Structured Practical Training (SPT) & Practice Assessment (PACE) for International Pharmacists

Structured Practical Training (SPT) and practice-based assessments are required steps for internationally educated pharmacists to obtain licensure in Canada. These requirements ensure that candidates are competent to practice safely, ethically, and independently in the Canadian healthcare system.

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Who Needs SPT or PACE?

You may need to complete SPT or PACE if you are:

  • An international pharmacy graduate

  • Applying for pharmacist licensure in Canada

  • Registered or eligible to register as a pharmacy intern or provisional pharmacist

  • Directed by a provincial pharmacy regulator to complete practice-based requirements

The exact requirement depends on the province where you apply for registration.

SPT vs PACE: What’s the Difference?

Structured Practical Training (SPT)

  • Purpose: Training and evaluation
  • Teaching / Coaching: Yes
  • Supervision: Preceptor support
  • Outcome: Competency development
  • Used in: Alberta, British Columbia (via CP3), other provinces.

Practice Assessment (PACE)

  • Purpose: Assessment only (not a training program)
  • Teaching / Coaching: No
  • Supervision: Assessor observation
  • Outcome: Pass or further development required
  • Used in: Ontario

Ontario: Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE)

What Is PACE?

PACE is not a training program.
It is a practice-based assessment used by the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) to determine whether a candidate is ready to practice independently and safely as a pharmacist.

Orientation Phase

  • Duration: 35 hours

  • Purpose: Familiarization with pharmacy workflow, systems, and policies

  • What You Can Do:

    • Observe pharmacy operations

    • Learn dispensing software and processes

  • Restrictions:

    • No direct patient care

    • No authorized acts

Assessment Phase

  • Duration: 70 hours over approximately 2–3 weeks

  • Purpose: Assess real-world pharmacy practice competencies

  • Assessment Areas:

    • Patient care and communication

    • Clinical decision-making

    • Identification of drug therapy problems

    • Professionalism and safety

Your performance is assessed using the Ontario Pharmacy Patient Care Assessment Tool (OPPCAT).

Development Phase (If Required)

  • Required only if performance gaps are identified

  • Candidate completes a learning action plan

  • Re-application for PACE is allowed after completion

Provincial Requirements

Ontario

Regulatory Authority: Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP)

Program Details: The SPT program is transitioning to the Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE). The PACE assessment ensures that candidates are ready to practice independently and safely.

Visit the OCP website

British Columbia

Regulatory Authority: College of Pharmacists of British Columbia

Program Details: Candidates must complete their structured practical training through the Canadian Pharmacy Practice Programme (CP3) at the University of British Columbia, which includes 12 weeks of classroom instruction followed by a 12.5-week practicum.

Visit the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia

Alberta

Regulatory Authority: Alberta College of Pharmacy

Key Requirements:

  • Registration as a provisional pharmacist

  • Completion of structured learning modules

  • Minimum two supervised practice experiences (320 hours each)

  • Evaluation based on NAPRA entry-to-practice competencies

Visit the Alberta College of Pharmacy