Requirements

Under California law (Business and Professions Code Section 4210, as amended by AB 1503, effective January 1, 2026), a pharmacist seeking recognition by the California State Board of Pharmacy as an Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner must satisfy at least two of the following three criteria:

  • 4210(a)(2)(A): Earn certification in a relevant area of practice — including, but not limited to, ambulatory care, critical care, geriatric pharmacy, nuclear pharmacy, nutrition support pharmacy, oncology pharmacy, pediatric pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, or psychiatric pharmacy — from an organization recognized by ACPE or another entity recognized by the Board.
  • 4210(a)(2)(B): Complete a postgraduate residency through an accredited postgraduate institution where at least 50 percent of the experience includes the provision of direct patient care services with interdisciplinary teams.
  • 4210(a)(2)(C): Have provided clinical services to patients for at least one year under a collaborative practice agreement or protocol with a physician, advanced pharmacist practitioner, pharmacist practicing collaborative drug therapy management, or health system.

 

CPhA, in partnership with the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (USC Mann), offers the Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner Certificate Program to satisfy criterion 4210(a)(2)(A). This program provides pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to expand their scope of practice and meet the Standard of Care requirements established under AB 1503.

 

APh Certificate Program Structure

  • 19 hours of self-study modules (completed online, at your own pace)
  • Comprehensive final examination (approximately 3 hours)
  • No live training required

Upon successful completion, candidates receive a Certificate of Achievement satisfying Section 4210(a)(2)(A) — one of two criteria required for APh recognition.

 

Certification Renewal Requirement

Pursuant to Title 16, California Code of Regulations Section 1730.2, individuals completing this program must complete 10 hours of continuing education on the topics below every two years to maintain certification.

Approved CE topics: performing patient assessments; ordering and interpreting drug therapy-related tests; referring patients to other health care providers; participating in the evaluation and management of diseases and health conditions in collaboration with other health care providers; and initiating, adjusting, modifying, or discontinuing drug therapy.

 

Helpful Resources