Updated October 16, 2026.
As a result of the Health Professions and Occupations Act coming into force on April 1, 2026, and Federal drug legislation changes that will come into force on October 1, a new approach to jurisprudence education and assessment will be developed.
In order to incorporate these legislative changes into future jurisprudence education and assessment, all future sittings of the JE have been cancelled until further notice.
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.
Further information will be shared in the coming months.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why have future sittings of the Jurisprudence Examination been cancelled?
Recent changes to Provincial and Federal legislation have significantly changed the regulatory framework for pharmacy practice, including the Health Professions and Occupations Act coming into force on April 1, 2026, and Federal drug legislation changes that came into effect on October 1, 2026.
Rather than update the existing JE in response to these changes, CPBC chose to take a broader look at how jurisprudence learning and assessment can support pharmacy professionals throughout their careers.
- Do pharmacist and pharmacy technician applicants still need to complete the JE before applying for a licence?
The JE is no longer available. Applicants for a licence with CPBC will be required to complete a "Declaration of Currency with Legislation and Practice Standards" as part of the Licence Application to confirm knowledge.
- What will replace the JE and when?
CPBC is looking more broadly at how jurisprudence learning and assessment should support pharmacy professionals throughout their careers. Rather than update a one-time high-stakes exam, we’re developing a new approach focused on interactive learning, integrated knowledge checks and periodic refreshers over the course of a pharmacy professional’s career. We believe this approach better supports continued familiarity with legislation, bylaws and standards as they change over time.
We are aiming to roll out the new approach in 2028.
- I'm returning to practice or reinstating my licence and would previously have needed to complete the JE. What requirement applies to me now?
You may proceed with your reinstatement application. As part of the application, you will be required to complete a “Declaration of Currency with Legislation and Practice Standards” to confirm your knowledge.
- After I get my licence, will I need to complete the JE at a future date?
Once CPBC launches the new jurisprudence learning and assessment experience, all licensees will need to complete it, including those who received a licence during the current JE pause.
We will share more information about timing and requirements when we have it.