Pharmacist

Photo of an pharmacist

Welcome

The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) is a voluntary association of provincial and territorial pharmacy regulatory authorities and the Canadian Forces Pharmacy Services. Our members regulate the practice of pharmacy and the operation of pharmacies in their respective jurisdictions in Canada.

Among many roles, NAPRA serves as a national voice for pharmacy regulatory authorities. Be sure to visit our website and the website of the provincial or territorial pharmacy regulatory authority in the province or territory where you plan to work to better understand the licensing requirements to become a pharmacist in Canada.

Recently, NAPRA received funding from the Government of Canada to establish and maintain a plain language website and develop new tools for international pharmacy graduates (IPGs). These will provide IPGs with a single point of access to information regarding the process to become a licensed pharmacist in Canada. This project, currently under way, has an expected completion date of 2013. Check for news and updates on the project on NAPRA’s website.

Logo for National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities

Pharmacy in Canada

A pharmacist is a regulated professional in Canada. To practise as a pharmacist, you must be licensed or registered by the provincial or territorial pharmacy regulatory authority in the province or territory where you plan to work.

While the majority of licensed pharmacists are employed in community pharmacies, many others work in hospitals and other health-care facilities. A small number of pharmacists are employed with pharmaceutical companies, universities and government departments.

There are other rewarding occupations within pharmacy, such as pharmacy technicians and assistants. Pharmacy technicians are becoming a regulated health profession in many jurisdictions in Canada. Be sure to also research the requirements for pharmacy technicians with the pharmacy regulatory authority where you plan to work.

Before You Come to Canada

While you are waiting to go to Canada, there are many important things you can do to improve your chances of success.

The Foreign Credentials Referral Office is an organization of the Government of Canada that provides you with helpful resources, such as the Planning to Work in Canada? workbook and the Working in Canada Tool. Use these resources to find and collect important information and to develop your job-search plan.

You will need to demonstrate your language proficiency in English or French. You can find information at the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks as well as on the pharmacy regulatory authorities’ websites, which will guide you to specific language proficiency requirements. If you need to improve your language skills, start before you come to Canada.

Your official education, work and identity documents are important. It is much easier for you to obtain your documents while still in your home country.

If your documents are not in French or English, verify the translation requirements set out by the pharmacy regulatory authority. You may have to use a professional translation service in Canada.

Becoming a Pharmacist in Canada

There are a number of requirements you must meet to obtain a licence to work as a pharmacist. You should contact the pharmacy regulatory authority in the province or territory where you wish to work before coming to Canada to clarify specific requirements.

Documents

Determine which documents are required and how they should be obtained, including documents regarding your current (or previous) licence to practise as a pharmacist in another jurisdiction. You may also be required to provide a criminal record check in Canada and other jurisdictions where you have worked. The information required can be found on the provincial or territorial pharmacy regulatory authorities’ website.

You will be required to fill out application forms with the provincial or territorial pharmacy regulatory authority and pay the applicable registration fees.

Academic Qualifications and Knowledge Assessment

Your education will be assessed to determine if it is the equivalent of a Canadian pharmacy education. All provinces and territories except Quebec require applicants to successfully complete the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) evaluating examination as well as the two-part qualifying examination. You can find information on the evaluating and qualifying examinations at The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. There will be additional application forms and fees associated with the required examinations administered through the PEBC. Determine the fees you will have to pay and all important dates since deadlines to apply for the examinations are usually at least three months before the test date.

Quebec applicants must follow the assessment requirements set out by the provincial pharmacy regulatory authority, the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec (in French only).

During the assessment of your qualifications and knowledge, the provincial or territorial pharmacy regulatory authority may determine that additional educational and training courses are necessary to prepare you for pharmacy practice in Canada.

Language Proficiency

You need to meet the language proficiency requirements for licensure as a pharmacist in Canada. The language tests that are accepted and the required scores can be found on the pharmacy regulatory authority’s website.

Jurisprudence

Jurisprudence competencies focus on the legal and ethical elements of the professional standards of practice and the code of ethics. You need to meet the pharmacy jurisprudence competencies for licensure as a pharmacist in Canada. Successful completion of a jurisprudence examination is required in each jurisdiction.

Practical Training in Canada

Before you obtain a licence to work as a pharmacist, you will need to gain practical experience in the Canadian pharmacy workplace. You will be required to go through a structured practical training program under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist for a period of time determined by the provincial or territorial pharmacy regulatory authority.

Finding a Job in Canada

You should take time to research all job requirements and develop a plan for finding work.

Some universities, in partnership with the provincial or territorial pharmacy regulatory authorities, offer bridging programs.

Provincial and Territorial Regulatory Authorities

Additional Resources