The PEBC steps
International graduates must pass Part I before they're eligible for Part II. Candidates who passed the Evaluating Examination by October 2026 can apply for Part I and/or Part II.
| Step | What it is | PEBC fee (2026/2027) |
|---|---|---|
| Document Evaluation | PEBC checks your pharmacy degree and identity documents | C$715 |
| Qualifying Exam Part I (MCQ) | 200 multiple-choice questions, 260 minutes | C$870 (2027) |
| Qualifying Exam Part II (OSCE) | Performance-based stations with standardized patients and clients | C$1,950 (2027) |
| Certificate of Qualification | Issued when both Parts are passed | Included |
Step by step
- Apply for Document Evaluation in the PEBC Candidate Portal. It's valid for 5 years; if you haven't passed Part I in that time, it expires.
- Apply for Part I in a February, May, July or November window, and choose a Prometric test centre or remote proctoring.
- Pass Part I, then apply for Part II (OSCE), offered in February, May and November.
- Pass both Parts within three years of each other to receive the PEBC Certificate of Qualification.
- Meet your province's requirements: typically a jurisprudence exam, practical training or internship, language proficiency and registration.
Attempts and time limits
Each Part allows up to four attempts. After three unsuccessful attempts, a fourth is possible only after Board-approved remediation. Both Parts must be passed within a three-year period; otherwise you retake the Part you passed first.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free PEBC Pharmacist MCQ practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
What it costs
PEBC fees alone come to about C$3,535 for one attempt at each step (Document Evaluation C$715, Part I C$870 and Part II C$1,950 at 2027 fees). Provincial fees (jurisprudence exam, registration, licence), language tests and bridging programs come on top, and each retake means paying the exam fee again. Always check current fees on pebc.ca.
How to prepare for Part I
- Learn Canadian guidelines, not just your home country's: Hypertension Canada, Diabetes Canada, CCS, the Canadian Thoracic Society and NACI.
- Practise in SI units and with generic drug names, as PEBC uses them.
- Do timed practice: 200 questions in 260 minutes is about 78 seconds each.
- Study Canadian law and ethics basics: NAPRA schedules, controlled-substance rules, confidentiality and standards of practice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a pharmacist in Canada as an international graduate?
It depends on exam windows, results and your province. Allow for Document Evaluation, at least one Part I window, a Part II window and provincial training and exams, so most candidates plan for well over a year.
Can I take the PEBC Evaluating Examination?
No. Its last sitting was October 2026. International graduates now go from Document Evaluation to the Qualifying Examination Part I.
Does PEBC certification let me practise anywhere in Canada?
It's a requirement for licensure in every province and territory except Québec, but each province adds its own requirements. Québec licensing is through the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec.
Do I need an English test for PEBC?
PEBC has no language requirement, but provinces do have language proficiency requirements for licensure, and strong English or French helps on both Parts.
Official sources
- PEBC: International Graduates pathway
- PEBC: Qualifying Examination general information
- PEBC: Examination Dates and Fees
Practice tests for these certifications
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not legal advice. PEBC rules change; confirm with PEBC before you apply.
