The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) – Pharmacy Technician Examination is a national certification process designed to assess the competence of pharmacy technicians seeking licensure in Canada. This examination ensures that candidates possess the essential knowledge, technical skills, and professional judgment required to support pharmacists in delivering safe and effective patient care. The certification is widely recognized across Canadian provinces and serves as a critical step toward professional registration as a regulated pharmacy technician.

The PEBC Pharmacy Technician Examination covers a comprehensive range of competencies aligned with Canadian pharmacy practice standards. The scope includes medication preparation and distribution, pharmaceutical calculations, inventory and quality control, sterile and non-sterile compounding, drug information support, and adherence to legal and ethical frameworks. It also evaluates communication skills, patient safety practices, and collaboration within healthcare teams. The examination consists of qualifying written component to assess practical and applied skills.

The primary objective of the PEBC Pharmacy Technician Examination is to ensure that candidates demonstrate entry-to-practice competencies required for safe, accurate, and ethical pharmacy practice. It aims to validate proficiency in medication dispensing processes, accuracy in pharmaceutical calculations, adherence to regulatory standards, and effective communication with patients and healthcare professionals. Additionally, the examination promotes patient safety, minimizes medication errors, and ensures that certified pharmacy technicians contribute effectively to the healthcare system.

There are three main pathways to eligibility:

1. Canadian Graduates (Direct-Entry): Candidates who have graduated from a pharmacy technician or pharmacist program accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP), or those who have completed a Provincial Regulatory Authority (PRA) approved bridging program, are considered "Direct-entry Candidates" who are eligible to proceed immediately to the Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Examination. PEBC
2. International Graduates: For international candidates — either educated as pharmacy technicians or pharmacists abroad — there is an evaluation process that must be completed before becoming eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Examination. The International Evaluation consists of an assessment of the candidate's credentials and foundational level of pharmacy knowledge through a document evaluation process. PEBC
3. Language Proficiency Note: Although PEBC has no formal language proficiency requirements, effective written and verbal communication skills at levels satisfactory for a health professional are essential for success in the PEBC examinations.