Learn how internationally educated professionals can become licensed pharmacy technicians in Canada. This guide covers credential assessment, bridging programs, salary expectations, and how Windmill Microlending supports your journey.
May 20, 2025
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Pharmacy technicians play an essential role in Canada’s healthcare system, supporting pharmacists in the safe preparation and distribution of medications in hospitals, community pharmacies, long-term care homes, and other clinical settings. As of 2025, there are more than 11,000 registered pharmacy technicians working across the country, a number expected to rise with Canada’s aging population and increasing reliance on pharmaceutical care.
According to Job Bank Canada, the employment outlook for pharmacy technicians is rated as moderate to good in most provinces, with the strongest demand in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. With new responsibilities such as preparing sterile products, managing inventory, and verifying prescriptions, the pharmacy technician role has expanded significantly, making it an attractive entry point for internationally trained healthcare professionals.
If you were educated or practised in pharmacy outside Canada, becoming a pharmacy technician offers a rewarding and accessible route to rejoin the healthcare workforce. This guide walks you through each step of the licensing process, from credential evaluation to final registration, and highlights how Windmill Microlending can support your journey along the way.
Pharmacy technicians and pharmacists work closely together, but they have distinct roles and responsibilities:
Pharmacy technicians must be licensed in Canada and are accountable for their own practice. This distinction allows pharmacists to focus on patient care while pharmacy technicians ensure operational accuracy and efficiency.
If you are an internationally educated pharmacy technician, becoming licensed to practise in Canada requires you to complete a nationally standardized process. While specific steps and terminology may vary slightly by province, the overall pathway is consistent across the country. Regulatory bodies such as the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) and provincial colleges ensure all applicants meet Canadian practice standards.
Step 1: Credential assessment by PEBC
Your first step is to have your pharmacy education and credentials evaluated by PEBC. This assessment determines whether your academic qualifications are equivalent to Canadian entry-to-practice standards. If accepted, you will be eligible to take the PEBC evaluating exam.
Step 2: Complete bridging education (if required)
If PEBC determines that your credentials are not fully equivalent, you may be referred to a bridging program. These programs help internationally trained professionals gain Canadian-specific knowledge and skills.
In Ontario, applicants must complete:
The program typically includes modules on Canadian pharmacy practice, pharmacy law, ethics, product preparation, and communication. Once complete, you must submit proof to your provincial regulatory authority.
Step 3: Register as an intern pharmacy technician
After bridging, or if no bridging is required, you’ll register as an intern pharmacy technician in your province. This includes:
Step 4: Practice assessment or structured training
Most provinces require a structured practical training (SPT) period or a similar in-practice assessment. For example, in Ontario, you must complete the Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE). This evaluates your ability to apply knowledge in a real Canadian pharmacy setting.
Step 5: Jurisprudence, ethics and professionalism exam
Next, you must pass a jurisprudence exam. This tests your understanding of pharmacy laws, ethics, and professional responsibilities within your province.
Step 6: PEBC qualifying exam
Once your education, bridging, and practice training are complete, you must pass the PEBC Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Exam, which consists of two parts. This national exam confirms your readiness to practise independently.
After completing the exam, submit your PEBC ID to your provincial college so results can be verified.
Step 7: Apply for final registration
Once all previous steps are complete, you can apply for your certificate of registration to practise as a licensed pharmacy technician in your province. You’ll need to:
While fees vary, expect to pay approximately $850–$1,000 to your provincial regulatory authority for application and registration. Costs to third-party providers for assessments, exams, bridging programs, and insurance may total $6,800 or more depending on your path.
According to Job Bank Canada, the average hourly wage for pharmacy technicians is $16 to $33, depending on location and experience. This translates to an annual salary range of $45,000 to $62,000. Technicians working in hospitals or specialized clinical settings may earn higher wages than those in retail pharmacies.
Provinces like Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia report higher-than-average wages for experienced technicians.
Job Bank Canada forecasts steady employment opportunities for pharmacy technicians through 2031, especially as provincial governments expand healthcare capacity and more pharmacy services are offered outside traditional hospital settings.
Pharmacy technician jobs are available in:
The role is also a strong stepping stone toward other regulated healthcare careers, including pharmacy or healthcare management.
Windmill Microlending supports internationally educated professionals in restarting their careers in Canada. We offer low-interest loans of up to $15,000 to cover costs related to credential evaluations, bridging programs, licensing exams and registration fees.
We also provide career coaching, financial planning tools and mentorship to help you succeed in your journey to become a licensed pharmacy technician in Canada. Check your eligibility now!
