Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacist in Canada

Language proficiency is an essential skill required of all pharmacists in the day to day practice of pharmacy in Canada. Although language proficiency does not guarantee that effective communication will take place, it is the foundation for reading, speaking, listening/comprehension, and writing skills – all components of communication. A pharmacist's ability to communicate is critical in the delivery of safe and effective patient care.

It must be noted that all provinces have regulations set by the provincial governments regarding language requirements for professions. Pharmacists must meet these respective requirements in order to practice in the province for which they are licensed.

The current standards were approved by the NAPRA Board of Directors on November 12, 2006 based on the recommendation of NAPRA’s National Advisory Committee on Licensing.

See NAPRA’s Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacist in Canada (PDF)