Overview of Core Advanced Credentialling

Advanced practice is a broad term describing a spectrum ranging from the early post-foundation years, through to consultant level practice. The Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) Core Advanced credential is a prospective assurance assessment for pharmacists working in patient-focused roles. This means it assures pharmacists have the entry-level capabilities to deliver advanced level care to patients.

HEIW Pharmacy are currently running a pilot support programme, for a defined cohort of pharmacists working towards Advanced credentialling, through 2026 into 2027. To support this a Community of Practice (CoP) has been set up with the following aim:

“To enable pharmacists to develop and demonstrate the advanced clinical and professional capabilities required for Core Advanced status and support the submission of a portfolio of evidence for the associated credentialling assessment, utilising the RCPharm ePortfolio platform.”

Pharmacists in Wales can also work independently to develop their portfolios for submission to the RCPharm, by utilising appropriate collaborator support in the workplace and accessing relevant resources.

Why should I credential?

There are many reasons why credentialing is the chosen pathway for pharmacists.

• Strategic drive from Welsh Government, supported by professional leads, committed to embedding credentialing into workforce planning and service development
• Builds professional pride and demonstrates value and credibility
• Provides assurance to practitioners, employers and the public
• Allows practitioners to work at the top of their capacity
• Unlocks pathways to additional roles and professional opportunities

Portfolio development

To credential at advanced practice level practitioners will need to provide evidence across 4 pillars of practice; clinical, leadership, education and research. These are split into the 5 domains shown below.

The RCPharm Advanced Curriculum articulates the requirements for pharmacists to be able to deliver holistic care autonomously to people with complex needs. It also describes the leadership and management, education, and research capabilities expected of advanced pharmacists to be able to drive service change and improve outcomes for cohorts of people.

If you are interested in starting your advanced practice journey the following activities may be helpful:

• Familiarise yourself with the RCPharm Core Advanced Practice curriculum .
• Watch the CPPE and RCPharm ‘Road to Submission’ webinar, which includes testimony from pharmacists who have credentialed:
• Hear from Jennifer O’Loan, an Advanced Pharmacist working within a GP practice in Scotland. In this video from RCPharm, Jennifer offers her advice and experience on preparing a portfolio for submission.

Expressions of interest

We are currently open to hearing from candidates who are interested in achieving the Advanced credential before 2028. The current Community of Practice meet once a month for 12 months. For each domain there is a session on understanding the RCPharm Core Advanced learning outcomes and assessment blueprint and a separate session where developed evidence is peer reviewed with the support of an expert facilitator.

If you are interested in joining any future supported cohorts for Advanced Practice, then please complete the following Microsoft form .

Additionally, detailed information on the full credentialing process from Enhanced (early career pharmacist) through to Consultant credentialing is available on the Royal College of Pharmacy’s website .

If you have any general queries about Advanced credentialing, please email gemma.stafford@wales.nhs.uk