The Process of Registration as a Pharmacy Technician
| In the Profession Only individuals who have completed by Jan. 1, 2012: | Entering the Profession | ||
1. OCP certification exam OR the PEBC evaluation exam | 1. Graduation from a CCAPP Accredited Pharmacy Technician Education Program OR 1.International Graduate a)PEBC Evaluating Exam b)Bridging (contact OCP) | ||
2. - Bridging Education Program
| 2. Structured Practical Training (SPT) | ||
3. PEBC qualifying exam (MCQ and OSPE) | |||
The process to become registered with the College has been established. The basic requirements for all individuals wishing to pursue registration as a pharmacy technician are listed below. Each step must be completed, some within the timelines described. Please note that pre-registration is required prior to completing steps 2 or 3.
Step 1
For Individuals Currently In the Profession
Completion of the OCP certification exam or PEBC evaluation exam by January 1st, 2012.
The final OCP certification exam was administered on October 25, 2008. This exam was replaced by an evaluation exam, administered by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC), starting in 2009. The deadline for Ontario to complete this step is January 1, 2012 and the final opportunity has now passed. For individuals who have not completed this step and want to proceed with registration in Ontario you will need to graduate from a CCAPP accredited program. Eligibility for advanced standing is up to your CCAPP college to decide with you.
For Individuals Entering the Profession
Graduate from a CCAPP Accredited Pharmacy Technician Education Program
The Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) has initiated the accreditation process for Pharmacy Technician Programs and as of July 2011, there are 19 accredited programs in Ontario. Approved education programs in the future will only be those that have achieved a provisional or full CCAPP Accreditation. Accreditation of more programs is expected over the next year; anyone starting a program is advised to check if the institution has the necessary CCAPP accreditation. Graduates from an unaccredited program who want to pursue registration will need to pursue a diploma from a CCAPP accredited program. Eligibility for advanced standing is up to your CCAPP college to decide with you.
Some CCAPP accredited schools have programs to accommodate international graduates
International Graduate who has completed
- PEBC Evaluation Exam
- Approved Bridging Program (contact OCP for more information)
Step 2
For Individuals Currently In the Profession
Completion of the approved Bridging Education Program
Bridging education consists of 4 continuing education courses (about 150 hours total). The regulations require that this step be completed by January 1, 2015. Classroom and on-line delivery models have been developed to promote access for geographic and scheduling purposes. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) challenge examinations for Pharmacology, Management of Drug Distribution Systems and Product Preparation are now available.
For Individuals Entering the Profession
Completion of the Structure Practical Training Program
Graduates from CCAPP Accredited Education Programs are required to complete structured practical training (SPT) over a 12 week period, including structured activities in a workplace setting, under the supervision of an approved preceptor. Preceptor workshops are offered as posted. The activities and evaluations are all available and completed through an on-line training portal.
Step 3
For All Individuals Pursuing Registration
Completion of the PEBC qualifying examination (written and practical components)
All applicants must successfully complete both parts of this entry-to-practice exam. The exam offered twice a year starting in August of 2010. Details regarding access to the examination are available on the PEBC website.
Step 4
For All Individuals Pursuing Registration
Completion of the OCP jurisprudence examination
All applicants must complete this exam, which is about the laws that pharmacy technicians will need to abide by. It is administered by the College because many of these laws are provincial and therefore cannot be included in a national exam. This exam is offered four times a year as posted.
Step 5
For All Individuals Pursuing Registration
Completion of the Registration process with OCP
Once the key requirements, described above, have been met, individuals will be ready to complete their application for registration. Documentation about other requirements, such as demonstration of language proficiency, and payment of fees is required in this step.
Click here to see a sample of the range of costs and time it may take to complete the registration process.
