How to Become a Pharmacist in British Columbia
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the College of Pharmacists of BC to work as a pharmacist in British Columbia or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- pharmacist
Show the source
“To practice as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician in BC, you must be licenced with the College of Pharmacists of BC (CPBC).”
From bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 8 steps
- Licensed in another province: 5 steps
- Trained outside Canada: 6 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with CPBC
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 8 done
- 8 steps without a listed fee
-
If you are applying for the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination for the first time, you must first submit a completed application and identification documents to PEBC for identity and education verification.
Source
“You are required to first complete ID and Education Verification by submitting the completed application and ID documents if you graduated in Canada from a CCAPP accredited pharmacy program and intend to apply for the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination for the first time”
pebc.ca/pharmacists/qualifying-examination/application-for-part-i-a... -
Applicants must successfully complete the multiple-choice part of the PEBC Qualifying Examination.
Source
“This certification is granted by the PEBC to those who successfully complete the PEBC Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ) and Part II (OSCE).”
pebc.ca/pharmacists/certification-pathway/canadian-graduates -
Applicants must successfully complete the performance-based OSCE part of the PEBC Qualifying Examination.
Source
“the Board uses both a 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.”
pebc.ca/pharmacists/certification-pathway/canadian-graduates -
After passing both parts of the Qualifying Examination, the applicant receives PEBC certification.
Source
“This certification is granted by the PEBC to those who successfully complete the PEBC Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ) and Part II (OSCE).”
pebc.ca/pharmacists/certification-pathway/canadian-graduates -
The applicant completes Licence Application - Part 1 online in eServices and uploads the required documents.
Source
“Complete Licence Application - Part 1 and upload your documents.”
bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing -
The applicant pays the application fee and the criminal record check fee, and a criminal record check is initiated.
Source
“Pay the application fee and criminal record check fee.”
bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing -
Once all outstanding requirements are fulfilled and confirmed by CPBC, the applicant completes Licence Application - Part 2 and pays the licence fee.
Source
“After fulfilling all outstanding requirements and CPBC has provided confirmation, you can access and complete the Licence Application - Part 2 and pay the licence fee.”
bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing -
The applicant receives an email the next business day confirming the licence has been granted.
Source
“You will receive an email the next business day confirming that your licence has been granted, along with your new licence number.”
bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with CPBC
8 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 5 done
- 5 steps without a listed fee
-
The applicant first determines which licensing category applies based on their credentials and where they are licensed.
Source
“To begin the licensing process with CPBC, you must first determine your licensing category, which depends on your pharmacy credentials, such as where you obtained your pharmacy degree and/or where you are licensed.”
bcpharmacists.org/pharmacist-licensing -
The applicant completes Licence Application - Part 1 online in eServices and uploads the required documents.
Source
“Complete Licence Application - Part 1 and upload your documents.”
bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing -
The applicant pays the application fee and the criminal record check fee, and a criminal record check is initiated.
Source
“Pay the application fee and criminal record check fee.”
bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing -
Once all outstanding requirements are fulfilled and confirmed by CPBC, the applicant completes Licence Application - Part 2 and pays the licence fee.
Source
“After fulfilling all outstanding requirements and CPBC has provided confirmation, you can access and complete the Licence Application - Part 2 and pay the licence fee.”
bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing -
The applicant receives an email the next business day confirming the licence has been granted.
Source
“You will receive an email the next business day confirming that your licence has been granted, along with your new licence number.”
bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with CPBC
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 6 done
- 6 steps without a listed fee
-
The applicant submits the Licence Application - Part 1 and satisfies the English language proficiency requirements.
Source
“1. Submit the Licence Application – Part 1 and satisfy the ELP requirements”
bcpharmacists.org/structured-practical-training-spt -
The applicant enrolls in the Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program at UBC.
Source
“2. Enroll in the Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (CP3)”
bcpharmacists.org/structured-practical-training-spt -
The applicant completes the 24-week CP3 program, which includes virtual classroom sessions and in-person Structured Practical Training.
Source
“3. Complete CP3 (24-week program consisting of virtual classroom and Structured Practical Training)”
bcpharmacists.org/structured-practical-training-spt -
CP3 notifies CPBC of the applicant's SPT result about one week after the SPT is finished, and the result is recorded in the applicant's eServices account.
Source
“4. CP3 notifies CPBC of your SPT result approximately one week after your SPT is finished.”
bcpharmacists.org/structured-practical-training-spt -
Once all outstanding requirements are fulfilled and confirmed by CPBC, the applicant completes Licence Application - Part 2 and pays the licence fee.
Source
“After fulfilling all outstanding requirements and CPBC has provided confirmation, you can access and complete the Licence Application - Part 2 and pay the licence fee.”
bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing -
The applicant receives an email the next business day confirming the licence has been granted.
Source
“You will receive an email the next business day confirming that your licence has been granted, along with your new licence number.”
bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with CPBC
6 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Education
New pharmacy graduate applicants from Canada must have graduated from a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy program in Canada.
Source
“You graduated from a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy program in Canada.”
bcpharmacists.org/pharmacist-licensing
Experience
Pharmacists from the United States must complete SPT if they have practiced less than 1000 patient-care hours in the last 3 years as a licensed pharmacist in Canada or the United States.
Source
“Pharmacist from the United States – if you have practiced less than 1000 patient-care hours in the last 3 years as a licensed pharmacist in Canada or the United States”
bcpharmacists.org/structured-practical-training-sptPharmacists from Canada (non-CFTA) must complete SPT if they have practiced less than 1000 patient-care hours in the last 3 years as a practising pharmacist in Canada or the United States.
Source
“Pharmacist from Canada (non-CFTA) – if you have practiced less than 1000 patient-care hours in the last 3 years as a practising pharmacist in Canada or the United States”
bcpharmacists.org/structured-practical-training-sptNew pharmacy graduates from Canada or the United States must complete SPT if they graduated more than 3 years ago and have never been licensed as a pharmacist.
Source
“New Pharmacy Graduate from Canada/ United States – if you graduated more than 3 years ago and have never been licensed as a pharmacist”
bcpharmacists.org/structured-practical-training-spt
Police check
Applicants must pay the criminal record check fee as part of the licence application, and a criminal record check is initiated upon receipt of payment.
Source
“Pay the application fee and criminal record check fee.”
bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing
Insurance
Applicants must obtain professional liability insurance as part of the reinstatement application process.
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
A pharmacist currently licensed in another Canadian province or territory can have their credentials recognized for licensing in BC under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement without additional assessments. Source
“You are currently licenced as a practising pharmacist in another Canadian province or territory. The Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) allows your credentials as a Canadian pharmacist to be recognized for licensing in BC, therefore additional assessments are not required.”
bcpharmacists.org/pharmacist-licensing
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with CPBC
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with CPBC
Exams
-
PEBC Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ)
Source
“This certification is granted by the PEBC to those who successfully complete the PEBC Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ) and Part II (OSCE).”
pebc.ca/pharmacists/certification-pathway/canadian-graduatesWhich provinces ask for the PEBC Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ)
-
Jurisprudence Exam (JE)
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with CPBC
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with CPBC
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with CPBC
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | $40.87 | $52.00 | $64.00 | Good (4 of 5) |
| Canada | $40.00 | $55.49 | $67.00 | — |
Pharmacists in other provinces and territories
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Licence required
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Nova Scotia Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Licence required
- Newfoundland and Labrador Licence required
- Yukon Licence required
- Northwest Territories Licence required
- Nunavut Licence required
Sources checked
- Professional Licensing | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia bcpharmacists.org/professional-licensing · fetched October 10, 2026
- Pharmacist Licensing | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia bcpharmacists.org/pharmacist-licensing · fetched October 10, 2026
- ID and Education Verification for Canadian Grads - PEBC pebc.ca/pharmacists/qualifying-examination/application-for-part-i-a... · fetched October 9, 2026
- Canadian Graduates - PEBC pebc.ca/pharmacists/certification-pathway/canadian-graduates · fetched October 9, 2026
- Structured Practical Training (SPT) | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia bcpharmacists.org/structured-practical-training-spt · fetched October 10, 2026
- 6 Years or More | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia bcpharmacists.org/Reinstatement-6-Years-or-More · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a pharmacist in British Columbia?
Yes. Registration with the College of Pharmacists of BC is required to practise in British Columbia, and to use the title pharmacist.
Which exams are required?
PEBC Qualifying Examination – Part I (MCQ), Jurisprudence Exam (JE).
Getting Licensed? Get Your Resume Ready Too
Nainly pairs expert resume assessment with a done-for-you career marketing campaign, so your profile keeps reaching decision-makers while you work through the licensing steps.
Schedule a CallFree consultation. No commitment.