Extending the Validity of Language Proficiency Test Scores

First approved: April 2006

Revised: June 2022

Reviewed: May 2023

All applicants who meet the language proficiency requirement through a language proficiency test are required to possess valid scores at the time of their initial registration and when progressing to the next class of registration.

This policy allows for the extension of the validity of an applicant’s acceptable scores that expired while they were completing all of the requirements for a subsequent certificate of registration (e.g., practice-based assessment, any of the required examinations) without having to undergo further objective language proficiency testing or review by a panel of the Registration Committee.

Policy

The College will extend the validity of an applicant’s language proficiency test scores that were previously accepted by the College and where the applicant meets the Decision Criteria. An extension is valid for a period of no more than one year.

Process

The applicant will advise College staff when they submit their application that their language proficiency test scores will require an extension. College staff will review the applicant’s file, and decide whether the applicant meets the criteria for an extension. The applicant will be notified of the outcome of the review.

Decision Criteria

The validity of an applicant’s language proficiency test scores will be extended on application without referral to a panel of the Registration Committee where:

  1. The applicant has recently successfully completed the required practice-based assessment or any examination requirements related to becoming registered as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician;
  2. The original test scores meet the NAPRA language proficiency requirements for pharmacists or pharmacy technicians as applicable;
  3. The original test scores have expired within the past two years; and
  4. In the opinion of the Registrar, there is no other reason to question the applicant’s ability to communicate and comprehend, both orally and in writing to a standard that is comparable to the language proficiency standards established by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities.
Possible Outcomes

Language proficiency test scores extended

The validity of the test scores will be extended for up to one year from the original expiry date to allow the applicant to fulfill the remaining registration requirements without having to wait for a panel of the Registration Committee to review their application. A notation of the extended expiry date will be made on the applicant’s record.

If a second extension is required, and the applicant continues to meet the decision criteria, the validity of the test scores will be extended for up to one additional year to allow the applicant to fulfill the remaining registration requirements without having to wait for a panel of the Registration Committee to review their application. A notation of the extended expiry date will be made on the applicant’s record.

Language proficiency test scores not extended

The application will be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee for review, or the applicant may choose to submit current, acceptable test scores.

Legislative references
College Contact: regprograms@ocpinfo.com