• Is there a cost involved in the program?
• When can I start participating?
• Can I get financial assistance through this project?
• Will this program fast track my pharmacist license and immigration?
• Does the program provide support for the PEBC exams?
• What if I am not sure I want to pursue pharmacy in Canada?
• How do I find a mentorship match?
• Can I choose my mentor/mentee?
• How successful are past participants in becoming licensed pharmacists?
• How many times can I participate in each activity?
• How many times can mentors participate in each activity?
• If I become eligible or I decide I want to apply for another activity later on, how do I do that?
• Will the mentored work placement hours count towards my SPT or internship hours?
• What is CPS Full Access and who gets it?
• Does your project offer other employment supports and language training?

Is there a cost involved in the program?

No, the program is free for all participants! This project is being funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program.

When can I start participating?

While we aim to process new applications within 10 business days, participation times may vary due to different screening processes. Project staff will first need to verify your eligibility for the project and activity. You will also be contacted by phone to go through a short screening call.

For small and large group sessions: Eligible participants will be notified by email about small and large group sessions as they become available. These sessions will take place every 1-2 months.

For mentorship activities: It could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to find a suitable mentorship match and/or work placement site. We will make sure to keep you updated throughout the process.

Can I get financial assistance through this project?

No, we can’t offer financial assistance through this project. We’ll support you through a range of learning and mentorship activities that will help you navigate licensure and prepare you for pharmacy practice in Canada.

Will this program fast track my pharmacist license and immigration?

No, this program cannot fast track the licensure process or immigration. We aim to provide you with skills, knowledge, resources and experience to help support you through the licensure process and in your future career as a pharmacist in Canada. Here are some other things that are not available through this project:

• Guaranteed licensure
• Financial grants
• Skipping exam requirements
• Personal tutoring services
• Permanent job offers
• Free certification courses
• Automatic credential recognition
• Waived licensing fees
• Visa sponsorship

Does the program provide support for the PEBC exams?

Our project activities are aimed at supporting you through the licensure process. Learning and engagement sessions are available for IPGs in all stages of licensure. While session topics vary, some will focus on the exams, what to expect, common challenges, resources and supports etc. We also offer mentored placements in pharmacies. This hands-on experience allows you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios, develop and practice clinical and problem-solving skills, and understand pharmacy operations, interprofessional collaboration, and regulatory compliance. Working in a pharmacy also helps you manage stress, build confidence, and receive valuable mentorship and feedback, all of which enhance your chances of success on the PEBC exams.

What if I am not sure I want to pursue pharmacy in Canada?

That’s understandable. Deciding to pursue licensure in Canada is a big decision. We encourage you to consider one of our large group sessions to start. The session topics will educate you on the licensure process, careers in pharmacy, as well as different occupations in the Canadian health-care industry that you might consider.

How do I find a mentorship match?

We’ll ask you questions to get to know you better and find out what you’re looking for in a mentor and how you can be best supported. This will help us find you a suitable mentorship match. We’ll share the match details with you and your potential mentor to make sure you both want to proceed.

Can I choose my mentor/mentee?

Please let us know if there’s a potential mentor or mentee you want to be matched with. Both parties will need to register for the project and meet eligibility requirements to participate. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences for a mentorship match.

How successful are past participants in becoming licensed pharmacists?

Our project is still in its early stages. We’ll be seeking testimonials from IPGs and mentors and we’ll share more details as the project progresses. If you would like to share your experience, please get in touch with us at ipgmi@pharmacists.ca.

How many times can I participate in each activity?

Participation limits vary for each activity.

• Large group learning sessions: There are no participation limits.
• Small group discussion and engagement sessions: There is limited space in these sessions and we will prioritize participants who have not yet had an opportunity to attend.
• One-on-one mentorships: Mentees can only participate in this activity once.
• Mentored work placements: Mentees can only participate in this activity once.

How many times can mentors participate in each activity?

There are no participation limits for mentors in any activity.

If I’m not currently eligible for the project or a particular project activity but I become eligible in the future, how can I reapply for the project or activity?

In these cases, please reach out to ipgmi@pharmacists.ca for assistance in reapplying for the project or applying for specific activities once you become eligible.

Will the mentored work placement hours count towards my Structured Practical Training SPT or internship hours?

No, the work placements do not count towards the internship hours required by provincial pharmacy regulators. They do, however, provide you with valuable practical experience in a Canadian pharmacy setting.

What is CPS Full Access and who gets it?

CPS Full Access, CPhA’s online suite of drug and therapeutic products, is identified under Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada's (PEBC) reference listings as resources to help prepare for the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination and Pharmacist Qualifying Exam Part I, and may be provided as a reference in stations in Part II of the exam.

CPS is the Canadian standard for drug monographs and contains thousands of products approved by Health Canada, including monographs for drugs, vaccines, natural health products and medical devices. CPS Full Access includes all this plus the most current, evidence-based therapeutic information for prescription and nonprescription therapy for more than 200 common conditions found in CPS: Therapeutic Choices and CPS: Minor Ailments with cross-referenced drug tables, algorithms and information for patients. It also includes critical updates such as warnings, advisories and drug shortages, and useful tools such as medical calculators, Clin-Info, Pill Identifier and Lexi-Interact drug interaction checker.

CPhA will provide each mentee participating in the mentored work placement activity with a 1-year CPS Full Access subscription.

Does your project offer other employment supports and language training?

ACCES Employment is our project partner and they will support IPG participants with a wide range of free employment services, including occupation transition counselling, resume writing, interview preparation and job readiness workshops. ACCES Employment can also help refer participants to other settlement and immigration service organizations that can provide language and other needed supports.

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