Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada as an international graduate is a highly structured process overseen by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and involves assessment by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC), followed by provincial licensing requirements. This comprehensive guide outlines the required steps, covering everything from skills assessment to final licensure and immigration.

---

Phase 1: Assessment and Eligibility

This phase focuses on validating your international education and professional knowledge.

Enroll in Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada (NAPRA)

The first mandatory step is to enroll in the Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada, which is managed by NAPRA. This is the national platform where your entire assessment and licensing journey will be tracked. You will create an e-portfolio and pay the required fees.

PEBC Document Evaluation Application

You must apply for a Document Evaluation with the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). This involves submitting official, certified documents (e.g., degree, transcripts, professional license) to verify that your pharmacy education is equivalent to a Canadian program.

PEBC Document Evaluation Outcome

The PEBC will inform you of the outcome. A successful evaluation confirms your eligibility to proceed to the written examinations.

Determine Evaluating Exam Exemption

Some international graduates from specific accredited programs may be exempt from the PEBC Evaluating Examination. You should confirm if your degree qualifies for this exemption.

Register and Pass the PEBC Evaluating Examination

If you are not exempt, you must register for and pass the PEBC Evaluating Examination. This exam confirms that your academic knowledge is comparable to that of a Canadian pharmacy graduate.

Achieve High Language Proficiency (IRCC/PRA)

Demonstrate high proficiency in English or French. This is crucial for both immigration and professional registration. You must achieve specific, often high, minimum scores on approved tests like IELTS General/Academic or CELPIP for immigration (IRCC) and often similar or higher standards for the Provincial Regulatory Authority (PRA).

Obtain Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

For immigration purposes, specifically the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), your pharmacy degree must be assessed for Canadian equivalency by an authorized organization. While PEBC provides a specialized assessment, an additional ECA may be required for your Express Entry profile.

Create Express Entry Profile (FSWP)

If you wish to immigrate via the FSWP, you must create an Express Entry profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), using your ECA, language test results, and professional background.

---

Phase 2: Qualifying Examinations and Certification

This phase completes the federal assessment of your knowledge and clinical skills.

Apply for PEBC Qualifying Exam – Part I (MCQ)

Once you pass the Evaluating Exam (or are exempt), apply for the first part of the final licensure exams: the PEBC Qualifying Examination – Part I (Multiple-Choice Questions – MCQ).

Pass PEBC Qualifying Exam – Part I (MCQ)

The MCQ component tests your fundamental pharmaceutical knowledge and ability to apply it.

Apply for PEBC Qualifying Exam – Part II (OSCE)

After successfully passing Part I, apply for the final practical exam: the PEBC Qualifying Examination – Part II (Objective Structured Clinical Examination – OSCE).

Pass PEBC Qualifying Exam – Part II (OSCE)

The OSCE assesses your clinical and professional judgment, communication, and decision-making skills through simulated patient scenarios.

Receive PEBC Certificate of Qualification

Upon successfully passing both parts of the Qualifying Exam, you will receive the PEBC Certificate of Qualification. This is the national professional certification required for provincial licensure.

---

Phase 3: Immigration, Practical Training, and Licensure

This phase combines the immigration process with the required provincial training and final licensure steps.

Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR

If your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is high enough, IRCC will issue you an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency (PR).

Submit Full Permanent Residency (PR) Application

Submit your complete and detailed application for Permanent Residency (PR) to IRCC, including all supporting documentation.

Apply for Initial Intern/Student Registration (PRA)

Apply to the relevant Provincial Regulatory Authority (PRA) (e.g., the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia, or the Ontario College of Pharmacists) for Initial Intern/Student Registration. This is mandatory for starting your practical training.

Complete Mandatory Bridging Program/Training

Many provinces require international graduates to complete a Mandatory Bridging Program or specific academic training (often at a university) before or during their internship to ensure familiarity with Canadian laws and practice standards.⁷

Receive Permanent Residency (PR) Visa Grant

Your PR application is approved, and you receive your Permanent Residency Visa Grant. This secures your right to live and work in Canada indefinitely.

Pass Provincial Jurisprudence Examination

You must pass a Provincial Jurisprudence Examination. This test specifically covers the pharmacy-related laws, ethics, and regulations unique to the province where you intend to practice.

Obtain Professional Liability Insurance (PLI)

Before beginning your supervised practice, you are required to obtain Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) to protect yourself during your internship.

Secure Preceptor and Register Internship (SPT)

You must secure an approved preceptor (supervising pharmacist) and an approved pharmacy site, then formally register your internship (often called Structured Practical Training – SPT) with the PRA.

Complete Structured Practical Training (SPT)

Fulfill the mandatory period of supervised practice (SPT) hours, which varies by province but typically ranges from 480 to 1,000+ hours.

Final Internship/Practice Assessment

Your preceptor will complete a Final Internship/Practice Assessment of your competence and readiness to practice independently.

Final Licensure Application Submission & Approval

Upon successful completion of all training, examinations (PEBC, Jurisprudence), and the SPT, you submit your final application for full General Licensure with the Provincial Regulatory Authority, officially becoming a licensed pharmacist in that province.