BPS is always exploring and considering new specialties to add to our portfolio of certification programs. Below is some information on the overall process of requesting new pharmacy specialties, establishing new specialties, and up-to-date information on the status of specialties being explored and new specialties under construction.
BPS has issued a temporary moratorium on the request for new specialty certification programs, effective May 21, 2026 through December 31, 2027. More information can be found in the announcement here.
How to Request a New Pharmacy Specialty
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties provides the information contained in the following documents to assist those interested in participating in the new specialty request process, including the development and submission of a petition to recognize a new pharmacy practice specialty.
For questions, email info@bpsweb.org with the subject line “Questions about Requesting New Pharmacy Specialty”.
Current Exploratory Specialties & Status Updates
| Specialty Area | Current Phase | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Pharmacy | Under Board of Directors Review | Specialty Certification Approved |
| Pharmacogenomics | Under Board of Directors Review | Public Comment Period Closed |
| Specialty Area | Current Phase | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Example | Board Decision Issued | Specialty Certification Not Approved Specialty Certification Approved [link PR] |
| Example | Under Board of Directors Review | Public Comment Period Closed |
| Example | Under Board of Directors Review | Public Comment Period Open until August 20, 2025 |
| Example | Call for Petition Announced on February 21, 2025 | Awaiting Petition |
Specialty Certification Development Process
- Board Considers Initial Request – Either through BPS environmental scan or via an initial request for consideration from an external party, the Board of Directors considers proposals for new specialties to consider.
- Exploratory Job Analysis – At the request of the Board of Directors, BPS staff conduct a job analysis with recruited subject matter experts to define the scope of the specialty in terms of target certification population, tasks performed, and competencies required.
- Call for Petition – After reviewing the results of the job analysis, the BPS Board of Directors considers whether to call for a petition. Click here to learn how to submit a petition for recognition of a pharmacy practice specialty.
- Petition Submitted – One or more external parties draft and submit to the BPS Board of Directors a formal petition requesting the establishment of the specialty.
- Public Comment Period – The petition is shared for public feedback before a final decision by the BPS Board of Directors.
- Establishment of Certification Program – If there is sufficient evidence and support, the BPS Board of Directors establishes the new specialty and certification program.
- Examination Development – BPS staff recruit subject matter experts for a specialty council, item writers, and standard setting panel and lead them through the development of the certification examination.
- Launch and Administration – BPS opens registration and scheduling for the fist administration window of the new specialty.