How to Become a Pharmacist in Nova Scotia
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator to work as a pharmacist in Nova Scotia or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- pharmacist
Show the source
“To practice as a pharmacist in Nova Scotia, you must be registered and licensed with the NSPR.”
From nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 5 steps
- Licensed in another province: 3 steps
- Trained outside Canada: 4 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 5 done
- 5 steps without a listed fee
-
You must successfully complete 560 hours of unstructured practice experience as a registered student or intern, with 280 of those hours completed after graduation.
Source
“Successfully complete 560 hours of unstructured practice experience as a registered student or intern, 280 of which must be completed after graduation.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist -
Before applying for the Qualifying Examination for the first time, you must submit a completed application and ID documents to PEBC for ID and Education Verification.
Source
“You are required to first complete ID and Education Verification by submitting the completed application and ID documents if you graduated in Canada from a CCAPP accredited pharmacy program and intend to apply for the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination for the first time or if your ID and Education Verification expires.”
pebc.ca/pharmacists/qualifying-examination/application-for-part-i-a... -
You must successfully complete both Part I (MCQ) and Part II (OSCE) of the PEBC Pharmacist Qualifying Examination.
Source
“Successfully complete the PEBC Pharmacist Qualifying Examination (QE) – Part I (MCQ) and Part II (OSCE).”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist -
You must log in to the NSPR Registrant Portal and complete the pharmacist licence application, including uploading a valid CPR/First Aid certificate and completing payment.
Source
“Log in to the NSPR Registrant Portal and complete the pharmacist licence application, including”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist -
You must successfully complete the NSPR Jurisprudence Examination.
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 3 done
- 3 steps without a listed fee
-
You must submit your application to the NSPR, after which a payment link will be emailed to you.
Source
“How to Pay: A payment link will be emailed to you following submission of your application.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist -
You must pay the applicable fees by VISA, VISA Debit, MasterCard, or Debit Mastercard.
Source
“Payment Methods: We accept VISA, VISA Debit, MasterCard, and Debit Mastercard.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist -
Once your application is approved, the NSPR will issue your certificate of registration and licence, which you must display in the pharmacy where you practice.
Source
“Once your application is approved, we will issue your certificate of registration and licence. You must display this certificate in the pharmacy where you practice.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 4 done
- 4 steps without a listed fee
-
You must begin the licensure process by enrolling in the Pharmacists' Gateway Canada, which is the first point of access rather than the NSPR.
Source
“The Pharmacists' Gateway Canada is the first point of access rather than the NSPR. ... For applicants wishing to practise in Canada, the process of obtaining a licence begins with enrolment in the Gateway.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist -
You must successfully complete the Structured Practice Experience Program, for which you must first demonstrate satisfactory English language proficiency, pass the NSPR Jurisprudence Examination, and register as an intern.
Source
“Successfully complete the Structured Practice Experience Program. The following are required prior to commencing the Program: - demonstration of satisfactory English language proficiency; - successful completion of the NSPR Jurisprudence Examination; and - registration as an intern.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist -
You must provide the NSPR with a certificate of insurance from an approved insurance provider who meets the criteria set out in the regulations.
Source
“Provide the NSPR with a certificate of insurance from an approved insurance provider who meets the criteria as set out in the regulations.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist -
If applicable, you may apply for an injection permit upon completing the requirements to become a pharmacist in Nova Scotia.
Source
“Upon completing the requirements to become a pharmacist in Nova Scotia, the NSPR will provide you with a certificate of registration and licensure that must be displayed in the pharmacy where you practice.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Education
A student must be enrolled in an accredited degree program in pharmacy in order to apply for licensure as a student with the NSPR.
Source
“A student must be enrolled in an accredited degree program in pharmacy in order to apply for licensure as a student with the NSPR and, once licensed, their student status continues until the they graduate from their pharmacy program.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacy-studentApplicants must submit proof of enrolment in an accredited degree program in pharmacy, in the form of a confirmation of enrolment from their student account for the current term.
Source
“This is a copy of your confirmation of enrolment from your student account for the current term.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacy-student
Experience
The practice experience requirements for registration and licensure as a pharmacist in Nova Scotia include successful completion of a Structured Practice Experience Program as a registered student or intern and successful completion of 560 hours of practice experience as a registered student or intern, 280 of which must be completed after graduation as a registered Intern.
Source
“The practice experience requirements for registration and licensure as a pharmacist in Nova Scotia include: - successful completion of a Structured Practice Experience Program as a registered student or intern; and - successful completion of 560 hours of practice experience as a registered student or intern, 280 of which must be completed after graduation as a registered Intern.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacy-student
Police check
Applicants must complete an Enhanced Police Information Check (myBackCheck) conducted within three months of the completed registration process.
Source
“Complete an “Enhanced Police Information Check” (myBackCheck) by visiting https://pages.sterlingbackcheck.ca/landing-pages/n/nspr/. This must be conducted within three months of the completed registration process.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacy-studentFor the streamlined international pathway, the criminal record check cannot be completed more than three months before the application is completed and must include screening of all countries in which the applicant has lived for more than three months since turning 19 or in the last 10 years, whichever is shorter.
Source
“The criminal record check cannot be completed more than three months before your application is completed. - Screening must include all countries (including each state/province/region) in which you have lived for more than three months since turning 19 years old OR in the last 10 years, whichever is shorter.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist
Insurance
Applicants must provide the NSPR with a letter or certificate from an insurance provider confirming that the professional liability insurance policy meets the legislated criteria.
Source
“Provide the NSPR with a letter or certificate from an insurance provider confirming that the professional liability insurance policy meets the legislated criteria.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacy-student
Other
Applicants must submit a valid CPR/First Aid certificate to upgrade their injection permit and remove the Technical restrictions.
Source
“Uploading a valid CPR/First Aid certificate. Please note that to upgrade your injection permit and remove the “Technical” restrictions, a a valid CPR/First Aid certificate must be on file.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacistApplicants must submit a signed NSPR Identification Verification Form and a copy of an approved government-issued photo identification document notarized by a Notary Public in Canada or certified by a pharmacist or pharmacy technician holding a valid NSPR licence.
Source
“An applicant must submit a signed NSPR Identification Verification Form AND A copy of an approved government-issued photo identification document notarized by a Notary Public in Canada OR certified by pharmacist or pharmacy technician that holds a valid license with the NSPR.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacy-studentApplicants must download and submit the Statement of Disclosure Form.
Applicants currently registered with a pharmacy regulatory authority in another province must request that authority to complete a Letter of Standing using the NSPR template.
Source
“This is only required if you are currently registered with a pharmacy regulatory authority in another province. If so, you must contact that authority and request that they complete a letter using the Letter of Standing Template.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacy-studentApplicants must demonstrate satisfactory English language proficiency before commencing the Structured Practice Experience Program.
Source
“The following are required prior to commencing the Program: - demonstration of satisfactory English language proficiency;”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The page describes a pathway for pharmacists licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction and states that eligible applications will be approved within five business days, but it does not state whether they can register without retaking the entry-to-practice exam or a competence assessment. Source
“Where an applicant who is licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction is eligible to be licensed with the NSPR, your application will be approved within five business days following the receipt of your completed application.”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator
Exams
-
PEBC Pharmacist Qualifying Examination (QE) – Part I (MCQ)
Source
“Successfully complete the PEBC Pharmacist Qualifying Examination (QE) – Part I (MCQ) and Part II (OSCE).”
nspharmacy.ca/pharmacistWhich provinces ask for the PEBC Pharmacist Qualifying Examination (QE) – Part I (MCQ)
-
NSPR Jurisprudence Examination
-
Practice Readiness Assessment Program (PRAP)
Source
“This pathway offers a unique opportunity to be assessed for competency through an in-practice readiness assessment program.”
nspharmacy.ca/jplp
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | $41.25 | $51.00 | $58.97 | Good (4 of 5) |
| Canada | $40.00 | $55.49 | $67.00 | — |
Pharmacists in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Licence required
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Licence required
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Licence required
- Newfoundland and Labrador Licence required
- Yukon Licence required
- Northwest Territories Licence required
- Nunavut Licence required
Sources checked
- Pharmacist - Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator nspharmacy.ca/pharmacist · fetched October 10, 2026
- ID and Education Verification for Canadian Grads - PEBC pebc.ca/pharmacists/qualifying-examination/application-for-part-i-a... · fetched October 9, 2026
- Pharmacy Student - Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator nspharmacy.ca/pharmacy-student · fetched October 10, 2026
- Jordan Pharmacy Licensure Pathway Pilot - Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator nspharmacy.ca/jplp · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a pharmacist in Nova Scotia?
Yes. Registration with Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator is required to practise in Nova Scotia, and to use the title pharmacist.
Which exams are required?
PEBC Pharmacist Qualifying Examination (QE) – Part I (MCQ), NSPR Jurisprudence Examination, Practice Readiness Assessment Program (PRAP).
Getting Licensed? Get Your Resume Ready Too
Nainly pairs expert resume assessment with a done-for-you career marketing campaign, so your profile keeps reaching decision-makers while you work through the licensing steps.
Schedule a CallFree consultation. No commitment.