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Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam (pharmacy technician)

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The Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam has been updated to reflect the new standards.

Health Canada has issued exemptions for prescribing and providing controlled substances under Section 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam does not reflect these exemptions, as the exemptions are set to expire on September 30, 2026.

What is the ACP Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam?

The ACP Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam is an entry-to-practice requirement for registration as a pharmacy technician in Alberta. You must complete the exam no more than two years before submitting your application to the pharmacy technician register in Alberta.

The exam tests your abilities to

  • remember foundational aspects of pharmacy legislation in Alberta,
  • understand key concepts set out in ACP’s standards of practice and code of ethics, and
  • apply procedural knowledge essential to the safe and effective practice of an entry-level pharmacy technician.

Exam quick facts

  • ACP is currently conducting the exam ONLINE ONLY. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have access to a computer that meets the requirements before booking an exam date.
  • The exam is
    • composed of 100 multiple-choice questions,
    • in electronic format,
    • two hours in length, and
    • closed book (no reference materials allowed).
  • Exam fees
    • The cost of your first attempt at the exam is included in the ACP initial registration fee.
    • The cost for additional attempts is outlined in the ACP fee schedule.
    • If you need to re-challenge the Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam or are reinstating your permit, you may purchase an exam sitting (in myACP) in New applications.
  • Exam results are valid two years from the date the exam was completed.

The Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam process

  1. Become an ACP registrant.
    • Once you’ve completed the initial registration process, when you are ready to write the exam, use your registrant credentials to log into the exam booking site.
      • There are no set exam dates. Using the booking site, choose a time that fits your schedule. The exam is available 24/7, but please note that times are listed by 24-hour clock (e.g., 03:00 is 3:00 a.m., 15:00 is 3:00 p.m.).
      • Please allow a minimum of three business days to confirm exam bookings.
      • You will receive exam confirmation and exam day instructions by email.
    • You must provide a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for cancellation. With less than 24 hours’ notice, the candidate will be required to pay a $50 + GST rebooking fee that must be paid prior to their second exam booking being processed.
  1. Prepare for your exam.
    • It is recommended that you
      • review ACP’s Jurisprudence Learning Module (this study tool consists of case studies and activities, providing an overview of legislation that pertains to pharmacy practice in Alberta)
        • this study tool consists of case studies and activities, providing an overview of legislation that pertains to pharmacy practice in Alberta;
        • the module can be completed in any order;
        • once the module has been completed, there will be an orange banner at the top of the screen saying “Click here to print your certificate” to indicate that the module is complete;
        • please print the certificate for your records and to submit it to ACP;
        • completion of the Jurisprudence Learning Module alone is insufficient to prepare a registrant for the Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam;
      • refer to the Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam study guide;
      • complete the online testing system tutorial; and
      • review the Candidate Handbook and the Online Proctoring FAQs.
  1. Write your exam.
    • To write the exam, you must have
      • at least one piece of government-issued photo identification (not expired),
      • your registrant credentials (the same ones used to book the exam), and
      • a copy of your exam confirmation email (printed or electronic).
  1. Receive your exam results.
    • Within three hours of completing the exam, you will receive your results via email.

Unsuccessful attempts

If you are unsuccessful with the first two attempts at the Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam, you are required to submit an application to retake ACP’s Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam to request an additional attempt. The application to retake the exam should be emailed to registrationinfo@abpharmacy.ca.

A provisional registrant is provided three attempts to successfully pass ACP’s Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam, according to the Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Profession Regulation, however the registrar may approve a fourth and final attempt. If a registrant fails their fourth and final attempt, they are no longer eligible for the pharmacy technician register.