There may be tests or homework as part of the program, but the tests are usually focused on measuring success in achieving the learning objectives of the program. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education convened a conference on certificate programs in 1989. In August of 1998, AACP and ACPE convened the Second Invitational Conference on Certificate Programs to build upon the groundwork laid in the first conference. Although the official proceedings of this conference have not yet been compiled, there is a consensus within the profession of a need to develop profession wide standards for certificate programs. A process has been established to continue work on development of such standards.
Numerous examples exist of certificate programs within the profession of pharmacy.
These programs often combine a home study program with a live continuing education component, and may or may not incorporate a post-test or evaluation phase. Another structured educational program is the traineeship approach. A traineeship, such as those offered by the ASCP and ASHP Research and Education Foundations, emphasizes intensive on-site education and training. The criteria for awarding the Fellow designation vary according to the organization. However, a Fellow is generally considered to have met some higher standard than a typical member, or has made some significant contribution to the profession of pharmacy.