Pharmacist
Information you need to know to work as a Pharmacist
Who is the licensing body responsible for Pharmacists in Alberta?
In Alberta, you must be registered with the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) to practice as a Pharmacist. Only registered members may call themselves pharmacists, clinical pharmacists or druggists.
What are the licensure requirements for internationally educated Pharmacists?
Note: Licensing bodies compare international education and experience to Canadian standards.
Prior to registering as a pharmacist with Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP), internationally educated pharmacists will be required to:
- Enroll with Pharmacists' Gateway Canada.
- Submit documents for evaluation.
- Successfully complete the Pharmacy Exam Board of Canada (PEBC) Evaluating Exam.
- Meet the Language Proficiency requirements.
- Successfully complete the Diagnostic Tool and Learning Modules through NAPRA’s Pilot Program to Prepare for Practical Training (P4T); this is a prerequisite to the Certificate to Canadian Pharmacy Practice (CCPP) bridging program.
- Enrol and complete the Certificate to Canadian Pharmacy Practice (CCPP) bridging program offered through the University of Alberta Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Successfully complete the PEBC Qualifying Exams Part I (MCQ) and Part II (OSCE).
- Register as an intern with ACP AND successfully complete a Structured Practical Training with a minimum of 1000 hours.
- Successfully complete the Jurisprudence and Ethics exam.
- Register with the ACP as a Pharmacist.
For complete and the most current information on the licensing process for Internationally Educated Pharmacists, visit the New registration procedure for international pharmacy graduates page on the Alberta College of Pharmacists and the Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada for International Pharmacists websites.
What is the role of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)?
The purpose of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) is to access the qualifications of pharmacists. The PEBC evaluates certain documents to ensure applicants have a degree in Pharmacy that is acceptable. This primary evaluation process is called Document Evaluation. If documents are favorably evaluated, applicants must then write an Evaluating Examination and Qualifying Exam. Applicants are encouraged to be aware of registration criteria, examination fees, registration deadlines and the turnaround time for exam results. Other costs may include preparation materials, travel, etc.
How can I prepare for PEBC Exams?
Directions for Immigrants offers Study Groups to help you prepare for the PEBC Evaluating Exam, Qualifying Exam Part 1 (MCQ) and Qualifying Exam Part II (OSCE). Visit the Study Groups page for more information on this service and eligibility criteria.
What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?
Internationally educated pharmacists must meet the language requirements of the province where they want to register. In Alberta, check the Pharmacist Language Fluency Requirements.
Applicants must successfully achieve the required passing score on one of the approved English proficiency tests. This includes TOEFL, MELAB, IELTS or CanTEST. To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.
What are the Structured Practical Training Requirements?
Once registered in the ACP program, 1000 hours of Intern Structured Practical Training must be completed prior to licensure. Please note the following:
- The ACP Intern Structured Practical Training program consists of three levels.
- Competencies must be demonstrated over a minimum of 1000 hours. All hours must be completed after enrollment in the ACP SPT program. Applicants are responsible for finding structured practical training site(s).
- For all levels, applicants may not complete more than 40 hours per week.
- Applicants must submit a Notification of Preceptor Site form and Certification of Completion form.
- More information on these forms can be found on the Alberta College of Pharmacy website.
What are the educational requirements for Pharmacists in Alberta?
Note: Licensing bodies compare international education and experience to Canadian standards. The academic requirement is a four-year degree in pharmacy.
In Alberta, the University of Alberta in Edmonton offers a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree which can be taken after completing pre-pharmacy courses.
What training programs or services are available for internationally educated Pharmacists?
Bridging Programs
University of Alberta: Certificate to Canadian Pharmacy Practice
University of British Columbia: International Pharmacy Graduate Program
University of Toronto International Pharmacy Graduate Program
Exam Preparation
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Evaluating Exam (EE) Preparation, Directions for Immigrants
Directions for Immigrants offers a five-month, part-time study group to support internationally educated pharmacists to prepare for the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Evaluating Exam (PEBC EE). This study group focuses on competencies outlined in the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Evaluating Exam blueprint through a question and answer format and review with a facilitator.
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Qualifying Exam Part I (MCQ), Directions for Immigrants
Directions for Immigrants offers a three-month, part-time study group to support internationally educated pharmacists to prepare for the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Qualifying Examination Part I Multiple Choice Question (PEBC QEI MCQ). This study group focuses on reviewing the competencies as outlined in the PEBC Qualifying Examination Blueprint through a question and answer format and review with a facilitator.
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Qualifying Exam Part II (OSCE), Directions for Immigrants
Directions for Immigrants offers a three-month part-time study group to support internationally educated pharmacists to prepare for the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Qualifying Examination Part II Objective Structured Clinical Examination (PEBC QEII OSCE). Scenarios, as outlined in the PEBC Qualifying Examination Blueprint, are practiced in mock clinical scenarios with feedback from a facilitator.
What supports are available to support internationally educated Pharmacists to integrate into the Canadian labour force?
Directions for Immigrants offers workplace communication groups to help you integrate into the Canadian work environment. The Clear Communication for Health Professionals (CCHP) workplace communication group is designed to help internationally educated health care professionals fine-tune their communication skills with patients, supervisors, and colleagues. In one week, you will learn through role-play and scenarios the nuances and expectations of Canadian patients, inter-disciplinary teams, and other health care industry participants. Topics include overcoming communication barriers, professional workplace interaction/behaviour, Canadian workplace culture, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
What information resources are available for Pharmacists in Alberta?
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