Pharmacists Language Proficiency Requirements – Canada

To practise as a pharmacist in Canada, you must demonstrate language proficiency in English or French, depending on the province or territory where you intend to practise. Language proficiency is a mandatory licensure requirement set by provincial pharmacy regulatory authorities (PRAs), not by PEBC.

Language requirements are managed nationally through Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada and are guided by NAPRA’s Language Proficiency Requirement Policy.

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Accepted Ways to Demonstrate Language Proficiency

You may meet language requirements through one of the following pathways:

  1. Approved language test results (most common)

  2. Education completed in English or French (accepted by some regulators)

  3. Other evidence approved by a provincial regulator (limited cases)

Always confirm requirements with the regulator in your intended province.

Accepted English Language Tests (Most Provinces)

The following tests are commonly accepted across Canada. Minimum scores are set by provincial regulators and are generally aligned with NAPRA recommendations.

CELPIP – General

Minimum Level 8 in each skill (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)

IELTS – Academic

Overall 7.0, with minimum scores in each skill

IELTS – General Training

Accepted by some regulators (e.g., Ontario) with higher skill-specific thresholds

TOEFL iBT

Accepted by some regulators with minimum total and skill-specific scores

OET (Occupational English Test)

Minimum Grade B in all four components

Accepted French Language Tests

French language proficiency may be required or accepted in Quebec, New Brunswick, and bilingual regions.

  • TEF Canada

  • TCF Canada

Minimum scores vary by province and must meet regulatory standards.

Quebec – French Language Requirement

In Quebec, French proficiency is mandatory. You may qualify by:

  • Completing at least 3 years of full-time education in French

  • Holding a Quebec secondary school diploma (post-1985)

  • Obtaining a certificate from the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF)

  • Passing the official OQLF French language exam

How to Submit Language Proof

  • Create a profile on Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada

  • Complete an approved language test (if required)

  • Submit official results directly from the testing body or through online verification

  • Meet any additional provincial requirements

Official Resources (Original Sources)

Score Requirements and other information

Each test has specific language and score requirements that you must meet to demonstrate proficiency. Select your province from the map below for detailed requirements.