PEBC OSCE (Qualifying Exam Part 2)
The PEBC OSCE, also called the PEBC qualifying exam part 2, is the in-person station exam that pharmacists sit to qualify in Canada. It has 11 scored stations of up to 7 minutes each. Start with what an OSCE is if the format is new to you.
Assess his complaint, choose and recommend from these products, and counsel him on use, what to expect and when to seek further care.
Free · no sign-up · uses your one free station
Open the full station (charts, voice, result letter) →The exam at a glance
| Scored stations | 11: 9 interactive and 2 non-interactive, with no pretest stations PEBC |
|---|---|
| Time per station | Up to 7 minutes, with a warning at 5, plus 2 minutes to move and read |
| Day length | Two 90-minute halves with a 20-minute break, about 6.5 hours on site |
| Results | Pass or fail only, within 6 weeks PEBC |
| Attempts | Up to 4 per part; the fourth needs remediation set by PEBC first |
What the PEBC OSCE tests
Part II tests whether you can do the work of a pharmacist, not whether you can recall facts. PEBC names the task types: taking a medication history, evaluating a prescription, resolving a drug therapy problem or an ethical dilemma, counselling, follow-up, spotting prescription errors and answering drug-information requests.
It is held in person only, on the same day, at centres across Canada. PEBC assigns you to a centre.
How the exam day runs
Each station is capped at 7 minutes. You hear a warning at 5 minutes. Before each station you get 2 minutes to move and read the task. Testing runs as two 90-minute halves with a 20-minute break in between.
For the full breakdown read how many stations the PEBC OSCE has.
Interactive and non-interactive stations
In an interactive station you talk with a simulated patient, client or health professional while an assessor scores you. In a non-interactive station you do a written task, such as checking a dispensed prescription, screening a new one or answering a written information request.
- Help the person on the spot. A referral or an "I will call back" on its own is not enough.
- When the station supplies options, such as nonprescription products, choose from that list and give your reason.
- Use only the references provided. PEBC lists approved sources including CPS, RxFiles, UpToDate and Health Canada.
What the assessor scores
The assessor works from a checklist for each station and rates three things: Communications, Outcome and Overall Performance. Interactive stations get all three. Non-interactive stations get Outcome and Overall Performance only.
The blueprint in effect from the May 2026 sitting weights the OSCE as follows.
| Area | Weight |
|---|---|
| Clinical Care | 40% |
| Communication and Collaboration | 28% |
| Professionalism | 14% |
| Distribution | 8% |
| Knowledge and Expertise | 7% |
| Leadership and Stewardship | 3% |
Communication and Collaboration is the second largest area. You can see our plans for practice, or try one station free with no sign-up.
Results, attempts and the 2027 change
The exam is criterion-referenced, so there is no fixed pass rate. Results arrive within 6 weeks. Candidates who fail receive a feedback report about 8 weeks after that.
See the PEBC OSCE pass rate by group, the exam fees and 2027 dates and the new pathway from January 2027. Looking at Canadian nursing instead? Read about the Ontario nurse OSCE.
15 original PEBC OSCE practice stations
Medicines counselling
Counselling & explanation
Telephone consultation
Ethics, consent & capacity
Prescription review
Drug information
Common questions
What is the PEBC qualifying exam part 2?
It is the OSCE part of the pharmacist Qualifying Examination run by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. It has 11 scored stations, 9 interactive and 2 non-interactive.
How long is each PEBC OSCE station?
Each station is capped at 7 minutes with a warning at 5 minutes. You also get 2 minutes before each station to move and read.
Is the PEBC OSCE pass or fail?
Yes. Results are pass or fail only and arrive within 6 weeks. Candidates who fail get a feedback report about 8 weeks later.
How many times can I sit PEBC Part II?
Up to 4 attempts per part. The fourth attempt is allowed only after remediation set by PEBC.
Practise every day until it feels routine.
One pass opens every exam on the site, including the PEBC OSCE. From US$25 for 7 days, with no automatic renewal.
See passesSources
- PEBC: About Part II of the Qualifying Examination
- PEBC: Part II format of examination stations and sample stations
- PEBC: Examination scoring and results
- PEBC: Pharmacist Qualifying Exam blueprint (PDF)
Checked 2026-11-06. Fees and rules change, so confirm them with the regulator before you book.