PEBC Qualifying Examination

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The PEBC Qualifying Examination is a critical milestone for internationally educated Pharmacists aiming to practice pharmacy in Canada. It evaluates your competency through a rigorous assessment process, ensuring you meet the high standards required for safe and effective practice.

Examination Structure

    The PEBC Qualifying Examination is divided into two parts:

    • Part I: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
    • Part II: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Successfully passing both parts is essential for obtaining certification from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC).

Part I: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Application Process

Eligibility

Candidates must pass the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination before taking both parts of the PEBC Qualifying Examination within the same examination window. If a candidate does not pass both exams, they must pass Part I (MCQ) before retaking Part II (OSCE).

Application

Submit your application for Part I through the PEBC portal. Be mindful of deadlines and fees listed on the PEBC website.

Exam Format

Computer-Based Test

Administered through a computer at a designated test center.

Single-Day Exam

Completed in one sitting with a duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Number of Questions

Approximately 300 multiple-choice questions.

Question Types

Designed to assess competencies, including knowledge application and problem-solving abilities in pharmacy practice.

Content Areas

 

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Clinical Sciences
  • Pharmacy Practice

Examination Scoring

Modified Angoff Method

Subject matter experts estimate the probability of a minimally competent candidate answering correctly.

Standardized Scores

Ensures consistency across different exam versions.

Pass/Fail Standard

Competency standards remain consistent despite varying minimum correct answers.

Preparation Tips

  • Review the PEBC Examination Blueprint: Understand the distribution of topics.
  • Practice with Sample Questions: Available on the PEBC website.
  • Comprehensive Study: Focus on pharmacology, therapeutics, pharmacy law, and ethics.

MCQ Sample Questions

Part II: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Application Process

Eligibility

Must pass the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination and Part I (MCQ) before taking Part II (OSCE).

Application

Submit your application for Part II through the PEBC portal, adhering to deadlines and fees.

Exam Format

Practical Exam

Consists of a series of timed stations.

Interaction with Standardized Patients

Simulated scenarios mimicking real-life clinical situations.

Station Duration

 Each station typically lasts about 7 minutes.

Types of Stations

Tasks

Taking patient histories, counselling patients on medication use, and solving clinical problems.

Skills Assessed

Communication, clinical problem-solving, and decision-making.

Examination Scoring

Specific Criteria

Evaluation based on the relevance and adequacy of information gathered, management of drug therapy problems, safety and effectiveness of recommendations, and quality of communication.

Panel of Experts

Sets the passing score for each station.

Preparation Tips

  • Practice Clinical Scenarios: Focus on patient interactions.
  • Review Communication Skills: Enhance patient counselling techniques.
  • Familiarize with Common Clinical Problems: Understand their management.
OSCE Sample Stations

IMPORTANT

Before taking your exams, whether you opt to take them in person at a test center or remotely through proctoring (applies to Part I only), it’s essential to review all the relevant guidelines. Be sure to thoroughly read the Rules of Conduct and Exam Day Information documents for both Part I and Part II to ensure you are fully prepared for the exam day.

Check the Computer-Based Exams

 

   Results

    • Release Timeline: Results for both MCQ and OSCE parts are typically released within six weeks after the exam.
    • Results List: Posted on the PEBC website, displaying PEBC ID numbers of candidates who passed.
    • Individual Results Letters: Added to candidates’ Digital Wallets within one week of the results list posting.
    • Pass/Fail Basis: Numerical scores are not reported.

PEBC Retake Policy for Examinations

General Retake Policy

  • Four Attempts: Maximum allowed for each part of the exam.
  • Three-Year Rule: Complete both parts within three years of each other.
  • Eligibility to Retake OSCE: Must pass MCQ before reattempting OSCE.

Specific Policies

  • Rescoring Requests: Final hand-scoring can be requested within 75 days of the results release.
  • Feedback Reports: Detailed performance feedback provided for unsuccessful candidates.

References and Learning Resources

   Canadian Pharmacy References

    •  CPS Drug Information: Drug monographs, Lexi-interact drug interaction checker, clinical tools.
    • CPS Full Access: Includes content from CPS Drug Information, Therapeutic Choices, and Minor Ailments.

   Pharmacy Textbooks (current editions)

    • Applied Therapeutics, The Clinical Use of Drugs – Zeind et al.
    • Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach – DiPiro et al.
    • Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics – Brunton et al.
    • Clinical Pharmacokinetics – Murphy
    • Pharmaceutical Care Practice: The Patient-Centred Approach to Medication Management – Cipolle et al.
    • Communication Skills in Pharmacy Practice – Beardsley et al.
    • Pharmacoethics A Problem-Based Approach – Gettman et al.

   Free Online Information Sources

    • PubMed: Access to primary literature through Medline.
    • Cochrane Library: Systematic reviews of healthcare interventions.
    • Rxfiles: Limited free information available online; subscription-based access.
    • Therapeutics Initiative: Evidence-based information on healthcare interventions.

   Additional Online Resources

Important Tips

Start Early: Begin preparation well in advance of the exam dates.

Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with sample questions and scenarios.

Stay Updated: Regularly check the PEBC website for updates.

Join Study Groups: Collaborate with peers for knowledge sharing and support.

Use Quality Resources: Utilize recommended textbooks and official PEBC materials.

Focus on Weak Areas: Spend extra time on topics needing improvement.

Take Care of Yourself: Ensure adequate rest, healthy diet, and stress management.

Visit The PEBC Website