Top 10 Pharmacist Certifications

Certifications are important for pharmacists in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competence and commitment to the profession. Having a certification shows employers that you have taken the time and effort to go beyond the basic requirements of your degree, and are willing to invest in your career. Certifications also prove that you possess specialized knowledge, which can help you stand out from other applicants. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire certified pharmacists due to their increased credibility and trustworthiness. Furthermore, pharmacy certifications can open up more opportunities for advancement within the field.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Pharmacists and explains how they can contribute to a pharmacist's career by providing additional knowledge, skills, and credentials.

What are Pharmacist Certifications?

Pharmacist certification is a voluntary process that requires pharmacists to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in specific areas of practice. By becoming certified, pharmacists are able to show that they have the expertise needed to provide high-quality patient care. Certification also helps pharmacists stay up-to-date on the latest advances in pharmacy practice, allowing them to be more effective in their roles.

Pharmacists who are certified can demonstrate their commitment to quality patient care and can help promote the profession overall. Certification can also help improve patient safety by ensuring that pharmacists have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective medication therapy management services. Additionally, certification may be required for some positions or advancement opportunities within the profession, such as becoming a clinical specialist or working in an academic setting. Pharmacist certification can also lead to increased job satisfaction and career growth.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the certifying body and the requirements for certification before signing up for any pharmacist certification program. Be sure to ask questions about how long the certification will be valid and what types of continuing education may be required to maintain the certification.

Related: What does a Pharmacist do?

Top 10 Pharmacist Certifications

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

1. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a professional who has completed specialized training and certification in the field of pharmacy. The CPhT is responsible for helping pharmacists dispense prescription medications, provide customer service, and perform administrative duties.

The certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete, depending on the individual’s experience and knowledge base. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Both organizations require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and have completed at least one year of work experience as a pharmacy technician.

The cost of certification varies depending on which organization you choose to take the exam through. The PTCB exam costs $129 while the NHA exam costs $109. Additionally, some states may require additional fees for licensure or registration.

2. Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP)

A Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP) is a pharmacist who has completed specialized training and education in the care of older adults. This certification is granted by the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy (CCGP). To become certified, pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, have completed an accredited residency or fellowship program, and pass a comprehensive examination. The CGP certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete.

To get the CGP certification, pharmacists must first apply to take the CCGP exam. The application fee is $350 and includes a study guide and access to practice exams. After passing the exam, pharmacists will be required to pay an annual fee of $250 for maintenance of their certification status.

The CGP certification provides pharmacists with additional knowledge and skills related to geriatric pharmacy practice that can help them better serve their elderly patients. It also demonstrates that they are committed to providing high-quality care for older adults.

3. Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP)

A Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP) is a pharmacist who has achieved a specialized certification in ambulatory care pharmacy practice. This certification is granted by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). The BCACP credential demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, experience, and skills to provide comprehensive pharmaceutical care in the ambulatory care setting.

In order to become certified as a BCACP, an individual must have completed a minimum of two years of post-graduate residency training or equivalent experience in ambulatory care pharmacy practice and must meet certain educational requirements. Additionally, they must pass a rigorous exam administered by BPS.

The application process for becoming certified as a BCACP typically takes several months. An individual must first submit an online application to BPS and pay the associated fee. Once the application is approved, they will be eligible to sit for the BCACP examination. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and typically takes three hours to complete.

The cost for becoming certified as a BCACP varies depending on the type of membership an individual holds with BPS. For non-members, it costs $1,000; for members, it costs $800; and for resident/fellow members, it costs $400.

4. Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP)

A Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP) is a specialized type of pharmacist who has completed additional training and certification in the field of nuclear pharmacy. Nuclear pharmacy involves the preparation, compounding, and dispensing of radioactive pharmaceuticals for use in diagnosis or treatment of disease. BCNPs must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and have successfully completed an accredited residency program in nuclear pharmacy.

It typically takes 2-3 years to become board certified after completing the necessary education and training requirements. To become board certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). The exam covers topics such as pharmacology, radiopharmaceuticals, radiation safety, clinical applications, and regulatory requirements.

The cost to take the BPS exam varies depending on when you apply; however, it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. After passing the exam and becoming board certified, continuing education credits are required to maintain certification status.

5. Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP)

Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP) is a certification program for pharmacists who specialize in nutrition support. The BCNSP certification is offered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). It is designed to recognize pharmacists who have achieved advanced knowledge and skills in the field of nutrition support and to promote excellence in patient care.

The BCNSP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as medical nutrition therapy, enteral/parenteral nutrition, nutritional assessment and monitoring, drug-nutrient interactions, and other related areas. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements, including completion of an accredited pharmacy program and at least two years of experience in providing clinical nutrition support services.

It typically takes about 1-2 years to complete the requirements for the BCNSP certification. In order to become certified, applicants must successfully pass the BCNSP exam, which is offered twice a year. The cost for the exam is $500 for members of BPS or $700 for non-members.

6. Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP)

A Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) is a pharmacist who has completed specialized training in the field of psychiatric pharmacy. The BCPP credential is offered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties and is designed to recognize pharmacists who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field.

The process for becoming a BCPP involves completing an accredited residency program, passing a certification examination, and maintaining continuing education requirements. The residency program must be accredited by either the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. The certification exam is administered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties and consists of both written and practical components.

The cost for becoming a BCPP varies depending on the individual's residency program and other associated fees, but typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. It typically takes two years to complete all requirements necessary to become certified as a BCPP.

7. Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP)

A Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) is a pharmacist who has achieved a specialized certification in the practice of oncology pharmacy. This certification is offered through the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) and requires pharmacists to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in providing comprehensive pharmaceutical care to patients with cancer.

To become board certified as an oncology pharmacist, one must first complete an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. After graduation, pharmacists must also have at least two years of experience working as a pharmacist in an oncology setting before they can apply for BCOP certification.

The BCOP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours. The exam covers topics such as pharmacotherapy principles and management strategies for cancer patients, chemotherapy administration and monitoring, clinical trials and research methods, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, adverse effects management, medication safety and quality assurance, patient education/advocacy, palliative care/hospice services, health systems/practice management principles and professional communication/ethics.

The cost to take the BCOP exam is $575 USD for BPS members and $775 USD for non-members. Additionally, there is a $50 application fee required when submitting your application to sit for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive your BCOP credential which is valid for five years from the date it was issued. To maintain your certification you will need to complete 100 continuing education credits every five years or retake the BCOP examination at that time.

8. Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)

Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) is a certification that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of pharmacists who have completed additional training in the area of pharmacotherapy. The BCPS credential is awarded by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), which is the only organization recognized by the American Pharmacists Association to certify pharmacists in specialized areas.

To be eligible for BCPS certification, a pharmacist must have an active license to practice pharmacy, have completed a minimum of two years of clinical experience as a pharmacist, and must have successfully completed at least one year of post-graduate residency or fellowship training in an accredited program.

The BCPS exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as drug therapy management, patient assessment and monitoring, therapeutic drug classes, and disease states. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $400 for members of BPS or $600 for non-members. To maintain certification, pharmacists must complete continuing education credits every three years.

9. Clinical Research Certification (CRCP)

Clinical Research Certification (CRCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of clinical research professionals. It is administered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). The CRCP certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence in clinical research and provides assurance that certified individuals have met the highest standards of competence, ethical conduct, and professional practice.

The CRCP certification process consists of two parts: an online application and an examination. To apply for the certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria such as having a minimum of two years’ experience in clinical research or related fields, completing at least 40 hours of ACRP-approved continuing education courses within the past three years, and passing a background check. Once these requirements are met, applicants can submit their application online.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as Good Clinical Practices (GCPs), regulatory affairs, ethics, project management, data management, study design and monitoring. The exam is offered twice per year at various locations around the world. Candidates who pass the exam will receive their CRCP certificate from ACRP.

The cost for applying for CRCP certification varies depending on whether you are an ACRP member or non-member. For members it costs $375 USD while non-members pay $450 USD. The cost includes both the application fee and the exam fee.

It usually takes about six weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. If you pass, you will receive your certificate in four to six weeks after passing the exam.

10. Immunization Certification Program (ICP)

The Immunization Certification Program (ICP) is a program that provides individuals with the necessary education and training to become certified immunizers. This program is designed to ensure that all healthcare providers, including pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals are properly trained in administering immunizations.

The ICP consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person practical skills assessment. The online course covers topics such as immunization theory, vaccine administration techniques, storage and handling of vaccines, and other important information related to immunization. Upon completion of the online course, participants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

Once the written exam has been completed successfully, participants must attend an in-person practical skills assessment where they will demonstrate their ability to administer vaccines safely and effectively. During this assessment, participants will be observed as they administer vaccines to patients or simulated patients. After successful completion of both parts of the ICP program, participants will receive their certification from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The cost for the ICP program varies depending on whether you are taking it for continuing education credits or not. Generally speaking, without continuing education credits it costs around $250-$300 dollars while with continuing education credits it can range from $400-$500 dollars. The length of time it takes to complete the ICP depends on how quickly you can complete the online course and pass the written exam. On average it takes about 4-6 weeks to complete the entire process from start to finish.

To get started with the ICP program you should contact your local health department or visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website for more information about registration requirements and fees associated with taking part in this certification program.

Do You Really Need a Pharmacist Certificate?

In some cases, a Pharmacist Certificate may be necessary in order to work as a pharmacist. Depending on the state or country you live in, certain requirements may need to be met before you can become a certified pharmacist. The certificate is often required in order to practice pharmacy in a clinical setting. It is also needed if you plan on opening your own pharmacy.

A Pharmacist Certificate demonstrates that you have completed the necessary educational training and passed all of the required examinations. The certifications are issued by professional accrediting bodies, such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). This certification verifies that you possess the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and effective patient care.

The Pharmacist Certificate is not only important for those wishing to practice as pharmacists, but it is also beneficial for employers who want to hire qualified individuals for their pharmacies. By having this certification, it shows employers that you have gone through the proper training and understand the laws and regulations surrounding the practice of pharmacy.

In conclusion, it is important to consider whether or not a Pharmacist Certificate is necessary for your particular situation when deciding whether or not to pursue a career as a pharmacist. If so, it is essential to make sure that you are properly educated and have passed all of the required examinations before embarking on your path towards becoming a certified pharmacist.

Related: Pharmacist Resume Examples

FAQs About Pharmacist Certifications

1. What types of certifications are available for pharmacists?

Answer: There are many types of certifications that are available for pharmacists, including board certification from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), specialty certifications from organizations such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), and continuing education certifications.

2. How do I become certified as a pharmacist?

Answer: The process of becoming certified as a pharmacist varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. Generally, however, it involves completing a recognized pharmacy degree program, passing an exam, and obtaining a license to practice pharmacy in your state or province.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the type of certification you are pursuing and can range from several months to several years. Additionally, recertification is often required every few years in order to maintain your certification status.

4. What benefits come with being a certified pharmacist?

Answer: Being a certified pharmacist can provide many benefits such as increased job opportunities, higher salary potential, greater recognition within the profession, access to specialized training and resources, and better patient care outcomes due to improved knowledge and skills.

5. Is there an age limit for becoming a certified pharmacist?

Answer: No, there is no age limit for becoming a certified pharmacist; however, some certifying boards may have specific requirements that must be met by applicants based on their age or experience level prior to taking an exam or applying for licensure.