For an overseas pharmacist who wishes to practice in Canada, successfully clearing the exams conducted by the PEBC ( Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada )is very crucial. The official authority is responsible for evaluating the readiness of internationally trained pharmacists who aim to practice in Canada.
As a licensing exam to evaluate the quality of skillset, pharmacists must pass two important exams: the PEBC Evaluating Exam and the PEBC Qualifying Exam.
The Qualifying Exam is further divided into two parts:
- Part 1 – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Part 2 –Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
The MCQ portion focuses on theoretical knowledge and basics of pharmacy subjects. While the OSCE exam tests the ability of candidates to apply pharmacy knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios. This exam is designed to assess the skills of an international pharmacist in problem solving, communication skills, and professional competence. These are the major skills required to practice safely and effectively as a pharmacist in Canada.
What is the Qualifying OSCE Exam (part 2) Format
- The OSCE part of the qualifying exam consists of 11 stations, including 9 interactive and 2 non-interactive stations.
- At each station,candidates are given 7 minutes, with 2 minutes to read the instructions before the beginning of the examination.
- The total time given for the candidates to complete the examination is approximately 6.5 hours, including breaks, registration, etc
What is an Interactive Stations?
It is conducted in a role-play format where candidates will interact with standardized patients (SPs), caregivers, or healthcare professionals. They will assess the ability to collect the information, solve clinical problems, and communicate clearly with the examiner
What is a Non-Interactive Stations?
Candidates have to answer the questions provided in a written format or identify the errors in prescriptions, or complete documentation tasks.
Some stations may provide reference materials from PEBC which should be used efficiently within the limited time.
What are the Key Components of the PEBC Qualifying OSCE Exam?
| Component | Details |
| Total Duration | ~6.5 hours including breaks |
| Stations | 11 (9 interactive, 2 non-interactive) |
| Exam Materials | Candidate notebook, pencils, barcode labels, ID badge |
| Scoring | Objective criteria by trained assessors |
| Focus Areas | Clinical reasoning, communication, problem-solving, professionalism |
Sample Pharmacy OSCE Scenarios
The OSCE exam format will make candidates familiar with the real life scenarios that will happen in Canadian pharmacy
| Case Type | Example Scenario |
| Patient Counseling | Educate a patient on insulin injection technique |
| Medication History Taking | Collect a complete medication list for a patient with polypharmacy |
| Prescription Review | Identify a drug interaction between warfarin and TMP-SMX |
| OTC Consultation | Recommend an antihistamine for seasonal allergies |
| Drug Information Request | Provide an evidence-based answer for antibiotic prophylaxis |
| Clinical Problem-Solving | Adjust therapy for uncontrolled hypertension |
| Professionalism/Ethics | Handle a dispensing error disclosure scenario |
PEBC Qualifying OSCE Preparation Strategies for candidates
Success in the OSCE comes down to strategy, practice, and confidence. Here are the most effective study tips:
- Candidates must be familiar with exam structure, station timing, how to read instructions quickly, and to respond within 7 minutes.
- Understand the Canadian Guidelines and Focus on national treatment guidelines for common conditions which are normally assessed in exam
- Regular Practice of Role-Play with peers acting as patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
- Improve the Communication Skills which will significantly affect the marks. Learn to Speak clearly, and keep the conversation with patient-centric care
- Manage Time efficiently by regular Practicing of collecting data, assessment, and counseling.
- Practice with mock tests with simulated exam conditions to identify the weak areas and revise
Know More: PEBC OSCE Exam
Conclusion
The Canadian healthcare system is one of the fastest growing sectors globally. With the advanced innovation and aged population, there is a need for skilled healthcare professionals. This will give a high demand for pharmacists in Canada. For pharmacists who wish to practice in Canada, must clear two exams-PEBC evaluating and qualifying examinations.
The PEBC Qualifying Exam- Part 2 (OSCE) is to evaluate your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and provide safe patient care in a Canadian healthcare setting.
By understanding the exam structure, practicing sample scenarios, and refining your communication and time management skills, you can approach exam day with confidence. With consistent preparation, you will be well-positioned to pass the OSCE and take the next big step toward becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – PEBC Qualifying OSCE Exam (Canada)
The PEBC Qualifying Exam is the second stage of licensure for internationally trained pharmacists in Canada. It includes Part I (MCQs) and Part II (OSCE) to test both knowledge and practical skills.
The OSCE has 11 stations (9 interactive and 2 non-interactive). Each station lasts 7 minutes, with 2 minutes for instructions. The total exam duration is about 6.5 hours including breaks.
Interactive stations involve role-play with standardized patients, caregivers, or healthcare professionals. They test your ability to collect information, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
These stations require written responses, prescription checks, or documentation tasks. Some may include PEBC-provided reference materials to use within the time limit.
The OSCE evaluates clinical reasoning, patient counseling, communication skills, professionalism, and problem-solving in Canadian pharmacy practice.
Examples include insulin injection counseling, medication history collection, identifying drug interactions, OTC allergy consultations, adjusting hypertension therapy, and handling dispensing errors ethically.
Trained assessors score stations using objective criteria. Checklists assess accuracy, communication, professionalism, and clinical decision-making.
Practice role-plays, study Canadian treatment guidelines, improve patient-centered communication, simulate 7-minute timing, and use mock exams to identify weak areas.
Candidates get a notebook, pencils, barcode labels, and an ID badge. Some stations include PEBC reference materials for use during the task.
The OSCE ensures internationally trained pharmacists can apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, proving readiness for safe and effective pharmacy practice in Canada.