Pharmacists working across community pharmacy, general practice and secondary care have achieved a 92% pass rate in the Royal College of Pharmacy’s latest round of advanced credentialing, the body has revealed.

Of the 12 candidates that applied, 11 met the requirements. This equates to a pass rate of 92%, an uptick on the average pass rate of 70% for submissions in 2025.

The cohort included the first pharmacist to be credentialed as an advanced pharmacist in critical care through the Royal College and UK Clinical Pharmacy Association joint credentialing pathway. 

Read more: BREAKING: June registration pass rates revealed 

"Advanced credentialing provides independent recognition of a pharmacist's level of practice and benefits pharmacists, employers, patients and the wider healthcare system," the RCPharm said.

It added that advanced credentialing "supports professional development, builds confidence and can facilitate career progression" for pharmacists, helping them to "gain recognition alongside their multidisciplinary colleagues".

"Robust portfolio assessment"

Applicants are examined via a “robust portfolio assessment”, comprised of evidence of pharmacists real-life practice “supported by reflection and corroboration from a range of third parties”.

“Evidence includes a range of direct observation of their practice by other pharmacists and other healthcare professionals,” said RCPharm.

“Portfolios are reviewed independently by two advanced credentialing assessors engaged by the Royal College,” it added.

Read more: RCPharm ‘concerned’ by proposed international pharmacist reforms

RCPharm's associate director of assessment and credentialing Joseph Oakley said the 92% success rate "reflects the expertise, dedication and commitment of this cohort".

"It also demonstrates what can be achieved when pharmacists, employers, education providers, professional groups and the College work together around a shared vision for the profession," he said. 

He added that it is "essential" that pharmacists are properly recognised "for their expertise and impact on patient care".

Read more: Give pharmacy students full access to NHS funding, urges RCPharm

"Credentialing is about more than receiving a new professional badge," he said. "It provides independent assurance that pharmacists have demonstrated their capability against nationally recognised standards aligned to other advanced roles in healthcare, giving pharmacists confidence, employers assurance and patients trust."

It comes after 83% of trainee pharmacists passed June's common registration assessment, the highest rate in six years. 

And it follows RCPharm expressing "significant concerns" earlier this month over some of the General Pharmaceutical Council's proposed reforms to internationally qualified pharmacist training.