In fall 2024, the College will be transitioning from the Structured Practical Training (SPT) program to the Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) model for pharmacy technician applicants.
Pharmacy technician applicants who are not already licensed in another Canadian province/territory will be required to successfully complete PACE alongside other College entry-to-practice requirements, including the Jurisprudence, Ethics and Professionalism exam.
Pharmacy technicians already registered with the College are not required to complete PACE.
What is PACE?
- PACE is the practice-based assessment of an applicant’s readiness to safely and independently practise as a pharmacy professional performing the authorized acts of the profession
- PACE complements other entry-to-practice requirements, including the Jurisprudence, Ethics and Professionalism exam, and is an important tool to validate practice-readiness and the ability to deliver safe, quality care.
When will the change happen?
To support the transition from the Structured Practical Training (SPT) program to the Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) model, the SPT program will begin winding down this fall.
- September 3, 2024: Last day for pharmacy technician applicants to apply for SPT
- September 16, 2024: Last day for pharmacy technician applicants to start their SPT
- October 2024: PACE applications open for pharmacy technician applicants
- December 31, 2024: PACE is fully implemented as the practice-based assessment for pharmacy technician applicants. SPT is no longer available.
If you start SPT and take a break from your training without successfully completing it before the end of 2024, you may be required to undergo Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) to meet the College’s practice-based registration requirement.
Want to learn more?
Information on PACE for pharmacy technician applicants is available on the College’s website.