The Pharmacist Evaluating Examination in October 2026 will be the last Evaluating Exam, according to the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). Starting in January 2027, qualified IPGs will not need to pass the Evaluating Examination in order to proceed straight to Part I (MCQ) of the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination if they have a completed and valid Document Evaluation.
This is a big shift for many pharmacists with overseas training. However, what does that mean specifically for you?
In 2027, the evaluation exam will no longer be required. IPGs who have not passed the Evaluating Examination will no longer be required to do so in order to apply for Part I (MCQ) of the Qualifying Examination under the new pathway.
This will be the new pathway:
Evaluation of Documents → MCQ Part I → OSCE Part II
One crucial thing to keep in mind is that this new pathway requires you to pass Part I (MCQ) before you can apply for Part II (OSCE).
This also holds true for applicants who have never taken the Evaluating Examination or who have tried it before, even those who failed the test four times.
What Happens to the October 2026 Evaluating Exam?
If you are already enrolled in the October 2026 Evaluating Examination, you have a choice.
You can still take the examination, but it is now optional.
Taking it could be useful as a preparation opportunity because the exam provides experience in an examination setting comparable to Part I of the Qualifying Examination. You will also receive a result and a detailed feedback report showing your proficiency by competency area.
There is another important benefit if you pass.
If you successfully complete the October 2026 Evaluating Examination, you will be eligible to apply for both Part I (MCQ) and Part II (OSCE) without having to pass Part I before applying for Part II. You can even take both parts in the same examination session or in the order you choose.
However, if you take the October Evaluating Exam and are unsuccessful, your performance will not prevent you from moving forward. You will follow the new pathway and need to pass Part I (MCQ) before becoming eligible for Part II (OSCE).
Can You Get a Refund?
Yes, but there are specific conditions.
Candidates who applied and paid for the October 2026 Evaluating Examination on or after April 30, 2026 can withdraw and receive a full refund of the exam fee between August 10 and August 24, 2026.
PEBC will provide eligible candidates with specific instructions for withdrawing and receiving the refund.
If you withdraw after August 24, the standard PEBC withdrawal and refund policies will apply.
So, if you are currently registered for the October exam, don't wait until the last minute to decide.
Your Document Evaluation Is Still Important
Document evaluation is still necessary even if you choose to skip the evaluating exam.
The Document Evaluation must be finished and valid for IPGs using the new method before submitting an application for Part I (MCQ).
The validity of a completed document evaluation is five years from the date of approval.
You will need to complete Document Re-evaluation if your Document Evaluation expires before the test you wish to take.
The February 2027 Part I (MCQ) application will be available in the Candidate Portal by August 28, 2026, with the application deadline at 12 PM Eastern Time on November 19, 2026.
Increased Possibilities for Qualifying Exams in 2027
Additionally, there is excellent news for those who are preparing.
In order to provide candidates more time to prepare for their tests, PEBC is expanding the number of Pharmacist Qualifying Examinations in 2027.
Additionally, PEBC is launching additional resources for preparation, such as an optional assessment tool that provides candidates with immediate feedback on how prepared they are for Part I (MCQ). The tool will also direct candidates toward supporting resources to help address competency gaps.
Crucially, the maximum number of attempts remains unchanged. For Part I (MCQ) and Part II (OSCE), candidates may still make up to four attempts.
Now, what should you do?
Your next course of action as an IPG getting ready for Canada will depend on where you are in the PEBC process right now.
This new modification has no bearing on your journey if you have already passed the Evaluating Examination.
If your Document Evaluation is still valid, you will switch to the new track in January 2027 if you haven't finished it.
Additionally, if you are registered for the October 2026 Evaluating Exam, you now have two options: either take it as an extra opportunity for preparation and assessment, or withdraw within the allotted time frame and, if you match the qualifying requirements, receive a complete refund.
The end of the PEBC Evaluating Examination marks a major change for International Pharmacy Graduates hoping to practise in Canada.
For many applicants, the process will now be simpler: finish your Document Evaluation, get ready for Part I (MCQ), and then proceed to Part II (OSCE) once Part I is successfully finished.
However, don't base your selections on rumors or posts on social media. Find out which pathway is appropriate for you by checking your PEBC Candidate Portal and reading the required instructions.
The pathway for becoming a pharmacist in Canada is changing, and for many IPGs, 2027 may mean that one exam will no longer stand in the way of their dream of becoming a pharmacist in Canada.
