In 2022, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) began the rigorous process of modernizing their Language Proficiency Requirement Policy. Their analysis included a thorough review of language demands in the pharmacy profession, and a study of commonly accepted language proficiency tests to ensure testing expectations matched real-life communication demands in pharmacy practice. NAPRA has now unveiled their new policy and pharmacy regulators across the country, including ACP, are implementing it in a coordinated effort.
As of September 1, 2024, internationally educated pharmacist graduates (IEPGs) and internationally educated pharmacy technicians will be required to take a language proficiency test (academic version of the IELTS or the OET) and achieve a minimum score in each of the categories for reading, writing, speaking, and listening in a single testing session.
ACP will continue to accept test results based on NAPRA’s former Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacist in Canada and Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada until September 1, 2024. After that date, ACP will only accept test results based on the former requirements if the test was completed prior to September 1, 2024, and the test is still valid (completed within two years).
Graduates of a
- Canadian Council for Accredited Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) or Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited pharmacist education program located in Canada or in the United States, and provided in English; or
- CCAPP accredited pharmacy technician program located in Canada and provided in English
will not be required to undergo additional language proficiency testing unless directed otherwise by ACP.
For more information, visit the requirements pages for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
