Do foreign graduates who completed their pharmacy education before 2004 need FPGEC certification?

Foreign graduates who completed their pharmacy education before 2004 are required to obtain Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Certification (FPGEC) to practice in the United States. This requirement helps ensure that all pharmacists, regardless of their country of education, meet the standard qualifications necessary for safe and effective practice in the U.S. healthcare system.

The FPGEC certification process provides a pathway for foreign-trained pharmacists to validate their education and training, confirming it is equivalent to that of U.S. pharmacy graduates. This certification is crucial for maintaining the integrity of pharmacy practice and protecting public health, as it ensures that all practicing pharmacists have the required knowledge and skills.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the established certification requirements set by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), which mandates that foreign graduates from programs prior to 2004 must attain FPGEC certification to be eligible for licensure and employment in the pharmacy field.