The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada

Le Bureau des examinateurs en pharmacie du Canada

717 Church Street, Toronto, ON M4W 2M4 Tel (416) 979-2431 Fax (416) 599-9244 www.pebc.ca

Important Test Security Information

Several test security and cheating incidents have been recently reported regarding professional testing in
some health professions.
In the past, pharmacist candidates in the United States who were caught trading questions were charged
with a criminal offence. NABP involved the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in
investigating the criminal actions of these candidates. Lawsuits were filed against four physical therapy
graduates who were charged with sharing national licensing examination questions. The National Board
of Podiatric Medical Examiners in the U.S. refused to validate assessment scores of hundreds of
candidates when a cheating scam was identified.
These examples reinforce the seriousness with which security breaches, cheating incidents and
disclosure of test content are viewed by credentialing bodies, including the PEBC. The reproduction
and/or disclosure/discussion of examination content in any manner (including internet blogs, chatrooms
or other means) is illegal, violating federal copyright and proprietary right laws. Such actions are
unprofessional and unethical and may result in a candidate receiving certification who does not have the
necessary knowledge and skills. This is not in the best interest of the pharmacy profession or the public.
PEBC continues to use due diligence to protect the integrity of its examination administrations by
monitoring for breaches of examination security and taking appropriate actions. The consequences of
reproduction of PEBC exam content has resulted in cancelling of candidates results, and barring
candidates from future examination sittings, and could also involve cancellation of individual certification
results, cancellation of an entire sitting, reporting the misconduct to professional regulatory or legal
authorities, legal prosecution and cost recovery for damages.
Before admission and/or during the examination, candidates may be scanned using an electronic and/or
metal detector, for security reasons.
Candidates are reminded of the certification statements signed and witnessed on all examination
applications, and the signed confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements at all examination centres. It is
essential that candidates abide by the professional and ethical principles and rules of conduct regarding
test security in order to uphold fair and equitable assessments.

John A. Pugsley, B.Sc. Phm., Pharm.D.

Registrar-Treasurer

September 2014