Once a candidate has submitted their application, received approval from BPS, and received their authorization to test (ATT), they will be able to schedule their examination. Below is information for what a candidate can expect on their examination day.
Before you take your examination, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with Pearson’s examination delivery process by clicking here.
The candidate must present a valid (i.e., unexpired) government-issued photo identification (ID) with a signature. Digital IDs are not accepted. Candidates are required to sign-in and will be instructed on where to store personal items and where to keep identification. The candidate’s identity will be verified every time they enter or leave the testing room.
Candidates will not be permitted to enter the exam room unless proper identification as described above is presented. The candidate’s name as it appears on the confirmation email must match the candidate’s name as it appears on government issued photo identification. Digital identification is not acceptable. Candidates will be denied admission to the test center if there is a name mismatch and will forfeit all fees paid.
Candidates testing at Pearson Test Centers are subject to all test center security protocols and check-in procedures. These measures are in place to ensure a secure and standardized testing environment. Questions about Pearson’s policies can be submitted here.
All BPS Examinations will consist of 150 items. For examinations in the continuous format, among the 150 items, the examination includes 25 unscored pretest items that are embedded within the test and represent new items that are being trialed before use as a scored item in subsequent forms of the examination.
Four-option multiple-choice items constitute most examination items; however, some of the specialty examinations also use alternate item types such as multiple-response items (i.e., more than one response must be selected), and items supplemented with images. Each question is carefully written, referenced, and validated to determine its accuracy and applicability. New regulations, drugs, and therapies are continually incorporated into the examination content. All BPS specialty certification examinations reflect current, best practice guidelines.
All items must be answered in the order they are presented, and a candidate is not able to skip items. Once a candidate confirms an answer choice and moves to the next item, the candidate will not be able to go back and change the response. There is no penalty for guessing and it is in the best interest of the candidate to answer every question. The forward-only exam navigation serves as a security measure for BPS Examinations and aligns with the best practices of several pharmacy examinations.
Examinations are assembled months prior to the administration date, so items may not always reflect all the changes that may have occurred in pharmacy practice during that time. Furthermore, great care is taken to exclude from the examination any content associated with rapidly evolving or emerging practice changes. When in doubt, refer to pharmacy practice guidelines as they were about 6 to 12 months prior to the examination administration date. Official United States Adopted Name (USAN) generic names are used on all BPS examinations for all drug products.
ALL examinations will be administered via computer-based format.
Examination Schedule: Examination introduction, tutorial, and 150 certification or recertification examination items: 3 hours, 45 minutes.
Scheduled breaks are not offered during certification or recertification examinations. One 10-minute optional unscheduled break is permitted and will be deducted from the candidate’s existing time. A proctor must be notified and approve this optional break.
Once the candidate has been checked-in, they will be escorted by testing staff to a workstation. The candidate must remain at the workstation unless authorized to leave by test center staff. Candidates may not leave the room without test center staff permission. If the candidate leaves the testing room without permission prior to completing their examination, they will forfeit the testing appointment and there will be no refund of testing fees.
Test center staff will provide the candidate with an erasable note board, scratch paper, and writing utensils which may be replaced as needed during the test. The candidate may not remove the note boards or pens, and candidates are not allowed to use their own scratch paper or writing tools.
Candidates approved for online/remote testing are not permitted to use physical scratch paper. The examination portal will have a virtual screen for the candidate to use. Answers written on the virtual screen will not be scored.
Candidates taking the computer-based examination will be provided with a scientific calculator available on their computer screen for use during the examination. Outside calculators are not permitted.
Additional Information
For a successful exam day, explore the resources below for important details on both in-person and remote testing options. Select one of the buttons to learn more:
Test Centers
Learn about the scheduling process, requirements for checking in, and test day policies at Pearson Test Centers. This page covers key protocols, from acceptable forms of ID to procedures for storing personal items and using the provided test materials. You'll also find tips on preparing for unexpected circumstances, such as inclement weather or test center disruptions.
Test CentersOnline Testing (Limited Exceptions)
Online/remote testing is not a standard delivery option and may be approved only in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis for eligible candidates in the United States, Australia, and Canada. Candidates who believe they may require an exception should contact BPS in advance for instructions.
Online Testing