Top 10 Medical Representative Certifications

Certifications for medical representatives are important because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and competency in the field that potential employers look for when making hiring decisions. Having certifications can give medical representatives an edge over other job applicants, as it shows that they have taken their career seriously and have invested time and effort into developing their skillset. Certifications also help to build trust with clients, as they provide assurance that the medical representative is knowledgeable about the products or services being offered. Additionally, certifications may provide access to exclusive opportunities such as attending conferences or networking events that allow medical representatives to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and advancements.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Medical Representatives and explain how they can help advance a medical representative's career.

What are Medical Representative Certifications?

Medical Representative Certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of knowledge and experience in the field of medical sales and marketing. The certification helps demonstrate to current and potential employers that an individual has the necessary qualifications to effectively promote and sell medical products or services.

Medical Representative Certification can help medical representatives stand out from other applicants, as employers will be more likely to hire certified individuals over those without any formal training. It may also help increase earnings potential, as certified individuals are typically viewed as more knowledgeable and experienced than their non-certified counterparts. Additionally, having the certification may open up opportunities for higher paying positions or promotions within an organization.

The process of obtaining Medical Representative Certification involves successfully completing a series of exams that cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, ethics and communication skills. After passing these exams, individuals must complete a supervised clinical experience in order to be eligible for certification. This experience usually consists of shadowing a licensed healthcare provider in order to gain real-world experience with patient interactions. After completing these steps, applicants must submit their application for review by an independent board of industry professionals who will determine if they are eligible for certification.

Overall, Medical Representative Certification can be beneficial for those looking to break into the field or advance their career in medical sales and marketing. It demonstrates professionalism and expertise in the field which can give candidates an edge when applying for jobs or seeking promotions within their organization.

Pro Tip: When considering medical representative certification, make sure to research the organization offering the certification and verify that it is accredited before enrolling in any courses. Additionally, be sure to inquire about the types of certifications available and what areas they cover. This will ensure that you are receiving a quality education and a valid certification.

Related: What does a Medical Representative do?

Top 10 Medical Representative Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medical Representatives today.

1. Certified Medical Representative (CMR)

A Certified Medical Representative (CMR) is a professional designation for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the medical sales industry. This certification is offered by the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (NAPSRx).

To become a CMR, you must have at least two years of full-time experience in pharmaceutical or medical device sales, plus a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education credits related to the field. You must also pass an exam administered by NAPSRx. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as pharmaceutical law and regulations, product knowledge, communication skills, and customer service.

The cost for taking the CMR exam is $400 for members of NAPSRx and $500 for non-members. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CMR certificate and be eligible to use the CMR designation on your resume.

In addition to passing the CMR exam, you must also maintain your certification through continuing education credits every two years. This will ensure that you stay up-to-date with changes in the industry and are able to provide quality service to customers.

2. Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Representative (CPSR)

Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Representative (CPSR) is a professional certification program designed to provide pharmaceutical sales representatives with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively represent their company’s products in the marketplace. The CPSR program is offered through the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (NAPSRx).

The program consists of two levels: Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Representative (CPSR) and Advanced Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Representative (ACPSR). The CPSR certification requires completion of an online course, which covers topics such as medical terminology, product knowledge, regulatory compliance, customer service, and sales techniques. The ACPSR certification requires completion of a more comprehensive online course that includes additional topics such as marketing strategies, business ethics, and communication skills.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete the CPSR certification program. To get certified, you must pass a written exam administered by NAPSRx. The cost for the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $150-$200. In addition to taking the exam, applicants must also submit proof of experience in pharmaceutical sales or related field.

Once certified, you will be eligible to receive discounts on NAPSRx membership fees and access exclusive resources for pharmaceutical sales representatives such as webinars and job postings.

3. Certified Medical Device Sales Representative (CMDSR)

A Certified Medical Device Sales Representative (CMDSR) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the medical device sales industry. This certification is offered by the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA).

The certification program requires applicants to complete a two-day course and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as product development, regulatory compliance, market research, sales strategies, and customer service. After successful completion of the course and passing the exam, applicants are awarded the CMDSR designation.

The cost for the two-day course and exam is $1,495 USD. Payment must be made prior to attending the course. Once payment has been received, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the class.

The CMDSR certification does not expire but it is recommended that individuals keep their skills up-to-date by taking continuing education courses or attending industry conferences.

4. Certified Professional Medical Representative (CPMR)

Certified Professional Medical Representatives (CPMR) are healthcare professionals who have achieved a professional certification through the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (NAPSRx). The CPMR certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of pharmaceutical sales, marketing, and customer service.

To obtain the CPMR certification, individuals must first complete an online application and pay a fee. Upon approval, individuals must then take and pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as medical terminology, product knowledge, sales techniques, communication skills, regulatory compliance, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered online.

The cost for the CPMR certification is $499 USD for NAPSRx members or $599 USD for non-members. It typically takes between 3-6 months to complete the process from start to finish.

5. Certified Biomedical Product Specialist (CBPS)

Certified Biomedical Product Specialist (CBPS) is a certification program offered by the International Certification Commission (ICC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of biomedical product management. The CBPS program provides an opportunity for professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the area of biomedical product management.

The CBPS program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires successful completion of a series of exams that test the individual’s knowledge and understanding of biomedical product management topics. The exams are administered online or at approved testing centers around the world.

The Basic level requires passing two exams, while the Intermediate and Advanced levels require passing four exams each. It typically takes about six months to complete all three levels; however, it can take longer depending on how quickly you study and prepare for the exams.

To get certified as a CBPS, you must first purchase an application packet from ICC which includes instructions on how to register for the exam and pay the required fee. The fee varies depending on which level you are taking but generally ranges from $400-$500 USD per exam. After registering for an exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your exam materials and schedule your test date.

Once you have successfully passed all required exams, you will be awarded your Certified Biomedical Product Specialist certification along with a certificate issued by ICC verifying your achievement.

6. Certified Medical Sales Professional (CMSP)

Certified Medical Sales Professional (CMSP) is a certification program that is designed to provide medical sales professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the industry. The program is offered by the American Association of Medical Sales Professionals (AAMSP). The CMSP certification is designed to provide medical sales professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the business, ethical, and legal aspects of selling medical products and services.

The CMSP certification program consists of two courses: Introduction to Medical Sales and Advanced Medical Sales. The Introduction to Medical Sales course covers topics such as customer service, product knowledge, communication, marketing, and negotiation. The Advanced Medical Sales course covers topics such as pricing strategies, regulatory compliance, sales management, and business development.

The CMSP certification takes approximately six months to complete. To get certified, you must first pass both courses with a grade of 70% or higher. After passing both courses you will be required to submit an application for certification which includes an essay about your experience in medical sales. Once your application has been accepted by AAMSP you will receive your certificate in the mail within four weeks.

The cost for the CMSP certification program varies depending on whether you are taking the courses online or in person. If you take them online it will cost around $1,500 while if you take them in person it can range from $2,000 - $4,000 depending on where you are located.

7. Certified Healthcare Product Consultant (CHPC)

Certified Healthcare Product Consultant (CHPC) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful healthcare product consultants. The CHPC program is offered by the National Association of Healthcare Product Professionals (NAHPP). It is designed to provide healthcare product professionals with the information and resources they need to effectively advise on and implement healthcare products.

The CHPC program consists of a series of online courses, which cover topics such as medical terminology, health insurance regulations, healthcare technology, and healthcare product development. After completing all of the courses, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam includes multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of topics covered in the courses.

The CHPC program takes approximately three months to complete. Participants can take up to two years to finish the program if needed.

To get certified as a CHPC, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in the healthcare industry or related field and hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also submit an application form along with proof of experience and education credentials.

The cost for the CHPC program varies depending on whether you choose to take all of the courses online or attend classes in person. Online courses typically range from $1,000-$2,000 while attending classes in person can cost up to $3,000 or more depending on location and other factors.

8. Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Manager (CPSM)

Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Manager (CPSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize sales professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. This certification is offered by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Representatives (AAPR). It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as marketing, sales, customer service, and regulatory compliance. The CPSM designation provides recognition of an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of pharmaceutical sales management.

The CPSM program consists of three courses: Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sales Management, Advanced Pharmaceutical Sales Management, and Regulatory Compliance for Pharmaceutical Sales Managers. Each course includes lectures and exercises that cover topics such as product positioning strategies, pricing strategies, customer segmentation strategies, and regulatory compliance. The courses are offered online or through classroom-based instruction.

The cost for the CPSM program varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether they are taken online or in a classroom setting. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 to take all three courses and receive the certification.

It typically takes about six months to complete the entire CPSM program if taking all three courses at once. However, some individuals may choose to take one course at a time which would extend the completion time to approximately 18 months.

In order to become certified as a CPSM you must successfully complete all three courses with a passing grade of 80% or higher on each exam. You must also submit documentation verifying your current employment in pharmaceutical sales management or related fields such as medical device sales management or biotechnology sales management. Once you have completed these requirements you will be awarded your Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Manager (CPSM) certificate from AAPR.

9. Certified Specialty Pharmacy Technician (CSPT)

Certified Specialty Pharmacy Technician (CSPT) is a certification program offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in specialty pharmacy practice.

The CSPT certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as: drug therapy, pharmacology, compounding, sterile product preparation, medication safety, patient counseling and communication. The exam also includes questions on laws and regulations governing specialty pharmacy practice.

It typically takes about 3 months to prepare for the exam. To get ready for the exam, you should review relevant material from your coursework or textbook, practice test questions and take advantage of any available online resources or study guides.

The cost of the CSPT certification varies depending on which package you choose. The standard package costs $119 while the premium package costs $169. Both packages include access to a practice exam and a one-year subscription to NHA's online learning platform.

10. Clinical Research Coordinator Certification (CRCC).

Clinical Research Coordinator Certification (CRCC) is a credential that recognizes the knowledge and experience of clinical research coordinators. It is designed to demonstrate that the individual has met established standards of competence in the field of clinical research.

The CRCC certification process involves passing an exam administered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as Good Clinical Practice, regulatory affairs, ethics, data management, and study coordination. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and is offered twice a year in April and October.

To be eligible for the CRCC exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time clinical research experience within the past five years or one year of full-time experience plus an accredited degree in a related field.

The cost for taking the CRCC exam is $495 for ACRP members and $595 for non-members. After passing the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $95 for ACRP members and $195 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Medical Representative Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For those looking to pursue a career in medical sales, a Medical Representative Certificate can be beneficial. This type of certification demonstrates that you have completed training in medical sales fundamentals and understand how to effectively sell products and services to customers. It also shows potential employers that you are committed to developing your skills in this field, which is an attractive quality for employers.

For those who do not plan on pursuing a career in medical sales, it may not be necessary to obtain a Medical Representative Certificate. However, depending on the industry or job you are applying for, some employers may require this type of certification as proof of your knowledge and experience. In addition, having this certificate may help you stand out from other applicants if the job requires knowledge of medical sales principles.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they need a Medical Representative Certificate. By researching what jobs require such certification and weighing the pros and cons of obtaining one, you can make an informed decision about whether it is right for you.

Related: Medical Representative Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Representative Certifications

1. What is a Medical Representative Certification?

Answer: A Medical Representative Certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who work in medical sales and marketing. It certifies that an individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency in the field by demonstrating their knowledge and competence through an examination process.

2. How do I become certified as a Medical Representative?

Answer: To become certified as a Medical Representative, you must pass an exam administered by a recognized certification body such as the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (NAPSR). You will also need to meet any additional requirements set forth by the certification body including completing continuing education courses or having relevant work experience.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Medical Representative?

Answer: The primary benefit of becoming certified as a Medical Representative is that it provides employers with assurance that you possess specialized knowledge and skills in the field. Additionally, it can help you stand out from other job applicants and may even lead to increased pay or promotions within your current organization. Finally, certification can help build credibility and trust with clients when representing products and services.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Medical Representative?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified varies depending on your experience level, study habits, and other factors such as whether or not you are taking part in any additional continuing education courses for recertification purposes. Generally speaking, most individuals should be able to complete the process within 6-12 months if they are dedicated to studying for the exam.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as a Medical Representative?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on which certification body you choose and what type of continuing education courses you may need to take in order to maintain your certification status over time. Generally speaking, most individuals should expect to pay between $500-$1,000 for initial certification fees plus any additional costs associated with continuing education coursework or materials needed for recertification purposes.