Pharmacists

As the complexities of patient care multiply and drug regimens become more complex, so does the need for specialized skills. Through the rigorous standards mandated by the BPS for both certification and recertification, the BPS board certified pharmacist is uniquely qualified to provide specialized patient care as an integral member of the healthcare team. Becoming BPS board certified enables pharmacists to differentiate and affirm their knowledge and skills to provide more comprehensive patient care; be prepared to step into pharmacy’s evolving position on the multidisciplinary healthcare team; and be recognized for their expertise by other healthcare professionals, employers, patients and insurers.

BPS certification is a highly visible credential to colleagues. It signals an elevated level of excellence in specialty practice, often producing increased acceptance by the care team. BPS board certified pharmacists frequently serve as role models to help others become more efficient practitioners. Post certification, pharmacists also report receiving more requests for professional consultations, along with invitations for continuing education and academic presentations.

BPS board-certified pharmacists benefit from:

  • Greater marketability
  • Enhanced confidence
  • Improved competence
  • Increased responsibility
  • Competitive edge in job placement and advancement 

Recognition of BPS Certification

BPS Board Certification is recognized globally as a marker of advanced knowledge and specialized pharmacy practice.

In the United States, many states recognize BPS Board Certification in ways that support advanced pharmacy practice, including continuing education benefits, eligibility for collaborative practice agreements, and authorization for specialized practice roles, as defined in state laws and regulations.

Learn how BPS Board Certification is recognized across U.S. states: Explore State Recognition of BPS Board Certification

BPS certification does not grant licensure to practice pharmacy in the United States or any other country. Pharmacists should consult their local licensing authority for official requirements.

Request a BPS Presentation

Interested in receiving a presentation to share with students or colleagues about board certification? Fill out the form below to request a presentation!

Explore this sample presentation as a reference to the materials BPS may provide. Only completed presentation requests will be considered. For other inquiries, visit the BPS Contact Us page.

Pharmacist Resources

  • Newly Certified Pharmacist Toolkit

    Congratulations on obtaining your BPS Board Certification! Visit this webpage for ready to share graphics and captions to celebrate your achievement.

  • Market Your Credential

    Whether holding a BPS Certification for years or newly certified in one of the many recognized specialty areas, pharmacists work hard to achieve their BPS Board Certification. Now, it’s time to show it off! Visit this webpage to learn how to display your professional achievement.

  • Volunteer with BPS

    Subject matter experts are critical to the success of pharmacist board certification. To learn more about ways to contribute to board certification, visit this webpage .

  • Certified for Success: The Role of Board Certification in Pharmacy

    Explore the exciting world of specialty pharmacy and learn how specialization and board certification can open doors to unique career paths in pharmacy!

  • BPS Rising Star Award and Weaver/Penna Award

    The BPS Awards Committee has developed award opportunities to highlight, recognize, and celebrate board-certified pharmacists that improve patient safety outcomes. BPS Awards are conferred annually. Review this webpage for information about the application timeline.

  • BPS Research Funding

    The Board of Pharmacy Specialties has developed two research funding opportunities for research into the impact of pharmacist board certification on patient outcomes, healthcare systems, inter-professional collaboration, and other matters pertinent to the pharmacy profession. The research grants are awarded annually. Review this webpage for information about the application timeline.

  • BPS Accreditation

    BPS holds accreditation from the International Accreditation Service (IAS) and the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.), as well as program specific accreditations under the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) which is the accreditation arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.). To learn more about BPS Accreditations, visit this webpage.

Questions to Ask an Employer about Board Certification

A helpful guide for pharmacists engaging employers on board certification, covering essential questions on certification requirements, reimbursement, career growth, patient care roles, and professional development support.

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Employer Support of Board-Certified Pharmacists in the Workplace

Employer support for pharmacist board certification can come in many shapes and forms. Here are a few testimonials to how various health care settings have recognized and supported board-certified pharmacists in the workplace.

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Ten Ways to Recognize Pharmacists Who Achieve BPS Board Certification

While this list is not exhaustive, it provides employers a great starting point to identify ways to recognize pharmacists who achieve BPS board certification.

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Employers Benefit from Pharmacist Certification, Too!

Many employers recognize and compensate board-certified pharmacists in the workplace. BPS has identified three evidence-based ways in which pharmacist board certification benefits the employer, health care team, and patient!

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Path to BCPS Credential Infographic
Planning Your Path to Certification: How to Apply for the BCPS Credential

Many pharmacists interested in board certification choose to pursue the board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS) certification. Whether a pharmacy student, new practitioner, or seasoned pharmacist, the BCPS certification can be an exciting next step for a pharmacist’s career. View this flyer to plan your path to BCPS certification.

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Invest in Your Career with BPS Board Certification Infographic
Invest in Your Career with BPS Board Certification Infographic

Pharmacists interested in board certification may wonder what the investment looks like over time. This infographic shows on average, a U.S. board-certified pharmacist invests 0.13% of their lifetime earnings into obtaining and maintaining their BPS Certification. View this infographic to see the investment breakdown for a career-long board certification.

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BPS Leadership Blog

The BPS Leadership Blog is an opportunity for spokespersons across pharmacy to share their thoughts and experiences with board certification, motivating BPS audiences to pursue, obtain, and maintain board certification within their career. 

BPS Ambassador Videos

The BPS Ambassadors program aims to showcase BPS Board-Certified Pharmacists that are advancing practice in their communities and improving patient care. Each ambassador shares their unique perspective on the value of BPS Board Certification within their testimonial video below.

Podcast Episodes for Pharmacists

The BPS Board-Certified Pharmacist Podcast has episodes addressing topics relevant for employers and pharmacists in the workplace. More episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Research into BPS Board Certification

The Board of Pharmacy Specialties has gathered the many research projects and articles into BPS Board Certification to demonstrate the value patients, pharmacists, and hospitals may receive from board certification. Click the button below to view the library of publications about pharmacist board certification.

Find a Board-Certified Pharmacist Near You

to begin the conversation about pharmacist certification!

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