Graduates of CCAPP Accredited Canadian Pharmacy Technician Programs

Step 1: Apply to become a pharmacy techinician-in-training

Once you have graduated from a CCAPP accredited Canadian pharmacy technician program, you can apply to become a pharmacy technician-in-training with the College of Pharmacists (CPhM). You must submit an Application for Pharmacy Technician-in-Training to CPhM along with the application fee and the following documents:

• Notarized Documents

  You must get all of the following documents notarized by a notary public in Canada:

  1. An original passport size and style photograph placed on white paper for the notary public to sign and seal. See an example. The photograph must be affixed to a piece of plain white paper, sealed across both the photograph and paper, and include the statement “The photograph is a true likeness of (applicant’s full name printed).”
  2. A copy of your birth certificate. If you have changed your name from what is on your birth certificate, you must attach a notarized copy of the applicable marriage, divorce, or name change certificate to your application.
  3. A notarized copy of your graduation certificate from a CCAPP approved pharmacy technician training program.

• Original Signed Declarations

  You must submit the following two original signed declarations with your application:

  1. “I do not suffer from a physical or mental condition, including an addiction to alcohol or drugs, that may interfere with my ability to work in training in a safe and effective manner.”
  2. “I have read and understand the fluency requirements for a pharmacy technician, as listed on CPhM’s website, and that I have provided:”
     • language proficiency test results* (sent directly to CPhM from an approved assessment centre) that meet the NAPRA Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada*; OR
     • a notarized copy of my transcript confirming graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive, first language English or French courses/credits; OR
     • a notarized copy of my transcript confirming graduation from a Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec with three consecutive, first language English or French courses/credits; OR
     • a notarized copy of my transcript or degree confirming graduation with an undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English or French

  *Language proficiency test results are valid only if completed within two years before beginning

  • the Structured Practical Training program; or
  • a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy technician program.

• Criminal Record, Vulnerable Sector Search, and Adult and Child Abuse Registry Checks

  Your application to CPhM to practice as a pharmacy technician-in-training must include a

  • Criminal Record Check including a Vulnerable Sector Search;
  • Adult Abuse Registry Check; and
  • Child Abuse Registry Check.

  These Checks must be dated within six months before you begin your Structured Practical Training (SPT). For example, if you begin your SPT on June 1, your Criminal Record and Abuse Registry Checks must be dated and submitted within January 1 and June 1 of that year.

  For more information visit Criminal Record, Vulnerable Sector Search, and Adult and Child Abuse Registry Checks | College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (cphm.ca)

Step 2: Successfully complete the PEBC Qualifying Exam Parts I and II

The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Qualifying Examination (Qualifying Exam) ensures that pharmacy technicians-in-training possess the necessary skills and knowledge to practice as pharmacy technicians at entry-to-practice. You must successfully pass Parts I and II of the exam before you can proceed to Step 4 and apply to practice as a pharmacy technician in Manitoba. PEBC’s website outlines information about the Qualifying Exam including minimum requirements to write, scheduling and location, application procedures, and cost. PEBC Qualifying Exam certification expires after 3 years.

You should carefully review PEBC’s website and understand their policies and procedures well in advance of applying to write the Qualifying Exam.

PLEASE NOTE: You can complete Step 3 (SPT Program and JP Exam) before Step Two, but all of the steps must be completed regardless of the order.

Step 3: Successfully complete the Structured Practical Training Program and the Jurisprudence Examination

Structured Practical Training

You must successfully complete all parts of the Structured Practical Training (SPT) program to be listed as a pharmacy technician in Manitoba. The SPT program is based on the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry-to-Practice. Through observation, participation, and demonstration in a patient-care setting, you will develop the competencies you need to practice as a pharmacy technician in Manitoba.

To begin the SPT program, you must

• find a practice site and supervisor;
• complete and submit the Pharmacy Technician Structured Practical Training Notification Form to the College; and
• receive approval from the College to begin an SPT program.

See the Structured Practical Training Program Manual and Logbook for more details.

Pharmacy Jurisprudence Modules and Jurisprudence Examination

Before CPhM can schedule you to write the Jurisprudence Examination (JP Exam), you must complete the Pharmacy Jurisprudence Modules. The modules are hosted by the University of Manitoba (U of M) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) website and you can complete them at any time.

Registration for the Modules: https://www.cpd-umanitoba.com/events/online-pharmacy-law/

Cost: $100 (payable to U of M CPD)

Estimated time to complete: 12 – 15 hours

You will have 2.5 hours to complete the online, live-proctored exam. The exam is a closed book exam in a multiple-choice format that contains 85 questions.  The JP Exam is graded on a pass-fail basis. You will only be provided with notice of a pass or a fail (no specific grade will be provided).

In addition to the Pharmacy Jurisprudence Modules, you can use the supplementary  JP Exam Study Material to prepare for the exam.

Once you successfully pass the JP Exam, your results are valid for two years. If you are not listed with the College within two years time then you will be required to re-take the exam to become a pharmacy technician.

You can make an appointment to write the JP Exam by emailing registration@cphm.ca. Please include proof of completing the Pharmacy Jurisprudence Modules (statement of completion AND confirmation of registration or payment receipt) with your email.

PLEASE NOTE: You can complete Step 3 (SPT Program and JP Exam) before Step Two, but all of the steps must be completed regardless of the order.

Step 4: Apply to be listed as a pharmacy technician with the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba

Once you have successfully completed Steps 1- 3, you are eligible to apply to be listed as a pharmacy technician by the College. You must fill out an Application for Listing as a Pharmacy Technician and submit it to the College, along with the documentation listed on the application form, in-person or by regular mail.