The PEBC Qualifying Examination Part I is administered over a single day, with multiple sessions. Focus on therapeutic knowledge, patient assessment, pharmaceutical care planning, and monitoring patient outcomes as these are key components of the examination.
This plan is built around a 12-week schedule, giving you adequate time to build clinical knowledge, practice application, and conduct comprehensive reviews before your exam date.
Getting Started: Essential Resources
Before beginning your 3-month study plan, gather these essential resources:
- PEBC Examination Blueprint: Download the latest blueprint from the PEBC website to understand exam content areas and their relative weights
- Comprehensive Therapeutic References: Therapeutic Choices, RxTx (formerly e-CPS), Compendium of Therapeutics for Minor Ailments
- Clinical Practice Guidelines: Canadian guidelines for major therapeutic areas (diabetes, hypertension, lipids, etc.)
- PEBC MCQ Question Bank: The passMCQ app provides 4,000+ practice questions specifically designed for the PEBC Qualifying Examination Part 1
- Study Schedule Template: Create a calendar dedicated to your study plan (included below)
Weeks 1-4: Building Your Clinical Foundation
Cardiovascular Therapeutics I
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Ischemic heart disease
- Dyslipidemia
Cardiovascular Therapeutics II & Respiratory
- Arrhythmias
- Anticoagulation
- Asthma
- COPD
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Diabetes mellitus
- Thyroid disorders
- Adrenal disorders
- Osteoporosis
Gastrointestinal & Renal Disorders
- GERD and peptic ulcer disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Fluid and electrolyte disorders
During this foundation phase:
- Focus on understanding disease pathophysiology and clinical presentation
- Learn first-line therapies and treatment algorithms for each condition
- Study major drug classes, mechanisms of action, and key adverse effects
- Complete 25-50 practice questions per topic area
- Create summary notes for each therapeutic area
Pro Tip: Use the passMCQ app's topic-specific study mode to focus on one therapeutic area at a time before moving to the next.
Weeks 5-8: Application and Practice
Infectious Diseases I
- Principles of antimicrobial therapy
- Upper and lower respiratory tract infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
Infectious Diseases II & Neurology
- HIV/AIDS
- Tuberculosis
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson's disease
Psychiatry
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
Pain Management & Oncology
- Acute and chronic pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Principles of cancer therapy
- Supportive care in oncology
During this application phase:
- Focus on clinical decision-making and patient-specific factors
- Practice identifying appropriate drug therapy based on patient cases
- Study drug interactions, monitoring parameters, and therapy adjustments
- Complete 50-75 practice questions per topic area
- Begin timed practice sessions to build test-taking stamina
Pro Tip: Use the passMCQ app's case-based questions to practice applying your knowledge to clinical scenarios similar to those on the actual exam.
Weeks 9-12: Final Review and Testing Strategy
Comprehensive Review I
- Cardiovascular and respiratory disorders
- Endocrine and metabolic disorders
- Full-length practice exam #1
Comprehensive Review II
- Infectious diseases
- Gastrointestinal and renal disorders
- Full-length practice exam #2
Comprehensive Review III
- Neurology and psychiatry
- Pain management and oncology
- Full-length practice exam #3
Final Preparation
- Review of weak areas identified from practice exams
- Quick-review flashcards of high-yield facts
- Test-taking strategies and time management
- Logistics preparation and relaxation techniques
During this final phase:
- Take three full-length practice exams (200 questions, 3.5 hours each)
- Review all incorrect answers thoroughly
- Create one-page summaries for rapid review of key therapeutic areas
- Practice time management strategies
- Ensure adequate rest and stress management
Important: Schedule your practice exams at the same time of day as your actual exam to acclimate your body and mind to peak performance during that timeframe.
Detailed Week-by-Week Breakdown
Below is a sample weekly schedule that can be adapted to your specific needs:
| Day | Morning (1-2 hrs) | Afternoon/Evening (1-2 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Study new therapeutic content | Practice questions (untimed) |
| Tuesday | Study new therapeutic content | Practice questions (untimed) |
| Wednesday | Study new therapeutic content | Practice questions (timed) |
| Thursday | Study new therapeutic content | Practice questions (timed) |
| Friday | Review weak areas | Practice questions (mixed topics) |
| Saturday | Comprehensive review or mini practice exam | |
| Sunday | Rest and light review of notes | |
Study Efficiency Tips:
- Active Learning: Instead of passive reading, engage with the material through summarizing, teaching concepts aloud, and creating concept maps
- Spaced Repetition: Use the passMCQ app's spaced repetition feature to optimize your retention of information
- Question-First Approach: For topics you're reviewing, try answering questions first, then study the areas where you're weakest
- Pomodoro Technique: Study in focused 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks to maintain concentration
- Weekly Assessments: Test yourself regularly with timed quizzes to build test-taking stamina
Final Thoughts
Remember that this study plan is a guideline that should be adapted to your individual needs and circumstances. Some therapeutic areas may require more or less time depending on your background and familiarity with the content. The key to success is consistency, active learning, and regular self-assessment.
By following a structured approach and utilizing resources like the passMCQ app, you can maximize your chances of success on the PEBC Qualifying Examination Part 1. Good luck with your preparation!
Disclaimer: This study plan is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute official advice from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. Always refer to the official PEBC website for the most current information about the examination.
