Washington, D.C. – The Board of Pharmacy Specialties proudly celebrates 50 years of serving as the profession’s premier post-licensure certification agency in 2026. To commemorate this historic occasion, BPS is launching a year-long #50YearsofBPS campaign and unveiling a dedicated anniversary landing page.
“50 years is more than a milestone for BPS, it is a moment to reflect on the profound difference board-certified pharmacists make in their patients’ lives each and every day.” This celebration honors every pharmacist who has committed to lifelong learning and specialized care through BPS Board Certification,” said Anita Siu, PharmD, BCPPS, BPS Board of Directors Chair.
Brian E. Lawson, PharmD, ICE-CCP, BPS Executive Director, said “the success and momentum of BPS is attributed to cultivating relationships with pharmacists, associations, and employers in the U.S. and around the globe who promote the impact of board certification.”
In 1971, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) House of Delegates adopted a policy statement which contained the following provision: “that an organizational mechanism be established with the structure of the Association for the recognition of specialties and certification of specialists.” Following adoption of this statement, the APhA Board of Trustees created the Taskforce on Specialties in Pharmacy in 1973.
In 1976, BPS, formally known as the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties, was established as an autonomous division of APhA to create independent, objective standards for pharmacist certification that are applied in a psychometrically sound, legally defensible process.
Nuclear Pharmacy was then approved as the first specialty in 1978. Since then, BPS has grown to offer 16 recognized specialties and at the end of 2025, with more than 63,400 active certifications in upwards of 60 countries. Each certification represents a pharmacist’s dedication to advanced patient care, specialized expertise, and professional distinction.
BPS has a rich history of support and recognition from the profession. BPS currently works with multiple organizations to support board-certified pharmacists and collaborates with international entities to encourage the growth of board certification outside of the United States.
Throughout 2026, BPS will celebrate five decades of service with spotlight stories, commemorative content, and collaborations with partnering organizations. Pharmacists, patients, students, employers, and other partners are invited to explore the 50th Anniversary webpage to discover key moments in BPS history, learn why board certification matters, and share their own stories of the impact of BPS certification.
Looking ahead to the next 50 years, BPS remains committed to advancing patient-centered care, expanding specialty recognition, and supporting pharmacists in an evolving healthcare landscape.
To learn more or join the celebration, visit the 50th Anniversary landing page here.
About the Board of Pharmacy Specialties
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) was established in 1976 as an autonomous division of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). The mission of BPS is to improve patient care by positioning BPS Board-Certified Pharmacist Specialists as integral members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams, through recognition and promotion of specialized training, knowledge, and skills for pharmacists in the United States and internationally. Board certification is a recognized credential for determining which pharmacists are qualified to contribute at advanced practice levels given the rigorous standards mandated by BPS board certification and recertification. As of the end of 2025, BPS recognized more than 63,400 pharmacist certifications across 16 specialties.
BPS Contact
Alexander Jean-Baptiste
Associate Director, Digital Marketing and Communications
ajeanbaptiste@aphanet.org
(202) 760-3836