With a pass rate of only 36.2%, the PEBC Evaluating Exam is one of the most challenging hurdles for international pharmacy graduates seeking Canadian licensure. While many factors contribute to success, avoiding common preparation mistakes can significantly improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.
After analyzing thousands of candidate experiences and feedback reports, we've identified the 10 most critical mistakes that lead to failure. More importantly, we'll show you exactly how to avoid each one. Learn from others' mistakes rather than making them yourself!
Common Preparation Challenges
Many candidates struggle with inadequate preparation time, unfamiliarity with Canadian pharmacy practice, weak calculation skills, insufficient practice with multiple-choice questions, and exam-day anxiety. Understanding and addressing these challenges early in your preparation is crucial for success.
In this article:
- Mistake #1: Starting Preparation Too Late
- Mistake #2: Ignoring the Exam Blueprint
- Mistake #3: Relying Solely on Textbooks
- Mistake #4: Neglecting Canadian Practice Context
- Mistake #5: Skipping Pharmaceutical Calculations Practice
- Mistake #6: Not Practicing Enough MCQs
- Mistake #7: Studying Without a Structured Plan
- Mistake #8: Avoiding Weak Subject Areas
- Mistake #9: Cramming Instead of Spacing
- Mistake #10: Poor Exam-Day Management
Mistake #1: Starting Preparation Too Late
The Problem:
Many candidates underestimate the breadth and depth of the PEBC EE, thinking 2-3 months of preparation is sufficient. This is one of the most common reasons for unsuccessful exam attempts.
Why It Fails:
- The PEBC EE covers an enormous amount of content across three major subject areas
- You need time not just to learn, but to apply, practice, and reinforce knowledge
- Insufficient time leads to gaps in coverage and superficial understanding
- Stress and anxiety increase with rushed preparation
- Research shows that longer, spaced-out preparation is more effective than cramming
The Solution:
- Start 6 months before your exam date for optimal preparation
- If you have less time, consider postponing to the next exam session
- Plan your study schedule: Divide total preparation time by months/weeks available to set realistic daily goals
- Register for an exam date that gives you adequate preparation time, not the soonest available
- Remember: It's better to wait and pass on the first attempt than rush and need to retake (saving both time and money long-term)
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Exam Blueprint
The Problem:
Many candidates dive into studying without first reviewing the official PEBC EE blueprint, leading to wasted effort on low-yield topics and insufficient focus on high-yield areas.
Why It Fails:
- Not all pharmacy topics are equally weighted on the exam
- You may spend excessive time on topics that represent only 5% of the exam
- Miss entirely topics that constitute 15-20% of questions
- Study approach doesn't align with actual exam structure
Example of Misalignment:
- Spending 40% of study time on Pharmaceutical Sciences (only 25% of exam)
- Spending 30% of study time on Pharmacy Practice (actually 55% of exam)
- Result: Underprepared in the area that matters most
The Solution:
- Download and study the official PEBC EE blueprint before creating your study plan
- Allocate study time proportionally:
- 55% to Pharmacy Practice (~77 questions)
- 25% to Pharmaceutical Sciences (~35 questions)
- 20% to Behavioural, Social, and Administrative Sciences (~28 questions)
- Within each subject area, prioritize high-weight subtopics (e.g., Pharmacotherapeutics within Pharmacy Practice)
- Review the blueprint monthly to ensure your preparation stays aligned
- Use passEE's blueprint-aligned question bank to ensure comprehensive coverage
Mistake #3: Relying Solely on Textbooks Without Practice Questions
The Problem:
Many candidates believe that reading textbooks and notes is sufficient preparation. However, passive reading alone is significantly less effective than active practice.
Why It Fails:
- Reading creates the illusion of knowledge without testing actual retention
- The PEBC EE tests application and critical thinking, not just recall
- You don't develop exam-taking skills or time management
- No exposure to the specific question formats and styles used by PEBC
- Can't identify knowledge gaps until exam day (too late!)
- Educational research consistently shows that active retrieval practice is more effective than passive review
The Solution:
- Complete 2,000-3,000 practice questions as the foundation of your preparation
- Use the 70-30 rule: 70% of study time on practice questions, 30% on content review
- For every topic you read about, immediately do 10-20 practice questions on that topic
- Focus on high-quality MCQs that mirror PEBC format and difficulty
- Use textbooks as reference material when you get questions wrong, not as primary study method
- Track your question bank performance to identify weak areas requiring textbook review
Recommended Approach:
- Brief topic overview from textbook (30 minutes)
- Practice questions on that topic (60-90 minutes)
- Review explanations for all questions, not just wrong ones
- Return to textbook for concepts you missed
- Repeat questions you missed after 3-7 days
Mistake #4: Neglecting Canadian Pharmacy Practice Context
The Problem:
International pharmacy graduates often study using resources from their home countries or the U.S., not realizing that the PEBC EE specifically tests Canadian pharmacy practice. This is a significant contributor to exam failures.
Why It Fails:
- Drug availability, brand names, and approved indications differ between countries
- Dosing guidelines and treatment protocols vary by jurisdiction
- Canadian pharmacy regulations and scope of practice are unique
- Healthcare system structure (public vs. private coverage) affects practice decisions
- Questions assume knowledge of Canadian-specific guidelines and policies
Common Areas of Confusion:
- Drug scheduling (Schedule I, II, III, Unscheduled)
- Provincial drug formularies and coverage policies
- Expanded pharmacy scope (prescribing for minor ailments, administering injections)
- Health Canada vs. FDA approval and guidelines
- Indigenous health considerations specific to Canada
The Solution:
- Study Canadian treatment guidelines (CPS, RxFiles, Canadian clinical practice guidelines)
- Use the Health Canada drug product database to verify approved indications and dosing
- Understand the Canadian healthcare system structure and pharmacy's role within it
- Learn about NAPRA (National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities) standards
- Familiarize yourself with at least one provincial pharmacy act and regulations
- Study Canadian-specific public health initiatives and programs
- Use Canadian pharmacy practice case studies and scenarios
- Read our comprehensive guide: Understanding Canadian Pharmacy Practice for International Graduates
Key Canadian Resources:
- Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS)
- RxFiles Drug Comparison Charts
- Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) resources
- Health Canada website (drug approvals, safety alerts)
- Provincial college of pharmacists websites
Mistake #5: Skipping or Inadequately Practicing Pharmaceutical Calculations
The Problem:
Many candidates underestimate the importance of calculation questions or practice them insufficiently. Weak calculation skills are a common reason for PEBC EE failures.
Why It Fails:
- Calculation questions appear deceptively straightforward but require precision
- Time pressure and exam stress increase the likelihood of mathematical errors
- Even one unit conversion mistake leads to completely wrong answer
- Calculations span multiple topics: dosing, concentrations, dilutions, pharmacokinetics
- Each calculation question is worth the same as other questions, so missing them hurts your score significantly
Types of Calculations on PEBC EE:
- Dose calculations (weight-based, age-based, BSA-based)
- Concentration and dilution problems
- IV infusion rates and drip rates
- Pharmacokinetic calculations (loading dose, maintenance dose, clearance)
- Percentage strength and ratio strength
- Alligation problems
- Pediatric and geriatric dose adjustments
- Renal dose adjustments using creatinine clearance
The Solution:
- Practice calculations daily, even if just 10-15 minutes
- Complete at least 200-300 calculation problems before exam day
- Master unit conversions (mg ↔ g, mL ↔ L, mcg ↔ mg) until they're automatic
- Learn to work calculations quickly—aim for 2-3 minutes per calculation question
- Always double-check your answer using a different method or estimation
- Practice without a calculator first to build number sense, then with calculator to build speed
- Create a "calculation formulas" sheet to memorize and review regularly
- Read: Mastering Pharmacy Calculations for the PEBC Evaluating Exam
Study Approach for Calculations:
- Learn the formula and understand the concept
- Work through 5 example problems with solutions
- Solve 10-20 practice problems independently
- Time yourself to build speed
- Revisit the topic weekly to maintain proficiency
Calculator Policy: As of 2025, PEBC provides an on-screen calculator during the exam. Familiarize yourself with its functions during practice tests.
Mistake #6: Not Practicing Enough Multiple-Choice Questions
The Problem:
Some candidates complete only 500-800 practice questions, thinking that's sufficient. However, comprehensive preparation requires significantly more practice to cover all exam content adequately.
Why It Fails:
- Insufficient exposure to the variety and nuance of PEBC question formats
- Haven't developed pattern recognition for common question types
- Limited practice identifying distractors and trap answers
- Inadequate coverage of all blueprint areas
- Lack of familiarity with the computer-based testing format
- Many successfully prepared candidates report completing 2,000-3,000+ practice questions
The Solution:
- Complete 2,000-3,000 practice questions during your preparation
- More questions provide better coverage and confidence
- Spread questions throughout your preparation, not just at the end
- Use high-quality question banks that mirror PEBC style (like passEE)
- Focus on questions with detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect answers
- Track your performance to identify weak areas
- Redo questions you got wrong after 1-2 weeks to reinforce learning
Recommended Question Practice Schedule:
- Months 1-2 (Foundation): 600-800 questions (20-25 questions/day)
- Months 3-4 (Application): 1,000-1,200 questions (30-40 questions/day)
- Months 5-6 (Mastery): 900-1,000 questions + full-length practice exams (30-35 questions/day)
- Total: 2,500-3,000 unique questions
Quality Indicators for Practice Questions:
- ✓ Questions align with current PEBC blueprint
- ✓ Explanations reference Canadian guidelines and resources
- ✓ Mix of question types (single best answer, true/false, clinical vignettes)
- ✓ Appropriate difficulty level (not too easy, not impossibly hard)
- ✓ Regular content updates to reflect current practice
Mistake #7: Studying Without a Structured Plan
The Problem:
Many candidates study "when they have time" or jump randomly between topics without a clear plan. This haphazard approach leads to incomplete coverage, wasted effort, and increased anxiety.
Why It Fails:
- No way to track whether you've covered all required topics
- Tendency to over-study comfortable topics and avoid difficult ones
- Difficult to maintain consistent daily study habits
- No milestones to assess progress and adjust strategy
- Increased stress as exam date approaches without clear sense of readiness
The Solution:
- Create a detailed study schedule before you begin preparation
- Break down the PEBC blueprint into weekly and daily study topics
- Allocate specific time blocks for:
- Content review (30% of time)
- Practice questions (50% of time)
- Review of incorrect answers (15% of time)
- Full-length practice exams (5% of time)
- Set weekly goals and review progress every Sunday
- Build in flexibility for unexpected events (add 10-15% buffer time)
- Schedule regular assessment points (e.g., practice test every 3 weeks)
Sample Daily Study Structure (6-hour study day):
- 9:00-10:30 AM: Content review of new topic (90 min)
- 10:30-10:45 AM: Break (15 min)
- 10:45 AM-12:15 PM: Practice questions on morning's topic (90 min)
- 12:15-1:15 PM: Lunch break (60 min)
- 1:15-2:45 PM: Review yesterday's incorrect questions (90 min)
- 2:45-3:00 PM: Break (15 min)
- 3:00-4:30 PM: Practice questions on weak areas (90 min)
- 4:30-5:00 PM: Review day's performance and plan tomorrow (30 min)
Get a Complete Study Plan: Read our Creating an Effective 3-Month PEBC EE Study Plan for a detailed 12-week schedule.
Mistake #8: Avoiding Weak Subject Areas
The Problem:
Candidates naturally gravitate toward topics they understand well and avoid areas where they struggle. This "comfort zone studying" leaves dangerous gaps in knowledge.
Why It Fails:
- Weak areas remain weak and can single-handedly cause exam failure
- Limited marginal improvement in already-strong areas
- Creates false confidence leading up to exam day
- You can't predict which weak area questions will appear on your specific exam
Example Scenario:
- Candidate is strong in Pharmacology (15% of exam) and weak in Pharmacotherapeutics (30% of exam)
- Spends 40% of study time on Pharmacology, only 20% on Pharmacotherapeutics
- On exam day: Gets most Pharmacology questions right (expected), but struggles with Pharmacotherapeutics
- Result: Fails with score in the 50-55% range
The Solution:
- Take a diagnostic test early (within first 2 weeks) to identify weak areas
- Use the 60-30-10 rule for time allocation:
- 60% of time on weak/below-average areas
- 30% of time on average areas
- 10% of time on strong areas (maintenance)
- Set specific improvement goals for each weak area
- Track progress weekly with targeted quizzes on problem topics
- Don't move on from a weak topic until you can consistently score 65-70% on related questions
- Schedule "hard topic days" early in your study week when mental energy is highest
Tackling Weak Areas Effectively:
- Identify: Use practice tests to pinpoint specific subtopics
- Understand Why: Is it lack of knowledge, misunderstanding, or inability to apply?
- Targeted Review: Use multiple resources (textbooks, videos, notes) for the same topic
- Deliberate Practice: Do extra questions specifically in this area
- Teaching: Explain the concept to someone else (or write it out as if teaching)
- Reassess: Take another quiz on this topic after 1 week
- Maintain: Continue periodic review even after improvement
passEE Feature: Our platform's analytics dashboard automatically identifies your weak areas and recommends focused practice sessions to improve them.
Mistake #9: Cramming Instead of Spaced Repetition
The Problem:
Many candidates try to learn everything in intensive marathon study sessions, then don't review material until right before the exam. This approach contradicts decades of learning science research.
Why It Fails:
- Human memory is optimized for spaced repetition, not massed practice
- Information learned in one long session is quickly forgotten (within 24-48 hours)
- Mental fatigue after 3-4 hours reduces learning effectiveness
- Creates high stress and burnout
- No time for information to consolidate in long-term memory
Forgetting Curve Without Spaced Repetition:
- After 1 day: Retain only 40-50% of information
- After 1 week: Retain only 10-20% of information
- After 1 month: Retain less than 5% of information
The Solution:
- Use spaced repetition to maximize retention
- Study in focused 90-120 minute blocks with breaks
- Review material at increasing intervals: 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month
- Never study more than 8-10 hours in a single day
- Prioritize consistency over intensity: 4 hours/day for 120 days beats 12 hours/day for 40 days
Optimal Spaced Repetition Schedule:
- Day 1: Learn new material (first exposure)
- Day 2: Quick review (10-15 minutes)
- Day 4: Practice questions on that topic (30-45 minutes)
- Day 8: Mixed practice questions including that topic (20-30 minutes)
- Day 15: Review incorrect questions from that topic (15-20 minutes)
- Day 30: Final review before exam (10 minutes)
Daily Study Structure (Avoid Burnout):
- Ideal: 4-6 hours/day with breaks, 6 days/week
- Maximum: 8 hours/day with adequate breaks
- Minimum: 2-3 hours/day (requires longer overall preparation period)
Rest is Essential: Take at least one full day off per week to prevent burnout. Your brain consolidates memories during rest, so days off actually improve retention!
Mistake #10: Poor Exam-Day Management
The Problem:
Even well-prepared candidates can underperform due to poor exam-day decisions: arriving late, not reading questions carefully, poor time management, or test anxiety spiraling out of control.
Why It Fails:
- Stress and rushing lead to careless errors
- Time mismanagement results in unanswered questions
- Not following systematic approach to questions
- Changing correct answers to incorrect ones due to second-guessing
- Physical discomfort (hunger, fatigue) impairs concentration
Common Exam-Day Errors:
- Spending 10 minutes on one difficult question (should move on after 2-3 minutes)
- Not flagging questions for review
- Leaving questions blank (no penalty for guessing!)
- Misreading "Which is NOT..." or "Which is LEAST..." questions
- Not using the break between sections
- Coming to the exam on an empty stomach
The Solution:
Week Before Exam:
- Visit the test center location if possible to know exactly where to go
- Plan your travel route and timing
- Prepare required documents (ID, confirmation letter)
- Review, don't cram—focus on high-yield topics only
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night
Night Before Exam:
- Light review only (no new material)
- Prepare everything you need (documents, snacks, water)
- Set multiple alarms
- Aim for 8 hours of sleep
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine after 6 PM
Exam Morning:
- Eat a substantial breakfast with protein and complex carbs
- Arrive 30-45 minutes early
- Use restroom before exam starts
- Do brief breathing exercises to calm nerves
- Positive self-talk: "I've prepared well and I'm ready"
During the Exam:
- Time Management: Check time after every 25 questions (should have ~32 minutes left)
- Question Approach:
- Read the question stem carefully
- Note key words (most, least, first, NOT)
- Try to answer before looking at options
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers
- Choose the BEST answer (even if not perfect)
- Difficult Questions: Flag and move on after 2 minutes max
- Answer Every Question: Make educated guesses if needed—no penalty!
- Use the Break: Stand up, stretch, eat a snack, use restroom
- Second-Guessing: Only change an answer if you have a clear reason (noticed new information, misread question initially)
Managing Test Anxiety:
- If feeling overwhelmed, close your eyes and take 5 deep breaths
- Focus only on the current question, not the whole exam
- Remind yourself that you've prepared thoroughly
- Remember that you can retake if necessary—it's not life-or-death
Pro Tip: Practice full-length exams (140 questions, 3 hours) at least 2-3 times before exam day to build stamina and familiarize yourself with the testing experience. Use passEE's exam simulation mode for the most realistic practice.
Putting It All Together: Your Success Checklist
Review this checklist regularly throughout your preparation to ensure you're avoiding all 10 critical mistakes:
✓ PEBC EE Success Checklist
- ☐ Started preparation at least 4-6 months before exam date
- ☐ Downloaded and reviewed the official PEBC EE blueprint
- ☐ Allocated study time proportionally to blueprint (55% Pharmacy Practice, 25% Pharmaceutical Sciences, 20% Behavioural/Social/Admin)
- ☐ Completed at least 2,500 high-quality practice questions
- ☐ Using Canadian pharmacy resources and guidelines
- ☐ Practiced 200+ pharmaceutical calculation problems
- ☐ Created and following a structured daily/weekly study schedule
- ☐ Identified weak areas and allocating 60% of time to improve them
- ☐ Using spaced repetition rather than cramming
- ☐ Taking 4-hour study blocks max with breaks in between
- ☐ Completed 2-3 full-length practice exams under timed conditions
- ☐ Consistently scoring 70%+ on practice tests
- ☐ Planned exam-day logistics (location, timing, materials)
- ☐ Practiced exam-day strategies and time management
If you can check off all these items, you've successfully avoided the most common preparation mistakes and significantly improved your chances of passing the PEBC EE on your first attempt!
Your Path to Success
Understanding and avoiding these 10 critical mistakes can significantly improve your chances of success. The PEBC EE has a 36% pass rate, but with proper preparation, focused study, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can improve your odds of passing on the first attempt.
Quality study resources can help you avoid these pitfalls by providing:
- High-quality practice questions aligned with the PEBC blueprint
- Canadian-specific content and explanations
- Comprehensive calculation practice with step-by-step solutions
- Performance analytics to identify and target weak areas
- Full-length practice exams to build exam-day confidence
- Detailed explanations for all answer choices
Start your preparation the right way—avoid these mistakes, follow proven strategies, and achieve your goal of Canadian pharmacy licensure!
