Top 11 Pharmacy Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for pharmacy analysts in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Pharmacy analysts help to ensure that healthcare organizations comply with the regulations of governing bodies, so employers want to hire individuals who have a deep understanding of pharmacy operations. Certifications also indicate that an analyst is up-to-date on the latest trends and regulations in the industry, which is essential for providing quality services. Additionally, certifications can help pharmacy analysts stand out from other candidates and open doors to more advanced positions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Pharmacy Analysts and explain how they can help advance a pharmacy analyst's career.

What are Pharmacy Analyst Certifications?

Pharmacy analyst certification is a professional credential that demonstrates mastery in the field of pharmacy analytics. Pharmacy analysts are responsible for managing, analyzing, and interpreting data related to the pharmaceutical industry. This includes data on drug utilization, costs, patient outcomes, and more.

The certification requires individuals to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of pharmacy analytics, as well as their ability to interpret information into actionable insights. It also covers topics such as healthcare informatics, data mining techniques, and project management. By becoming certified in this field, professionals can prove their expertise in the area and stand out amongst their peers.

Having this certification can be extremely beneficial to those seeking roles within the pharmaceutical industry. Not only does it show employers that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of pharmacy analytics but it also indicates their commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date with industry trends and developments. Additionally, having a pharmacy analyst certification may provide access to higher-level positions or promotions within the company they work for or when applying for new jobs elsewhere.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to become a pharmacy analyst, consider becoming certified through a professional organization such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This certification can help demonstrate your knowledge and skill set in pharmacy analysis and will help you stand out from other applicants for positions. Additionally, many employers prefer or require PTCB certification for pharmacy analyst positions.

Related: What does a Pharmacy Analyst do?

Top 11 Pharmacy Analyst Certifications

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

1. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a professional who has been trained and certified to assist pharmacists in providing medications and health care products to patients. The CPhT works under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, and performs duties such as counting tablets, labeling bottles, pricing medications, and verifying prescription information.

To become a Certified Pharmacy Technician, you must first complete an accredited pharmacy technician program. These programs typically take between six months and two years to complete, depending on the type of program chosen. After completing an accredited program, you must then pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

The cost of becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician varies depending on your location and the type of program you choose. Generally speaking, tuition for an accredited pharmacy technician program ranges from $2,000-$10,000. In addition to tuition costs, there are also fees associated with taking the PTCE exam which range from $129-$169.

2. Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)

Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) is a certification program developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). It is designed to ensure that individuals who prepare compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) have the knowledge and skills necessary to do so safely and effectively. The CSPT certification program requires successful completion of an exam administered by NABP.

The CSPT exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as compounding techniques, safety protocols, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as a CSPT, you must first meet the eligibility requirements established by NABP. These include having at least two years of experience in sterile compounding and being currently employed in a pharmacy setting where sterile compounding is performed. You must also have completed at least 40 hours of continuing education related to sterile compounding within the past two years or have completed an approved training course within the past two years.

The cost for taking the CSPT exam is $250 for members of NABP and $350 for non-members. After successfully completing the exam, you will receive your CSPT certification from NABP, which is valid for three years.

3. Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a type of medical professional who has been trained and certified to provide medication administration services in long-term care facilities. The CMA is responsible for providing direct patient care, administering medications, monitoring patients’ vital signs, and providing education to patients and their families about medications.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the certification process for a CMA. During this time, individuals must complete an approved training program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice hours. After completing the training program, individuals must pass a competency exam administered by their state’s Board of Nursing or other regulatory agency.

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on the state in which you are seeking certification. In some states, there may be additional fees associated with the application process such as background checks or fingerprinting fees. The cost of the training program itself can range from $500-$2000 depending on the length of the course and any additional materials required for completion.

Once certified, CMAs are required to renew their license every two years by completing continuing education courses and paying any associated renewal fees.

4. Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional (CPIP)

Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional (CPIP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the knowledge and skills of professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. It is offered by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). The CPIP program has been developed to provide pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other healthcare professionals with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the areas of drug information, regulatory affairs, clinical trials, product development, quality assurance/quality control, and supply chain management.

The CPIP program consists of a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as: drug information; regulatory affairs; clinical trials; product development; quality assurance/quality control; supply chain management; and more. The exam can be taken online or in-person at an ASHP-approved testing center. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

It typically takes 6-9 months to complete the CPIP certification process depending on how quickly you are able to complete all of the required components.

In order to obtain your CPIP certification you must first register for the exam through ASHP's website. Once registered, you will need to complete an application form which includes providing proof of your current employment in the pharmaceutical industry as well as your educational background. You will also need to submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your professional experience in the pharmaceutical industry. After submitting your application form and supporting documents, you will receive an email notification when it has been approved by ASHP. Once approved, you can then proceed with scheduling and taking the exam either online or at an approved testing center near you.

The cost for taking the CPIP exam varies depending on whether you take it online or at a testing center but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking it at a testing center.

5. Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)

A Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) is a professional who is trained and certified to conduct clinical research studies. CCRA certification is offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), which is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the clinical research profession.

The CCRA certification requires applicants to have at least two years of clinical research experience, as well as a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient contact in the past five years. Applicants must also complete an ACRP-approved training program before they can take the exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

It typically takes between six months and one year to become a CCRA, depending on how quickly you can complete your training program and pass the exam. The cost for the program varies depending on where you take it, but it typically ranges from $2,500-$4,000 USD.

6. Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM)

A Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM) is a professional who specializes in the management of clinical data. They are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining clinical data systems that meet the needs of their organization and comply with applicable regulations. CCDMs work closely with clinicians, researchers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that accurate and reliable data is collected and stored in an organized manner.

It typically takes about six months to one year to become a Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM). This includes completing a formal training program, passing an exam, and gaining experience in the field. The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the program chosen; however, most programs range from $2,000 - $10,000.

To become certified as a CCDM, individuals must first complete a formal training program or coursework related to clinical data management. Training programs vary in length from one week to several months depending on the institution offering them. After completing the required coursework, individuals must pass an exam administered by either the National Institute for Health Care Management (NIH) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon successful completion of both the coursework and exam requirements, individuals may then apply for certification through either NIH or AHIMA.

The cost of becoming certified as a CCDM varies depending on which organization you choose to pursue certification through. For example, certification through NIH costs approximately $2,000 while certification through AHIMA costs approximately $10,000. Additionally, some organizations may require additional fees such as application fees or renewal fees after initial certification has been obtained.

7. Certified Pharmacy Informatics Specialist (CPIS)

A Certified Pharmacy Informatics Specialist (CPIS) is a professional certification that recognizes a pharmacist’s expertise in the use of technology and information systems to improve patient care. The CPIS designation is awarded by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

The CPIS credential requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of experience in pharmacy informatics, as well as successful completion of an ASHP-approved exam. The exam covers topics such as medication safety, clinical decision support, data management, and system implementation.

It typically takes about four months to complete the application process for the CPIS credential. To apply, candidates must submit an online application and fee to ASHP, provide proof of their pharmacy informatics experience, and pass the CPIS exam. The cost for the application fee is $250 and the cost for the exam is $400.

Once certified, CPIS holders are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education requirements every two years.

8. Certified Pharmacoeconomic Specialist (CPSS)

Certified Pharmacoeconomic Specialist (CPSS) is a professional certification offered by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). The CPSS credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the core principles, methods, and techniques of pharmacoeconomics.

The CPSS certification is available to those who have a minimum of two years of experience in pharmacoeconomics or outcomes research. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as cost-effectiveness analysis, budget impact analysis, evidence synthesis, and health technology assessment. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the exam is $200 USD for members of ISPOR and $400 USD for non-members. Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their CPSS certificate and a digital badge which can be used on resumes and other professional documents.

9. Certified Health Care Compliance Professional (CHCCP)

Certified Health Care Compliance Professional (CHCCP) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of health care compliance. This certification is offered by the Healthcare Compliance Certification Board (HCCB), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to setting standards for health care compliance professionals.

The CHCCP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in health care compliance, including at least one year of direct management or supervisory responsibility. Applicants must also pass an examination that covers topics such as legal requirements, ethical considerations, risk management, and organizational policies and procedures.

The CHCCP exam is administered twice a year and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost of the exam is $495 USD for HCCB members and $595 USD for non-members. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

Once certified, CHCCPs are required to maintain their credentials by completing continuing education credits every two years. The cost for recertification is $195 USD for HCCB members and $295 USD for non-members.

10. Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT)

A Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT) is a person who has completed an accredited program and passed a national certification exam to become certified. They are responsible for assisting pharmacists in the preparation, dispensing, and distribution of medications. RPhTs work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist and can perform many tasks such as compounding medications, entering patient information into the computer system, stocking shelves with medications, and preparing insurance claims.

It typically takes about two years to complete an accredited pharmacy technician program. After completing the program, students must pass a national certification exam to become certified as a Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT). The exam is administered by either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

To get started on becoming a Registered Pharmacy Technician, you will need to research and find an accredited pharmacy technician program that meets your needs. Once you have found an accredited program, you will need to apply and be accepted into the program before beginning coursework.

The cost of completing an accredited pharmacy technician program varies depending on which school you attend. However, most programs range from $2,000-$5,000 in tuition costs plus additional fees for books and materials.

11. Accredited Pharmaceutical Scientist (APS).

Accredited Pharmaceutical Scientist (APS) is a professional qualification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the pharmaceutical sciences. The APS designation is awarded by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) to those who have achieved a certain standard of excellence in their field.

The APS qualification can be obtained by completing an accredited postgraduate degree in pharmaceutical sciences, such as a Master’s degree or PhD. This typically takes between two and four years to complete, depending on the program chosen and the individual’s progress. Once completed, candidates must then pass an RPS-accredited examination before being awarded the APS designation.

The cost for obtaining the APS qualification will vary depending on the institution and program chosen. In general, tuition fees for postgraduate degrees range from £4,000 to £20,000 or more, depending on factors such as location and length of study. Additionally, there is an application fee of £50 for registering with RPS to take the exam.

Once all requirements are met, individuals will receive an official certificate from RPS confirming their status as an Accredited Pharmaceutical Scientist. This certificate is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years to maintain accreditation status.

Do You Really Need a Pharmacy Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For those who are looking to advance in the pharmacy field, a pharmacy analyst certificate can provide a competitive edge that could potentially lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. The certificate also lends credibility to one’s professional experience and is often necessary for certain positions.

For those who are already established in the field, a pharmacy analyst certificate may not be necessary unless they want to move into a more advanced position or gain additional recognition. It is important to note that many employers may require or prefer applicants with certifications, so it is worth researching the regulations of the specific job you are applying for before making a decision.

Ultimately, obtaining a pharmacy analyst certificate can be beneficial if you are looking to advance in your career or gain recognition in the industry. However, if you have already achieved success in your current role and do not need additional credentials, then it may not be necessary.

Related: Pharmacy Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Pharmacy Analyst Certifications

1. What is a Pharmacy Analyst Certification?

Answer: A Pharmacy Analyst Certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes individuals who demonstrate proficiency in the use of computer systems and software to analyze and manage pharmacy operations.

2. How do I become certified as a Pharmacy Analyst?

Answer: To become certified as a Pharmacy Analyst, you must pass an exam administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). You may also need to have at least two years of experience in pharmacy operations or related areas.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Pharmacy Analyst?

Answer: Benefits of becoming certified as a Pharmacy Analyst include increased job opportunities, higher salaries, improved job security, and greater recognition from employers and peers.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a Pharmacy Analyst?

Answer: The cost to get certified as a Pharmacy Analyst depends on the organization offering the certification. Generally, certification fees range from $300-$500 USD. Some organizations may offer discounts for members or students.

5. Is there an expiration date for my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications expire after three years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or passing an exam administered by the NABP or other approved organization.