Introduction
This booklet is an information source for pharmacists who wish to take the Qualifying Examination of The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (referred to as "PEBC" or "the Board"). It is published every November and is available on the PEBC website at the Qualifying Examination Home Page. As of November 2008, a paper copy of this publication will be available if a written request is submitted along with a fee of $35.00 (by cheque, money order or international bank draft in Canadian funds only; cash is not accepted) to the PEBC office at 717 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario M4W 2M4.
Cette publication est disponible en français.
As regulated health care professionals, pharmacists are responsible and accountable to patients through legislation and the standards and bylaws of the professional regulatory authority in the province in which they practise. Provincial legislation and standards set out the requirements for licensure to practice. One of the requirements for initial registration and licensure is certification of an applicant’s knowledge, skills and abilities at entry to practice. This certification is granted by the PEBC to those who successfully complete the PEBC Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ) and Part II (OSCE). The Board is responsible for:
• assessing the qualifications of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians on behalf of provincial pharmacy regulatory authorities
• ensuring that entry-level pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have the necessary professional knowledge, skills and abilities to practise pharmacy within their scope of practice, in a safe and effective manner.
More information is available on the PEBC website: (http://www.pebc.ca/EnglishPages/General/AboutUs.html)
Registration and Licensure to Practise as a Pharmacist in Canada
Seeking initial registration and licensure to practise as a pharmacist involves the following:
• completion of an approved pharmaceutical education program, in which the academic institution awards a degree as evidence that the student has successfully completed an approved course of study
• successful completion of an evaluation of entry-level competence to practise pharmacy safely and effectively
• fulfilling all requirements of a provincial or territorial regulatory authority, demonstrating the individual's overall qualification and readiness to begin practice as a pharmacist.
The provincial and territorial regulatory authorities (with the exception of Québec) use the Certificate of Qualification, issued by the Board as one requirement for licensure. PEBC certification alone does NOT give an individual the right to practise pharmacy. In addition to PEBC certification, each province has additional requirements, such as practical experience, language proficiency, and jurisprudence examinations on pharmacy legislation and practice standards.
Registration and the granting of a provincial or territorial license provides evidence to the public of the individual's overall qualification, practice training, and readiness to begin practice as a pharmacist in that jurisdiction. PEBC certification alone does NOT give an individual the right to practise.
Although PEBC has no language proficiency requirements, language proficiency does affect candidates’ performance in the Qualifying Examination (Part I and Part II). Effective written and verbal communication skills, at levels satisfactory for a health professional, are essential for practice and for success in taking the PEBC examinations.
For further information regarding licensing requirements in a province or territory, contact the provincial regulatory authority (PRA) in the province or territory where you are seeking licensure. (The contact information for the provincial and territorial pharmacy regulatory authorities is available on the PEBC website).
Purpose of the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination
The Qualifying Examination assesses an applicant’s competence (knowledge, skills and abilities) to practise pharmacy safely and effectively in an “entry level"1 pharmacist position. This evaluation is based on the practice competencies defined in “Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacists at Entry to Practice”, NAPRA 2007. Successful completion of the Qualifying Examination indicates that candidates have met the required standard of competence at entry to practice.
The methodologies PEBC uses to assess competence require the understanding and application of the necessary knowledge and skills and the performance of the most frequent and/or critical professional functions and tasks. Some important professional skills and abilities cannot be measured well with a traditional, multiple-choice question format. As a result, the Board uses both a written, multiple choice assessment (Part I - MCQ) and a performance-based assessment (Part II - OSCE). Both parts must be completed satisfactorily in order for an individual to be certified as competent.
1as defined in “Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacists at Entry to Practice” (NAPRA, 2007)
Pharmacist Qualifying Examination - Part I (MCQ) or QE-I (MCQ)
The Qualifying Examination - Part I is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination. It is written in two sittings, on two consecutive half-days. Questions on QE-I (MCQ) assess the understanding and application of knowledge to problems, as well as the ability to make judgments and problem-solve in situations relevant to pharmacy practice. Each question assesses one specific competency.
Pharmacist Qualifying Examination - Part II (OSCE) or QE-II (OSCE)
Part II of the Qualifying Examination is an “objective structured clinical examination” (OSCE), and is taken on a different day than Part I. The QE-II (OSCE) consists of a series of “stations” simulating common and/or critical practical situations. These simulations often involve interactions with a “Standardized Patient” (SP) or “Standardized Client” (SC) (e.g., parent or caregiver) or “Standardized Health Professional” (SHP).
Each station is designed to assess one or more competencies. For example, a station may involve:
• gathering and interpreting information needed to identify and/or solve a patient’s drug-related problem
• identifying and solving a practice problem which may involve the same patient (e.g., sharing of clinical information)
• collaborating with other health professionals and/or caregivers in solving the problem
• communicating effectively
A trained examiner, using standardized assessment criteria, will observe, record and assess candidates’ interactions and completion of the task.
The Qualifying Examination (both Parts I and II) is comprehensive and objective. It examines the knowledge, skills and abilities required for current pharmacy practice.
Both Parts I and II of the Qualifying Examination are constructed to assess the most important aspects of competency at entry-level practice. The competency statements, upon which the examination blueprint, the multiple-choice questions and the OSCE stations are based, cover the essential activities and functions of an entry-level pharmacist, ensuring that the health and welfare of the public is served and protected.
More information and details regarding the Qualifying Examination Blueprint are found at Qualifying Examination Blueprint.
Acroynym Legend:
| MCQ |
Multiple-Choice Question |
| OSCE |
Objective Structured Clinical Examination |
| QE-I (MCQ) |
Qualifying Examination - Part I (MCQ) |
| QE-II (OSCE) |
Qualifying Examination - Part II (OSCE) |
| NAPRA |
National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities |
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