Wes Mountain/The Pharmaceutical Journal
Submissions to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) credentialing scheme rose by 190% in 2024 compared with 2023, according to the Society’s latest annual credentialing report.
The report, published on 30 May 2025, revealed that there were 226 submissions across the post-registration foundation advanced core and consultant-level credentialing schemes in 2024 — an increase from 78 submissions in 2023.
Of the 226 submissions in 2024 — the first year that foundation credentialing was available — 122 pharmacists were successfully credentialed, the report showed.
RPS credentialing, which is open to both RPS members and non-members, allows pharmacists to demonstrate a high level of post-registration practice, by submitting evidence of their advancing skills to a panel of experts.
According to the report, 64 people submitted evidence for assessment for the post-registration foundation credentialing programme, with a first-time pass rate of 47%.
Of these candidates — who were all based in Scotland and Wales — 44% were in community and 41% in secondary and specialist care, the report added.
The report also found that core advanced pharmacist credentialing, which launched in 2023, received 121 submissions in 2024, with a first-time pass rate of 52% and a second-attempt pass rate of 82%.
More than nine out of ten (91%) core advanced candidates in 2024 were based in England, while more than three-quarters (77%) of core advanced candidates practised in a primary care setting, the report said.
The core advanced pharmacist credentialing programme has received 160 submissions since its launch.
In October 2024, Maxine McCabe became the first community pharmacist to be credentialed as a core advanced pharmacist.
Consultant pharmacist credentialing, which launched in 2021, saw 41 applications in 2024, with a first-time pass rate of 43%, according to the report.
It also revealed that of the consultant pharmacist credentialing candidates in 2024, more than three-quarters (80%) of candidates were based in England.
Candidates’ areas of clinical practice covered a broad range, including antimicrobials/infection, mental health and genomic medicine.
Since its launch, the consultant pharmacist credentialing programme has received 138 submissions, the report said.
Joseph Oakley, associate director of assessment and credentialing at the RPS, said: “We’re proud to see more pharmacists than ever engaging with, and achieving credentialing success across foundation, advanced and consultant levels. This year’s report shows a real momentum behind RPS credentialing and the dedication of candidates, mentors and assessors in advancing professional practice.”
He added that credentialing “continues to play a vital role in supporting career progression and assuring consistency and excellence in pharmacy practice across the UK”.
“Whether in primary care, hospitals or community settings, these pharmacists are demonstrating real impact — leading the safe and effective use of medicines and improving outcomes for patients,” Oakley said.
