BPS defines continuing professional development (CPD) as a commitment to lifelong learning. Various pharmacy organizations worldwide have used the following definitions:

The Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE) defines CPD as:

“a self-directed, ongoing, systematic and outcomes-focused approach to lifelong learning that is applied into practice. It involves the process of active participation in formal and informal learning activities that assist individuals in developing and maintaining continuing competence, enhancing their professional practice, and supporting achievement of their career goals.”

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) defines CPD as:

“the responsibility of individuals pharmacists for systematic maintenance, development and broadening of knowledge, skills and attitude to ensure continuing competence as a professional, throughout their careers.”

Continuing professional development offers a process for pharmacists to meet and maintain competencies relevant to their specialty certification and professional practice. CPD has been endorsed and encouraged by several pharmacy organizations, including but not limited to, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP), the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

The CPD cycle includes several phases, beginning with an assessment of learning needs and goals (REFLECT). Then, outcomes-based learning objectives, priorities, and a timeline are generated (PLAN). Activities, resources, and various learning methodologies are identified and utilized to meet the learning objectives (LEARN). Finally, learning objective outcomes and impact are evaluated (EVALUATE), leading to reflection and the continuum begins again. A key to the CPD approach is connecting learning to practice (APPLY). Each stage of the CPD process should be recorded in a personal learning record or portfolio and reviewed periodically for progress.

Used with permission from ACPE.

Regardless of which recertification pathway is utilized, board-certified pharmacists must:

1. Record their personal CPD plan in their MyBPS profile annually (once subject to the framework; see table below).
2. Earn a minimum number of units (via CPD activities or traditional, BPS-approved, assessed continuing education) during each year of their recertification cycle.

The updated recertification framework will begin by applying to board-certified pharmacists who start a new recertification cycle in 2024. Pharmacists newly certified in 2023, or board-certified pharmacists completing a recertification cycle in 2023, will be the first cohort. The framework will then be applied each year until it is applicable to all board-certified pharmacists in 2030.

This table is based on the typical seven-year certification cycle. Certificants who are granted a one time, one year extension will not be subject to the updated recertification framework (including CPD) until they begin a new recertification cycle after completion of the extension year.

Board-certified pharmacists will create a CPD plan by responding to a short series of prompts within their MyBPS portal (more information on the type of prompts to come). Board-certified pharmacists will be prompted to update their CPD plan annually, in alignment with the invoice for the annual certification maintenance fee. The purpose of the CPD plan is to document the steps within the CPD cycle and create a record of maintenance of certification.

CPD activities must correlate to the content outline domains of the specialty in which the individual holds BPS certification. BPS will conduct random audits of CPD activities to ensure appropriateness and alignment with the relevant specialty content outline. BPS will begin recognizing seven categories of activities under the initial CPD pilot.

1. BPS-approved, assessed CPE
2. CPE and CPD portfolios
3. Academic, Professional, and Interprofessional Study
4. Teaching and Precepting Learners
5. Scholarly Activities
6. Workplace Activities
7. Leadership and Professional Service

BPS will add additional information about units and reporting later in 2023.

CPD activities will need to be self-reported (by the certificant) into the certificant’s MyBPS portal. Neither the certificant nor the organization providing the learning opportunity is required to gain BPS approval prior to participating in or reporting CPD activities. CPD activities must be reported in MyBPS within six months of the activity completion date. BPS will conduct random, statistically significant audits to ensure activity appropriateness and alignment with the relevant specialty content outline. Each certificant’s MyBPS account will contain instructions for reporting CPD units. Step-by-step instructions for reporting CPD will be available in the future.

Yes. Please see the first row of the CPD activity chart.

Yes, you may earn continuing pharmacy education (CPE) from any ACPE-accredited provider (e.g., state associations, workplace education, certificate training programs offering ACPE credit) to count as CPD units.

BPS will continue listing BPS-approved, assessed CPE professional development program providers for each specialty area on the website (currently listed here.) BPS will not pre-approve CPD activities, so a public repository of CPD activities will not appear on the BPS website.

“Active – activity units pending” means that the certificant has an active certification but has not provided evidence of completion of the minimum number of CPE/CPD units annually (see above).