Accreditation Standards for degree and intern training programs

About these resources

This page provides information about the APC’s accreditation standards, frameworks and guidance documents used to accredit degree and intern training programs. The diagram below shows how key accreditation resources relate to one another.  

APC’s accreditation standards are revised regularly to ensure they support the delivery of contemporary pharmacy education. APC is currently undertaking the transition from the 2020 to 2027 Accreditation Standards for Pharmacy Programs and further details of the replacement or updating of relevant documentation as described in each section below. 

Accreditation Standards for Pharmacy Programs

Effective from 1 January 2027. 

Download the Accreditation Standards (36 pages PDF)

This document describes the accreditation standards that pharmacy programs must meet to receive and maintain accreditation. We assess pharmacy degree and intern training programs (ITPs) against these standards.

The 2027 pharmacy accreditation standards have been structured into 6 domains:

• safe and socially accountable practice
• governance and quality
• program
• student/intern experience
• outcomes and assessment
• cultural safety

Each domain includes:

• a standard (statement) outlining the scope of the domain
• criteria against which education providers will provide evidence of compliance

Performance Outcomes Framework

Effective from 1 January 2020 until 31 December 2027 (for degree programs) or 31 December 2028 (for ITPs). (Updated September 2023.) 

Download the Performance Outcomes Framework (28 pages PDF)

This document sets out the performance outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated by pharmacy degree program graduates and applicants for initial general registration. It forms a companion to the accreditation standards. 

**The Pharmacy Board of Australia’s Pharmacist Capability Framework for entry and re-entry to practice will replace the Performance Outcomes Framework from 2028. The planned implementation timeframes are as follows: 

• Accreditation of pharmacy degree programs will be aligned to the Framework from 1 January 2028. At this time the Performance Outcomes Framework will be retired.
• Accreditation of intern training programs will be aligned to the Framework from 1 January 2029.
• The APC Intern Written and Ahpra oral examinations for general registration will be aligned to the Framework from exam sessions commencing October/November 2029.
• Pharmacy Board of Australia General registration decisions informed by the Framework will apply from October/November 2029.

Evidence Guide

The 2020 accreditation standards have been supported by a 2020 Accreditation Standards Evidence Guide. For the 2027 accreditation standards this content is now incorporated within the Accreditation Standards document. A separate 2027 Evidence Guide will not be published. 

Performance Outcomes Framework Guidance Document

Effective from 1 January 2020 until 31 December 2027 (for degree programs) or 31 December 2028 (for ITPs). (Updated September 2023.) 

Download the Performance Outcomes Framework Guidance Document (32 pages PDF)

This document provides guidance for use with the Performance Outcomes Framework. It outlines possible types of assessment and other activities which may be appropriate evidence for each performance outcome. 

**This document will be replaced by an APC Assessment Framework to be used with the Pharmacist Capability Framework for entry and re-entry to practice. 

Pharmacy Learning Domains for pharmacy degree programs

Effective from 1 January 2020 (Updated September 2023)

Download the Pharmacy Learning Domains for pharmacy degree programs (12 pages PDF)

This document outlines the content expected to be included in the curricula of accredited pharmacy degree programs. 

Superseded pharmacy program standards