Reference Materials for International Programs
Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
International-Accreditation or Provisional International-Accreditation does NOT bypass the requirements set forth by NABP for foreign graduates. For further clarifications, please direct your questions to the NABP.
Phone: +1 847 391 4406
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/foreign-pharmacy/
ACPE does offer accreditation for providers of continuing pharmacy education that are based outside the USA. ACPE does not accredit individual CE activities; however, through some of its accredited providers (under what is referred to as a “Joint Providership”), ACPE accreditation has been granted for meetings and conference symposia in other countries.
ACPE does not accredit the degree programs of faculties of pharmacy in Canada. This is done by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP), www.ccapp-accredit.ca. ACPE works very closely with its Canadian counterpart agency. When CCAPP developed its current standards for baccalaureate pharmacy degree programs in Canada, the standards were based on ACPE’s PharmD Standards.
On a regular basis, ACPE receives requests for assistance from countries wishing to develop or enhance their own systems for the quality assurance of pharmacy education – both for degree programs and for continuing pharmacy education. ACPE provides support and guidance in the international arena in the following areas:
- Professional degree program International-Accreditation/International-Preaccreditation
- Consultation
- Workshops and training programs
ACPE is also engaged in numerous international activities, programs, and initiatives. See ISP Collaborations.
ACPE is committed to promoting information exchange among organizations and agencies involved in the quality assurance of pharmacy education. Over the past several years, members of the ACPE staff have been active in the International Forum for Quality Assurance of Pharmacy Education, an initiative of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Members of staff from ACPE have participated in several meetings of the Forum.
ACPE’s mission is to assure and advance pharmacy education. While its primary focus and the majority of its activity and effort will always be in the USA, ACPE believes that to fulfill its mission, it also should be involved beyond its borders. ACPE acknowledges that it can contribute to and learn from experiences and initiatives in other countries. ACPE also recognizes the benefits derived from monitoring and influencing global trends and developments within the profession of pharmacy, within education generally, and in the specific areas of quality assurance and quality improvement of pharmacy education.
ACPE accreditation standards are copyrighted. Anyone wishing to adopt or adapt ACPE standards should contact ACPE, as ACPE would be interested to hear of such an initiative and may be willing to provide assistance. However, it must be stressed that ACPE standards are developed with USA systems of education and healthcare delivery in mind. The outcome competencies, upon which the standards are based, reflect the desired level and scope of practice for pharmacists in the USA, with patient-centered care as the underlying philosophy of practice. Therefore, the standards may not translate directly into standards that would be suitable in their entirety in other countries.
The system of accreditation used in the USA may also be different from quality assurance approaches elsewhere. ACPE is an independent, autonomous agency, and in many other countries, quality assurance is the responsibility of a governmental, professional, or regulatory body. The framework and most or all of the “core principles” contained in the standards should, however, be applicable in most environments and, if modified to meet local needs and circumstances, the ACPE standards may be able to serve as a basis for the development of country-specific standards.
ACPE’s ISP has developed the International Quality Criteria and offers International-Accreditation and International-Preaccreditation Status to Professional Degree Programs in Pharmacy outside of the USA and territories.
To learn more about ISP and the range of services it offers, please contact:
ACPE ISP Staff
[email protected]
Due to the diversity of services offered, the specific needs of clients, and the variability of direct expenses related to the provision of services in different geographic locations, fees for services vary on a case-by-case basis. Potential clients requesting services from the ISP will be requested to provide a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) that describes the services needed and required deliverables; a contract will then be negotiated, including the fees and other terms. For certain services, however, a standard fee will apply.
The primary purpose of International-Accreditation/International-Preaccreditation is to assist colleges and schools of pharmacy to improve the quality of their degree program. Through a structured, validated, peer-reviewed, and standards-based process, International-Accreditation provides a comprehensive evaluation of the degree program and the college/school of pharmacy. International-Accreditation and International-Preaccreditation demonstrate compliance with internationally recognized standards and a commitment to continuous quality improvement of the program.
It is not clear to ACPE if/how other entities/organizations will recognize its International-Accreditation/International-Preaccreditation, and individuals should contact the entity/organization in question to seek clarification.
Additional Resources
Apply for International-Accreditation
Learn about our accredication process and access readily available application forms.
Browse the latest board communication materials and letters for International-Accreditation.