A context for continuing professional education is given, and a process of encouraging the university and practicing professionals to combine efforts for program quality. A Practice Audit Model is proposed to facilitate this relationship; it is a systematic process for identifying the educational needs of the practitioner who has a well-developed professional organization. The model also includes a generalized and systematic procedure for assessing the relative importance of these needs and for translating them into educational programs for the professional target group. A recent experience with pharmacists is described that illustrates the use of the model in developing continuing professional education options. Consideration is given to the method of collaboration between professional group and university to maximize the effectiveness of the entire process. References are provided. (Author/MSE)