Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
The Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) is the registering and regulatory body for Pharmacy and Pharmacy Technician practice in Ontario.
All people within Ontario who wish to dispense prescriptions and sell products defined as drugs to the public must first have met the professional qualifications set by the College, and be registered as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
Registration Requirements
Pharmacist
To practise as a pharmacist in Ontario, internationally educated pharmacists (IEPs) must hold a current Certificate of Registration with the OCP. To be eligible for a Certificate of Registration, IEPs must meet the following registration requirements:
- Document evaluation by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
- Pass the PEBC Evaluating Examination for pharmacists
- *Completion of the International Pharmacy Graduate Program (see College’s website)
- Meet the OCP English or French fluency requirements
- Provide proof of Canadian citizenship, Permanent Residency or authorization to work in Canada
- Sign a declaration that includes confirmation that you have not been found guilty of or are the subject of a current proceeding of any pharmacy practice or drug-related offence or any criminal offence, or the subject of a health profession-related finding of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity
- Successfully complete structured practical training comprised of:
- a minimum of 12 weeks of Structured Practical Training (SPT) at the student level and,
- a minimum of 12 weeks of Structured Practical Training (SPT) at the intern level
- Pass the PEBC Qualifying Examination for Pharmacists, Part I – MCQ and Part II - OSCE
- Pass the OCP Jurisprudence Examination for Pharmacists
- Provide proof of sufficient personal professional liability insurance
- Make an application and pay the fee
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician is now a new regulated health care profession within the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP).
To practise as a pharmacy technician in Ontario, internationally educated pharmacy technician graduates will be required to hold a current Certificate of Registration with the OCP. To be eligible for a Certificate of Registration, internationally educated pharmacy technician graduates will need to meet the following registration requirements:
- Have a university degree or diploma in pharmacy, or pass a pharmacy technician program
- Pass the PEBC Evaluating Examination for pharmacy technicians (Note: PEBC requires you to provide evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of work and/or teaching experience in the field of pharmacy within the past 36 months to be allowed to write this exam)
- Meet the OCP English or French fluency requirements
- Provide proof of Canadian citizenship, Permanent Residency or authorization to work in Canada
- Sign a declaration that includes confirmation that you have not been found guilty of or are the subject of a current proceeding of any pharmacy practice or drug-related offence or any criminal offence, or the subject of a health profession-related finding of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity
- Successfully complete an approved International Pharmacy Technician Bridging Education Program
-
Successfully complete an approved Structured Practical Training (SPT) program for pharmacy technician applicants (currently in development as a minimum of 12 weeks)
- Pass the PEBC Qualifying Examination for Pharmacy Technicians, Part I – MCQ and Part II - OSPE
- Pass the OCP Jurisprudence Examination for Pharmacy Technicians
- Provide proof of sufficient personal professional liability insurance
- Make an application and pay the fee
There is a time-limited period of transition for individuals who are already in the profession. For these individuals, the following variation from the above requirements applies:
- Successfully complete the PEBC Evaluating Examination for pharmacy technicians by January 1, 2012
- Successfully complete the approved Bridging Education Program for Pharmacy Technicians by January 1, 2015 (consisting of 4 continuing education courses offered through a community college program accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs)
- Successfully complete a Structured Practical Evaluation (consisting of an "Independent Double Check" for 500 prescriptions)
- Complete steps 3 through 5 and 8 through 11 above
For further details, please visit the Ontario College of Pharmacists website.
How the Access Centre Can Help
The Access Centre within HFO MRA can assist internationally educated pharmacy and pharmacy technician graduates on their path to practise by providing advisory services by appointment via telephone, in-person or Skype.
If you have previously registered as a client of the Access Centre and are seeking services offered to registered clients or have questions regarding any aspect of the licensure process, please call 416-862-2200 or toll free 1-800-596-4046 or e-mail AccessCentre@HealthForceOntario.ca.
If you are not a registered client of the Access Centre and would like detailed information on the licensing process for internationally educated respiratory therapists, please register online.
Information Sessions
Information sessions bring together groups of internationally educated health professions with a common goal. These sessions focus on various aspects of the registration process. Learn more.
Resources