In our previous blog, we discussed costs, every IPG's worst topic to discuss.

Today, we'll explore the other barrier to IPG success in Canada. TIME.

Time is a funny currency. It's finite & you can only spend it.

In my short time in Canada, I have watched so many International Pharmacists waste this valuable resource to the point that they have abandoned their Canadian Pharmacist goals altogether. Crazy…

Regardless of what stage you are at currently, whether beginning, in the middle or closer to the end, TIME planning is still important so you don't lose momentum.

Since key steps have specific deadlines and waiting periods, your first action must be planning your exam dates backward.

Step 1: What month/year do I want to take my PEBC exam?

Step 2: What deadlines do I need to satisfy to achieve that goal?

Step 3: What associated costs do I need to pay?

Step 4: How much do I need to save each month to afford it?

The PEBC Timeline

(Minimum Time Commitments)

This sequence starts the clock and defines how long you will spend preparing, writing, and waiting for your results:

Enroll in Pharmacist’s Gateway: This provides your National ID # and grants you immediate access to the candidate portal. Cost: $385 CAD (As of Jan 2026). Register here

Step 1: Document Evaluation

This step requires a minimum of 2 months and is valid for 5 years. Cost: $715 CAD (As of Jan 2026). Apply here

Step 2: Evaluation Exam (EE)

Plan for 4 months of lead time. The deadline is typically 3 months prior to the exam date (exams are offered in January, March, June, and October). Cost: $910 CAD (As of Jan 2026). Results are posted in 3 weeks. See dates here

• You have a maximum of 4 attempts.

Bridging Program (IF Required): This is MANDATORY in AB, BC, ON, and Quebec. These programs typically take 6 to 7 months.

IPG Mentorship Canada recommends selecting “Bridging-FREE re-licensing routes” as applicable to your unique circumstances.

Cost: $10K to $25K (As of Jan 2026).

• ON and AB offer an exemption if you pass the Qualifying Exams on the first attempt

Step 3: Qualifying Exam (MCQ & OSCE)

This requires at least 4.5 months, given the two parts and the three-month deadline prior to the exam.

Cost: MCQ $855; OSCE $1,915 (As of Jan 2026). Results are posted in 6 weeks. See dates here

• You have a maximum of 4 attempts.

The Most Important Step

The re-licensing journey is not a sprint; it’s an 18-month marathon (or longer). The biggest mistake IPGs make is waiting for "the right time" to start. The most important step is to start now!

If you have questions, I'm excited to talk more about your Canadian re-licensing goals.

Ready to be on the path to PASS?

If you are serious about moving from planning to PASSing, and you want one-on-one Mentor support, a weekly study plan, group study calls, and the fastest track to licensure:

Enroll in IPG Mentorship Canada