Introduction to the Registration Process
There are three levels of registration with the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP):
- 1. Registered Pharmacy Student
2. Intern
3. Registered Pharmacist
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The in-service training required for registration as a pharmacist may only be undertaken while you are registered as a student or an intern. Depending on your previous education and training, it may take several years for you to meet all of the requirements to register as a pharmacist in Ontario.
Some requirements, such as passing the Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence examination or the PEBC Qualifying examination, can be completed prior to or during your registration as an intern with OCP. To increase the likelihood of being successful in these examinations, we recommend that you have Canadian pharmacy experience before attempting them.
To be registered as a pharmacist in Ontario you must:
- Provide evidence of identity and legal status in Canada,
- Provide evidence of good character,
- Have an undergraduate pharmacy degree recognized by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) ,
- Provide evidence of reasonable language proficiency in either English or French,
- Have a Certificate of Qualification from the PEBC,
- Pass OCP’s Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence examination,
- Successfully complete in-service training while registered as a student and/or intern with OCP
- Make an application for registration and pay the associated fees
Step 1: Pre-registration
All applicants must Pre-Register with OCP as the first step in the licensure process. This must be completed before attempting the Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence Examination or obtaining any level of registration with OCP.
Step 2: Registering as a Student
Registered pharmacy students have privileges and responsibilities outlined in the legislation. Before working or volunteering as a “pharmacy student” in Ontario or completing any clinical rotations in Ontario as part of an accredited pharmacy degree, you must be registered as a pharmacy student. You must meet OCP’s language proficiency requirements before you can register as a pharmacy student.
Step 3: Registering as an Intern
Internship is the training period that provides transition from working under direct supervision as a student to working independently as a pharmacist. An intern has successfully completed studentship training, either in their undergraduate program or through OCP’s Structured Practical Training (SPT).
Step 4: Registering as a Pharmacist
After successfully completing internship, the Jurisprudence Examination and the PEBC Qualifying Examination Parts I & II, you are eligible to apply for a Certificate of Registration as a Pharmacist.
Please select the category that best describes your current status:
| Undergraduates/Graduates from an accredited* Canada/U.S. School of Pharmacy |
| International Pharmacy Graduates |
| Pharmacists currently licensed in another Canadian Province or Territory |
If, after reviewing the appropriate section, you require additional information or clarification, please contact a Client Services representative at OCP.