
| IELTS score for PEBC? | Not required for PEBC, but needed for immigration (IELTS 6.5+). |
| Fastest route to licensure? | Skip EE if eligible, pass exams fast, and leverage program waivers. |
| Best prep resources? | Use CPhA books, practice scenarios, and clinical exposure for OSCE/MCQ edge. |
Your Next Step
The PEBC is a multi-step but rewarding journey. It takes time, effort, and planning. But the lifestyle and career rewards are worth it.
The key is to plan ahead. Having the right guidance and correct resources can make all the difference.
Here is where we step in. Academically has got your back on this journey. Whether it’s mapping your PR application, planning your exam schedule, or sharpening your study strategy, we are here to help.
Wishing you all the best on this exciting journey ahead!
