ACOP Recognition of Prior Learning

Do you provide Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist services?

The Department of Health and Aged Care has confirmed an extension to the Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) transition period until 30 June 2026.

From 1 July 2026, pharmacists who have not obtained a new ACOP credential and ACOP Medication Review Number (MRN) will not be able to claim payments for ACOP services.

How do I obtain the new ACOP credential? 

If you have extensive experience working in an aged care, including clinical and governance activities, you can undertake an Australian Pharmacy Council-accredited:

• ACOP Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process or
• ACOP Credential training program.

PSA offers both ACOP RPL and the full ACOP credential training program.

How much does it cost to undertake the ACOP RPL? 

• $299 for PSA Professional Plus members.

• $799 for Non-PSA Professional Plus members.  

• To become a PSA member, click here.

• To upgrade your membership to Professional Plus, please contact the Member Services Team on 1300 369 772 and select ‘Option 1’.

When do I need to do this? 

To allow time for assessment and processing, you must enrol in the ACOP RPL and submit your evidence before 31 May 2026.

Submissions received after this date will still be assessed, however, PSA cannot guarantee credentialing before 1 July 2026.

What do I need to do next? 

Step 1. Enrol in the ACOP RPL 

• Please complete the Expression of Interest form here.
• If your experience is considered suitable for undertaking ACOP RPL your enrolment into the pathway will be facilitated

Once you are enrolled you will gain access to the ACOP RPL module in the PSA portal, including the ACOP RPL and Gap Self-Assessment Tool.

Step 2. Complete the PSA ‘ACOP RPL and Gap Self-Assessment Tool’

Within the ACOP RPL module, complete the ACOP RPL and Gap Self-Assessment Tool.

After completing:

• You will need to gather all the evidence demonstrating your competence against the ACOP credential performance outcomes
• This may include, but is not limited to, de-identified RMMRs, training certificates, progress notes, QUM activities, minutes of MAC meetings, policies or documents from your aged care facility, written statements demonstrating your understanding of particular processes

Step 3. Submit your documentation

Upload the following via the portal. This includes:

1. The completed ACOP RPL and Gap Self-Assessment Tool
2. Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume with evidence of recency of practice in an aged care setting.
3. Verified copies of qualifications (MMR credential certificate)
4. Evidence documentation supporting your competence against the performance outcomes

What happens next? 

Your ACOP RPL submission will be assessed and feedback provided.

• If all performance outcomes are met, you will receive access to a ACOP Credential certificate and an ACOP medication review number (MRN)
• If performance outcomes are not met, you will be asked to provide further information.

Have other questions? Contact our friendly team at credentialing@psa.org.au and we will get back to you as soon as possible.