Washington, D.C. – The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) shares that federal legislation enacted on July 4, 2025, expanded the use of 529 savings plans to include qualified postsecondary credentialing expenses, including BPS Board Certification.
The 529 savings plan expansion allows eligible tax-advantaged withdrawals for certain costs associated with obtaining and maintaining recognized postsecondary credentials. Costs may include certification examination fees, continuing education required to maintain a credential, and other related expenses.
“Board certification represents a meaningful investment in a pharmacist’s professional growth and commitment to patient care,” said Sajel Lewis, PharmD, BCPS, BPS Senior Manager, Professional Engagement. “This opportunity gives pharmacists another way to use education savings to support specialized knowledge and skills throughout their careers.”
The Professional Certification Coalition (PCC) notes that certifications issued by National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)-accredited programs, including select BPS certification programs, are considered recognized postsecondary credentials under this federal expansion. Additional details are available in PCC’s FAQs on the expansion of 529 plans.
Depending on the individual’s 529 plan and circumstances, qualified expenses may include:
- Fees for examination required to obtain or maintain a recognized postsecondary credential
- Fees for continuing education required to maintain a recognized credential
- Required tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and similar expenses associated with an eligible credentialing program
Implementation processes may vary among 529 plans, and some states may still be updating their laws or systems to reflect the federal expansion. Eligibility of specific expenses may depend on plan rules and applicable tax guidance. BPS will continue to monitor federal and state implementation, including the timing of additional PCC guidance, and welcomes examples from board-certified pharmacists who use 529 savings toward board certification expenses. Pharmacists may share examples with BPS at ajeanbaptiste@aphanet.org.
More information about 529 plans is available from the IRS, and general guidance on qualified education expenses can be found in IRS Publication 970. As IRS guidance may change, individuals should verify current rules before making any withdrawals.
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 interprofessional 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 Media Contact
Alexander Jean-Baptiste
Associate Director, Digital Marketing and Communications
ajeanbaptiste@aphanet.org
(202) 760-3836