Understanding the PEBC Evaluating Exam blueprint is crucial for effective preparation. The recently updated blueprint for June 2025 introduces significant changes to the exam structure, content distribution, and format. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the new 140-question format and how to align your study strategy accordingly.
Whether you're preparing for the March 2025 exam (old format) or the June 2025 exam (new format), this guide provides detailed insights into question types, topic weightings, and sample questions to help you succeed.
Blueprint Overview and Key Changes
🚨 Major Update: New Blueprint Effective June 2025
PEBC has released a revised blueprint that better aligns with current PharmD curricula. Here are the key changes:
Old vs. New Blueprint Comparison:
| Aspect | Old Format (until March 2025) | New Format (from June 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 150 MCQs | 140 MCQs |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours 15 minutes (continuous) | 3 hours (two 90-minute sections) |
| Subject Areas | 4 areas (including Biomedical Sciences) | 3 areas (Biomedical Sciences removed) |
| Passing Score | 60% (90/150 questions) | 60% (84/140 questions) |
Why the Changes?
The blueprint revision reflects:
- Transition of all Canadian pharmacy schools to entry-level PharmD programs
- Updated pharmacy practice standards and scope
- Integration of contemporary healthcare concepts
- Streamlined exam format for improved candidate experience
New Exam Structure (140 Questions)
Exam Format Details:
Section 1: Questions 1-70
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Time per question: ~1.3 minutes
- Content: Mixed topics from all subject areas
Break Period
- Duration: 15 minutes (optional)
- Activities: Rest, bathroom break, snack
- Note: Cannot review previous section
Section 2: Questions 71-140
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Time per question: ~1.3 minutes
- Content: Mixed topics from all subject areas
How Many Questions in PEBC Evaluating Exam by Subject Area?
Pharmaceutical Sciences (25% = 35 questions)
- Pharmaceutics: ~10 questions
- Pharmacokinetics: ~8 questions
- Pharmacology: ~12 questions
- Toxicology: ~5 questions
Pharmacy Practice (55% = 77 questions)
- Pathophysiology: ~15 questions
- Pharmacotherapeutics: ~25 questions
- Patient care process: ~12 questions
- Prescription processing: ~10 questions
- Calculations: ~8 questions
- Communication/Collaboration: ~7 questions
Behavioural, Social, and Administrative Sciences (20% = 28 questions)
- Health promotion: ~6 questions
- Literature evaluation: ~5 questions
- Medication safety: ~7 questions
- Professionalism/Ethics: ~5 questions
- Pharmacy management: ~5 questions
Subject Areas and Topic Distribution
1. Pharmaceutical Sciences (25% of exam)
Core Topics Include:
Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems
- Dosage forms and formulation principles
- Drug stability and storage conditions
- Novel drug delivery systems
- Compounding and preparation techniques
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics
- Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME)
- Bioavailability and bioequivalence
- Pharmacokinetic parameters and calculations
- Drug interactions affecting pharmacokinetics
Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Mechanisms of drug action
- Adverse drug reactions and toxicity
- Drug-drug interactions
- Poison management and antidotes
Biotechnology and Pharmacogenetics
- Biologic drugs and biosimilars
- Genetic factors affecting drug response
- Personalized medicine concepts
- Immunology and vaccines
2. Pharmacy Practice (55% of exam)
Core Topics Include:
Pathophysiology and Clinical Biochemistry
- Disease mechanisms and progression
- Laboratory values and interpretation
- Diagnostic testing and monitoring
- Signs and symptoms of diseases
Pharmacotherapeutics
- Evidence-based treatment guidelines
- Drug therapy optimization
- Therapeutic monitoring
- Management of acute and chronic conditions
Patient Care Process
- Patient assessment and history taking
- Care plan development and implementation
- Follow-up and monitoring
- Patient education and counseling
Special Populations
- Pediatric and geriatric considerations
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Renal and hepatic impairment
- Mental health considerations
Prescription Processing and Calculations
- Prescription interpretation and verification
- Dosage calculations and unit conversions
- Concentration and dilution problems
- Insurance and billing processes
3. Behavioural, Social, and Administrative Sciences (20% of exam)
Core Topics Include:
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Public health initiatives
- Vaccination programs
- Screening and prevention strategies
- Health education and promotion
Literature Evaluation and Evidence-Based Practice
- Critical appraisal of research studies
- Statistical concepts and interpretation
- Clinical trial design and methodology
- Application of evidence to practice
Medication and Patient Safety
- Error prevention strategies
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Risk management
- Incident reporting and analysis
Professionalism and Ethics
- Professional standards and codes of ethics
- Legal and regulatory requirements
- Confidentiality and privacy
- Professional boundaries and relationships
Canadian Healthcare System and Social Determinants
- Healthcare system structure and funding
- Social determinants of health
- Health equity and cultural safety
- Indigenous health considerations
Question Types and Formats
Multiple Choice Question Formats in PEBC EE:
1. Single Best Answer (70% of questions)
Choose the ONE best answer from five options (A, B, C, D, E)
Example: "Which of the following is the most appropriate first-line treatment for mild hypertension in a 45-year-old patient with no other comorbidities?"
2. Multiple True/False (15% of questions)
Evaluate each statement independently as true or false
Example: "For each of the following statements about warfarin therapy, select TRUE or FALSE..."
3. Clinical Vignette-Based (10% of questions)
Extended case scenarios followed by multiple related questions
Example: Patient case followed by questions about diagnosis, treatment, monitoring
4. Calculation Problems (5% of questions)
Mathematical problems requiring computation
Example: "Calculate the pediatric dose for a 25 kg child..."
Sample Questions with Explanations
PEBC EE Sample Questions by Subject Area:
Pharmaceutical Sciences Sample Question:
Question: A patient is prescribed a sustained-release tablet that should not be crushed. The primary reason for this instruction is:
- The drug becomes unstable when exposed to air
- Crushing would alter the drug release profile
- The drug has an unpleasant taste
- Crushing increases the risk of contamination
- The tablet coating protects against stomach acid
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sustained-release formulations are designed to release the drug slowly over time through special coating or matrix systems. Crushing the tablet destroys this mechanism, leading to immediate release of the entire dose, which can cause toxicity and reduced efficacy duration.
Pharmacy Practice Sample Question:
Question: A 65-year-old patient with diabetes and hypertension presents with a new prescription for metformin 500 mg BID. Their recent lab results show: Creatinine 150 μmol/L, eGFR 35 mL/min/1.73m². What is the most appropriate action?
- Dispense as prescribed
- Reduce the dose to 250 mg BID
- Contact prescriber to discuss contraindication
- Suggest alternative timing (once daily)
- Recommend taking with food only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Metformin is contraindicated when eGFR is <30 mL/min/1.73m² and should be used with caution when eGFR is 30-45 mL/min/1.73m². With an eGFR of 35, this is borderline, but given the patient's age and comorbidities, the pharmacist should contact the prescriber to discuss safer alternatives.
Calculation Sample Question:
Question: A prescription calls for 120 mL of a 2.5% w/v solution. You have a 10% w/v stock solution available. How much stock solution and diluent are needed?
- 30 mL stock + 90 mL diluent
- 25 mL stock + 95 mL diluent
- 40 mL stock + 80 mL diluent
- 20 mL stock + 100 mL diluent
- 35 mL stock + 85 mL diluent
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Using the dilution formula C₁V₁ = C₂V₂: (10%)(V₁) = (2.5%)(120 mL). V₁ = 30 mL of stock solution. Diluent needed = 120 - 30 = 90 mL.
Administrative Sciences Sample Question:
Question: According to Canadian pharmacy practice standards, which of the following is a key component of medication reconciliation?
- Verifying insurance coverage
- Comparing medication lists at transitions of care
- Checking drug expiry dates
- Calculating insurance copayments
- Updating patient contact information
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Medication reconciliation is a patient safety process that involves comparing a patient's medication orders to all medications the patient has been taking, especially at transitions of care (admission, transfer, discharge) to identify and resolve discrepancies.
Study Strategies by Subject Area
Blueprint-Based Study Approach:
Pharmaceutical Sciences (25% = 35 questions)
Time Allocation: 25% of study time
- Focus Areas: Pharmacology (12 questions), Pharmaceutics (10 questions)
- Study Method: Concept mapping and mechanism understanding
- Practice: 600-700 practice questions in this area
- Key Resources: Pharmacology textbooks, drug monographs
Pharmacy Practice (55% = 77 questions)
Time Allocation: 55% of study time
- Focus Areas: Pharmacotherapeutics (25 questions), Pathophysiology (15 questions)
- Study Method: Case-based learning and clinical scenarios
- Practice: 1,300-1,500 practice questions in this area
- Key Resources: Therapeutic guidelines, clinical handbooks
Behavioural, Social, and Administrative Sciences (20% = 28 questions)
Time Allocation: 20% of study time
- Focus Areas: Medication safety (7 questions), Health promotion (6 questions)
- Study Method: Current guidelines and policy documents
- Practice: 400-500 practice questions in this area
- Key Resources: Canadian pharmacy regulations, health policy documents
Blueprint-Based Preparation Tips
Strategic Preparation Using the Blueprint:
High-Yield Study Areas (Based on Question Volume)
- Pharmacotherapeutics (25 questions): Focus on common diseases and evidence-based treatments
- Pathophysiology (15 questions): Understand disease mechanisms and presentations
- Pharmacology (12 questions): Master drug mechanisms and classifications
- Patient Care Process (12 questions): Learn systematic patient assessment
New Content Areas to Emphasize (2025 Update)
- Health Equity and Social Determinants: Understand impact on medication access and adherence
- Indigenous Health: Learn about cultural considerations and health disparities
- Biotechnology: Focus on biologic drugs and biosimilars
- Pharmacogenetics: Understand genetic factors in drug therapy
Calculation Mastery (8 questions guaranteed)
- Practice daily calculation problems
- Master unit conversions and concentration calculations
- Focus on dosing calculations for special populations
- Time yourself to improve speed and accuracy
Canadian Context Integration
- Study provincial drug formularies and coverage policies
- Learn Canadian clinical practice guidelines
- Understand pharmacy regulatory requirements
- Familiarize with Canadian healthcare system structure
Maximize Your Preparation: The passEE app provides practice questions aligned with the new PEBC EE blueprint, including detailed explanations and performance analytics to help you focus on your weak areas.
Blueprint Implementation Timeline
Which Blueprint Applies to Your Exam?
March 2025 Exam
Format: OLD blueprint (150 questions, 4 subject areas)
Registration Deadline: November 21, 2024
June 2025 Exam and Beyond
Format: NEW blueprint (140 questions, 3 subject areas)
Registration Deadline: March 6, 2025
Important: If you're preparing for the March 2025 exam, focus on the current blueprint. For June 2025 and future exams, use the new blueprint as your guide.
