Registration Information for IPGs
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STEP 1 – Pre-Registering with OCP

A pre-registration number will be assigned to you upon processing of the following: NOTE: Pre-registration status with OCP expires five years from the date of pre-registration. If this happens before you register with OCP as a student or intern, your file will be deactivated. To reactivate your file, you will be required to submit a Pre-Registration Form and fee.

STEP 2 – Registering as a Student

NOTE: To perform any of the “controlled acts” (duties) of the pharmacy profession in Ontario you must register as a pharmacy student. This registration must be confirmed by OCP before participating in clinical rotations or working as a pharmacy student.

International pharmacy graduates are required to complete a minimum of 32 weeks of studentship. This consists of:
  • International Pharmacy Graduate Program (available through the University of Toronto)
  • 8 weeks Canadian Pharmacy Skills I
  • 8 weeks Canadian Pharmacy Skills II
  • a minimum of 16 weeks of Structured Practical Training (SPT) as a registered student with OCP
The IPG Program staff will confirm your admission to the program with OCP.

Upon successful completion of CPS I and II, you will receive 16 weeks of in-service training credit from OCP towards the minimum 32 weeks requirement.

From the date you first register with OCP as a student or intern and begin your in-service training, you have three years in which to complete all of the requirements of licensure and register as a pharmacist.

Structured Practical Training (SPT) Studentship

Upon successful completion of CPS I, you may apply to register as a pharmacy student with OCP. To register a student-level training position in a community or hospital pharmacy, please submit: OCP will verify the following:
  • Your eligibility to register as a student
  • The eligibility of your proposed preceptor (see SPT Preceptor Criteria)
  • The eligibility of your training site (see SPT Site Criteria)
Once OCP approves your eligibility to register as a student, you will receive:
  • a wallet card identifying you as a Registered Pharmacy Student
  • an email confirming your official studentship start date and information on how to download your SPT studentship manual and handbook
As a registered pharmacy student performing the controlled acts of the profession in a pharmacy in Ontario, you are required to submit a Notice of Pharmacy Work Placement (Non-Credit Position) form for any position (i.e., employment or volunteer experience) outside of SPT.

NOTE: International pharmacy graduates who are successful in both parts of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Qualifying Examination may apply to be exempted from a portion of the minimum 48 weeks of in-service training. Please see Panel

Step 3 - Registering as an Intern

NOTE: To perform any of the “controlled acts” (duties) of the pharmacy profession in Ontario you must register as a pharmacy intern. This registration must be confirmed by OCP before participating in clinical rotations or working as a pharmacy intern.

To register an intern-level training position (internship) in a community or hospital pharmacy, please submit: OCP will verify the following:
  • Your eligibility to register as an intern
  • The eligibility of your proposed preceptor (see SPT Preceptor Criteria)
  • The eligibility of your training site (see SPT Site Criteria)
Once OCP approves your eligibility to register as an intern, you will receive:
  • a wallet card identifying you as a Pharmacy Intern
  • an email confirming your official internship start date and information on how to download your SPT internship manual and handbook
NOTE: International pharmacy graduates who are successful in both parts of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Qualifying Examination may apply to be exempted from a portion of the minimum 48 weeks of in-service training. Please see Panel

Step 4 - Registering as a Pharmacist

Upon successful completion of 48 weeks of SPT (or the length of in-service training determined by a panel of the Registration Committee) and the OCP Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence examination and both parts of the PEBC Qualifying examination, you will be eligible to apply for a Certificate of Registration as a Pharmacist.
To register as a pharmacist, please submit: Please allow one to two weeks for your application to be processed. A Client Services representative will notify you when you are licensed.