Top 11 Pharmacist Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a pharmacist manager in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and signal to employers that the individual is knowledgeable and up-to-date on current pharmacy practices. Certifications also provide evidence of an advanced level of knowledge in a particular area, such as medication management or drug safety. This can be especially helpful for pharmacist managers seeking positions in larger organizations or those requiring more specialized skills. By having certifications, pharmacist managers can increase their chances of being hired since employers will know they have the necessary qualifications to perform the job effectively.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Pharmacist Managers and explains how they can help to advance a pharmacist manager's career.

What are Pharmacist Manager Certifications?

Pharmacist Manager Certification is a professional credential designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of pharmacy managers. This certification is offered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and is available to pharmacists who have at least two years of management experience in a retail or hospital setting. The certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence in pharmacy management and verifies that the pharmacist has achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in this area.

The benefits of becoming certified as a Pharmacist Manager include improved job performance, enhanced credibility with employers, increased job security, and recognition by peers for exemplary performance in the profession. Receiving this certification shows that the pharmacist is dedicated to keeping up with current trends in pharmacy practice and staying informed about changes in state laws affecting pharmacy management. It also establishes a standard for pharmacists managing multiple locations or departments. In addition, it allows certified pharmacists to serve as mentors or trainers for other pharmacists seeking similar certifications. Finally, having this certification can lead to greater earning potential and opportunities for career advancement.

Pro Tip: When considering pharmacist manager certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications before signing up for any programs. Additionally, look into the cost of the certification program and whether or not it is eligible for continuing education credits.

Related: What does a Pharmacist Manager do?

Top 11 Pharmacist Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Pharmacy Manager (CPhM)

Certified Pharmacy Manager (CPhM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). It is designed to recognize pharmacy managers who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in managing a pharmacy. The CPhM program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as personnel management, inventory control, financial management, and regulatory compliance.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the CPhM program. To get started, you must first submit an application to the NABP. Once your application is approved, you will be required to take an online course and sit for the CPhM examination. You will also need to complete a supervised practice experience in order to earn the certification.

The cost of the CPhM program varies depending on where you take the courses and exams. The cost of the online course is usually around $500-$700, while the cost of taking the exam is usually around $400-$600. Additionally, there may be additional fees for other materials or services related to obtaining your certification.

2. Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP)

A Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP) is a pharmacist who has completed a specialized training program in geriatrics and has passed an exam to become certified. This certification is offered by the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy (CCGP).

The CGP program consists of two components: an online self-study course and a comprehensive exam. The self-study course covers topics such as pharmacology, drug interactions, geriatric assessment, medication management, and communication with older adults. The comprehensive exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of these topics.

In order to become a CGP, candidates must complete the self-study course and pass the comprehensive exam with a score of 70% or higher. The self-study course takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete and costs $350. The comprehensive exam costs $400 and can be taken at any Prometric Testing Center. Once the candidate passes the exam, they will receive their CGP certification from CCGP.

3. Certified Oncology Pharmacist (COP)

A Certified Oncology Pharmacist (COP) is a pharmacist who has completed specialized training and certification in the management of cancer-related medications. This certification allows pharmacists to provide comprehensive care to patients with cancer, including drug selection and monitoring, patient education, and medication safety.

To become a COP, pharmacists must complete an oncology pharmacy residency program or have at least two years of clinical experience in oncology pharmacy practice. In addition to this experience, pharmacists must also pass a certification exam administered by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS).

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as pharmacokinetics, chemotherapy regimens, supportive care medications, and patient counseling. The cost of the exam is $850 for members of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and $1,050 for non-members.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the exam. During this time, pharmacists should review textbooks related to oncology pharmacy practice and attend educational events related to oncology pharmacy. Additionally, pharmacists can take practice exams offered by BPS or ASHP to help them prepare for the actual COP exam.

4. Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) Certification

The Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) is a professional organization that provides certification for pharmacists in specialized areas of practice. The BPS certification program is designed to recognize the advanced knowledge and skills of pharmacists who have achieved a high level of expertise in their specialty area.

To become certified, pharmacists must meet certain eligibility requirements, including completion of an approved residency program or equivalent experience and passing a comprehensive examination. The examination consists of both written and practical components, covering topics such as pharmacotherapy, clinical management, drug information, and patient safety.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the process and become certified by the BPS. During this time, pharmacists must complete an approved residency program or equivalent experience and pass the required examinations.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the specialty area chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for all fees associated with taking the exam and becoming certified.

5. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Certification

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the professional achievements of pharmacists. It is designed to demonstrate a pharmacist’s commitment to excellence in patient care and their knowledge of the latest advances in pharmacy practice.

The ASHP certification process takes approximately 6-12 months to complete. To become certified, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a current license as a pharmacist and at least two years of full-time practice experience in a health system setting. The applicant must also pass an exam administered by ASHP, which covers topics such as medication safety, drug information, therapeutics, and pharmacology.

In order to get certified, an individual must apply for the program online through the ASHP website. The fee for the application is $400 for members and $600 for nonmembers. Once accepted into the program, individuals must complete all required coursework and pass the exam within 12 months from the date of acceptance. Upon successful completion of both components, individuals will be awarded their ASHP certification.

Overall, obtaining ASHP certification can be beneficial for pharmacists who want to demonstrate their expertise in patient care and stay up-to-date with new developments in pharmacy practice.

6. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Certification

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) is a non-profit organization that works to protect public health by assisting state boards of pharmacy and offering programs that promote safe pharmacy practices. The NABP provides an accreditation program for online pharmacies, known as the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS). This program is designed to ensure that consumers have access to safe and legitimate online pharmacies.

To become certified by the NABP, an online pharmacy must meet certain criteria including:

• Being licensed and in good standing with the state board of pharmacy in each state where it does business;
• Maintaining policies and procedures that protect patient privacy;
• Ensuring accurate prescription information;
• Dispensing medications from licensed pharmacies or wholesalers; and
• Meeting quality standards set forth by the NABP.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks for an online pharmacy to receive certification from the NABP. To get started, the pharmacy must complete an application form, pay the application fee, submit documentation demonstrating compliance with all applicable regulations, and pass a site inspection. The cost of applying for certification varies depending on the size of the pharmacy. For example, a single-location pharmacy may pay $1,000 while a multi-location chain may pay up to $5,000.

7. American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Certification

The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the expertise and experience of clinical pharmacists. It is designed to demonstrate to employers, peers, and patients that an individual has achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in their practice area.

To obtain ACCP Certification, individuals must first meet eligibility requirements, including having a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited school and at least two years of post-graduate clinical pharmacy experience. Once these requirements are met, individuals can apply for the certification exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as pharmacotherapy, pharmacology, therapeutics, and patient care.

The cost for the ACCP Certification Exam is $750 for members of ACCP or $1125 for non-members. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and results are available within two weeks after the exam date. Those who pass the exam will receive their certification within four weeks after passing the exam.

In addition to passing the certification exam, individuals must also complete continuing education activities every three years in order to maintain their certification status. This includes completing at least 30 hours of approved continuing education activities during each three-year period.

8. American Society for Automation in Pharmacy (ASAP) Certification

The American Society for Automation in Pharmacy (ASAP) is a professional organization that promotes the use of automation and technology in pharmacy practice. ASAP certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the use of automated systems in pharmacy practice.

To become certified, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as: medication safety, regulatory compliance, drug distribution systems, inventory management, information technology security and privacy, data integrity and accuracy, patient safety and quality assurance. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have either a degree from an accredited college or university with a major in pharmacy or a minimum of three years of experience working with automated systems in a pharmacy setting.

The cost to take the exam is $200 USD for members of ASAP or $250 USD for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials and one attempt at the exam. If you need to retake the exam there will be an additional fee of $50 USD per attempt.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official ASAP certification which is valid for three years from the date it was issued. To maintain your certification you must complete continuing education credits every three years or retake the exam at that time.

9. International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Certification

The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Certification is a professional qualification that recognizes the knowledge and experience of individuals in pharmaceutical engineering. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to the pharmaceutical industry, as well as their understanding of the principles and practices of engineering within the industry.

The ISPE Certification Program is divided into three levels: Certified Pharmaceutical Engineer (CPE), Senior Certified Pharmaceutical Engineer (SCP), and Master Certified Pharmaceutical Engineer (MCP). Each level requires a certain amount of education, experience, and examination.

To become certified at any level, applicants must first meet the educational requirements. For CPE certification, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in a field related to pharmaceutical engineering. For SCP certification, applicants must have a master's degree from an accredited university or college in a field related to pharmaceutical engineering. For MCP certification, applicants must have a doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in a field related to pharmaceutical engineering.

Once the educational requirements are met, applicants can then take the ISPE Certification Examination. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as product development and manufacturing processes, quality assurance/control systems, regulatory compliance issues, and project management principles. The exam typically takes two hours to complete and is offered twice per year at various locations around the world.

After passing the exam, applicants will receive their ISPE Certification certificate within four weeks of completing their application process. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges between $500-$1000 USD per person.

10. Drug Information Association (DIA) Certification

The Drug Information Association (DIA) Certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s commitment to excellence in the field of drug information. It is designed to recognize those who demonstrate knowledge, experience and proficiency in the area of drug information.

The certification process involves completing an online application, passing a written exam and completing a one-year practicum. The exam covers topics such as pharmacology, drug interactions, therapeutic indications, adverse reactions and product labeling. The practicum requires the applicant to demonstrate their ability to provide accurate and timely drug information services.

The DIA Certification process takes approximately 12 months from start to finish. After submitting the online application, applicants can expect to receive their examination results within four weeks. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be notified via email with instructions on how to complete their practicum requirements. Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their DIA Certification certificate within two weeks of completion of their practicum.

The cost for the DIA Certification program varies depending on where you live and whether or not you are an existing member of DIA. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD for non-members and $400-$800 USD for members.

11. Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) Certification

Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of quality assurance and its related disciplines. QAI certifications are based on the International Standard for Quality Assurance (ISO 9001). The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to quality assurance principles, processes, and practices.

The QAI certification process consists of two steps: a written exam and an online assessment. The written exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of quality assurance concepts, principles, and processes. The online assessment evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.

The entire process typically takes about four months from start to finish. Candidates must first complete a pre-assessment questionnaire before being eligible to take the written exam or online assessment. After passing both exams, candidates must submit their application for certification along with supporting documentation such as proof of education or work experience in the field of quality assurance.

The cost of QAI Certification varies depending on the level of certification desired and any additional training or materials required for completion. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$3000 USD for all fees associated with obtaining the certification.

Do You Really Need a Pharmacist Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. A Pharmacist Manager Certificate is not required for all pharmacy management positions, but it can be helpful in certain situations. For instance, if you want to work as a manager in a large chain store or hospital pharmacy, having a certificate may give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have one. Additionally, some states require that pharmacy managers hold a specific certification in order to practice.

If you are considering management roles in the field of pharmacy, it may be beneficial to pursue a Pharmacist Manager Certificate. This type of certificate will help you demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field and make you more attractive to employers. It will also provide evidence that you understand the complexities of managing a pharmacy and can take on greater responsibility than someone without the proper credentials.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Pharmacist Manager Certificate depends on your career goals and the requirements of potential employers. If you are confident that your skills and experience are enough for the job at hand, then there is no need to pursue additional certification. However, if you want to stand out among other applicants or meet state requirements for certain positions, then obtaining this certification could be very beneficial.

Related: Pharmacist Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Pharmacist Manager Certifications

1. What is a Pharmacist Manager Certification?

Answer: A Pharmacist Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of pharmacists who manage their own pharmacies or those of others. This certification ensures that pharmacists have the necessary skills to successfully manage a pharmacy, including understanding laws and regulations, managing personnel, managing inventory, and running the business operations.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Pharmacist Manager Certification?

Answer: The requirements for obtaining a Pharmacist Manager Certification vary by state but typically involve having an active pharmacist license in good standing, completing an approved program of study or training related to pharmacy management, passing an exam administered by an accredited certifying body, and meeting any additional requirements specified by the certifying body.

3. How long does it take to obtain a Pharmacist Manager Certification?

Answer: It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the required coursework and pass the certification exam. However, this timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances such as how quickly you complete your studies and prepare for the exam.

4. How much does it cost to obtain a Pharmacist Manager Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Pharmacist Manager Certification varies depending on where you live and which certifying body you use. Generally speaking, fees range from $200-$500 dollars for registration fees plus any additional costs associated with taking the certification exam or completing required coursework.

5. Is there ongoing maintenance required to keep my Pharmacist Manager Certification valid?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require that pharmacists maintain their certification through continuing education credits every two years in order to remain certified in good standing. Additionally, some states may also require pharmacists to renew their licenses periodically in order to keep their manager certification valid as well.