2014 Pharmacists Fair Registration Practices Report

Fair Registration Practices Report

Pharmacists (2014)

The answers that you submitted to OFC can be seen below.

This Fair Registration Practices Report was produced as required by:

• the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act (FARPACTA) s. 20

and 23(1), for regulated professions named in Schedule 1 of FARPACTA

• the Health Professions Procedural Code set out in Schedule 2 of the Regulated Health

Professions Act (RHPA) s. 22.7 (1) and 22.9(1), for health colleges.

Index

1. Provision of Information About Registration Practices

2. Amount of Fees

3. Provision of Timely Decisions, Responses and Reasons

4. Access to Records

5. Resources for Applicants

6. Internal Review or Appeal Processes

7. Information on Appeal Rights

8. Assessment of Qualifications

9. Third-Party Organizations

10. Training

11. Agreements on the Recognition of Qualifications

12. Data Collection

13. Certification

Provision of Information About Registration Practices (1 / 13)

Describe how you make information about registration practices available to individuals

applying or intending to apply for registration. Specify the tools used to provide

information, and the manner in which you make that information available, current,

accurate and user friendly in each of these subcategories:

a) steps to initiate the registration process

There are several ways the College makes information about the registration process available to

applicants. The primary method is through the College website at www.ocpinfo.com. The website

allows applicants to access the information from anywhere, at any time and on a number of platforms,

and because the website is managed in-house it is a tool that can be updated immediately if

information changes. There are three places on the home page where applicants can access

registration information; the "Applicant” tab located in the centre of the home page and on the universal

bar along the top of the page will take the applicant to the “Applicant home page”. The universal bar

also has a direct link to “Registration”. All three access points allow you to select “Register as a

Pharmacist”. The registration process varies depending on the applicant's education and licensing

status at the time of their application with the College (e.g. a new graduate who has never been

licensed, a currently licensed pharmacist within Canada or a currently licensed pharmacist outside of

Canada). Information is presented under the different headings and therefore applicants are able to

select the status which matches their own situation so that they have access to the information most

relevant to them. On the Register as a Pharmacist page, applicants can click on one of the following

choices:

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• Undergraduates from the University of Toronto or University or Waterloo

• Undergraduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Graduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Undergraduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Graduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Undergraduate or graduate from an international pharmacy program

• Graduate from an international pharmacy program – passed PEBC Qualifying Exam on the first

attempt

• Pharmacist licensed in Canada outside Ontario

The Registration Program staff are responsible for updating the licensing portion of the website and

ensuring it is current, accurate and presented in a user friendly manner. Changes to the information on

the website are made immediately if a requirement changes or when improvements are identified

based on questions and feedback received by the College from applicants, members or other

stakeholders. The Registration Program staff work closely with the Client Services staff who are the

frontline customer service representatives for applicants and members. When Client service

representatives are provided with feedback or identify a problem with any information posted on the

website (either inaccurate or confusing) they notify Registration Program staff of the issue

immediately. Changes to the website are managed in-house by the Communications department. The

College values and follows a continuous improvement approach to all of its business processes and

encourages feedback from stakeholders through many avenues. At any time, users of the website can

ask questions or provide feedback to any staff member by accessing the Contact Us tab and sending

an email or by phoning the College. This includes a directory listing all department contact information

to help users direct their questions to the most appropriate department.

Each year the College holds information sessions for international pharmacy graduates (IPGs) who are

just beginning the registration process or considering registration in Ontario. Two live presentations are

held annually in conjunction with staff from Health Force Ontario (HFO), the International Pharmacy

Graduate (IPG) Program and the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. Attendees are provided with

the slide presentations for future reference. The information is updated each year based on questions

received from former attendees and changes in the requirements or process of any of these

organizations. Time is reserved for questions and answers with the entire group or for individual

conversations following the presentation.

As noted above, the College also has a Client Services department with representatives readily

available to answer phone calls through a call center and department e-mails during business hours.

There is also a Client Services representative available on-site to meet with individuals for walk-in or

pre-scheduled consultations at the College office. These staff are trained to address questions about

the registration requirements and process or, to process submitted applications. As necessary they will

direct applicants to other College staff or third party organizations for additional assistance.

Beginning August 20, 2014, International Pharmacy Graduates are directed to the National Association

of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada site.

(pharmacistsgatewaycanada.ca) The Gateway is now the first point of contact for internationally

educated pharmacist applicants, including graduates from an APCE accredited pharmacy degree

program. The Gateway provides key information online and through telephone support and features

two self-assessment tools that assist IPGs in making informed decisions before starting the process to

become licensed as a pharmacist in Canada. The Gateway is also the central repository for the

applicants’ original documents and evaluation results.

b) requirements for registration

The primary tool to explain the registration requirements is the College’s website (www.ocpinfo.com)

and can be accessed from the Applicant homepage or the “Registration” tab located on the universal

bar then selecting Register as a Pharmacist. To get a summary of their requirements, the applicant will

then need to select from one of the choices:

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• Undergraduates from the University of Toronto or University or Waterloo

• Undergraduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Graduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Undergraduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Graduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Undergraduate or graduate from an international pharmacy program

• Graduate from an international pharmacy program – passed PEBC Qualifying Exam on the first

attempt

• Pharmacist licensed in Canada outside Ontario

The current regulation and related Council resolutions related to the requirements are available on the

menu bar of the Registration page (Home>Registration>Resolutions & Policies). As stated above, the

summary of requirements are listed according to different categories of applicants which are provided

under “Register as a Pharmacist” and can be accessed through the Applicant homepage or from the

Applicant or Registration tabs on the universal bar. This allows the College to present only the

necessary information for that applicant category.

Information which is repeated on different pages of the website (e.g. regulations and related Council

resolutions, the fee schedule, exam details) is accessed using a live link to a common page. This

technique allows the information to be presented in a less cluttered manner and ensures that updates

only need to be made in one location, yet accessed from a variety of pages on the website.

The website is managed in-house which allows changes to be made immediately. Registration

Program staff ensure the information is current and accurate as noted above. Updates are made when

any change in requirements or process occurs or as needed to clarify information. Questions and

comments received by the College through any mechanism (e. g. calls, e-mails, feedback at

presentations) are monitored and used to help assess the need for changes on the website.

As noted above, beginning August 20, 2014, International Pharmacy Graduates are directed to the

National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada site

(Gateway). The Gateway is now the first point of contact for internationally educated pharmacist

applicants, including graduates from an APCE accredited pharmacy degree program. The Gateway

provides key information online and through telephone support and features two self-assessment tools

that assist IPGs in making informed decisions before starting the process to become licensed as a

pharmacist in Canada. The Gateway is also the central repository for the applicants’ original

documents and evaluation results.

Each year the College also holds information sessions for international pharmacy graduates (IPGs)

who are just beginning the registration process or considering registration in Ontario. The requirements

for registration are explained during the presentation and attendees are provided with the slides for

future reference. Two live presentations are held annually in conjunction with staff from Health Force

Ontario (HFO), the International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) Program and the Pharmacy Examining

Board of Canada. The material presented is updated prior to each presentation based on questions or

feedback received from former attendees and based on any changes in the requirements or processes

of any of these organizations. Time is reserved for questions and answers with the entire group or for

individual conversations following the presentation.

As noted above, the College's Client Service Representatives are also readily available to explain the

registration requirements on the phone, through email or in person during business hours. These staff

are trained to address questions and provide current information about the registration requirements.

These staff also help ensure the website information clear by sharing ongoing feedback they receive

from applicants, and by monitoring the type and frequency of questions asked by applicants. As

necessary they will direct applicants to other College staff or third party organizations for assistance.

c) explanation of how the requirements for registration are to be met, such as the number of

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years of schooling required for a degree to be deemed equivalent to an Ontario undergraduate

degree, length and type of work experience, credit hours or program content

As stated above, the College website serves as the primary tool to provide information about the

requirements for registration.

Since some of the requirements vary depending on the applicant's status at the time of their

application, the information is provided according to different types of applicants. On the Register as a

Pharmacist page, applicants can click on one of the following choices:

• Undergraduates from the University of Toronto or University or Waterloo

• Undergraduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Graduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Undergraduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Graduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Undergraduate or graduate from an international pharmacy program

• Graduate from an international pharmacy program – passed PEBC Qualifying Exam on the first

attempt

• Pharmacist licensed in Canada outside Ontario

Information about education requirements, practical training requirements, examinations,

demonstration of language proficiency and documentation to verify good character and legal work

status is presented on a separate web page by type of requirement or can be accessed through each

of the above applicant groups. This information can also be found under the Quick Links on the

Applicant page.

Information about how to meet the requirements for registration is presented on the website according

to the graduation status of the applicant, so that they are provided with information specific to their

needs. Beginning August 20, 2014, International Pharmacy Graduates are directed to the National

Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada site. The Gateway

provides the most updated information about the Canadian pharmacy licensing process and

requirements in once central place. It helps IPGs to make an informed decision before starting the

process as well it allows them to identify what requirements can be completed prior to arriving in

Canada and what areas they may need to improve their pharmacy skills and knowledge. The Gateway

will then direct IPGs to the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) website at www.pebc.ca for

the credential evaluation process that is used to determine if they have a degree that will be accepted

to pursue registration and establish eligibility to write the examinations of the PEBC.

Likewise, the requirements for demonstration of language proficiency, practical training, timelines and

fees varies for the different applicant groups, so each group is provided with the information and any

appropriate links to outside resources that apply specifically to their situation. This approach helps to

simplify the information that applicants need and ensures they receive only the information that applies

to their applicant type.

Information is also provided to applicants through the other tools listed above in 1.a). Namely,

presentations hosted by Health Force Ontario and by the Client Service Representatives.

Also as stated above in 1.a) the Registration Program staff are responsible for ensuring the information

on the website is current and easy to understand.

d) any education or practical experience required for registration that must be completed in

Ontario or practice that must be supervised by a member of the profession who is registered in

Ontario

Although the structured practical training requirement applies consistently for all applicants, there are

some alternative methods for completing this requirement and therefore it remains useful for applicants

to access the information by applicant type. The website (www.ocpinfo.com ) is the primary tool used to

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provide this information and as noted above in 1.a) it is presented according to applicant categories.

Applicants may choose to access information by clicking on one of the following categories:

• Undergraduates from the University of Toronto or University or Waterloo

• Undergraduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Graduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Undergraduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Graduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Undergraduate or graduate from an international pharmacy program

• Graduate from an international pharmacy program – passed PEBC Qualifying Exam on the first

attempt

• Pharmacist licensed in Canada outside Ontario

International applicants are required to complete the International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) education

program at the University of Toronto (with some exceptions - see section 8 a). Applicants who click on

the Undergraduate or graduate from an international pharmacy program page on the website are

provided with the link to the website for the IPG program (www.ipgcanada.ca) so that they receive

current and accurate information about the IPG program requirements and registration process.

Information about the practical training requirements, including the preceptor and site criteria and the

structured activities and assessments required is consistent for all applicants and is accessed through

the web page specific to each applicant type. There is also a separate section on the website just

explaining the practical training requirement and the process for completing it.

There are several different information sessions as noted in section 1. a) which also serve to provide

information to applicants about the IPG program and the practical training requirement. In addition,

students in both the full-time University programs in Ontario and the IPG program are provided with

information by Registration program staff about the practical training program requirements for

registration.

Changes to update or clarify the information found on the Applicant page of the website or in any of the

information sessions or program manuals are made as required by the Registration Program staff as

noted above in 1.a). Feedback from evaluations completed by preceptors and applicants at the

conclusion of the practical training program are also reviewed and relied on to determine

recommended changes to the program itself and the information provided about the program.

e) requirements that may be satisfied through acceptable alternatives

Consideration of alternative evidence and mechanisms to meet any of the registration requirements

and requests for exemptions from requirements administered by the College may be made to a panel

of the Registration Committee, and are considered on a case by case basis. Information about

Referrals to Panel is available on the College’s website at www.ocpinfo.com under Quick Links on the

Applicant page and where appropriate on the web pages that explain the requirements by applicant

type. For example, on the page for Undergraduate or graduate from an international pharmacy

program Registration>Register as a Pharmacist>International Pharmacy Graduate), where it describes

the need to provide evidence of language proficiency, there is a link to the information about approved

objective language tests, information about making a panel request for consideration of non-objective

evidence of language proficiency. This information can also be accessed by clicking on Applicant >

Training & Examinations > Language Proficiency. All College policies related to registration

requirements are also available on the website and can be reviewed on one page under the heading of

policies or accessed through links where ever they are referenced on other web pages (e.g. as part of

the description of the registration steps for each applicant group.) This information is also included in

any presentations provided to potential applicants about the registration process (e.g. Health Force

Ontario).

Client Service Representatives also provide this information to applicants as they deem appropriate

either from questions applicants ask or as they review application forms. If a Client Service

Representative identifies an application that will require referral to a panel of the Registration

Committee, they inform the applicant of the panel process (by email or phone) and forward the

applicant's information to the panel folder for follow-up by the Registration Program Specialist.

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Website information is updated and reviewed in the same manner as all other information, noted above

in 1.a).

f) the steps in the assessment process

Information about the steps in the assessment process is available on the College’s website at

www.ocpinfo.com > Registration > Register as a Pharmacist, applicants can click on one of the

following choices:

• Undergraduates from the University of Toronto or University or Waterloo

• Undergraduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Graduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Undergraduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Graduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Undergraduate or graduate from an international pharmacy program

• Graduate from an international pharmacy program – passed PEBC Qualifying Exam on the first

attempt

• Pharmacist licensed in Canada outside Ontario

Each page outlines the steps for the specific category and has live links to more detailed information

according to the type of applicant (i.e. a new graduate, an international graduate or pharmacist

licensed in Canada outside Ontario).

This information is also included in presentations that are given about the registration process and

requirements. Client Service Representatives also send out this information to applicants upon request.

Changes to update or clarify the Registration portion of the website are made by Registration Program

staff as noted above in 1.a).

In August 2014, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities launched the

Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada for International Pharmacists. The new registration portal is now the

first point of contact for internationally educated pharmacist applicants, including graduates from an

APCE accredited pharmacy degree program. The Gateway is meant to eliminate duplication and

create a fair, consistent approach to registration in all Canadian provinces. The Gateway will be a

central repository for original documents and evaluation results for IPGs. OCP will be able to upload

and download information for applicants who have selected the College as the designate Pharmacy

Regulatory Authority.

g) the documentation of qualifications that must accompany each application; indicate which

documents, if any, are required only from internationally trained applicants

Information about required documentation is available on the College’s website at www.ocpinfo.com >

Registration > Register as a Pharmacist or from the Applicant page. This information can also be

accessed by clicking on one of the following categories of applicants:

• Undergraduates from the University of Toronto or University or Waterloo

• Undergraduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Graduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Undergraduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Graduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Undergraduate or graduate from an international pharmacy program

• Graduate from an international pharmacy program – passed PEBC Qualifying Exam on the first

attempt

• Pharmacist licensed in Canada outside Ontario

Documentation requirements are consistent for all applicants but evidence may come from different

sources. Documentation is required to demonstrate that the registration requirements have been met.

Differences between Canadian graduate applicants and International graduate applicants relates to the

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type or source of the documentation as follows:

• Verification of education - the College accepts graduate lists directly from the Registrar's office of the

CCAPP accredited pharmacy programs in Ontario. International graduates must provide evidence of

their pharmacy degree by arranging to have an official transcript sent directly to the College from the

institution or by requesting the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada provide the College with

confirmation/validation of the education credential, as the PEBC completes credential validation for all

applicants.

• Verification of identity and work status in Canada - Canadian born applicants may provide a birth

certificate or passport and Non-Canadian born applicants are required to provide a valid international

passport and proof of eligibility to work in Canada by providing one of the following:

o Record of Landing

o Permanent Resident card, or

o Valid study or work permit

• Verification of language proficiency - Graduates of CCAPP and ACPE accredited pharmacy programs

are deemed to have demonstrated language proficiency upon graduation. IPGs must demonstrate that

they possess reasonable language proficiency by arranging for results of approved language tests

(within the last 2 years) to be sent directly to the College, or by requesting consideration of non-

objective evidence of language proficiency by a panel of the Registration Committee or by submitting

evidence that meets criteria outlined in policies approved by the Registration Committee.

In August, 2014, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities launched the

Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada for International Pharmacists. The new registration portal is now the

first point of contact for internationally educated pharmacist applicants, including graduates from an

APCE accredited pharmacy degree program. The Gateway is meant to eliminate duplication and

create a fair, consistent approach to registration in all Canadian provinces. The Gateway will be a

central repository for original documents and evaluation results for IPGs. OCP will be able to upload

and download information for applicants who have selected the College as the designate Pharmacy

Regulatory Authority.

Changes to update or clarify the Registration portion of the website are made as noted above in 1. a).

h) acceptable alternatives to the documentation if applicants cannot obtain the required

documentation for reasons beyond their control

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

The College recognizes that in some rare circumstances applicants may not be able to provide

documentation that is normally used to validate registration requirements (such as transcripts for

credential evaluation). There is notation on the College website, on the Supporting Documentation

page, that indicates how the College will handle these situations. The link to the Supporting

Documentation page is found on each website page that explains the registration process by applicant

type.

The College accepts the alternative documentation process that the Pharmacy Examining Board of

Canada follows to verify the education credential requirements and the College will accept any

determination that PEBC has made using an alternative verification approach. The College uses a

similar individualized approach to seek validation of registration requirements in the event the usual

documentation is not available.

Information about the alternatives for required documentation is available on the PEBC website as well.

Our Client Service Representatives will explain this information to applicants by phone or email, if

necessary.

Changes to update or clarify the Registration portion of the website are made as noted above in 1. a).

i) how applicants can contact your organization

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The website has contact information for department phone numbers and email contact. It is posted on

the "Contact Us" page which is located on the website home page. A link to the contact information

page and client service email address is also found where appropriate throughout the description of the

registration process by applicant type. Applicants can contact Client Services on the College's website

at www.ocpinfo.com > Contact Us or by clicking on Register as a Pharmacist > Contact Us or any of

the highlighted links to "Client Services" from various pages on the website.

Applicants can also drop-in or make an appointment to meet with a Client Service representative at the

College office during business hours. The Client Services department has a call center phone line

which is answered during business hours. This allows phone calls to be picked up quickly by any one

of the client service representatives and avoids callers having to leave messages.

Contact information is also provided at all presentations about registration. The College website link is

also posted on other websites such as the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada, Health Force

Ontario, and the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities.

Changes to update or clarify the Registration portion of the website are made as noted above in 1. a).

j) how, why and how often your organization initiates communication with applicants about their

applications

The College communicates with applicants throughout the registration process to notify them when

aspects of their application have been accepted or validated and when there are any outstanding

documents or issues that need to be resolved. Client Service Representatives and Registration

Program staff spend a considerable amount of time guiding applicants, particularly international

graduates through the registration process. Applicants are contacted by telephone and email

depending on the issue and applicant's preference. Applicants indicate their preferred method of

communication on their application form.

In some cases email notification about their application status is sent automatically to applicants when

their application is processed. In October 2014, The College updated its online registration process

previously only available for some applicant types (e.g. Ontario University graduates), the online

registration is now available to all applicants for all registration processes. Applicants are able to

receive automated email notifications in response to activity on their application in real-time. For

example they may receive an email to inform them that their application has been received and when

they can expect to receive information about the next step in the process. In other cases the

notifications are sent by staff as necessary when the application is being processed.

Information about when they will receive notification from the College is also included within various

sections of the registration portion of the website. For example, the information about applying to

complete their practical training indicates that they will be notified when they may begin training after

their application has been processed.

Information about how to contact the College is also provided during registration presentations and is

provided directly to applicants by Client Service Representatives as they proceed through the process.

When applicants call the College's main phone number, they are also provided with details about how

to reach the Client Service or Registration department.

The website information is updated as described above in 1.a)

k) the process for dealing with documents provided in languages other than English or French

The College website provides information about the requirement for translation of documents on the

supporting documentation page of the website. Since the information that most frequently requires

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translation is related to evidence of education credentials, the College also directs applicants to the

PEBC website which provides information about the translation requirements for documents required to

complete the document evaluation process. Client Service Representatives also provide this

information in response to questions from applicants either by email, on the phone or in person.

The College also has a database of the languages the College staff are able to communicate in, other

than English. Given the diversity of the College staff, there is some opportunity for staff to communicate

the necessary information in several other languages.

There is also a notation in French, on the website under all the pages related to the registration

process advising individuals who seek information about registration in French to contact Client

Services at [email protected] with details of their request. The College will provide a

response in French using either in-house or out-sourced translation services.

The website information is updated as described above in 1.a)

l) the role of third-party organizations, such as qualification assessment agencies,

organizations that conduct examinations or institutions that provide bridging programs, that

applicants may come into contact with during the registration process

The roles of the International Pharmacy Graduate Program and the Pharmacy Examining Board of

Canada are outlined on the College's website. This information and direct links to the appropriate

websites is embedded in each web page for the specific applicant type. For example the information

about the IPG bridging program is available on the College's website by clicking on www.ocpinfo.com >

Registration > International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) Program. This information can also be accessed

by applicant type - Undergraduate or graduate from an international pharmacy program. In addition to

putting the links directly in each of the applicant specific web pages, the College website has a section

with useful links on it and the contact information for each of these organizations is also found there.

The College participates in registration information sessions, hosted by Health Force Ontario, in

conjunction with both the PEBC and the IPG program. This helps applicants understand the role of

each of these organizations within the registration process and demonstrates how the assessments of

each organization are related, yet based consistently on the NAPRA Professional Competencies for

Canadian Pharmacists at Entry-to-Practice. All three organizations have a representative at the

session to address questions and provide contact information.

The College relies on each of the third party organizations to update their own information and

therefore uses links to their websites rather than posting the information directly on the College

website; this ensures the information is up-to-date and accurate. Registration Program staff are

responsible for ensuring the information and links about the third parties on any of the Registration

pages of the website are accurate.

m) any timelines, deadlines or time limits that applicants will be subject to during the

registration process

This information is available in a summary chart under each applicant type on the College’s website at

www.ocpinfo.com >Registration > Fees & Timelines and by clicking on one of the following categories

of applicants:

• Undergraduates from the University of Toronto or University or Waterloo

• Undergraduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Graduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Undergraduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Graduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Undergraduate or graduate from an international pharmacy program

• Graduate from an international pharmacy program – passed PEBC Qualifying Exam on the first

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attempt

• Pharmacist licensed in Canada outside Ontario

Client Service Representatives and Registration Program staff also assist individuals in tracking

timelines as necessary. These staff are trained on which timelines to monitor and are able to easily

identify timeline issues, because the member/applicant database is designed to automatically track

timelines. For notable timelines that may impact the applicant's ability to complete the registration

process, the College notifies applicants directly by email or phone. For example, the Structured

Practical Training Administrative Assistant is responsible for tracking the timelines associated with

completion of the practical training requirement for students and interns. The online training portal is

designed to provide automated flags when an individual misses a deadline and to generate an

automated email at a predetermined time. If necessary the Structured Practical Training Administrative

Assistant follows up with additional emails and/or by phone if they continue to have outstanding

activities or assessments. In other situations such as when individuals complete the Jurisprudence

Exam, applicants are provided with information about the validity of the results when they are informed

of their status (i.e. the information is part of their results letter). This information is also posted on the

website with the information about the Jurisprudence Exam (Registration > Training & Examinations >

Jurisprudence Exam)

In October 2014, the College updated it online registration process. The database allows all applicants

to initiate the registration process and to view the status of their application in real-time. Applicants are

also able see the status of the specific requirements for the certificate of registration they are applying

for, whether the requirement has been met or remains outstanding and the validity or expiry of the

requirement.

n) the amount of time that the registration process usually takes

Information about the time it takes to complete each stage of the registration process is on the web

page by applicant type. The information is accessed by clicking on one of the following categories of

applicants:

• Undergraduates from the University of Toronto or University or Waterloo

• Undergraduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Graduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Undergraduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Graduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Undergraduate or graduate from an international pharmacy program

• Graduate from an international pharmacy program – passed PEBC Qualifying Exam on the first

attempt

• Pharmacist licensed in Canada outside Ontario

The information available is provided as a sample of the timelines for each step because of the

individual nature of the time it takes to complete the process. The time required for each applicant will

depend on the applicant's successful completion of the required education, examinations and training,

and can vary greatly. It will also depend on the timing for completion of the required exams. The OCP

jurisprudence examination dates and application deadlines are available on the College's website at

www.ocpinfo.com > Registration > Training & Examinations > Jurisprudence. The dates of the

Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) examinations and application deadlines are available

on their website which has a link from the OCP website at www.ocpinfo.com Registration > Training &

Examinations > PEBC. Dates associated with the course offerings in the IPG program are posted on

their website and can also be accessed through links on the College website.

The NAPRA Gateway provides a “Costs and Time to Licensure Calculator” which includes estimates

for PRA specific requirements such as Jurisprudence exams and structured practical training as well as

national requirements including multiple attempts at the PEBC exams

Changes to update or clarify the Licensing portion of the website and ensure accuracy of external links

is the responsibility of the Registration Program staff as noted above in 1.a.

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o) information about all fees associated with registration, such as fees for initial application,

exams and exam rewrites, course enrolment or issuance of licence

Information about the fees, including an estimate of the fees payable to third parties (such as the

licensing exams) is on the each web page, by applicant type. The information is accessed by clicking

on one of the following categories of applicants:

• Undergraduates from the University of Toronto or University or Waterloo

• Undergraduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Graduate from a CCAPP -accredited program outside Ontario

• Undergraduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Graduate from an ACPE-accredited program

• Undergraduate or graduate from an international pharmacy program

• Graduate from an international pharmacy program – passed PEBC Qualifying Exam on the first

attempt

• Pharmacist licensed in Canada outside Ontario

Fees are also printed on each application form that must be completed by the applicant depending on

the level of registration to which he/she is applying. In addition all third parties associated with the

registration process also list all of their fees on their own websites, which ensures that the fees posted

are accurate and current.

The Coordinator of Client Services is responsible for ensuring that the College website and all

application forms that list fees are updated with the most current information about the fees.

The NAPRA Gateway provides a “Costs and Time to Licensure Calculator” which includes estimates

for PRA specific requirements such as Jurisprudence exams and structured practical training as well as

national requirements including multiple attempts at the PEBC exams.

p) accommodation of applicants with special needs, such as visual impairment

The College has a link titled "Accessibility" that is accessible on the home page of the website. The

information on the page the link opens provides information about the College's Customer Service

Policy (Providing Goods and Services to People with Disabilities) and outlines the College's

commitment to excellence in providing goods and services to all members of the public, including

people with disabilities. The policy outlines the kind of accommodations that are available and identifies

the type of training that all College staff are provided with. It also provides information about how to

provide feedback to the College and who to contact for assistance if necessary.

In addition to the policy for overall accommodation for persons with specials needs, applicants may

request testing accommodation to write the College's pharmaceutical jurisprudence examination. The

Policy on Jurisprudence Examination Testing Accommodations is available on the College's website at

www.ocpinfo.com > Registration > Training & Examinations > Jurisprudence Exam. This document can

also be found by entering "testing accommodations" in the Search feature. This information is also

available on the application for the Jurisprudence exam. The Client Service Representatives are also

aware of the policies and are able to direct applicants to the information or refer them to the staff

person responsible for the jurisprudence examination.

The Registration Advisor - Jurisprudence Lead is responsible for ensuring this information is kept up to

date and is clear for applicants.

The Human Resources manager is responsible for ensuring the information about the College's

accessibility policy is updated and posted on the website.

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Please identify and explain the changes in your registration practices relevant to this section

that occurred during the reporting year.

In August 2014, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities launched the

Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada for International Pharmacists (pharmacistsgatewaycanada.ca) The

new registration portal is now the first point of contact for internationally educated pharmacist

applicants, including graduates from an APCE accredited pharmacy degree program. The Gateway is

meant to eliminate duplication and create a fair, consistent approach to registration in all Canadian

provinces. The Gateway provides a website with key information online and through telephone support

and features two self-assessment tools that assist IPGs in making informed decisions before starting

the process to become licensed as a pharmacist in Canada.

In October 2014, the College updated its online registration process. The database allows all

applicants to initiate the registration process and to view the status of their application in real-time.

Applicants are also able see the status of the specific requirements for the certificate of registration

they are applying for, whether the requirement has been met or remains outstanding and the validity or

expiry of the requirements.

BACK TO INDEX

Amount of Fees (2 / 13)

Are any of the fees different for internationally trained applicants? If yes, please explain.

Fees are not set differently for internationally trained applicants, however the total cost of registration is

different among applicants due to different requirements for demonstration of eligibility for registration.

The fees payable to OCP and third parties are established for each requirement that needs to be met,

regardless of whether the applicant is domestically or internationally educated and therefore the total

fees for an applicant are dependent on which or how many requirements they need to meet in order to

complete their registration. Not all international applicants will have the same costs associated with

registration. The fees for pre-registration, the training program, the jurisprudence exam, and the

application for each certificate of registration (student, intern or pharmacist) are the same for all

applicants. The primary difference in the cost of registration is the result of different processes for

validation of education credentials, different bridging education requirements, completion of practical

training programs and different methods of validating language proficiency.

Graduates of faculties of pharmacy accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy

Programs (CCAPP) or the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE) in the United States

follow a different process than international graduates for credential validation, which results in different

fees. For example, CCAPP and ACPE graduates are granted eligibility to sit the PEBC Qualifying

Exam without having to complete phase I and II of the credential evaluation process; therefore they do

not pay the $530 Document Evaluation fee or the $515 Evaluating Exam fee, which is required for all

international graduates.

In addition, international graduates may need to complete an approved bridging education program or

other education programs identified by a panel of the Registration Committee. For applicants required

to complete the approved bridging education program they are required to pay approximately $13,000

tuition fee. In addition, graduates of a CCAPP or ACPE education program complete their studentship

training within their education program and therefore do not need to complete the studentship training

program administered by OCP. International graduates are required to complete the OCP administered

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studentship training program and therefore are required to pay the $410 training fee that is associated

with this requirement.

Finally, graduates of CCAPP and ACPE demonstrate language proficiency within the education

program, while international graduates are required to provide different evidence of language

proficiency. Most international graduates will be required to complete an objective language proficiency

test which costs about $200. This fee will not apply to all international graduates however, as a panel of

the Registration Committee may accept non-objective evidence of language proficiency which may be

demonstrated without any additional cost.

Please identify and explain the changes in your registration practices relevant to this section

that occurred during the reporting year.

In August 2014, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities launched the

Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada for International Pharmacists. The new registration portal is now the

first point of contact for internationally educated pharmacist applicants, including graduates from an

APCE accredited pharmacy degree program. The Gateway enrolment fee is $325.00. Applicants and

the designated PRAs will have access to all the information and documentation related to the

application including results from language proficiency tests and PEBC examinations. Applicants

enrolled with the Gateway are not required to pay OCP’s pre-registration application fee.

BACK TO INDEX

Provision of Timely Decisions, Responses and Reasons (3 / 13)

a) What are your timelines for making registration decisions?

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

The processing time for an application of registration, once all requirements have been met, is up to 10

business days. Applications for a certificate of registration are received and reviewed by a Client

Service Representative and, if necessary, a Registration Program staff member to determine whether

all of the registration requirements as set out in the Registration Regulation, by-laws and policies have

been met.

If the applicant has met all of the requirements then a Certificate of Registration is granted upon

payment of the required fees. With the exception of the Jurisprudence exam, the College provides

applicants with feedback on the completion of each registration requirement within a 10 day timeframe,

most often within 1 - 2 business days. Results of the Jurisprudence exam are provided within 4 - 6

weeks of the exam administration date.

If the applicant has not demonstrated that they meet all of the requirements for a certificate of

registration, or if the Registrar proposes to put terms, conditions or limitations on the certificate or to

refuse the application, the application is referred to a panel of the Registration Committee as required

under legislation [paragraph 15.(1)(b) of the Code]. A panel is comprised of a minimum of three

members of the Registration Committee (i.e., two members of the College and a member of the

Council who is a public member) [ss 17.(2) of the Code]. The Registration Committee convenes panels

once a month to review such applications. The panel will review the individual’s application and all

supporting documentation before making a decision in respect of that application. Applications received

by the first business day of the month are generally considered by the panel that convenes the

following month and the applicant is advised of the panel's decision within three business days of the

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panel meeting. If it is necessary or desired for the applicant to receive a formal Panel Order with written

reasons for the decision, this will be sent to the applicant within 8 - 10 weeks.

b) What are your timelines for responding to applicants in writing?

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

If an application is referred to a panel, the applicant is notified by letter of the referral to the panel [ss

15.(3) of the Code]. This letter of notice of the referral informs the applicant of the statutory grounds for

the referral and the applicant’s right to make written submissions to the panel for a period up to 30 days

after receiving the notice. The notice of referral letter is sent by email to applicants whose files are

complete by the 1st of the month preceding the panel meeting. These letters are sent out by the 15th of

the same month. In some cases an applicant whose file was not complete within the timelines, may

request to have their application considered by a panel in fewer than 30 days, and in these cases, if the

request can be met, the notice of referral letter is emailed to the applicant immediately. In these cases,

the applicant is asked to sign a waiver of the 30 day period to make submissions.

After the panel meeting, the Registration Program Specialist or other Registration Program staff advise

the applicant of the panel’s decision by email within three business days of the meeting, and usually

within one day. If it is necessary or desired for the applicant to receive a formal Panel Order with

written reasons for the decision, this will be sent to the applicant within 8 - 10 weeks.

c) What are your timelines for providing written reasons to applicants about all registration

decisions, internal reviews and appeal decisions?

Applicants are notified by email of the panel's decision within three business days as described above.

This email also includes information about the right to appeal the decision to the Health Professions

Appeal and Review Board. Applicants for whom positive decisions are made (i.e., with no conditional

requirements attached) may act on the decision immediately; written reasons are not required.

Applicants for whom the panel has a positive decision but with conditions or additional requirements

associated with granting a certificate of registration, are asked to sign and return a waiver to indicate if

they are satisfied with the decision and wish to act on it immediately. Written reasons are not required

if an applicant signs and returns the waiver. If they choose not to sign the waiver, they will be issued a

Panel Order with written reasons within 8 - 10 weeks.

An applicant whose application has been denied, or who is not satisfied with the Panel’s decision, is

issued a formal Panel Order including written reasons as required in legislation. [ss 20.(1) of the

Code]. The College's timeline to provide the applicant with a Panel Order is eight to ten weeks from the

date of the Panel meeting. These Panel Orders are accompanied by a letter advising the applicant of

their right to appeal the decision to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board within 30 days of

the date of the cover letter [ss 20.(2) of the Code].

d) Explain how your organization ensures that it adheres to these timelines.

The College has established business processes that assist in adherence and tracking of the timelines.

Applications that are being referred to a panel but are incomplete or pending are stored in a folder that

is checked regularly against the applicant's file. Client Service Representatives notify the Registration

Program Specialist when the file is ready to proceed to a panel by moving the file to the folder for the

next available panel. The Registration Program Specialist is responsible for managing the process and

adhering to timelines associated with a referral to panel.

Following the panel meeting, an email with the panel's decisions is prepared and sent by the

Registration Program Specialist, or in her absence other Registration Program staff, as determined by

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the Program Specialist or Manager. It is the Registration Program Specialist's responsibility to monitor

responses from applicants following notification of the panel decision. Applicants who received a

conditionally positive decision by a panel but have not returned a waiver to notify the College that they

accept the decision are contacted three to four weeks after a panel meeting to determine if they would

like to act upon the decision or if they wish to receive a formal Panel Order. If a Panel Order is

required, the Registration Program Specialist, and/or other Registration Program staff or legal counsel,

as necessary, prepare a draft decision based on the panel's deliberations and send it to the Panel

Chair for his/her review, editing, approval and signature. The Registration Program Specialist monitors

the timelines for completion of the Panel Order to help ensure the timelines are met. Tracking

information is provided in annual reports, which also helps promote adherence to the timelines.

Please identify and explain the changes in your registration practices relevant to this section

that occurred during the reporting year.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

BACK TO INDEX

Access to Records (4 / 13)

a) Describe how you give applicants access to their own records related to their applications

for registration.

All material that has been submitted by an applicant or upon the direction of an applicant from a third

party (e.g., Pharmacists’ Gateway, PEBC, language proficiency testing institutions, degree transcripts)

is accessible to the applicant upon written request [ss 16.(1) of the Code]. Requests for access to

these records are managed by the Coordinator of Client Services.

Applicants who have an application referred to a panel of the Registration Committee are informed of

and provided with copies (if desired) of all information that is to be made available to the panel in order

to allow them the opportunity to address the information prior to the panel meeting. A copy of the Panel

Order, including written reasons and all of the material considered by the panel is provided to an

applicant who has appealed a panel's decision to the Review Board [ss 21.(3) of the Code].

Access to information with respect to an applicant’s record by someone other than the applicant

(e.g.,employer/recruiter) is only given upon receipt of written permission by the applicant, unless there

is some other legal authority to do so [ss. 36 of the RHPA]. These requests are managed through the

Coordinator of the Information Management department.

b) Explain why access to applicants’ own records would be limited or refused.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

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The College operates on the premise that applicants have full access to their own records. However,

the Registrar may refuse to give an applicant access to anything in the record that may, in the

Registrar's opinion, jeopardize the safety of any person [ss 16.(2) of the Code].

c) State how and when you give applicants estimates of the fees for making records available.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

The College does not charge a fee for making records available. In the event a fee was necessary, it

would be determined and communicated to the applicant prior to preparing the record for the applicant.

d) List the fees for making records available.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

No fee has ever been charged, to date, but if necessary it would be based strictly on cost recovery.

e) Describe the circumstances under which payment of the fees for making records available

would be waived or would have been waived.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

No fee has been charged to date, but if necessary would be based strictly on cost recovery. The

College has the discretion to waive a fee if it is deemed likely to cause undue hardship to the applicant.

The decision to waive a fee would be approved by the Registrar, based on consideration of the

individual's circumstances.

Please identify and explain the changes in your registration practices relevant to this section

that occurred during the reporting year.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

BACK TO INDEX

Resources for Applicants (5 / 13)

a) List and describe any resources that are available to applicants, such as application guides,

exam blueprints or programs for orientation to the profession.

1. The College participates in an orientation session hosted by Health Force Ontario, twice a year, to

inform potential applicants about all the requirements and processes for a certificate of registration as a

pharmacist.

2. The College's Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence Examination - The College website has a number of

resources to assist exam candidates in preparation to write the jurisprudence exam. These include the

exam requirements, study material, exam blueprint and sample questions. There are currently four

E-Learning modules available on the OCP website (additional modules will be available in 2015). There

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is also a copy of the exam protocol which explains all of the procedures that are followed in relation to

the administration of the exam. Review slides are available on the College's website for anyone to

access. Guidelines for Testing Accommodation are also posted on the website. (Registration>Training

& Assessments>Jurisprudence Exam)

3. Structured Practical Training - The College provides an orientation lecture to students in the IPG

bridging program. (Note students of the other Ontario programs complete SOT during their education

program and therefore do not require orientation to the OCP program). The website also has

information about the training program. Once an applicant is eligible to start their practical training

rotation they are given access to an on-line training portal which provides them with all the information

and materials they need to complete the process, and Registration Program staff are also available by

phone or email for assistance if needed.

4. The International Pharmacy Graduate Program - This program serves as a resource to help

international graduates prepare for Canadian pharmacy practice. The IPG Program is comprised of two

modules; Canadian Pharmacy Skills (CPS) I and CPS II. Drawing upon material from courses offered

in the undergraduate program, the content provides acculturation to Canadian pharmacy practice and

assesses knowledge needed to meet entry-level competence. Therapeutics, law, practice

management, pharmaceutical care, drug information and the Canadian health care system are just a

few of the content areas covered. Students also gain critical language, workplace, and practice skills

necessary for licensure and practice in Canada. Various links to the IPG Program website are available

from the College's website. The IPG Program website provides detailed information about the program,

including course descriptions.

5. The PEBC Evaluating Examination and Qualifying Examination - Information regarding the PEBC

Evaluating Examination and Qualifying Examination is available on the PEBC website. Information is

provided about the exam procedures, exam blueprint, study materials (including textbooks and

websites), sample questions and stations, as well as the process for receiving exam results. An

orientation video for the Qualifying Examination is also available. Links to the PEBC website are

available from the College's website.

6. Document Evaluation - information about this requirement is available on the PEBC website and is

linked from the OCP website. The information identifies the documentation that is required and the

timelines associated with receiving a decision.

7. The Language Proficiency Requirements are posted on the website, with the minimum required test

scores for each of the accepted tests. Information about non-objective evidence of language

proficiency including policies that allow some applicants to meet the requirement without being referred

to a panel of the Registration Committee is also available on the website. This section of the website

provides a link to all of the contact information for the testing agencies.

8. The website of the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) also provides

information about the registration requirements that are common across the country and links to the

provincial websites. The NAPRA website also has a number of resources that provide orientation to the

profession in Canada.

In August 2014, the NAPRA launched the Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada for International

Pharmacists. The new registration portal is now the first point of contact for internationally educated

pharmacist applicants, including graduates from an APCE accredited pharmacy degree program. The

Gateway is meant to eliminate duplication and create a fair, consistent approach to registration in all

Canadian provinces. The Gateway website provides key information online and through telephone

support and features two self-assessment tools that assist IPGs in making informed decisions before

starting the process to become licensed as a pharmacist in Canada

b) Describe how your organization provides information to applicants about these resources.

In August 2014, the NAPRA launched the Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada for International

Pharmacists. The new registration portal is now the first point of contact for internationally educated

pharmacist applicants, including graduates from an APCE accredited pharmacy degree program. The

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Gateway is meant to eliminate duplication and create a fair, consistent approach to registration in all

Canadian provinces. The Gateway website provides key information online and through telephone

support and features two self-assessment tools that assist IPGs in making informed decisions before

starting the process to become licensed as a pharmacist in Canada. These resources are also readily

available on the College website at www.ocpinfo.com under the Registration tab or from the menu on

the Applicant homepage. Resource material for specific registration processes or requirements are

provided on the webpage addressing the specific requirement. These sections of the website are

accessed from the web pages that describe the registration process for each applicant type or from a

secondary menu that lists each requirement (JP exam, SPT, Fluency and PEBC). A link to NAPRA’s

Pharmacists’ Gateway is provided on the pathways pages for IPGs and graduates from an ACPE-

accredited program.

Registration presentations are posted on the homepage of the OCP website under the "News" section

and through organizations that assist newcomers to Ontario (e.g., HFO, YMCA). Information about

sessions offered within another program, such as lectures within the IPG program, is provided directly

to program participants.

Information about how to access the Structured Practical Training program portal is automatically sent

to applicants when their eligibility to start the program has been confirmed. Information about how to

access information about the Jurisprudence exam is also available on the application to sit the exam.

The College also directs individuals to the College website when they call into the College's main

phone number. Client Service Representatives and Registration Program staff also refer applicants to

the website for more information about the registration process.

Please identify and explain the changes in your registration practices relevant to this section

that occurred during the reporting year.

In August 2014, the NAPRA launched the Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada for International

Pharmacists. The new registration portal is now the first point of contact for internationally educated

pharmacist applicants, including graduates from an APCE accredited pharmacy degree program. The

Gateway is meant to eliminate duplication and create a fair, consistent approach to registration in all

Canadian provinces. The Gateway website provides key information online and through telephone

support and features two self-assessment tools that assist IPGs in making informed decisions before

starting the process to become licensed as a pharmacist in Canada. The readiness tool explains the

scope and model of pharmacy practice in Canada and the self-assessment tool allows applicants to

compare their current competencies with the competencies required to practice in Canada.

BACK TO INDEX

Internal Review or Appeal Processes (6 / 13)

In this section, describe your internal review or appeal process. Some regulatory bodies use

these two terms (internal review and appeal) for two different processes, some use only one of

these terms, and some use them interchangeably. Please use the term that applies to your

profession. If you use both terms (for two different processes), please address both.

a) List your timelines for completing internal reviews or appeals of registration decisions.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

If the Registrar has reason to believe an applicant has not met all of the requirements for a certificate of

registration, or proposes to refuse an application, the application is referred to a panel of the

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Registration Committee [paragraph 15.(1)(b) of the Code]. A panel is comprised of a minimum of three

members of the Registration Committee (i.e., two members of the College and a Council member who

is a public member) [ss 17.(2) of the Code]. A panel is convened once a month to review such

applications. The panel will review the individual’s application and all relevant information before

making a decision in respect of that application. Applications received by the first business day of the

month are considered by the panel that convenes the following month, provided their file is complete.

In some cases, applications may be considered by the panel within a shorter timeline, as is described

below in b).

i. State the number of internal reviews or appeals of registration decisions that exceeded your

timelines.

There were two internal reviews that exceeded the eight week timeline for completion of a written

Panel Order; both were completed within 12 weeks.

ii. Among internal reviews or appeals that exceeded your timelines, state the number that were

from internationally trained applicants.

One review that exceeded the timeline was from an internationally trained applicant. Of note, 126 of the

147 total number of internal reviews were from internationally trained applicants.

b) Specify the opportunities you provide for applicants to make submissions regarding internal

reviews or appeals.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

If an application is referred to a panel, the applicant is first notified by phone or email and then in

writing with a letter of notification of the referral [ss 15.(3) of the Code]. The letter of notice of the

referral is sent by email and informs the applicant of the statutory grounds for the referral and the

applicant’s right to make written submissions to the panel up to 30 days after receiving the notice. If an

applicant would like their application to be considered by a panel in fewer than 30 days from the date of

the panel referral, the notice of the referral is e-mailed to the applicant. The applicant is invited to

submit additional written information and asked to sign a waiver of the 30 day notice period if he/she

wishes the application to be considered by the earliest available panel. The Registration Program

Specialist reviews the submissions made by an applicant with other Registration Program staff to

consider if there is any additional information that the applicant may be advised to provide in order to

assist the panel in their consideration of the referral. Further submissions are accepted up until the day

of the panel meeting.

c) Explain how you inform applicants about the form in which they must make their

submissions (i.e., orally, in writing or by electronic means) for internal reviews or appeals.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

If an application is referred to a panel, the applicant is first notified by phone or e-mail and then in

writing with a letter of notification of the referral [ss 15.(3) of the Code]. The letter of notice of the

referral is mailed and informs the applicant of the statutory grounds for the referral and the applicant’s

right to make written submissions to the panel within 30 days after receiving the notice or sooner. The

applicant is also provided with the contact information for the Registration Program Specialist, who is

available to address any questions the applicant may have about the process. The applicant is invited

to submit additional written information by mail, fax or electronic means. The Registration Program

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Specialist manages the panel applications and is available to the applicant by phone or email

throughout the process.

General information about the panel process and the ability to make submissions is also posted on the

College’s website, under the Quick Links on the Applicant homepage or on webpages where referrals

to panel are applicable (e.g. non-objective evidence of language proficiency). The Client Service

Representatives are also able to provide applicants with information about how to submit materials for

the panel meeting, or if in doubt they will refer the applicant to the Registration Program Specialist.

Other Registration Program staff are also available to answer questions if necessary.

d) State how you ensure that no one who acted as a decision-maker in a registration decision

acts as a decision-maker in an internal review or appeal of the same registration decision.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

Applications are processed by the Client Services staff on behalf of the Registrar and, if necessary in

consultation with Registration Program staff to ensure that initial decisions about the eligibility of the

application are made according to the requirements established in regulation, by-law and/or policy.

When there is any doubt whether the applicant meets the registration requirements, as required under

the Code, [ss. 15.1b)] the Registrar refers the application to a panel of the Registration Committee.

Panels are comprised of a minimum of three members of the Registration Committee (i.e., two

members of the profession and a public member) [ss 17.(2) of the Code]. College staff provide the

application and all supporting documentation to the panel, but they do not participate in making the

decision so that the decisions made by a panel are not influenced by individuals who otherwise serve

as decision-makers for eligibility of registration purposes. Although the panel is provided with a copy of

the notice of referral which outlines the statutory grounds for the referral, College staff do not provide

opinions or judgment on the material provided to the panel.

e) Describe your internal review or appeal process.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

If the Registrar proposes to refuse an application, to place terms, conditions or limitation on an

applicant's certificate of registration, or has any doubts as to whether the applicant meets the

registration requirements, the application is referred to a panel of the Registration Committee

[paragraph 15.(1)(b) of the Code]. A panel is comprised of a minimum of three members of the

Registration Committee (i.e., two members of the profession and a public member of Council) [ss 17.

(2) of the Code]. The chair of the Registration Committee appoints the panel members for each panel.

Panels are convened at least once a month to review such applications. The panel reviews the

individual’s application and all relevant information before making a decision in respect of that

application. Applications received by the first business day of the month are generally considered by

the panel that convenes the following month. The chair of the Registration Committee may choose to

schedule a panel meeting at any time to address applications requiring review.

Prior to the panel meeting, the Registration Program Specialist, with support from other Registration

Program staff, reviews each file to determine if there is any additional information the applicant may be

advised to submit to aid in the panel's consideration of the application.

f ) State the composition of the committee that makes decisions about registration, which may

be called a Registration Committee or Appeals Committee: how many members does the

committee have; how many committee members are members of the profession in Ontario;

and how many committee members are internationally trained members of the profession in

Ontario.

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Under the College bylaws, the Registration Committee is composed of a minimum of two members of

Council who are members of the College, a minimum of two members of Council appointed to the

Council by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, a minimum of one member of the College who is not a

member of the Council, a dean of a school of pharmacy in Ontario and a representative of a pharmacy

technician program in Ontario.

During the first eight months of the reporting period the committee had five members of the Council

who were members of the College, two members of Council appointed to the Council by the Lieutenant

Governor in Council and two members of the College who were not a member of the Council. During

the last four months of the reporting period the committee had four members of the Council who were

members of the College, three members of Council appointed to the Council by the Lieutenant

Governor in Council and two members of the College who were not a member of the Council. One of

the committee members was an international graduate during the full reporting period.

Decisions about registration are made by a panel which is comprised of a minimum of three members

of the Registration Committee, one of whom must be a public member [ss 17.(2) of the Code]. The

dean and the pharmacy technician program representative do not sit on any panels of the Registration

Committee to ensure that there is no perceived or actual conflict of interest or bias.

Please identify and explain the changes in your registration practices relevant to this section

that occurred during the reporting year.

BACK TO INDEX

Information on Appeal Rights (7 / 13)

This section refers to reviews or appeals that are available after an internal review or appeal.

Describe how you inform applicants of any rights they have to request a further review of or

appeal from a decision.

Following each panel meeting, applicants are informed of the panel decision by email within 3 business

days. Included in the email is notification of the applicant's right to appeal the panel's decision to the

Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB). An applicant whose application has been

denied or who is not satisfied with the Panel's decision is issued a formal Panel Order [ss 20.(1) of the

Code]. These Panel Orders are also accompanied by a letter advising the applicant of their right to

appeal the panel's decision to HPARB within 30 days of the date of the cover letter [ss 20.(2) of the

Code]. A link to the HPARB website is also available on the College’s website at www.ocpinfo.com >

Registration > Referral to Panel & Appeals. This section of the website, which explains the panel

process, also provides the information about the right to an appeal by the HPARB. The Registration

Program Specialist also ensures that applicants are aware of their right to an appeal, often explaining

the process to the applicant prior to their application being considered by a panel.

Please identify and explain the changes in your registration practices relevant to this section

that occurred during the reporting year.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

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BACK TO INDE

Assessment of Qualifications (8 / 13)

This category covers your processes for assessing all qualifications, such as academic

credentials, competencies, language ability or practical experience.

a) List the criteria that must be met in order for an applicant’s qualifications to satisfy the entry-

to-practice requirements for your profession.

The requirements for registration are described fully in Part I - VII of the General Regulation (O.Reg

202/94) under the Pharmacy Act. In summary, to be registered as a pharmacist in Ontario an applicant

must meet the following core requirements;

1. Education:

i. have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in pharmacy evidencing the successful completion of a

program designed to educate and train persons to be practising pharmacists which was,

A. awarded on or before December 31, 1993 by a constituent faculty of the Association of Faculties of

Pharmacy of Canada, or

B. awarded by a university as a result of successful completion of a program which was, at the time of

the award, accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs or by another

accrediting body approved by the Council for that purpose, or

ii. have a university degree in pharmacy that does not meet the requirements of subparagraph i but that

evidences the successful completion of a program designed to educate and train persons to be

practising pharmacists, and,

A. have successfully completed a program that, at the time the applicant commenced it, was approved

by the Council as one whose graduates should possess knowledge, skill and judgment at least equal to

those of current graduates of a program mentioned in sub-subparagraph i B, or

B. have successfully completed the examination provided for in paragraph 4 on the applicant’s first

attempt and have successfully completed any further education or training or combination of education

and training that was specified by a panel of the Registration Committee to evidence that the applicant

possesses knowledge, skill and judgment at least equal to those of current graduates of a program

mentioned in sub-subparagraph i B.

2. Jurisprudence Exam

The applicant must have successfully completed an examination in pharmaceutical jurisprudence

approved by the Council for applicants for a certificate of registration as a pharmacist.

3. Structured Practical Training

The applicant must have successfully completed a structured practical training program approved by

the Council, while holding a certificate of registration as an intern and while under the supervision of a

preceptor approved by the Registration Committee. In order to successfully complete the structured

practical training requirements the applicant must demonstrate competence as defined in the

Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacists at Entry-to-Practice (NAPRA 2007).

4. Entry-to-Practice Exam

The applicant must have successfully completed the qualifying examination of the Pharmacy

Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) for pharmacists at a time when the examination was approved by

the Council or have successfully completed another examination that has been approved by the

Council for that purpose.

Note: In order to sit the qualifying examination of the PEBC the applicant must have an undergraduate

pharmacy degree as specified in regulation (i.e. , a degree from a pharmacy program accredited by the

Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs or the Accreditation Council for

Pharmaceutical Education, or a degree that is approved by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada

through their two-part credential evaluation process)

5. Language Proficiency

1. The applicant must possess sufficient language proficiency, in either English or French, to be able to

communicate and comprehend effectively, both orally and in writing.

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6. Good Characte

1. The applicant must not have been found guilty of any offence in any jurisdiction.

2. The applicant must not be the subject of a current proceeding in respect of any offence in any

jurisdiction.

3. The applicant must not have been the subject of a finding of professional misconduct, incompetence

or incapacity or any like finding in Ontario or any other jurisdiction in relation to pharmacy or any other

profession or occupation and must not be the subject of any current professional misconduct,

incompetence, or incapacity proceeding or any like proceeding in Ontario or any other jurisdiction in

relation to pharmacy or any other profession or occupation.

4. The applicant’s past and present conduct must afford reasonable grounds for the belief that the

applicant,

i. will practise pharmacy with decency, honesty and integrity, and in accordance with the law,

ii. does not suffer from any physical or mental condition or disorder that could affect his or her ability to

practise pharmacy in a safe manner,

iii. has sufficient knowledge, skill and judgment to competently engage in the practice of pharmacy

authorized by the certificate of registration, and

iv. will display an appropriately professional attitude.

7. Work Status

The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada or must hold the

appropriate authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) to permit the

applicant to engage in the practice of pharmacy in Ontario as a pharmacist, registered pharmacy

student, intern or pharmacy technician in the manner permitted by the certificate of registration for

which he or she has applied.

8. Professional Liability Insurance

The applicant must provide evidence satisfactory to the Registrar that the applicant will have

professional liability insurance in the amount and in the form as required by the by-laws as of the

anticipated date for the issuance of his or her certificate of registration.

9. Payment of Fees

The applicant must have paid any fees required under the by-laws for the issuance of the certificate of

registration for which the applicant applied.

The above requirements must be met to obtain a certificate of registration as a pharmacist. The

registration process is progressive however, and most applicants will first register as a pharmacy

student and then as an intern. In order to register as a student the applicant must meet the

requirements in place for all certificates of registration (language proficiency, eligible work status, good

conduct and character, liability insurance) AND:

a) have been accepted as a student in a university program referred to in subparagraph 1 i of

subsection 6 (1) or in an approved program referred to in sub-subparagraph 1 ii A of that subsection;

(b) be engaged in attaining any education or training referred to in sub-subparagraph 1 ii B of

subsection 6 (1); or

Committee as a condition for the issuance of another certificate of registration, other than a certificate

of registration as a pharmacy technician.

Then in order to register as an intern, in addition to meeting the requirements that apply to all classes

of registration (language proficiency, eligible work status, good conduct and character, liability

insurance) the applicant must also have successfully completed a structured practical training program

approved by the Council while holding a certificate of registration as a registered pharmacy student and

while under the direct supervision of a preceptor approved by the Registration Committee.

Then in order to register as a pharmacist the applicant must meet all of the requirements noted above

including, haven successfully completed a structured practical training program approved by the

Council, while holding a certificate of registration as an intern and while under the supervision of a

preceptor approved by the Registration Committee.

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b) Describe the methodology used to determine whether a program completed outside of

Canada satisfies the requirements for registration.

The Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) accredits all of the faculties

of pharmacy across Canada to ensure graduates will meet consistent educational outcomes. The

Baccalaureate in Pharmacy and the Doctorate of Pharmacy (entry-level degree) programs at Qatar

University have both achieved CCAPP accreditation. In the United States of America, the Accreditation

Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) accredits all of the faculties of pharmacy to ensure

graduates will meet similar educational outcomes. Since the accreditation standards of these two

organizations have been reviewed and deemed substantially equivalent, the Council considers a

degree from an ACPE accredited pharmacy program as equivalent to a degree from a CCAPP

accredited pharmacy program. The Doctorate of Pharmacy degree program at the American

University of Lebanon has achieved ACPE accreditation.

International graduates who hold a degree in pharmacy from a university program that is not CCAPP or

ACPE accredited must complete the credential evaluation process of the Pharmacy Examining Board

of Canada to in order to establish equivalency to a degree from a CCAPP accredited program. The

Document Evaluation process is a two-step process which includes an evaluation of the education

credential and an Evaluating Examination which is an objective test that assesses an applicant's

knowledge of current pharmacy education to ensure that the graduate has obtained the foundational

knowledge consistent with a CCAPP accredited program.

c) Explain how work experience in the profession is assessed.

Work experience is not directly assessed but may provide the applicant with the competency needed to

complete the assessments of qualification within the minimum timeframes. For example, individuals

who have practiced within a similar scope are more likely to be able to complete Parts I and II of the

PEBC Qualifying Examination on their first attempt and as a result will not be required to complete the

bridging education program that other international pharmacy graduates must complete. Additionally,

applicants with relevant work experience may also be better able to complete the structured practical

training program while registered as a student and an intern within the minimum 12 week period for

each, whereas other individuals may require an extended training period.

Applicants with a minimum of 600 hours practice over the last three years in Canada or the United

States may also use these work hours as evidence of current practice, in the event they are not able to

demonstrate current practice through other accepted means, such as having completed the PEBC

Qualifying Examination within the last three years, or completing their education program (including

bridging) within the last two years.

d) Describe how your organization ensures that information used in the assessment about

educational systems and credentials of applicants from outside Canada is current and

accurate.

The assessment of educational systems and credentials of applicants with degrees from programs that

are not accredited by the Canadian Council of Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs or the

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education is completed by the Pharmacy Examining Board of

Canada. The PEBC Document Evaluation process is recognized by the National Association of

Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) of which the College is a member. The College also has a

representative on the PEBC board. Through participation on the PEBC board and in conjunction with

NAPRA, the College monitors the activity of the PEBC to ensure they maintain an assessment process

that relies on current and accurate information.

The PEBC has a continuous quality assurance process in place to ensure that their credential

assessment process reflects good practices in credential recognition. They continuously monitor

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changes within the academic community, both domestically and internationally to ensure their

assessment process remains current.

e) Describe how previous assessment decisions are used to assist in maintaining consistency

when assessing credentials of applicants from the same jurisdictions or institutions.

The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada maintains an extensive database of historic and precedent

assessments based on over 50 years of experience. They use this information to ensure consistency in

their Document Evaluation process. Since all applicants are required to have their credentials

assessed by the PEBC, they are able to ensure consistency in decisions for all applicants.

f ) Explain how the status of an institution in its home country affects recognition of the

credentials of applicants by your organization.

The College does not complete the credential evaluation itself but rather relies on the Document

Evaluation process completed by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada who follow international

principles for good practice in assessment of foreign credentials. Their Document Evaluation process is

also recognized by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities, of which the College

is a member. The credential evaluation process includes validation that the credential has been

received from a bona fide educational institution in the country of origin, at the time the credential was

awarded

g) Describe how your organization accommodates applicants with special needs, such as

visual impairment.

As noted in Section 1.p) the College follows a Client Service policy which demonstrates a commitment

to accommodate persons with disability. The College is also aware that the Pharmacy Examining

Board of Canada follows the same principles and has consistent policies and practices in place.

The College's Guidelines for Testing Accommodation is consistent with the Pharmacy Examining

Board of Canada's policy and states the following:

1. Requests for testing accommodation will be reviewed and approved on a case by case basis, using

an external consultant as necessary. All requests will be reported for information at the following

Committee meeting. The candidate will provide a written request stating the disability or impairment, its

impact on testing performance, and the accommodations that are being requested. The following

disabilities will be considered: Physical. Psychiatric, Hearing/Visual, Learning, Other

2. Evaluation of the disability or need for the requested accommodation must be completed by a

qualified professional. Professionals who are qualified in the assessment of the disability will be

acceptable. Diagnosis in Ontario is a controlled act and may only be performed by qualified members

of the College of Psychologists (CPO) and the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSO). The

name, title, professional credentials and information about the license/certification of the evaluator must

be included on the report outlining the diagnosis.

3. Evidence of disability or need for accommodation must be provided by the qualified professional.

The candidate will arrange for supporting documentation of a previously identified disability or other

need requiring an accommodation to be submitted to the College. This documentation must provide

recent assessment of the disability and substantiate the candidate's request for testing

accommodations. The report must outline the diagnosis and make recommendations for appropriate

testing accommodations stating why these are necessary. It must be submitted on letterhead, dated

and signed by the qualified professional. If the assessment was completed during the candidate's

education, school records documenting the disability and the accommodations that were provided to

the candidate will generally be accepted from the institution and may be considered sufficient. The

candidate may be requested to provide written consent to allow the College to contact all professional

or institutions submitting documentation on their behalf. Note: An independent assessment of the

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candidate's testing needs may be requested by OCP.

4. Accommodations specific to the individual will be provided upon review and approval. The College

will endeavour to support the candidate in providing appropriate and reasonable testing

accommodations in accordance with the terms of the Ontario Human Rights Code to the point of

“undue hardship”. This Code identifies three factors in determining whether a requested

accommodation would cause undue hardship:

1. cost;

2. availability of outside sources of funding; and

3. health and safety requirements.

Other factors that may be considered include the degree to which an accommodation negatively

impacts other students and staff. Each candidate will generally be provided with appropriate

accommodations based on supporting documentation with the appreciation that individuals may require

varying degrees of assistance. Accommodations requested by the candidate that have not been

recommended by a qualified professional will not be provided. Types of accommodations that may be

provided include:

1. Extra time

2. Private room

3. Assistive technology (e.g. audio-taped exam)

4. Reader

5. Scribe or assistance with completion of Scantron answer sheet

6. Food/drink in exam room

7. Rest breaks during exam

5. Confidentiality

The College is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the candidate's disability.

However, sufficient documentation will be required to be able to evaluate and provide necessary

accommodations. The candidate is responsible for providing the College with the necessary

information in a timely manner. This information will not be shared or released outside of the College

without the written consent of the applicant.

6. Acceptance of testing accommodations by the candidate.

The candidate must sign and date a letter (refer to standard letter) prepared by the College clearly

outlining the specific accommodations that he/she will be provided during the examination. This letter

will confirm the candidate's acceptance of the accommodations being provided to him/her before the

examination.

The College's policy on Testing Accommodation is reviewed annually by the Registration Committee to

ensure that it remains current and in compliance with the College's overall policy for accessibility.

h) State the average length of time required to complete the entire registration process, from

when the process is initiated to when a registration decision is issued.

The College considers the entire registration process to be complete once an applicant obtains a

certificate of registration as a pharmacist, however applicants are considered registered members of

the College as soon as they receive a certificate of registration as a registered pharmacy student

and/or as an intern. While registered as a student and an intern, members are able to engage in the

practice of pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist (and when the practice is within

an accredited pharmacy, when the pharmacist is physically present). This progressive registration

model allows individuals to work in the profession while they complete all of the assessment processes

needed to demonstrate they meet the registration requirements.

Individuals who are registered as a student while they are engaged in a pharmacy program that is

accredited by CCAPP or ACPE, are expected to complete the entire registration process within 5 years

(4 years while registered as a student and one year while registered as an intern). On average

Canadian and US graduates easily meet this timeline in about 4 1/2 years.

International graduates are expected to complete the registration process within three years from the

time they are eligible to register as a student (2 years while registered as a pharmacy student and one

year while registered as an intern), although many are able to complete all the requirements within

twelve to eighteen months. In order to register as a student, an international graduate must first

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complete the Credential Evaluation process with the PEBC (including Document Evaluation and

completion of the Evaluating Examination). The average length of time required to meet this

requirement is 6 months and the entire process may be completed prior to coming to Canada. The

other requirement that must be met to register as a student is demonstration of language proficiency. It

is difficult for the College to track how long it takes for individuals to develop the language proficiency

needed to meet this requirement. The process required to demonstrate language proficiency may

easily be completed within a two month period, if the applicant is sufficiently proficient in English or

French. This process may also be completed prior to coming to Canada.

i. State whether the average time differs for internationally trained individuals.

The average time to complete registration for a Canadian graduate and international graduate does

differ, but it is difficult to determine how different the timelines are for these two applicant groups.

Canadian graduates spend 4 years completing their pharmacy education program, and then on

average about 6 months to complete the remaining registration requirements. It typically takes US

graduates the same amount of time to complete the process.

International graduates will require anywhere from 12 months to three years to complete their

registration (not including the time spent to obtain their pharmacy degree in their home country). All of

the requirements needed to register as a student may be completed prior to entering Canada, and

once registered as a student they are able to complete the registration process within 6 - 9 months.

Based on this method of comparison, an international graduate will require on average about 6 months

longer than a Canadian graduate to achieve registration, and less if they complete the requirements to

proficiency and/or have not studied or worked in a practice environment with similar scope and

competency to Canadian practice can expect to require more time to complete the registration process.

ii. If the average time differs for internationally trained individuals, state whether it is greater or

less than the average for all applicants, and the reasons for the difference.

As noted above, on average it takes an international graduate any where from 6 to 18 months longer to

being the difference in practice scope in other jurisdictions and therefore different competencies

needed to qualify for registration. An international graduate from a jurisdiction with a significantly

different scope of practice, health care system, culture and language can expect to require more time

to complete the registration process. International graduates from a jurisdiction that is substantially

equivalent in terms of these factors (e.g. the UK, Australia) will only require up to 6 months more time

to complete the process for registration, and if they complete the requirements for registration as a

student prior to their arrival in Canada, they may be able to complete the process within the same

timeframe as a Canadian graduate.

Another factor affecting the length of time needed to complete registration for all applicants is the

timing of the required examinations (i.e. the PEBC Evaluating Examination and Qualifying Examination

are only offered twice annually and the College's Jurisprudence Examination is offered quarterly).

International Pharmacy Graduates who do not possess the knowledge, skill and ability equivalent to a

Canadian graduate are more likely to have difficulty successfully completing these examinations on

their first attempt, which means that they may need to wait 4 - 6 months for the next sitting of the exam.

Each time an applicant is unsuccessful with an examination, the time to complete the entire registration

process is extended.

In order to help decrease the time required to complete the registration process, it is recommended

that international graduates first complete the approved bridging program (the U of T, IPG program)

which will increase their chances of successfully completing the qualifying exams to the same level as

Canadian graduates. Applicants who complete the IPG program prior to attempting the PEBC

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Qualifying Examination, are more likely to be able to complete the entire registration process within 12

to 18 months.

Another primary reason for a difference in length of time to become registered is the applicant's ability

to demonstrate language proficiency. Individuals requiring English or French language training

frequently require much more time to complete the process due to the time required to develop and

demonstrate language proficiency.

i) If your organization conducts credential assessments:

i. Explain how you determine the level (e.g., baccalaureate, master’s, Ph.D.) of the credential

presented for assessment.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

Not applicable

ii. Describe the criteria that are applied to determine equivalency.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

Not applicable

iii. Explain how work experience is taken into account.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

Not applicable

j) If your organization conducts competency assessment:

i. Describe the methodology used to evaluate competency.

Registered pharmacy students and interns are required to demonstrate their competency by

completing a period of structured practical training. During their training they are required to complete

structured activities while working in either an accredited community pharmacy or hospital, under the

supervision of an approved pharmacist preceptor. The student/intern and their preceptor complete

regular assessments of the applicant's competency based on the NAPRA Professional Competencies

for Canadian Pharmacists at Entry to Practice (2007). By the end of their rotation(s), the applicant

must have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the preceptor that he/she is able to independently

practice according to the NAPRA competencies. The NAPRA competency document is available on

the OCP website at www.ocpinfo.com > Registration > Training & Examinations > SPT and on the

NAPRA website at www.napra.org .

All preceptor's are oriented to this role during a training workshop and are provided with resources

needed to support the student/intern in the training program. To ensure the training is focused on the

competencies, and to provide consistency of training among applicants, the student/intern is required

to complete a number of structured activities during the training program. Although the preceptor is

responsible for evaluating the successful completion of the activities, the student/intern also submits

evidence of completing the activities so that Registration Program staff can also monitor completion of

the activities and ensure consistency of evaluation across the program

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ii. Explain how the methodology used to evaluate competency is validated, and how often it is

validated.

The College utilizes a continuous improvement business model.

Registration Advisors (College staff) monitor the performance of the structured practical training

program on an ongoing basis. Review of submitted activities and assessments provides valuable

feedback for the staff to evaluate trends in performance across applicant groups. In addition, students,

interns and their preceptors submit evaluations of the program at the end of each training rotation.

Students and interns provide feedback on the overall program, their preceptor and the site they

completed the training in. Preceptors provide feedback on the program. These evaluations are

reviewed by staff and changes are made to the program accordingly. In addition to routine evaluation,

staff carry out annual revisions of the program. A more formal program evaluation is completed about

every 3 - 5 years and was initiated in 2012. A program redesign was approved by Council in 2014.

iii. Explain how work experience is used in the assessment of competency.

Work experience is not directly used in the assessment of competency except to the extent that work

experience contributes to the applicant's level of competency, and ability to demonstrate it within the

assessment processes. The competencies that are evaluated in the structured practical training

program are for Canadian pharmacy practice at an entry-to-practice level. The individual nature of an

applicant's work experience will contribute differently toward demonstration of competence

k) If your organization conducts prior learning assessment:

i. Describe the methodology used to evaluate prior learning.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

Not applicable.

ii. Explain how the methodology used to evaluate prior learning is validated, and how often it is

validated.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

Not applicable.

iii. Explain how work experience is used in the assessment of prior learning.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

Not applicable.

l) If your organization administers examinations:

i. Describe the exam format, scoring method and number of rewrites permitted.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

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The College administers a pharmaceutical jurisprudence examination that consists of multiple choice

questions. The exam is offered four times per year and is administered in several Ontario cities and in

every province at each administration.

The exam follows a criterion based scoring methodology. Scoring is based on a standard setting

process for each exam administration. Each administration of the exam has a cut-score required for

successful completion based on the standards set for each test item. Answer sheets are scored

electronically but for unsuccessful candidates hand-scoring is provided upon request and payment of

an administrative fee. The performance of each item is evaluated following each exam administration

and any item that performs poorly (as determined by statistical analysis and subject matter expert

review) is removed from the exam for scoring purposes.

There is no limit to the number of rewrites permitted, however a candidate may only attempt the

examination three times in any 24 month period. The results of the exam remain valid for a period of

three years.

ii. Describe how the exam is tested for validity and reliability. If results are below desired levels,

describe how you correct the deficiencies.

The jurisprudence exam is developed according to a blueprint that has been created according to the

National Model Licensing Program by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities.

The blueprint is reviewed every three to four years or when significant legislative changes occur. A new

blueprint was approved in 2012. Standards are set for all test items. A minimum performance level is

assigned to each multiple choice question to reflect its level of difficulty. These standards are set by a

standard setting committee comprised of practising pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Ontario.

OCP utilizes the services of a psychometrician for exam development and administration. This

individual reviews the results of the exam for each administration to determine its' validity and

reliability. If an item has performed poorly on the exam as supported by a statistical analysis, and

confirmed by a subject matter expert, the item is dropped from the scoring. Items that have performed

poorly may be revised or rewritten and then the item standard is re-set by the standard setting

committee.

The Registration Committee is provided with summary reports of the exam performance annually and

assesses the need for any changes in the exam administration.

iii. State how often exam questions are updated and the process for doing so.

Exam questions are reviewed as a part of setting the exam for each administration and reviewing the

performance of each item following each exam administration. The Registration Advisor -

Jurisprudence Lead is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the examination item bank and

overall quality assurance of the exam. If there is a change in legislation, regulations or standards, the

related test items are identified and revised accordingly. The item writing committee meets four times a

year to select the items for each exam administration. Through this process, test items that require

updating are identified. Due to the frequency of legislative changes, the Registration Advisor, JP Lead

and/or other College staff also review the exam just prior to administration to determine if all of the

questions remain current and valid.

The exam item writers meet regularly to develop new questions for the item bank. New items are

reviewed with the standard setters group prior to being added to the exam bank.

Please identify and explain the changes in your registration practices relevant to this section

that occurred during the reporting year.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

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BACK TO INDEX

Third-Party Organizations (9 / 13)

a) List any third-party organizations (such as language testers, credential assessors or

examiners) relied upon by your organization to make assessment decisions.

The College relies on:

1. Language assessment agencies to evaluate language proficiency of applicants, and

2. The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) to evaluate education credentials of non-

CCAPP and non-ACPE graduates, and entry-to-practice competency for all pharmacists seeking

licensure to practice in Canada (with the exception of Quebec graduates).

1. Language tests - An applicant's language proficiency is assessed by means of standardized tests.

Approved tests include TOEFL, IELTS, CanTEST, MELAB. The minimum accepted scores for these

tests are consistent among all pharmacy regulatory authorities across Canada except for Quebec and

are determined through a formal standard setting process facilitated by the National Association of

Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA). Applicants may also request acceptance of non-objective

evidence of their language proficiency from a panel of the Registration Committee. The language

proficiency requirements are available on the OCP website at www.ocpinfo.com >Registration >

Training & Examinations > Language Proficiency and on the NAPRA website at

www.napra.org>Licensing and Registration >National Model Licensing Program>Language Proficiency

Requirements for Pharmacist in Canada.

2. The PEBC assesses the education credentials of international graduates using a two step process:

Document Evaluation and an Evaluating Examination which is designed to determine if international

graduates completed a program of study comparable to one accredited by the Canadian Council for

Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP). The exam evaluates knowledge in all areas of current

pharmacy education in Canada. PEBC also assesses entry-to-practice competency of all applicants

with the Qualifying Examination which is an objective competency assessment based on the NAPRA

Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacists at Entry-to-Practice. Part I of the exam is a

multiple choice exam and Part II is an objective structured clinical examination. The Qualifying

Examination assesses the applicants’ competence to determine if they possess the professional

knowledge, skills and judgment needed to practise within the full scope of pharmacy practice in a safe

and effective manner.

b) Explain what measures your organization takes to ensure that any third-party organization

that it relies upon to make an assessment:

i. provides information about assessment practices to applicants

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

1. The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), of which the College is a

member, develops the requirements for demonstration of language proficiency. NAPRA follows a

formal standard setting process, facilitated by an independent language assessment consultant to set

the language proficiency requirements. This standard setting process is completed every couple years

to ensure the accepted language tests continue to be valid and reliable and includes consideration of

the test agencies policies and practices. Information about each of these testing agencies is available

on their respective websites which can be accessed from either the NAPRA or the OCP website

( www.napra.org or www.ocpinfo.com ) under the language proficiency section. Each of the tests

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approved by the College are administered by internationally recognized assessment organizations with

a demonstrated history of valid and reliable language tests.

NAPRA posts the report of Language Proficiency Requirements for Pharmacists in Canada on their

website. The report identifies the methodology used to set the requirements. The report can be

accessed from the NAPRA website under Licensing and Registration>National Model Licensing

Program>Language Proficiency Requirements for Pharmacists in Canada.

2. The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) assesses qualifications and competence of

applicants on behalf of the provincial regulatory authorities in Canada (with the exception of

Quebec).They have a website which provides in-depth information about all of their assessment

activities (www.pebc.ca).

The College has a strong relationship with PEBC, which enables ongoing collaboration and monitoring

of their practices. A College representative, who is an elected member of Council, sits on the PEBC

board and therefore contributes to the practices of the PEBC and serves as a liaison with the College.

This individual is also a member of the Registration Committee and is thus able to serve as a vehicle

for two-way communication with the PEBC. Registration Program staff also have strong working

relationships with the staff of the PEBC and are familiar with their practices and processes. College

staff also monitor the information available on the PEBC website and frequently receive feedback from

applicants about their experiences with PEBC. This information is used to determine if there are any

issues of concern of which the College representative needs to be informed. The College has also

signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the PEBC which allows for sharing of information

between the two organizations.

ii. utilizes current and accurate information about qualifications from outside Canada

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

1. As noted above, NAPRA reviews the practices of accepted testing agencies during a formal

standard setting review every couple years. An independent language assessment consultant assists

with review of the language testing agencies to ensure they remain valid and reliable tools for

assessment. During the registration process, if an applicant identifies an issue regarding the language

proficiency tests accepted by the College, these are brought to the attention of staff for follow-up.

Contacts have been established with the testing institutions and with an independent language expert

at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education. Issues may also be brought to the Registration

Committee and/or NAPRA for consideration as required (e.g., introduction of internet based TOEFL in

2005).

2. The College representative who sits on the PEBC board provides reports to Council on the practices

of the PEBC and addresses issues with the Registration Committee as necessary. College staff also

monitor the information available on the PEBC website and frequently receive feedback from

applicants about their experiences with PEBC. This information is used to determine if there are any

issues of concern of which the College representative on the PEBC Board needs to be informed.

iii. provides timely decisions, responses and reasons to applicants

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

1. Part of the ongoing review of language testing agencies (as noted above), includes the provision of

timely decisions and reasons to applicants. The currently accepted language testing agencies usually

provide results to candidates within two weeks. Client Services staff are able to confirm a candidate's

official test scores electronically after this period if the candidate has provided the College with his/her

unique identification number. This helps to expedite the process and avoids the need for test results to

be mailed to the College.

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2. The provision of timely decisions and reasons for applicants is an important consideration for the

College and is monitored along with all PEBC assessment practices. PEBC results are available within

four to six weeks from the exam date. The date for release of the results is published in advance so

applicants and the College always know how long it takes for a decision to be made. The results are

sent directly to the candidate and at the same time a summary of the results is sent to all pharmacy

regulatory authorities across Canada, which expedites the process and avoids a delay in the applicant

having to request information be sent to the College. The College has a representative on the PEBC

board which also allows the College to monitor the practices of PEBC and participate in making any

necessary changes.

iv. provides training to individuals assessing qualifications

1. As noted above, the ongoing review of testing agencies and assessments, every couple years by

NAPRA, includes consideration of the training they provide to their assessors. Information about the

training or qualifications of language proficiency assessors is available on the testing agencies

websites. Any concerns regarding the validity of these tests are brought to the attention of an identified

College staff member who will follow-up with the established contacts at the testing institutions or an

independent language expert at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education.

2. As noted above, the ongoing monitoring of PEBC assessment practices includes consideration of

the training provided to the individuals involved. Qualified psychometricians are directly involved in the

assessment process and assist with training of individuals involved in all aspects of the exam (item

writers, standard setters and assessors). Assessors for the objective structured clinical exam (OSCE)

portion of the PEBC's Qualifying Examination are licensed pharmacists who are specifically trained to

observe and evaluate candidates’ responses according to the competencies. Assessors use

standardized scoring criteria and evaluation forms. Information about becoming a PEBC assessor is

available on the PEBC's website at www.pebc.ca.

v. provides access to records related to the assessment to applicants

1. As noted above, the ongoing review of testing agencies and assessments every couple years by

NAPRA, includes consideration of exam candidate access to their assessment records. The College

recognizes that in order to maintain exam integrity, test papers are generally not shared with

candidates. In reviewing the practices of the language testing agencies use of industry standards

regarding this issue are expected. Candidates may request that their tests be re-scored or they may

request a review, reconsideration or appeal of their results. This information is available to candidates

on the website of each testing agency. (accessible from the OCP website at

http://www.ocpinfo.com/registration/training-exams/language-proficiency/language-pharmacists/)

2. As noted above, the ongoing monitoring of PEBC assessment practices includes consideration of

exam candidate access to their assessment records. The College recognizes that in order to maintain

exam integrity, testing papers are not shared with candidates. As noted on the PEBC website,

(www.pebc.ca > examination results) candidates who are unsuccessful on the examination are

provided with feedback reports for each respective exam. For the Evaluating Examination these reports

provide relative feedback on a candidate’s performance according to the subject areas tested in the

examination and for the Qualifying Examination the reports provide relative feedback on a candidate’s

performance according to the competency areas tested in the examination. This information is intended

to help candidates to identify their areas of greatest weakness so that they can focus further study and

remediation accordingly. Candidates may request their exams be re-scored (hand scored) to ensure

correct entry of data and tabulation of results

vi. accommodates applicants with special needs, such as visual impairment

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

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1. As noted above, the ongoing review of testing agencies and assessments every couple years by

NAPRA, includes consideration of the testing agencies policies on special needs accommodations.

Accommodations for special needs is not only one of the industry standards, but in many cases is also

governed by legislation. Information about accommodations is readily available on websites for each

of the testing agencies. (accessible from the OCP website at

http://www.ocpinfo.com/registration/training-exams/language-proficiency/language-pharmacists/)

2. Similarly, the ongoing monitoring of PEBC assessment practices by the representative who sits on

the PEBC board, includes consideration of their polices for special needs accommodations. The

PEBC's Special Needs Testing Arrangements policy is available on their website (www.pebc.ca) The

College is very aware of these polices having relied on the expertise of the PEBC to assist with

development of OCP's own jurisprudence examination testing accommodation policy.

c) If your organization relies on a third party to conduct credential assessments:

i. Explain how the third party determines the level (e.g., baccalaureate, master’s, Ph.D.) of the

credential presented for assessment.

The PEBC has over 50 years of experience in assessing academic credentials for pharmacy regulatory

authorities in Canada and their procedures are consistent with international principles for good practice

in the assessment of foreign qualifications. PEBC is designated by the Minister of Citizenship and

Immigration Canada to provide Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) for Principal Applicants

intending to apply under the “Express Entry for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and

Canadian Experience Class” for immigration to Canada and for whom Pharmacist would be the primary

occupation for their application to immigrate to Canada.

Candidates are required to submit an originally produced, currently-dated transcript (with an attached

official translation, if necessary) mailed directly to the PEBC by the University. This document should

include marks or grades obtained for each subject in each year. This documentation is used to verify

that the applicant has graduated from a bona fide education institution. To determine if the degree is

equivalent to a bachelor of pharmacy degree program in Canada, the program length, transcript and

degree are reviewed. The International Handbook of Universities and the FIP (International Federation

of Pharmacy) Official World List of Pharmacy Schools are referenced, as well as PEBC's own

extensive collection of historical and precedent files.

ii. Describe the criteria that are applied to determine equivalency.

PEBC uses a two step process to evaluate documents and establish equivalency. As noted above, the

PEBC first completes a Document Evaluation and looks at the integrity of the institution, academic level

of the program (e.g., degree equivalency) and course content. The second step involves

administration of the Evaluating Examination to determine if the international pharmacy graduate has

the foundational pharmacy knowledge comparable to a graduate from a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy

program. It evaluates knowledge in required areas of current pharmacy, with reference to the

educational standards as established by the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada and the

CCAPP accreditation standards. The Evaluating Examination does not assess the application of

knowledge in practice; the PEBC's Qualifying Examination is used to assess for practice knowledge,

skill and judgment.

iii. Explain how work experience is taken into account.

Work experience is not directly taken into account in PEBC's Document Evaluation process for

international pharmacy graduates, but related work experience will support the applicant's ability to

succeed with the objective evaluation of knowledge in required areas of current pharmacy education.

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d) If your organization relies on a third party to conduct competency assessments:

i. Describe the methodology used to evaluate competency.

The PEBC Qualifying Examination is a competency based assessment. The blueprint reflects the

NAPRA Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacists at Entry to Practice. The exam has a

criterion-referenced pass/fail standard and is composed of two parts; a multiple choice question exam

(MCQ) and an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE). The combination of these two exam formats

allows for assessment of an individual’s knowledge, skills and judgment and is used in combination

with other competency-based assessments, such as structured practical training, to provide a

comprehensive assessment of the individual’s ability to meet the entry-to-practice competencies.

Information about the Qualifying Examination is available on the PEBC website at http://www.pebc.ca/.

ii. Explain how the methodology used to evaluate competency is validated, and how often it is

validated.

The PEBC evaluates their methodology on an ongoing basis as part of the analysis of each exam

administration. The blueprint is validated against the NAPRA competencies which were first developed

in 1997and updated in 2007 based on input from pharmacists across Canada. The blueprint will be

further updated in 2015 to reflect the new NAPRA competencies that were released in 2014. In

addition. The exam blueprint is re-affirmed every three to five years depending on the frequency of

changes in pharmacy practice in Canada. The passing standard for the MCQ is set any time that the

exam blueprint is changed. The passing standard for the OSCE is set after each administration.

Practising pharmacists from a variety of practice settings across the country assist with setting of

standards and review of the blueprint, to ensure the exam is valid for Canadian practice.

iii. Explain how work experience is used in the assessment of competency.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

The PEBC does not directly consider work experience in their assessment of competency, except to

the extent that work experience contributes to the applicant's knowledge and skill in pharmacy practice.

e) If your organization relies on a third party to conduct prior learning assessments:

i. Describe the methodology used to evaluate prior learning.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

Not applicable.

ii. Explain how the methodology used to evaluate prior learning is validated, and how often it is

validated.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

Not applicable.

iii. Explain how work experience is used in the assessment of prior learning.

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*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

Not applicable

f ) If your organization relies on a third party to administer examinations:

i. Describe the exam format, scoring method and number of rewrites permitted.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

The PEBC administers the Evaluating and Qualifying Examinations. Both exams consist of multiple

choice questions which are scored electronically. The Qualifying Examination also includes an

objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) that is marked using trained assessors who follow

standardized scoring criteria and evaluation forms. The Evaluating Examination has a passing score of

60%. The passing standard for the Qualifying Examination is criterion-referenced. This standard is

performance-based and represents the level of performance appropriate to enter practice, as

determined by a panel of practitioner experts.

Applicants are permitted to attempt each of these exams three times, and may apply to the PEBC, with

evidence of completed remediation activities, to request a fourth (final) attempt. The PEBC informs the

applicant of the remediation requirement following the third failed attempt. PEBC has policies in place

for exam candidates to appeal an exam result and/or to request a "no-standing" decision. Information

on the policy regarding “no standing” decisions is provided to candidates in advance of each exam

administration. More detailed information is available on the PEBC website, along with a full

description of the appeal policy.

ii. Describe how the exam is tested for validity and reliability. If results are below desired levels,

describe how you correct the deficiencies.

For the written MCQ exams, a statistical procedure known as equating is in place to ensure that the

difficulty of each exam is taken into consideration so that the underlying estimate of ability that

represents a pass/fail decision remains the same with each exam sitting. For the Qualifying

Examination, to ensure consistency with actual practice expectations, exam questions and OSCE

stations are assigned a minimum performance level reflecting competency as determined in standard

setting sessions by practising pharmacists across Canada. Proposed questions and stations are pre-

tested on live versions of the exam but not counted towards the candidates' result until their validity has

been established. The statistical performance of each question and station is reviewed by a

psychometrician. A question or station may be removed from the final calculation of candidates' results

if any significant issues are identified. Questions or stations that are identified as problematic may

subsequently be re-written, re-standardized and re-tested on a future exam.

iii. State how often exam questions are updated and the process for doing so.

Multiple choice questions and clinical exam stations are reviewed and updated yearly by practising

pharmacists and content experts. Exam drafts are reviewed by practitioners and content experts to

ensure currency.

Please identify and explain the changes in your registration practices relevant to this section

that occurred during the reporting year.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

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BACK TO INDEX

Training (10 / 13)

a) Describe the training that your organization provides to:

i. individuals who assess qualifications

An orientation session for new Registration Committee members, Registration Program and Client

Services staff is held annually when the new Committee has been appointed. The Registration

Program legal counsel conducts the orientation, including a review of the legislative obligations for the

College Registration practices in the Regulated Health Professions Act (including the Fair Access to

Regulated Professions Act and Ontario Labour Mobility Act), the Human Rights Code, the Accessibility

for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Pharmacy Act and related regulations. During the

orientation, new and returning members participate in a mock panel; staff and legal counsel are

available to respond to process and procedural questions. Individual orientation sessions are held for

all new staff and Committee members as required throughout the year.

Pharmacists who serve as assessors for the purpose of the structured practical training program must

first attend an OCP Preceptor Orientation Workshop to become eligible to precept a student or intern.

During the workshop, these pharmacists review the scope of practice for each level of registration and

are introduced to the NAPRA Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacists at Entry to

Practice, and the assessment tools used to assess the student's or intern's competency. Pharmacists

must continue to update their preceptor skills in order to continue to serve in this role. Advanced

Preceptor Workshops are offered for pharmacists to attend every three years to develop their skills

further and maintain their eligibility to serve as a preceptor. The College continues to review the topics

of the advanced workshops to ensure that preceptors have opportunities to receive the training needed

to fairly assess students and interns competence. They are also provided with additional resources to

support their role in assessing the student or intern during the training program, and may consult with a

Registration Advisor at any time during the assessment process.

Activities completed by the student or intern are submitted through the training portal for review by

Registration Advisors.

ii. individuals who make registration decisions

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

As noted in 10.a) i. an orientation session for new Registration Committee members, staff involved in

registration decisions is held annually. In addition the College provides orientation to new staff as

necessary throughout the year. Individualized training needs for staff are established annually through

the Colleges performance measurement system. Following the development of annual performance

plans in the early part of the year, individual, department and College-wide training plans are

established and developed by the department manager and Human Resources manager.

Registration Program staff receive ongoing training and support throughout the year by the Registration

Program legal counsel with respect to making registration decisions and/or supporting the Registration

panels in making decisions that are in accordance with the registration regulation and related

legislative requirements.

iii. individuals who make internal review or appeal decisions

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

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As noted above in 10 a) i. an orientation session for new Registration Committee members is provided

annually. Legal counsel is also available throughout the year to provide additional training or support to

the Committee as needed. The Committee Chair and Registration Program Manager also monitor the

training needs of committee members and make arrangements for additional training and/or resources

for the Committee when necessary. All Council members also receive training with respect to

Understanding Cultural Diversity. The College provides the workshop sponsored by the Ontario

Regulators for Access Consortium on a regular cycle every couple years to ensure that all Council

members receive this training during the first year or two of their tenure on Council.

Please identify and explain the changes in your registration practices relevant to this section

that occurred during the reporting year.

BACK TO INDEX

Agreements on the Recognition of Qualifications (11 / 13)

Examples of agreements on the recognition of professional qualifications include mutual

recognition, reciprocity and labour mobility agreements. Such agreements may be national or

international, between regulatory bodies, associations or jurisdictions.

a) List any agreements on the recognition of qualifications that were in place during the

reporting period.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

The College is a signatory on the Mutual Recognition Agreement (2009) with all provinces, the

Northwest Territories and Yukon. The agreement is available on the website for the National

Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) at www.napra.org

The College's Registration Regulation (Part 1 - VII of the General Regulation 202/94 under the

Pharmacy Act) includes provisions supporting the Ontario Labor Mobility Act which serve to recognize

a certificate of registration from another Canadian jurisdiction, provided the applicant holds an

equivalent type of certificate. In these cases, the registration requirements for education, the entry-to-

practice examination, practical training and language proficiency are considered to be met. Applicants

must successfully complete the jurisprudence exam administered by OCP prior to completing their

registration, in order to demonstrate they are knowledgeable about the laws of pharmacy practice in

Ontario. In order to be eligible for the labour mobility provisions the applicant's registration status must

also be in good standing in the other provincial or territorial jurisdiction(s) where they hold a certificate

of registration, as demonstrated by a letter of standing from the regulatory authority in that jurisdiction.

b) Explain the impact of these agreements on the registration process or on applicants for

registration.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

The Mutual Recognition Agreement states that pharmacists licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction

with an unrestricted certificate of registration as of July 1, 2009 may be registered as pharmacists in

Ontario in a comparable class of registration having met the requirements of clause 5 of the Mutual

Recognition Agreement, namely completion of a minimum of a bachelor of pharmacy degree from a

CCAPP accredited program or equivalent; completion of an approved entry to practice examination or

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recognized alternative and completed the College's jurisprudence examination, evidence of language

proficiency, submission of a completed application and payment of all required fees.

Although the Mutual Recognition Agreement is similar in intent to the labour mobility legislation, it is the

labour mobility provisions in the Registration Regulation which allow applicants who hold a certificate of

registration in another jurisdiction in Canada to be granted an equivalent certificate of registration in

Ontario, without having to meet all of the registration requirements. The labour mobility provisions

indicate that the requirements for education, the entry-to-practice examination, practical training and

language proficiency are considered to be met. Applicants are still required to complete the

jurisprudence exam administered by OCP prior to their registration in Ontario and they must provide a

letter of standing from the other jurisdiction(s) in order to demonstrate that their registration status is in

good standing and they are eligible for the labour mobility provisions.

Please identify and explain the changes in your registration practices relevant to this section

that occurred during the reporting year.

*** SAME AS LAST YEAR ***

BACK TO INDEX

Data Collection (12 / 13)

Languages in which application information materials are available

a) Indicate the languages in which application information materials were available in the

reporting year.

Language Yes/No

English Yes

French Yes

Other (please specify)

Paid staff employed by your organization

b) In the table below, enter the number of paid staff employed by your organization in the

categories shown, on December 31 of the reporting year.

When providing information for each of the categories in this section, you may want to use

decimals if you count your staff using half units. For example, 1 full-time employee and 1

part-time employee might be equivalent to 1.5 employees.

You can enter decimals to the tenths position only. For example, you can enter 1.5 or 7.5

but not 1.55 or 7.52.

Category Staff

Total staff employed by the regulatory

body

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Staff involved in appeals process 3

Staff involved in registration process 17.2

Countries where internationally educated applicants were initially trained

c) In the following table, enter the top source countries where your applicants

were

originally trained in the profession (excluding Canada), along with the number of

applicants from each of these source countries.

Enter the country names in descending order. (That is, enter the source country for the

greatest number of your applicants in the top row, the source country for the second

greatest number in the second row, etc.)

Use the dropdown menu provided in each row to select the country.

Note that only one country can be reported in each row. If two or more countries are tied,

enter the information for these tied countries in separate rows.

Country of training (Canada excluded)

Number of applicants in the reporting

year

Egypt 216

India 188

U.K. 72

U.S. 69

Pakistan 40

Philippines 35

Jordan 33

Iran 29

Iraq 16

Nigeria 13

Persons who have applied to start the process for entry to the profession.

Select "n/a" from the drop-down list if you do not track this information. Enter "0" in a

"Number of applicants" field if you track the information, but the correct value is zero.

Jurisdiction where members were initially trained

d) Indicate where your members

were initially trained in the profession (use only whole

numbers; do not enter commas or decimals).

The numbers to be reported in the Members row are the numbers on December 31

the reporting year. For example, if you are reporting registration practices for the calendar

year 2009, you should report the numbers of members in the different categories on

December 31

of 2009.

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Jurisdiction where members were initially trained in the

profession (before they were granted use of the protected

title or professional designation in Ontario)

Ontario

Other

Canadian

Provinces

USA

Other

International

Unknown Total

Members on

December 31

of the

reporting year

6360 1856 1020 5195 0 14431

Persons who are currently able to use the protected title or professional designation of

the profession.

Enter "n/a" if you do not track this information. Enter "0" if you track the information, but the

correct value is zero.

Additional comments:

Applications your organization processed in the past year

e) State the number of applications your organization processed in the reporting year (use

only whole numbers; do not enter commas or decimals).

Jurisdiction where applicants were initially trained in the

profession (before they were granted use of the protected

title or professional designation in Ontario)

from January 1

December 31

of the

reporting year

Ontario

Other

Canadian

Provinces

USA

Other

International

Unknown Total

New applications

received

258 69 36 511 0 874

Applicants actively

pursuing licensing

(applicants who had

some contact with

your organization in

the reporting year)

1337 188 117 835 0 2477

Inactive applicants

(applicants who had

no contact with your

organization in the

reporting year)

26 9 7 23 0 65

0000 00

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Applicants who met

all requirements and

were authorized to

become members but

did not become

members

Applicants who

became FULLY

registered members

337 57 41 433 0 868

Applicants who were

authorized to receive

an alternative class of

licence

but were not

issued a licence

0000 00

Applicants who were

issued an alternative

class of licence

523 29 42 306 0 900

An alternative class of licence enables its holder to practise with limitations, but additional

registration requirements must be met in order for the member to be fully licenced. Please

list and describe below the alternative classes of licence that your organization grants,

such as student, intern, associate, provisional or temporary.

Enter "n/a" if you do not track this information. Enter "0" if you track the information, but the

correct value is zero.

Additional comments:

Class of licence Description

a) Registered Pharmacy Student

Student applicants are eligible for

registration if they meet the requirements for

all classes of registration such as: language

proficiency, legal work

status, good conduct and character,

liability insurance, in addition they must be

registered in an

approved pharmacy education program

(CCAP ACPE accredited program or

approved bridging education program) or

have been granted eligibility by a panel of the

Registration Committee in order to meet a

requirement necessary for another class of

registration.

Students must practice under the direct

supervision of a pharmacist. They may not

accept delegation or delegate to another

person any of the controlled acts. They must

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also remain enrolled and engage in their

education program.

b) Intern

Intern applicants are eligible for registration if

they meet the requirements for all classes of

registration such as: language proficiency,

legal work status,

good conduct and character, liability

insurance. In addition they must have met

the education requirement for registration

and have completed the

approved structured practical training

program while registered as a student.

Interns must practice under the supervision

of a pharmacist (who is physically present in

an accredited pharmacy). They may not

delegate any of the controlled acts.

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)

Reviews and appeals your organization processed in the past year

f) State the number of reviews and appeals your organization processed in the reporting

year (use only whole numbers; do not enter commas or decimals).

Jurisdiction where applicants were initially trained in the

profession (before they were granted use of the protected

title or professional designation in Ontario)

from January 1

December 31

of the

reporting year

Ontario

Other

Canadian

Provinces

USA

Other

International

Unknown Total

Applications that

were subject to an

internal review or that

were referred to a

statutory committee

of your governing

council, such as a

Registration

Committee

13 4 4 126 147

Applicants who

initiated an appeal of

a registration

decision

Appeals heard 0

Registration

decisions changed

following an appeal

Enter "n/a" if you do not track this information. Enter "0" if you track the information, but the

correct value is zero.

Additional comments:

Please identify and explain the changes in your registration practices relevant to this section

that occurred during the reporting year.

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Certification (13 / 13)

I hereby certify that:

i. I have reviewed the information submitted in this Fair Registration Practices Report

(the"Report").

ii. To the best of my knowledge:

• all information required to be provided in the Report is included; and

• the information contained in the Report is accurate.

Name of individual with authority to sign on behalf of the organization: Marshall Moleschi

Title: Registrar

Date: March 1, 2015

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