ACPE sets standards for the education of pharmacists  to prepare them for the delivery of pharmacist-provided patient care. Since 1932, ACPE has worked with educational institutions and organizations to assure excellence is available for people in the pharmacy profession.

  • ACPE is recognized by the US Department on Education as the national agency for the accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy. ACPE also serves as the national agency for the accreditation of providers of continuing education.
  • ACPE offers evaluation and certification of professional degree programs internationally.
  • In collaboration with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, ACPE accredits pharmacy technician education and training programs.

Our History

Founded as the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) in 1932, the agency’s name was changed to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education in 2003.  ACPE initially established standards for the baccalaureate degree in pharmacy and then added the doctor of pharmacy standards as an alternative. In 2000, ACPE announced the conversion to the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) as the sole entry-level degree for the profession of pharmacy. In 1975, ACPE developed standards for the approval (now, accreditation) of providers of continuing pharmacy education and in 1999, developed additional standards for the CE providers who were conducting certificate programs in pharmacy.

ACPE’s International Services Program (ISP) was established in February 2011. The program was created to strengthen ACPE’s ability to assist international stakeholders who seek guidance related to quality assurance and advancement of pharmacy education.

ACPE has been recognized continually by the US Department of Education since the inception of its accreditation agency recognition program in 1952 and was recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation in April 2004.

A PDF of the historic listing of members of the ACPE Board of Directors and executive staff is found below.

Our Mission, Vision and Values/Guiding Principles

ACPE Mission Statement

By providing accreditation services and professional development activities, ACPE assures the quality of pharmacy education and training and supports the advancement of the pharmacy profession.

ACPE Vision Statement

ACPE is the world leader in providing exemplary accreditation services to support and advance pharmacy education and the pharmacy profession.

ACPE Values/Guiding Principles

In order for the ACPE to be successful, we believe the core values include:

  • A commitment to the ACPE vision and mission

  • A commitment to continued development as a learning organization

  • A significant role for each member of the organization

  • An ability for the ACPE to make a contribution to the profession

  • An organization reflective of diversity, equity, inclusion and well-being

  • A recognition of the contribution of individuals who support ACPE

  • An optimistic and physically comfortable work environment

Guiding principles of ACPE include:

   Excellence in assuring quality in pharmacy education

   Commitment to continuous quality improvement

   Innovation in our core businesses, knowledge creation and education

   Leadership in the profession of pharmacy

   Collaboration with other accreditor colleagues

   Responsiveness to our constituencies

   Professionalism in all work endeavors and in the image of ACPE

BYLAWS OF ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION (ACPE)

A PDF of the bylaws for ACPE is found below.