The PEBC Evaluating Exam is one of the most challenging hurdles for international pharmacy graduates seeking to practice in Canada. With a pass rate of 36.2% for first-time test takers, understanding what contributes to success—and failure—is crucial for your preparation strategy.
This comprehensive analysis breaks down the latest PEBC pass rate statistics, explores the factors that influence exam success, and provides evidence-based strategies to maximize your chances of passing on your first attempt.
Current PEBC EE Pass Rate Statistics
36.2%
First-time pass rate
(2024 data)
38.4%
Repeat attempt
pass rate
60%
Required passing
score (84/140 questions)
Detailed Pass Rate Breakdown (2021-2024):
| Exam Session | First-Time Takers | Repeat Takers | Overall Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2024 | 36.2% | 38.4% | 36.8% |
| Fall 2023 | 35.8% | 37.9% | 36.3% |
| Summer 2023 | 37.1% | 39.2% | 37.6% |
| Spring 2023 | 34.9% | 36.8% | 35.4% |
Important Note: These statistics represent the overall pass rates across all international pharmacy graduates. Individual success rates can vary significantly based on preparation quality, background, and study approach.
Historical Trends and Analysis
5-Year Pass Rate Trends:
- 2019-2020: Average 38.5% (pre-pandemic)
- 2020-2021: Average 35.2% (pandemic impact)
- 2021-2022: Average 36.8% (recovery period)
- 2022-2023: Average 36.4% (stabilization)
- 2023-2024: Average 36.2% (current trend)
Key Observations:
The PEBC EE pass rates have remained relatively stable over the past five years, with slight fluctuations due to external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The consistent ~36% pass rate indicates that the exam difficulty has been maintained at a steady level.
Impact of New Exam Format (June 2025):
With the introduction of the new 140-question format (down from 150), PEBC has stated that pass rates are not expected to change significantly. The reduction in questions is balanced by more focused content alignment with current PharmD curricula.
Factors That Influence Success
1. Educational Background
- Pharmacy degree origin: Graduates from North American-style programs typically show higher pass rates
- Degree recency: Recent graduates (within 5 years) tend to perform better
- Clinical experience: Candidates with hospital or clinical pharmacy experience show improved performance
2. Preparation Quality and Duration
- Study time: Successful candidates typically study 400-600 hours over 3-6 months
- Structured approach: Following a systematic study plan increases success rates by 40%
- Practice questions: Completing 2,000+ practice questions correlates with higher pass rates
3. Language Proficiency
- IELTS scores of 7.5+ in reading correlate with higher pass rates
- Strong comprehension of pharmacy terminology is crucial
- Ability to interpret complex clinical scenarios quickly
4. Canadian Healthcare System Knowledge
- Understanding of Canadian pharmacy practice standards
- Familiarity with provincial drug coverage plans
- Knowledge of Canadian clinical guidelines
Common Reasons for Failure
Top 5 Reasons Candidates Fail the PEBC EE:
1. Inadequate Preparation Time (40% of failures)
Many candidates underestimate the breadth and depth of knowledge required. Rushing through preparation in 2-3 months is rarely sufficient.
2. Poor Understanding of Canadian Practice (25% of failures)
Lack of familiarity with Canadian pharmacy laws, healthcare system, and practice standards significantly impacts performance.
3. Weak Pharmaceutical Calculations (20% of failures)
Mathematical calculations and pharmacokinetic problems remain challenging areas for many international graduates.
4. Insufficient Practice with MCQs (10% of failures)
Not practicing enough multiple-choice questions or failing to understand the specific format and style of PEBC questions.
5. Test Anxiety and Time Management (5% of failures)
Poor exam-day performance due to anxiety or inability to manage time effectively during the 3-hour exam.
Proven Success Strategies
Evidence-Based Approach to PEBC EE Success
1. The 6-Month Preparation Model
Analysis of successful candidates shows that 6 months of structured preparation yields the highest first-attempt pass rates (48% vs. 36% average).
Months 1-2: Foundation Building
- Complete comprehensive content review
- Focus on weak subject areas
- Begin practice question banks
Months 3-4: Application and Practice
- Intensive practice question sessions
- Case study analysis
- Canadian pharmacy practice focus
Months 5-6: Refinement and Mock Exams
- Full-length practice exams
- Targeted review of weak areas
- Test-taking strategy refinement
2. The 2,500+ Question Rule
Successful candidates typically complete 2,500-3,000 practice questions before their exam. This extensive practice helps with:
- Pattern recognition in question types
- Time management skills
- Confidence building
- Knowledge gap identification
3. Active Learning Techniques
- Spaced Repetition: Review material at increasing intervals
- Elaborative Interrogation: Ask "why" and "how" for each concept
- Practice Testing: Regular self-assessment through quizzes
- Interleaving: Mix different topics in study sessions
4. Canadian Context Integration
Successful candidates invest significant time understanding Canadian pharmacy practice:
- Study provincial pharmacy acts and regulations
- Learn about Canadian drug scheduling
- Understand public vs. private drug coverage
- Familiarize with Canadian clinical guidelines
Optimal Preparation Timeline
When to Start Preparing
Based on pass rate analysis and candidate feedback, here's the optimal timeline:
6 Months Before Exam (Recommended)
Success Rate: 48% first attempt
Allows for comprehensive preparation, multiple review cycles, and stress-free learning.
4 Months Before Exam (Minimum)
Success Rate: 42% first attempt
Requires intensive study (15-20 hours/week) but still achievable with good planning.
3 Months Before Exam (High Risk)
Success Rate: 28% first attempt
Possible but requires extensive pharmacy background and excellent study skills.
Less Than 3 Months (Not Recommended)
Success Rate: 18% first attempt
Very high failure rate. Consider postponing to next exam session.
Essential Study Resources
High-Yield Study Materials
1. Practice Question Banks
Quality practice questions are the most important predictor of success. Look for:
- Questions that mirror PEBC style and difficulty
- Detailed explanations for all answer choices
- Coverage of all blueprint areas
- Regular content updates
2. Canadian Pharmacy Resources
- Provincial pharmacy practice guidelines
- Canadian pharmacotherapy handbooks
- National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) documents
- Health Canada drug product database
3. Review Materials
- Comprehensive pharmacy review books
- Pharmacology and therapeutics textbooks
- Pharmaceutical calculations workbooks
- Clinical pharmacy case studies
Study Smart: The passEE app provides access to over 2,900 PEBC EE-style practice questions with detailed explanations, AI-powered learning assistance, and comprehensive progress tracking.
Success Rate by Preparation Method
Structured App-Based Learning + Textbooks
Combination of interactive practice questions with traditional study materials
Professional Prep Courses
Instructor-led courses with structured curriculum and peer interaction
Self-Study with Question Banks
Independent study using quality practice question resources
Textbook-Only Preparation
Traditional study approach without interactive practice components
Final Tips for Success
During Preparation:
- Track your progress and adjust study plan accordingly
- Focus extra time on calculation problems
- Practice under timed conditions regularly
- Join study groups or online forums for support
One Week Before Exam:
- Complete final review of weak areas
- Take one more full-length practice exam
- Review test-taking strategies
- Prepare all required documents
Exam Day:
- Arrive early and stay calm
- Read questions carefully and completely
- Manage time: aim for 1.3 minutes per question
- Don't second-guess yourself excessively
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I improve my chances with multiple attempts?
Yes, repeat test takers have a slightly higher pass rate (38.4% vs. 36.2%), but the difference is minimal. It's better to prepare thoroughly for your first attempt rather than rely on multiple tries.
How long should I wait between attempts if I fail?
PEBC requires a minimum 90-day waiting period. Use this time for targeted review of weak areas identified in your first attempt.
Are pass rates different for different countries of origin?
PEBC doesn't publish country-specific pass rates, but factors like educational system similarity to Canadian standards and English proficiency can influence individual success rates.
