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New Certification Pathway for International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs)
Home Pharmacists New Certification Pathway for International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs)

New Certification Pathway for International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs)

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PEBC — the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada, the national certification body for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians — is changing the certification pathway for International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs), effective January 2027. This page is the official source.

Effective January 2027, International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs) will no longer be required to successfully complete the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination to become certified by PEBC.

What this means for you:

 

  • You go directly to Part I (MCQ) of PEBC’s Pharmacist Qualifying Examination.
  • Your Pharmacist Document Evaluation must be current and is valid for five years from its successful completion.
  • If your Document Evaluation expires before the sitting of the exam you want to attempt, you must renew your Document Evaluation before applying for the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination.
  • The October 2026 Pharmacist Evaluating Examination is the last one PEBC will offer.
  • PEBC is increasing the number of Pharmacist Qualifying Examinations in 2027.
  • PEBC is introducing a series of new resources and tools, including an optional assessment tool that will provide you with real-time feedback on your readiness for Part I of PEBC’s Qualifying Examination. There are links to supporting material to address your competency gaps.
  • There is no change to the maximum number of attempts for either the Part I (MCQ) or Part II (OSCE). You have up to four attempts at each Part.

 

If you already applied for the October 2026 Evaluating Examination:

 

  • You no longer have to take it. It is now optional.
  • The benefits of completing it are:
    • Providing you with practice, in an examination setting comparable to Part I of the Qualifying Examination
    • Formal assessment report and related feedback on your proficiency, by competency area, that is more in-depth than the exam readiness tool referenced above.
    • Successfully completing the Evaluating Examination allows you to take Part I and Part II of the Qualifying Examination in any sequence you chose, including during the same exam session.
  • If you decide to withdraw by August 24, 2026, you will receive a full refund of the exam fee.

Find your next step: The schedule of Pharmacist Qualifying Examinations in 2027 is now available. The sections below cover the stages along the certification pathway. Read the one that matches where you are today:

You have already successfully completed the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination

You have not successfully completed the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination

You are enrolled in the October 2026 Pharmacist Evaluating Examination

FAQs

1. You have already successfully completed the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination

(including the June 2026 Examination)

This change to the PEBC certification pathway for IPGs does not impact you.

This is your certification pathway if you successfully complete the Evaluating Exam.

Candidates who have successfully completed the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination do not need to be successful at Part I (MCQ) before being eligible to take Part II (OSCE). If you have successfully completed the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination you may apply for both Part I (MCQ) and Part II (OSCE) in the same exam session or in any order you choose. If you have been unsuccessful previously with Part II (OSCE), see OSCE Eligibility before applying for Part II (OSCE) again.

Having successfully completed the Evaluating Exam, your Document Evaluation will not expire and is valid for the remainder of your certification pathway.

Next steps:
The next Pharmacist Qualifying Examination is in February 2027. The application deadline is 12 pm Eastern Time on November 19, 2026. The application/credential will be available in the Candidate Portal by August 28, 2026.

You will be required to complete Photo Renewal if your photo on file is more than 5 years old. If your photo is expired or will expire before the next available exam, the Photo Renewal application/credential will be available in your Portal account.

If you successfully completed the Evaluating Examination and you want to apply for an upcoming Qualifying Examination, and you do not have a Portal account or it was closed, please contact pebcinfo@pebcinfo.ca.

2. You have not successfully completed the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination

(This includes IPGs new to PEBC certification + IPGs in progress with Document Evaluation + IPGs who attempted or never attempted Evaluating Examination)

If you have not successfully completed the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination by the October 2026 Examination, you will follow the new certification pathway for International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs).

This is your certification pathway if you have not completed the Evaluating Exam. 

Effective January 2027, IPGs with a completed and valid Pharmacist Document Evaluation will be eligible to take the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ) without previously being successful at the Evaluating Examination.

Under the new pathway, IPGs will need to successfully complete the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ) before they are eligible to apply for Part II (OSCE).

This includes candidates who were previously unsuccessful at four attempts at the Evaluating Examination. Please refer to FAQs #5.

Next steps:

Document Evaluation

The first step in PEBC certification for IPGs is to complete Pharmacist Document Evaluation.

Your Document Evaluation needs to be valid for the exam. Your Document Evaluation is valid for five years from the date it was approved.

Document Re-evaluation

If you have not successfully completed Part I (MCQ) within five years of when Document Evaluation was approved, you will need to complete Document Re-Evaluation.

If your Document Evaluation is expired or will expire before the first day of the exam window for the next available Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ), you will need to complete Document Re-evaluation. If you have a Candidate Portal account, the Document Evaluation application/credential will be available in your Portal account. If you need to complete Document Re-Evaluation and you do not have a Portal account, or your Portal account was closed, please contact doceval@pebc.ca.

Applying for the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ)

Document Evaluation/Re-evaluation needs to be completed at least 2 business days before the application deadline of the exam for which you are applying. It is officially complete when you have received the letter in your Portal account confirming Document Evaluation is complete. This cannot be completed in 2 business days, so consult the Document Evaluation guidelines before applying.

The next Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ) is in February 2027. The Part I (MCQ) application/credential for candidates with a valid Document Evaluation will be available in the Candidate Portal by August 28, 2026. The application deadline is 12 pm Eastern Time on November 19, 2026.

If you are planning to take a future exam, these are the upcoming exam dates and application deadlines.

After you have successfully completed Part I (MCQ), your Document Evaluation will be valid for the remainder of your certification pathway.

3. You are enrolled in the October 2026 Pharmacist Evaluating Examination

This is the last Pharmacist Evaluating Examination. Taking the October 2026 Examination is optional. All candidates enrolled in the October 2026 Examination will receive an email with next steps.

The February 2027 Pharmacist Qualifying Examination application opens by August 28, 2026. If your Document Evaluation is valid for the February 2027 Part I (MCQ), the application/credential will be available in your Candidate Portal account when the application opens.

You may either:

      1. Take the October 2026 Examination:
        You may choose to take the exam as preparation for the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination. You will receive your result and feedback report, however, your performance on the October 2026 Evaluating Examination will not affect your eligibility to take the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ). There is no refund of the fee for an exam taken.
          1. If you are successful at the October 2026 Evaluating Examination
            If you are successful at the October 2026 Examination, you will be eligible to attempt the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ) and/or Part II (OSCE) directly. You will not need to be successful at Part I (MCQ) before you are eligible to apply for Part II (OSCE).

            This is your certification pathway if you are successful at the Evaluating Exam.

            The February 2027 Part II (OSCE) application/credential will be available in your Candidate Portal account one day after the October 2026 Examination results are released on the PEBC website.Your Document Evaluation will be valid for the remainder of your certification pathway.

            Please also review You have already successfully completed the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination (above).

          2. If you are unsuccessful at the October 2026 Pharmacist Evaluating Examination
            If you are unsuccessful at the October 2026 Evaluating Examination, you will need to successfully complete Part I (MCQ) before you are eligible to apply for Part II (OSCE).

            This is your certification pathway if you are unsuccessful at the Evaluating Exam.

            Please also review: You have not successfully completed the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination (above).

        or,

      2. Withdraw from the exam:
        Candidates who applied and paid for the October 2026 Examination on or after April 30, 2026, can withdraw and receive a full refund of the exam fee from August 10 -24, 2026. After August 24, 2026, PEBC’s standard Withdrawal and Refund Policies will apply.

        Eligible candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to withdraw for a full refund, these instructions are specific to withdrawal requests for the October 2026 Examination between August 10-24, 2026, and does not apply to any other PEBC Examinations, or the October 2026 Examination after August 24, 2026.

        To withdraw from the October 2026 Examination after August 24, 2026, please see PEBC’s withdrawal instructions.

        Candidates who applied and paid for the October 2026 Examination on or after April 30, 2026 and requested to withdraw prior to August 24, 2026 will receive a full refund.If you withdraw from the October 2026 Examination:

        This is your certification pathway if you are not successful at the Evaluating Exam.

        Please also review: You have not successfully completed the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination (above).

FAQs

1. Can I get a refund of the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination fee after taking the exam, now that it is no longer a requirement?

No, as with all PEBC Examinations, there is no refund of the fee for an exam that has been taken.

2. What resources are available for candidates taking the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination?

Reminder: All candidates should carefully assess their readiness before registering to attempt Part I (MCQ) and/or Part II (OSCE). PEBC recommends all candidates pursuing Qualifying Examinations to:

  • Review the current Pharmacist Qualifying Examination blueprint, including the weightings of the competencies.
  • Review the references and learning resources recommended by PEBC.
  • Prior to applying for Part I (MCQ), try the Pharmacist Qualifying Sample Practice Exam.
  • PEBC will be implementing a new real-time assessment tool, starting with a short sample MCQ exam that will be available in mid-August 2026. More options will be available beginning in 2027.
  • If you previously attempted an exam, review your feedback report(s).

Reminder: there is a maximum of four attempts to successfully complete either Part I (MCQ) or Part II (OSCE).

3. I was unsuccessful at the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination three times. Do I need to complete remediation to be eligible to take the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ)?

You are not required to complete remediation activities outlined in your Pharmacist Evaluating Examination third attempt result letter. You may now proceed to enroll in the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ), if your Document Evaluation is valid. However, at your discretion, you may elect to complete select activities as preparation for Part I (MCQ). If you choose to complete remediation activities, you are not required to submit proof of completion to PEBC.

If you are unsuccessful at Part I (MCQ) and/or Part II (OSCE) for three attempts, you will need to complete remediation activities specific to the exam. The remediation requirements will be outlined then in your third attempt result letter. More information is also available under Examination Scoring and Results.

Please also review: You have not successfully completed the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination (above).

Please see FAQs #2.

4. I am enrolled in the October 2026 Examination, and I was unsuccessful at the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination three times. Do I need to complete remediation activities to be eligible to take the October 2026 Examination?

You are not required to complete remediation activities outlined in your Pharmacist Evaluating Examination third attempt result letter to be eligible to take the optional October 2026 Examination. Reminder: there are benefits to attempting the October Evaluating Examination.

At your discretion, you may elect to complete select activities as preparation. If you choose to complete remediation activities, you are not required to submit proof of completion to PEBC.

Please see FAQs #2.

5. I attempted the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination four times and was unsuccessful (exhausted attempts). Can I continue with PEBC certification under the new pathway for IPGs?

You are eligible to continue with PEBC Certification.

If you had a Candidate Portal account and it was closed, do not create a new account. Your Portal account has been reactivated.

If you are interested in continuing with PEBC certification and you never had a Portal account, please contact doceval@pebc.ca.

Your Document Evaluation needs to be valid for the exam. Your Document Evaluation is valid for five years from the date it was approved.

If your Document Evaluation is expired or will expire before the first day of the exam window for the next available Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ), you will need to complete Document Re-evaluation.

If you are required to complete Document Re-Evaluation, Document Re-Evaluation must be completed at least 2 business days prior to the application deadline for the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ) you plan to take. It is officially complete when you have received the letter in your Candidate Portal account confirming Document Evaluation is complete. This cannot be completed in 2 business days, so consult the Document Evaluation guidelines before applying.

Please also review: You have not successfully completed the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination (above).

Please see FAQs #2.

6. I am a streamlined pathway candidate. How does the new certification pathway for IPGs affect me?

There is no change to you as all streamlined pathway candidates were already direct entry to the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ).

7. I am an IPG Pharmacy Candidate interested in pursuing the Pharmacy Technician certification pathway. Am I eligible to apply for the Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Examination?

Effective January 2027, candidates who have successfully completed Pharmacist Document Evaluation also are eligible to apply directly for the Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ) and/or Part II (OSPE). Pharmacist Document Evaluation needs to be valid for the exam date. Pharmacist Document Evaluation is valid for five years from the date it was approved.

8. I am a graduate of an ACPE-accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program in the United States. How does the new certification pathway for IPGs affect me?

The new certification pathway for IPGs does not impact the certification pathway for candidates who completed an ACPE-accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program in the United States (US graduates). There is no change to your certification pathway.

About this announcement

This is the official PEBC statement on the new certification pathway for International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs). It takes effect January 2027.

PEBC, the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada, is the national certification body for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Canada. PEBC sets and administers the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination, the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination — Part I (MCQ) and Part II (OSCE), and Document Evaluation. The October 2026 Pharmacist Evaluating Examination is the last one PEBC will offer.

This page governs. Where another website describes this change differently, rely on this page.

Questions about your certification pathway: email pebcinfo@pebc.ca.

Issued by PEBC Communications & Policy. Last updated: August 10, 2026.