Our Advisors & SMEs - Council on Pharmacy Standards

The Minds Behind Our Standards

Our certifications are built on the collective wisdom and real-world experience of a dedicated network of pharmacy leaders, practitioners, and academic experts.

The Council on Pharmacy Standards does not define excellence in isolation. Our work is shaped, validated, and continuously refined by two vital groups of external partners: our Advisory Council and our diverse panels of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Together, they ensure our programs are relevant, rigorous, and reflective of the highest standards in patient care.

Our Advisory Council

The Advisory Council is comprised of recognized thought leaders who provide strategic foresight and high-level guidance. They help us navigate the evolving landscape of pharmacy to ensure our certification programs remain valuable and relevant for the future.

  • Provide strategic direction on new program development.
  • Identify emerging trends and future practice needs.
  • Ensure alignment with academic and industry standards.
  • Serve as ambassadors for professional excellence.

Our Subject Matter Experts

Our SMEs are the practicing professionals who ensure our content is grounded in the realities of day-to-day pharmacy. They are the essential link between standards and practice, meticulously crafting and validating our examination content.

  • Perform job-task analyses to define required competencies.
  • Write, review, and approve all examination questions.
  • Establish the passing standards for each certification.
  • Ensure content is current, accurate, and fair.

A Partnership in Professionalism

Through a structured, collaborative process, our advisors and SMEs work in concert with our internal teams to produce credentials that professionals can trust and employers can value. This synergy is the foundation of our quality promise.

A diverse group of professional pharmacists collaborating around a table.

Our Collaborative Development Process

1. Practice Analysis

SMEs define the critical knowledge and skills required for a specific role, forming the blueprint for each certification exam.

2. Content Creation

Expert panels of SMEs write and rigorously review exam items to ensure they are clear, relevant, and accurate.

3. Standard Setting

Using proven psychometric methods, SMEs determine the passing score required to demonstrate competence.

4. Continuous Review

Advisors and SMEs provide ongoing feedback to ensure our programs evolve with the profession and maintain their value.

Join Our Network of Experts

Are you a practicing pharmacist or an academic leader passionate about advancing the profession? We invite you to lend your expertise and help shape the future of pharmacy standards.

Learn About Becoming an SME