ANZCAP comprises three core pathways, the Foundation Program, Independent Program and Training Programs.

The Foundation Program is available until April 2024, allowing you to expedite your recognition as either a Resident, Registrar or Consultant (Fellow) through evidence of prior professional experience, without the requirement to submit a portfolio.

A 25% saving on your initial recognition is available through the Foundation Program. View criteria and eligibilty below, and full information via the ANZCAP Info Hub including resources and templates.

Foundation Program FAQs

Can I select more than two areas of specialty practice?

No. You can select one, or a maximum of two areas of specialty practice.

How many letters of support do I need to provide if I want to apply for two specialty areas?

A minimum of two letters of support are required from within pharmacy and externally. You may choose to ask for letters of support from interdisciplinary colleagues in both areas if you feel that one person isn’t able to properly provide support for both.

I am being recognised in two specialty areas, does this change my recognition fee?

No. Costs do not change for the individual based on how many specialties are recognised.

The Independent Program is open to all Australian and New Zealand pharmacists – and to Pharmacy Technicians in late 2024 – providing the full functionality of ANZCAP.

If you have been recognised as a Resident or Registrar through the Foundation Program, you can continue your journey by building a recognition portfolio toward the next recognition via the Independent Program.

The Independent Program is based on managing your Learning Experiences (LX) Library.

LXs are types of workplace-based assessment that can be planned, drafted and then completed through one of three forms of LX validation:

• Autonomous: independently documents the LX, self-evaluate and self-reflect on your professional learning experience.

• Collaborative: engage with professional peers to document evaluation, feedback and guided reflection on your professional experience.

• Endorsed: autonomously document and self-reflect on your professional learning experience that has an established peer review or peer recognition process as part of the activity.

In the Independent Program you allocate validated LXs to your currently active Recognition Portfolio.

Your portfolio is ready for submission when 40 LXs have been completed and allocated: a minimum of 10 Core LXs / maximum of 30 Elective LXs.

Core LXs and Elective LXs are required to ensure an appropriate spread of competency domains are covered in the composition of your recognition portfolio, enabling you to submit for recognition.

Don’t worry about keeping track of Core and Elective LXs; the ANZCAP platform does this for you, with progress dials showing how far you have to go!

Training Programs are coming in 2024, providing fast-track two-year recognition via structured, accredited workplace-based pathways, recorded and submitted via the ANZCAP platform. Resident and Registrar recognition.

All submissions for recognition are reviewed by the ANZCAP team within two business days. If, after review, the team has questions about the information you have provided for recognition, you will be contacted to discuss or provide further information.

ANZCAP empowers pharmacists and technicians as they advance in their careers or move between workplace settings, by recognising their growth in experience and expertise.

Access to ANZCAP (through SHPA/NZHPA membership or direct Direct ANZCAP membership) unlocks access to an the intuitive digital platform that enables pharmacists and technicians to seamlessly plan and record evidence of their practice progression.

Users can collate portfolios aligned with one or two of 39 40 specialty disciplines and submit for recognition and/or export for personal and professional use.  

Upon recognition, ANZCAP provides digital assets through which your achievement can be displayed, including via certificate, post-nominals, email signature and social media tile, which can be shared with colleagues or used in CVs, professional profiles and for job applications.

ANZCAP will also facilitates facilitate ‘fast-track’ structured programs across practice settings – Resident Training Programs and Registrar Training Programs - – with a Technician Training Program coming in 2024.

Also in 2024, ANZCAP will facilitate networks based on each recognition level, supported with tailored social and networking events, webinars , social aspects and other benefits.

No. Your AHPRA or PCNZ registration is separate to ANZCAP recognition. ANZCAP recognition is designed to allow pharmacists practicing above the general level to collate evidence of expertise and specialisation in practice and to support and broaden your professional development and career options.

Yes. All ANZCAP recognition portfolios are mapped to the National Competency Standard Framework for Pharmacists in Australia, 2016 and the Competence Standards for Aotearoa New Zealand Pharmacists, 2023.

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No. Your Ahpra or PCNZ registration is separate to ANZCAP recognition.

ANZCAP is designed to empower participants with transferable recognition – via post-nominals and digital certification understood by employers and peers, healthcare colleagues and patients receiving care – broadening professional development and career options.

We recognise that not all specialty areas may be currently available. However, this list we will be regularly reviewed and updated as new specialty areas emerge. In the interim, consider your current role and what it involves – are there specialty areas that are listed that could fit what you do? Are you a generalist rather than practising in one specific area?

You can email us at anzcap@shpa.org.au if you would like us to consider adding a particular specialty in the future.