Royal College of Pharmacy credential launched

The Royal College of Pharmacy launched a new post-registration curriculum and credentialing pathway on September 7, 2026, for pharmacists developing their practice after joining the register as prescribers. The college said the Enhanced Curriculum and Credentialing Pathway is designed for newly qualified pharmacist prescribers across Great Britain and is intended to provide a structured route from initial registration into more autonomous practice. (rcpharm.org) The launch comes as most newly qualified pharmacists from 2026 enter practice as independent prescribers, following earlier changes to initial education and training standards. ### Why has the college launched this now? The Royal College of Pharmacy said the pathway was introduced as prescribing becomes integrated into registration and newly qualified pharmacists begin taking on clinical responsibilities earlier in their careers. (rcpharm.org) On its launch page, the college said pharmacists need opportunities to apply knowledge and skills, develop clinical judgement, work within a clearly defined scope of practice and build confidence in more autonomous decision-making. The General Pharmaceutical Council published new standards in 2021 that incorporated independent prescribing education and assessment into the undergraduate degree and foundation training programme. A June 2026 Pharmaceutical Journal learning article said 2026 would bring the first cohort joining the register with an independent prescriber annotation from the outset, creating what it called a “completely new cohort” of pharmacists who would need support as they consolidate competence and confidence. (rcpharm.org) ### What does the new pathway actually include? The enhanced pathway sets UK standards for enhanced pharmacist practice and uses real-world experience, structured support and reflection before pharmacists seek Royal College credentialing, according to the college. (rcpharm.org) RCPharm said pharmacists will build a portfolio of evidence from everyday practice using a new e-portfolio platform developed for the pathway. The college’s wider credentialing framework is built around three levels of practice: post-registration foundation, core advanced and consultant pharmacist. RCPharm said each curriculum is organised into five domains — person-centred care and collaboration, professional practice, leadership and management, education, and research — aligned to the NHS four pillars of practice. (pharmaceutical-journal.com) ### Who is it for — and who is supposed to use it? RCPharm said the enhanced curriculum is aimed at newly qualified pharmacist prescribers and is intended to support pharmacists, employers, supervisors and collaborators. The college’s implementation toolkit, also published on September 7, includes separate guidance for learners, educational supervisors, collaborators and employers on how to start, build evidence and create a portfolio. (rcpharm.org) The Royal College said its credentialing system is meant to create consistent national standards for post-registration practice across the UK. On its credentialing page, the college said the framework is intended to support professional mobility across sectors and geographies and to give providers, commissioners and patients assurance about the quality and safety of care. (rcpharm.org) ### How does a pharmacist move through the process? The toolkit says pharmacists should apply through a formal commissioned pathway in their country of practice. Learners are then directed to register with a training provider for e-portfolio access, choose whether they are working toward the full credential or selected modules, review the curriculum outcomes framework and complete a learning needs analysis. (rcpharm.org) RCPharm said pharmacists undertaking credentialing compile an e-portfolio documenting learning, experience and reflection for assessment by expert Royal College assessors. The college said resources, guidance and webinars will support portfolio development and submission. (rcpharm.org) ### Where does this sit in the wider post-registration system? The Royal College said the enhanced curriculum sits between initial registration and more advanced levels of practice. On its credentialing overview page, the college describes post-registration foundation as the first level, core advanced as the next level and consultant pharmacist as the highest level, alongside specialist advanced curricula in critical care and mental health developed with UKCPA and the College of Mental Health Pharmacy. (rcpharm.org) September 7 materials on the Royal College website direct pharmacists and employers to the enhanced credentialing homepage and toolkit for the next steps. Country-specific pathways, e-portfolio access and supporting resources are listed through the Royal College’s credentialing pages and implementation materials. (rcpharm.org 1) (rcpharm.org 2)