The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) has introduced a transformative Streamlined Pathway, it came into effect since May 13, 2025, to simplify the certification process for eligible international pharmacy graduates. This significant update offers qualified candidates a faster route to licensure in Canada — eliminating the need for the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination and providing direct access to the Qualifying Examination.
What’s Changed?
Previously, all international graduates were required to complete both the Evaluating Exam and the Qualifying Exam (Part I: MCQ, and Part II: OSCE) to achieve certification. With the streamlined update:
Eligible candidates will bypass the Evaluating Examination.
They may now register directly for the Part I (MCQ) of the Qualifying Exam.
Upon passing Part I, they become eligible to attempt Part II (OSCE).
This change aims to reduce redundancy and help internationally trained pharmacists integrate into Canada’s workforce more efficiently — without compromising assessment rigor.
Important Timing
The new pathway that took effect on May 13, 2025. This timing is crucial: it allows qualified candidates to apply for the October/November 2025 Part I (MCQ) session until August 7, 2025. It’s a timely shift that gives applicants a clear, structured path toward certification.
Who Qualifies?
Not all international graduates are eligible — but those meeting one of the following criteria can benefit from the streamlined pathway:
Pathway 1 – International Accreditation
Graduates from programs internationally accredited by either the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) may bypass the Evaluating Exam. These programs must have held such accreditation at the time of graduation.
International Pharmacy Degree Programmes Accredited by CCAPP
Beirut Arab University – Lebanon, Beirut
King Abdulaziz University – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
King Saud University – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Kuwait University – Kuwait City, KU
Qatar University – Doha, Qatar
International Pharmacy Degree Program in India Accredited by ACPE
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)- JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research College of Pharmacy.
Pathway 2 – Comparable Practice & Accreditation
This path splits into two options:
(a) Completed a pharmacy program in one of PEBC’s approved countries (Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom)—countries whose educational systems and regulatory frameworks are officially recognized by PEBC
(b) Graduated from an accredited program in another country, and within the past 3 years:
Held a full, unrestricted pharmacist license in one of the approved countries or the United States, and practiced at least one year in direct patient care under that license
This ensures that even graduates from unlisted countries can qualify if they’ve gained equivalent experience and licensure in trusted jurisdictions.
Why the Change?
PEBC’s decision reflects its vision to maintain a careful balance between rigorous evaluation and efficient, inclusive certification. The key principles guiding this update include:
Integrity: Keeping high standards for patient safety and competence.
Fairness: Ensuring equal opportunities for all qualified graduates.
Transparency: Clear criteria for eligibility and processes.
Innovation: Streamlining steps without lowering quality.
Collaboration: Consulting regulators, educators, and stakeholders throughout.
PEBC seeks to reduce unnecessary hurdles while upholding the integrity of the Canadian pharmacy profession and maintaining public trust in licensed pharmacists and patient safety standards.
What Candidates Should Do
1. Complete Document Evaluation
All applicants, regardless of pathway, must undergo the standard document evaluation first: verifying credentials and transcripts.
2. Confirm Pathway Eligibility
If your degree is CCAPP or ACPE accredited, you qualify under Pathway 1.
If not, check if your program is in one of the approved countries or if you qualify under Pathway 2b.
3. Apply for the October/November 2025 Qualifying Exam (MCQ)
Once eligibility is confirmed and documentation is approved, apply until August 7, 2025. You’ll need to prepare diligently — even though you’ve bypassed the Evaluating Exam, the MCQ remains challenging.
4. Prepare for Part II (OSCE)
After passing the MCQ, you move on to the OSCE, which assesses clinical skills in simulated patient-care settings.
Looking Ahead
PEBC plans to review eligibility criteria annually, aiming to include graduates from more countries as regulatory practices and educational scopes evolve. This forward-looking approach supports a dynamic and global talent pool while ensuring pharmacist competence and patient safety in Canada.
Final Thoughts
The new Streamlined Pathway marks a significant step forward for internationally trained pharmacists eager to contribute to Canada’s healthcare system. By eliminating redundant testing and amplifying global collaboration, PEBC is modernizing its certification process — without compromising its high standards.
