Provisional Pharmacist Pathways

Effective April 3, 2023, internationally trained provisional pharmacists will follow 1 of 2 pathways leading to registration as a General Pharmacist. The pathway will be dependent on successful completion of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Qualifying Exams Part 1 and Part 2.  The pathways are described below.

Provisional Pharmacy Pathways 2023

NAPRA Diagnostic Tool and Learning Modules

Provisional Pharmacists are required to complete the NAPRA Diagnostic Tool and Learning Modules prior to beginning the practice assessment.   

Pharmacy Practice Assessment

Provisional Pharmacists who receive their education outside of Canada will be required to complete the Pharmacy Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE). 

Practice Experience

Practice experience will be completed by applicants who have either not passed the PEBC Qualifying Exams Part 1 and Part 2 on their first attempt, or have not made a first attempt on the Exams.  Applicants who are not successful at PACE, are also required to complete 280 hours of practice experience under the supervision of a preceptor.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to seek out a preceptor to oversee their structured practice experience, and have a Preceptor/Site approval form signed before an application for registration as a provisional pharmacist is submitted through the applicant portal.  Delays in approving an application for registration as a provisional pharmacists may occur if a preceptor is not identified when an application is submitted.  

Application Requirements for Provisional Pharmacist Registration

The requirements for Provisional Registration are set out in the Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician Regulations.

As one of Canada’s pharmacy regulatory authorities (PRAs), the PEI College of Pharmacy has entrusted our national association, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), to develop a new, national approach to facilitate the licensure process for international pharmacy graduates (IPGs) and to eliminate duplication.

This program – the Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada – will now be the first point of access rather than the PEI College of Pharmacy. To help IPGs navigate the licensure process and facilitate their preparation for licensure in Canada, the Gateway provides a website with key information online and through telephone support and features two self-assessment tools which assist IPGs to make an informed decision before starting the process to become licensed as a pharmacist in Canada. For IPGs wishing to practice in Canada, the process of registering as a pharmacist begins with enrollment in the Gateway.

We believe the Gateway presents a simple, transparent and safe way to facilitate the pathway to licensure for IPGs wishing to live and work in Canada. To enter the Gateway, click the link below.

Unless otherwise specified, all documentation must be received by the PEI College of Pharmacy in its original form or as a notarized copy. Original documents may be presented to the PEI College of Pharmacy office to be copied by staff.

Application Form

Applications for registration are submitted through the PEI College of Pharmacy online Applicant Portal. Applicants must first complete registration in the Pharmacists Gateway Canada and have a Gateway ID number to submit an application for Provisional Pharmacist registration.  Required documentation is outlined below.  

Eligibility to Work in Canada

Applicants must submit evidence of eligibility to work in Canada, which may include: Canadian Passport, Canadian Citizenship Card, Permanent Resident Card, or Work Visa.  Documentation may be scanned and uploaded through the applicant portal when submitting an application but must be followed up with a notarized copy by mail or presented in person at the PEICP office. 

Proof of Identity

Applicants must submit either a copy of their passport or citizenship card, or their birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. A notarized copy may be submitted by mail or the original may be presented to the PEICP office.

Successful Completion of PEBC Evaluating Exam

Applicants must successfully complete the PEBC Evaluating Exam.  Results of Evaluating exam will be shared through the Gateway. 

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must meet current English language proficiency requirements as described in the NAPRA Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacist in Canada or the PEI College of Pharmacy English Language Proficiency Requirements for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians. English language proficiency test results are valid for two years from the date of testing.

Professional Liability Insurance

The professional liability insurance policy must be in accordance with section 14 of the Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician Regulations.
The policy certificate must be uploaded at the time of application. If the policy certificate is not immediately available, a paid receipt showing the expiry date of the policy and the policy amount is accepted in the interim.

Criminal Record Check

The PEI College of Pharmacy Criminal Record Check Policy requires that applicants submit the results of an Extended Police Information Check (EPIC) that has been completed within 3 months of application. An EPIC is valid for a period of 5 years once on file with the College providing there has not been a break in registration. At the discretion of the College, registrants may be selected to provide an additional EPIC before their expiration date.

The College has partnered with MyBackCheck.com to provide criminal record checks for registration with PEICP. Select the link below to request a record check.
http://www.sterlingtalentsolutions.ca/landing-pages/p/PEI-College-of-Pharmacists

CPR and First Aid

CPR and First Aid Requirements are set out in the CPR and First Aid Policy. CPR and First Aid certification is required if the pharmacist will be applying for an extended practice certification in drug administration. 

Letters of Standing

Applicants are required to submit a letter of standing from all regulatory bodies where they have held registration. Please contact each regulatory body to request that the PEICP Letter of Standing form be completed and forwarded directly to the College office.