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How to Become a Pharmacist in Canada

Special for PEBC candidates:
Our drug and therapeutic products are identified under Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada's (PEBC) reference listings as resources that are helpful in preparing for Pharmacist Evaluating Examination, Pharmacist Qualifying Exam Part I and may be provided as references in stations in Part II of the exam. 

CPS Full Access combines all the content from our online drug and therapeutic products into one convenient resource along with other valuable external references. . 

In order to become a licensed pharmacist in Canada, you need:

  1. A bachelor's or doctor of pharmacy degree from one of 11 Canadian universities
  2. To complete a national board examination through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) (except Québec)
  3. Practical experience through an apprenticeship/internship program
  4. Fluency in English or French

The profession of pharmacy is regulated on a provincial and territorial level. The regulatory authorities are directly responsible for granting pharmacist licenses, assessing the competency of pharmacists and ensuring public safety. For a detailed look at the specific provincial licensing requirements in every province, visit the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA).

International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs)

Enrolment in NAPRA’s Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada is a mandatory first step towards licensure in Canada for international pharmacy graduates (IPGs) in all provinces except Québec.   
 
Pharmacists Gateway Canada (Gateway) provides a number of tools for IPGs, including a public website where IPGs can find everything required to better understand and navigate the Canadian licensure process. The Gateway provides access to clear and up-to-date information on the licensure requirements in every province and territory across Canada and is a confidential national document repository accessible to the candidate, the PEBC and the pharmacy regulatory authority.  

For further information about bridging programs that help IPGs successfully complete the licensing requirements to practice pharmacy in Canada, several programs are available: