Pharmacist from Canada (Non-CFTA)

If you were previously licensed as a practicing pharmacist in another Canadian province/territory or currently licensed on the non-patient care register, follow the steps below to become licensed as a full pharmacist with the College of Pharmacists of BC (CPBC).

1. 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.
      
   • For details on the online application process, refer to the Professional Licence for further information about processing times, application and assessment validity periods, and payment. 
2. Jurisprudence Examination (JE)
   • *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.

3. English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessments - if applicable
   • This is only required if you graduated from a pharmacy program in Quebec or a non-CCAPP/ACPE accredited program.
      
   • Acceptable test agencies and minimum scores are stated in Appendix 1 of the LCP-1.
      
   • If your ELP test was completed on or before August 31, 2024, you can apply the previous ELP standards.
   • Email your ELP score report to [email protected] for verification.
4. Structured Practical Training (SPT) via CP3 – if applicable
   • This is only required if you have worked less than 1000 patient-care hours in the past 3 years as a licensed pharmacist in Canada or the U.S.
      
   • Complete Structured Practical Training (SPT) through full enrolment in the Canadian Pharmacy Practice Programme (CP3).
5. Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Qualifying Exam Part 2 (OSCE for non-certification) (if applicable)
   • This is only required if you completed the PEBC Qualifying Exams prior to May 2001. 
      
   • Email Professional Licencing at [email protected] to receive the Non-certification OSCE application. 
6. Application for Full Pharmacist Licence - 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) if you would like to obtain authorization to administer drugs via injection and intranasal route.

PRIME Enrolment (PharmaNet Access) 

• All newly licensed 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