International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG)

international pharmacy graduates (IPG)

If you earned your pharmacy degree outside of Canada or the United States, here are the steps to become licensed as a full pharmacist with the College of Pharmacists of BC (CPBC).

Note: Steps 4, 5 and 6 can be completed in any order.

1. Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada and PEBC Document Evaluation & Evaluating Exam
   • Before applying for a licence, you must complete the following:
     1. Enroll with Pharmacists' Gateway Canada.
         
     2. Complete the PEBC Document Evaluation and PEBC Evaluating Exam (Note: Eligible IPG’s may be exempt from the Evaluating Exam through PEBC’s streamlined pathway).
2. Licence Application - Part 1
   • Access the Online Licence Module in eServices to get started.
      
   • Refer to the Application Checklist for the documents you need to upload.
      
   • Pay the application fee and criminal record check fee, as per the Fee Schedule.
      

   • A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be initiated upon receipt of payment. You will also be required to initiate an extrajurisdictional CRC if you have been licensed as a health professional outside of Canada.

   • Refer to the Professional Licensing page for further information about processing times, application and assessment validity periods, and payment.

3. English Language Proficiency (ELP)  
   • Acceptable test agencies and minimum scores are stated in Appendix 1 of the  LCP-1.
      
   • If you completed your ELP test on or before August 31, 2024, you can apply the previous ELP standards.
      
   • Email your ELP score report to [email protected] for verification.
4. Jurisprudence Examination (JE)
   • Pass the Jurisprudence Exam.
   • *NOTE: All future JE sittings have been cancelled until further notice: https://www.bcpharmacists.org/news/future-sittings-jurisprudence-examination-cancelled

     Prospective applicants, including those who are currently in the process of applying for a licence with CPBC will NOT be affected and may proceed without completing the JE. Current and prospective licensees are reminded of their professional responsibilities for maintaining current knowledge and understanding of all relevant legislation including CPBC bylaws and standards, and for practicing in a professional and ethical manner.

5. Structured Practical Training (SPT) via the Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (CP3
   • ​Complete Structured Practical Training (SPT) through full enrolment in the Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (CP3).
6. Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Qualifying Exams
   • Pass the  PEBC Qualifying Exams Part I & II.
7. Licence Application - Part 2
   • To be eligible to submit Licence Application – Part 2, you must have completed your Licence Application – Part 1, including documents, CRC and extrajurisdictional CRC (if applicable), and completed all the required assessments.
      

   • Log into eServices to complete Licence Application - Part 2 and pay the licence fee (fee prorated to align with the March 31^st expiry date).

   • Refer to the Application Checklist for any updated documents you need to upload.
      

   • Obtain Professional Liability Insurance. 

   • After payment, a confirmation email will be sent the next day, including your licence number.

Additional Practice Information 

Drug Administration Certification (DAC) 

• Apply for Drug Administration Certification (DAC) to administer drugs via injection and intranasal route 

PRIME Enrolment (PharmaNet Access) 

• All newly licenced pharmacists and pharmacy technicians requiring access to PharmaNet must enrol in PRIME.
• Complete Step 1 of the PRIME enrollment process any time, but only complete Step 2 after 8pm on the day your full licence is granted.
• Visit the PRIME webpage or contact PRIMESupport@gov.bc.ca. 

Other Training 

• Additional training is required for specific types of pharmacy services (e.g. Opioid Agonist Treatment). Please visit the College website at: Declarations for more information.  

Need Help? 

• Refer to the FAQ page 
• Contact Professional Licensing at: [email protected] 

Last Updated: September 9, 2026