International-Accreditation Process

ACPE accepts applications for International-Accreditation for programs that are a minimum of four academic years in length. Interested programs should review the Eligibility Criteria and the Quality Criteria.

How to Apply For International-Accreditation or International Pre-Accreditation

ACPE accepts applications for International-Accreditation for programs that are a minimum of four academic years in length. Interested programs should review the Eligibility Criteria and the Quality Criteria. Once these documents have been reviewed and if the program remains interested in International-Accreditation, the program should contact ACPE at [email protected] for more information on the application process. ACPE Staff can address any questions from the program and provide information on the application timeline, requirements, and fees associated with international-accreditation.

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Steps to Apply for International-Accreditation or International Pre-Accreditation Include:

  • Submission a letter of intent.
  • Completion of a Pre-Application Consultation.
  • Completion of a Self-Study Report of the Program in relation to the Quality Criteria.
  • Submission of the Self-Study Report by March 1 or September 1.
  • A Preliminary Review Team is assembled and completes a cursory review of the Self-Study.
  • The Preliminary Review Team Report is reviewed by the ACPE International Commission and ACPE Board  of Directors at their respective meetings for consideration of authorization of an initial comprehensive evaluation visit.
  • Completion of the evaluation visit the following fall (September/October) if the Self-Study is submitted by March 1 or Spring (February/March) if the Self-Study is submitted by September 1.
  • Review of the Evaluation Team Report by the International Commission and ACPE Board of Directors (June for a Spring evaluation visit or January for a Fall evaluation visit) for consideration of granting International-Accreditation status.

The International-Accreditation application process is organized into 2 annual cycles, with subsequent steps determined by the submission date of the Self-Study Report by either March 1 or September 1. In general, consideration of granting status occurs roughly 9 months following the submission of the Self-Study Report.  The total duration required from submission of the Letter of Intent will be determined by the program based on the duration needed to complete the self-study process.

Milestone  
Submission of Letter of IntentTiming determined by ProgramTiming determined by Program
Completion of Pre-Application ConsultationMutually agreed upon by program and ACPEMutually agreed upon by program and ACPE
Program Submission of Self-StudyMarch 1September 1
Preliminary Review Team Review of Self-StudyMarch/AprilSeptember/October
Review of Self-Study and Preliminary Review Team Report by International CommissionMayNovember
Review of Self-Study and Preliminary Review Team by Board of Directors – Authorization of Evaluation VisitJuneJanuary
Evaluation VisitSeptember/OctoberFebruary/March
Review of Evaluation Team Report by International CommissionNovemberMay
Review of Evaluation Team Report by Board of Directors – Determination of International-Accreditation StatusJanuaryJune

Interested in applying? We’ll help you assess your eligibility, prepare to apply, and successfully navigate the International-Accreditation process.
Have a question? Check out the Eligibility Criteria and Quality Criteria and then reach out to our team.

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Please note: ACPE Travel Policy: ACPE is currently not traveling to countries that have a Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State. The levels of Travel Advisories are updated, as and when appropriate, by the State Department. Please note, however, that when deemed appropriate by the Board, ACPE can conduct an evaluation of a pharmacy degree program online in accordance with its policies and procedures. If the initial evaluation of a program is conducted online, the status of International-Accreditation or International-Preaccreditation (as applicable) can still be granted, but the status of the program will have the designation “(online evaluation)” until such time as an on-site  visit can be conducted and the program be considered for removal of the “(online evaluation)” designation.

For further details regarding if and how this may affect an application to ACPE, please contact ACPE.

Additional Resources

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Consult with ACPE staff on process, timelines, and additional details regarding International Accreditation.

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See all available resources for International Accreditation, FAQs, support tools, and more have been compiled for your convenience.

See Resources For International Accreditation