Governance & Impartiality - Council on Pharmacy Standards

Governance & Impartiality

Detailing the principles, policies, and structural safeguards that ensure our credentialing process is objective, fair, and free from any conflict of interest.

The trust of our certificants, their employers, and the public is our most valued asset. This trust is earned through a steadfast commitment to impartiality in every aspect of our operation. Our governance is not defined by a group of individuals, but by a robust framework of policies and processes designed to safeguard the integrity and objectivity of our certifications.

The Pillars of Our Impartiality

The Impartiality Firewall

All activities related to certification are structurally and operationally separated from any other business functions to prevent conflicts of interest. Certification decisions are made independently of:

  • Financial performance or revenue targets.
  • Marketing or business development initiatives.
  • Any educational program development.

Policy-Driven Decisions

Our organization is directed by a comprehensive set of publicly accessible policies that govern all critical processes. Our governance is codified in key documents, including:

  • A comprehensive Code of Conduct.
  • A clear Conflict of Interest Policy.
  • A transparent Appeals Process.
  • A robust Data Privacy and Security Policy.

SME Independence

The content and standards of our exams are developed by a diverse group of independent Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), selected to represent a variety of geographic locations and practice settings. All SMEs sign binding conflict of interest agreements to ensure their contributions are based solely on professional expertise.

Data Security & Confidentiality

We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of all candidate and certificant information. Personal data and examination results are handled in accordance with strict privacy policies and are never shared with third parties without explicit consent, ensuring a secure and trustworthy process for all participants.

Pharmacist reviewing documents with a colleague in a professional setting

Our Pledge of Impartiality

The Council on Pharmacy Standards pledges that all certification decisions will be made impartially, based solely on established standards and candidate performance. We are committed to a level playing field for all applicants and a process that is fair, valid, and transparent.