Pharmacist Registration Pathway - Ontario

Ontario Pharmacist Licensure Guide for Internationally Educated Pharmacists (IEPs)

This comprehensive guide walks you through the official licensure process for internationally educated pharmacists (IEPs) seeking to become licensed in Ontario. It includes updated steps, eligibility requirements, and direct links to official resources so you don’t need to check multiple sites.

Step 1: Enroll in Pharmacists' Gateway Canada (NAPRA)

Why it matters:

  • This national portal tracks your progress and provides a National ID required for all licensing steps.
  • Your profile is shared with PEBC and the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP).

What you need:

  • Valid ID, education history, contact details
  • Payment of enrollment fee (~$385 CAD)

How to apply:

Step 2A: Document Evaluation (PEBC)

Purpose: To verify your pharmacy degree and work credentials against Canadian standards.

Documents Required:

  • Certified ID (e.g., passport, birth certificate)
  • Pharmacy degree certificate & official university transcripts (sent directly from institution)
  • Course syllabus (if your university isn’t pre-approved)
  • Licensing statements from past jurisdictions
  • Certified English or French translations, if applicable

Process:

  1. Create a PEBC Portal account.
  2. Complete your profile and upload required documents.
  3. Submit paper application and pay evaluation fee.

Timeline: Up to 8 weeks

Validity: Results valid for 5 years

Result Delivery: Digital Wallet in your PEBC Portal

More info: PEBC Document Evaluation

Step 2B: Evaluating Exam (Only If Required)

Purpose: Assesses foundational knowledge in pharmacy against Canadian education standards.

Exam Format (June 2025 onwards):

  • 140 MCQs
  • Two sections, 84 minutes each
  • Minimum 60% required to pass

Who is Exempt (Streamlined Pathway – Effective May 13, 2025):

  • Graduates from internationally accredited programs (CCAPP or ACPE)
  • Graduates from/with recent licensure in:
    • Australia
    • New Zealand
    • UK
    • Ireland
    • South Africa
    • USA (with one year of direct patient care experience)

You will be notified about your exemption status after Document Evaluation.

More info: PEBC Streamlined Pathway

Step 2C: Qualifying Exam – Parts I (MCQ) & II (OSCE)

What It Is: These exams assess your readiness for real-world pharmacy practice in Canada.

Part I (MCQ):

  • Computer-based
  • Focuses on clinical and pharmaceutical knowledge

Part II (OSCE):

  • In-person simulation
  • Includes patient interaction and problem-solving scenarios

Important Rules:

  • You must pass both parts within 3 years of passing the first.
  • Maximum of 3 attempts per part (4th attempt possible after remediation)

Details: PEBC Qualifying Exam Info

Step 3: Complete a Bridging Program (if required)

When required: If you were unsuccessful in PEBC exams or your education has significant gaps.

Example Program: University of Toronto’s International Pharmacy Graduate Program

  • 5-month program to bridge knowledge gaps
  • Covers Canadian pharmacy practice, regulations, communication

Visit: UofT IPG Program

Step 4: Register as Intern with the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP)

What to Submit:

  • PEBC certification
  • Language proficiency (IELTS/CELBAN or waiver)
  • Criminal record check
  • Proof of professional liability insurance
  • Valid ID and National ID

How to Apply:

Step 5: Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE)

Purpose:

  • Evaluates your practical skills through a supervised simulation

When:

  • After intern registration and before final licensure

More Info: OCP PACE

Step 6: Jurisprudence, Ethics & Professionalism Exam

Purpose:

  • Ensures you understand Ontario pharmacy laws and ethics

Format:

  • Online or in-person multiple-choice exam
  • Must be passed for full registration
Step 7: Final Pharmacist Registration

To receive your full license in Ontario, you must complete the final registration process with the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP).

What You’ll Need

  • Submit final documentation as requested by OCP

  • Provide proof of professional liability insurance

  • Pay the required fees:

    • Application Processing Fee: $111 (non-refundable)

    • Annual Registration Fee: $886 (pro-rated based on the month of registration).

Outcome:

You will be granted your full pharmacist license in Ontario, allowing you to practice independently.

Step 8: Work Under Supervision (If Required)

If the OCP grants a conditional license, you must:

  • Work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist

  • Submit a signed agreement

  • Complete hours as defined by the college