What IELTS score do you need as a pharmacy technician in Ontario?

OCP's pharmacy technician language page lists the scores accepted for tests dated up to 31 December 2025, set by NAPRA: IELTS Academic 6 in each section with an overall band of 6.5 (standard error of measurement 0.5), or IELTS General Training 6.5 reading, 6.5 writing, 7.5 listening and 6.5 speaking. That page also listed TOEFL iBT (total 91) and CELPIP 8 in each skill; TOEFL does not appear in the 2026 list.

Test scores are valid for two years from the test date. If you do not register within two years of an acceptable test, you may be able to ask for a one-year extension under OCP's policy. For IELTS, the Test Report Form number in the bottom right corner must be legible; otherwise reports must come directly from the testing institution.

Internationally educated technicians follow OCP's five-step pathway: the PEBC Pharmacy Technician International Evaluation, bridging education (or a CCAPP-accredited programme), College-administered requirements including evidence of language proficiency and the Jurisprudence, Ethics and Professionalism exam, the PEBC Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Exam, and a final application. If your diploma is not recognised by PEBC you must instead graduate from a CCAPP-accredited Canadian technician programme. Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the OCP page before you book a test.