The PEBC Exam, conducted by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC), is a national certification process that evaluates the qualifications of international pharmacy graduates (IPGs) who wish to become licensed pharmacists in Canada. This certification ensures that your pharmacy education and professional knowledge align with Canadian standards of practice.
The PEBC certification process includes two key stages.
PEBC Evaluating Examination (EE)
This is the first mandatory step for pharmacy graduates from outside Canada. The EE tests foundational knowledge in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences. It is a computer-based exam consisting of 140 multiple-choice questions, conducted via Prometric test centres worldwide and even available for remote proctoring.
Exemption From the PEBC Evaluating Examination (EE)
You are eligible for the direct PEBC MCQ exam, and skipping the EE, if you meet the following:
- Graduated from a program accredited by ACPE (U.S.) or CCAPP (Canada)
- Your graduation year is the same as or later than your college’s accreditation year
- Your college was accredited at the time of graduation
Indian PharmD / BPharm graduates who can skip the EE exam:
Institutions like JSS College of Pharmacy (India) fall under this category.
PEBC Qualifying Examination (QE)
After clearing the EE, candidates are eligible to appear for the QE, which is divided into two parts:
Part I (MCQ): A computer-based test assessing pharmaceutical knowledge, problem-solving, and clinical decision-making.
Part II (OSCE): An Objective Structured Clinical Examination conducted in-person in Canada. It evaluates practical skills, communication, and real-world pharmacy competencies through simulated patient interactions.
Why is the PEBC Exam Important?
Successfully passing the PEBC exams is essential for licensure as a pharmacist in Canada, regardless of the province you intend to work in. PEBC certification opens doors to a high-paying, stable, and respected pharmacy career in Canada.
With thousands of pharmacists taking this route each year, the PEBC exam is your first and most important step toward living, working, and settling in Canada as a qualified pharmacist.