OBJECTIVE： To provide reference for improving the system of continuing professional development （CPD） for pharmacists in China. METHODS： Based on domestic and foreign related literature， official policy and reports in recent years， literature research was used to summarize the characteristics， development process and experience of CPD mode for pharmacists in the United States， analyze the current situations for licensed pharmacists in China； then put forward related suggestions for CPD system for pharmacists in China. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS： The licensed pharmacists in China showed deficiencies， including too low academic requirements， no national unified pharmacist continuing education provider certification， lacking of uniform standards for the development and assessment of continuing education curriculum， lacking of individualized characteristic education for occupational pharmacist， etc. Learning from CPD mode for pharmacists in the United States and further strengthening the continuing education for licensed pharmacists in China are quiet necessary. The continuing education system for licensed pharmacists in China can be improved by establishing  national unified pharmacist continuing education provider certification， increasing practical courses for licensed pharmacists， strengthening personalized learning and establishing improved continuing education evaluation system.