BPS Literature Library

This retrospective cohort study evaluated a pharmacist-driven urgent care microbiology review program at two urgent care centers and compared outcomes with 11 urgent care sites that only used physician/advanced practice provider (APP) review of microbiology results. Among 400 patients requiring antimicrobial follow-up, the pharmacist-driven model achieved a statistically shorter median time to appropriate treatment, 11 hours versus 13 hours, while maintaining similar 30-day revisit rates. Significantly, all pharmacists participating in the program had completed two years of residency training and maintained board certification in infectious diseases or critical care, highlighting the role of advanced specialty training and certification in supporting antimicrobial stewardship activities and complex microbiology treatment decision-making. The findings suggest that board-certified pharmacists can effectively manage microbiology follow-up programs, improve timely follow-up, maintain consistent interventions and similar revisit rates, and help reduce physician and APP workload while maintaining comparable patient outcomes.

This article presents a multicenter, observational study evaluating the impact of board-certified pharmacists in intensive care units (ICUs). The researchers compared outcomes for adult ICU patients who received care exclusively from board-certified pharmacists to those who had care from non-board-certified pharmacists on at least one ICU day. The study assessed hospital mortality, rates of discharge alive from the ICU and hospital, and length of stay. Results showed that daily care by board-certified pharmacists was associated with lower mortality, a higher likelihood of being discharged alive, and shorter hospital stays, supporting the value of pharmacist board certification in improving patient outcomes in critical care settings.

This paper describes a study conducted in the Middle East and Northern Africa that evaluated how board‑certified pharmacists who serve as preceptors can impact student pharmacists’ awareness of BPS certification and their intention to pursue it in the future. The results showed that among 684 upper-level students, 74.3% were aware of BPS certification and 45% expressed interest in pursuing it. Students who had board‑certified preceptors were three times more likely to intend to pursue certification, and mentorship provided by the preceptor was also associated with an increased interest in certification. The open‑ended responses showed that preceptors who are board-certified act as inspiring role models who strengthened the professional growth and critical thinking of students.

The Appalachian region, spanning 13 states, faces health disparities and limited access to healthcare, with a particularly low presence of board-certified ambulatory care pharmacists (BCACPs) who are vital for managing chronic diseases and improving medication outcomes; a recent study found that BCACP density is 24% lower in Appalachia and 73% lower in its rural counties compared to national averages, highlighting a significant workforce gap that could be addressed through targeted recruitment, financial incentives, and better integration of pharmacists into healthcare teams to improve care delivery and reduce disparities in these underserved communities.

This quality improvement, quasi experimental study examined the impact of Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacists on the safety and quality of parenteral nutrition prescribing in a neonatal intensive care unit. The study found that involvement of a board certified pharmacist resulted in significantly greater identification and documentation of prescribing errors. Board certification was also associated with improved clinical outcomes, including fewer metabolic complications, shorter neonatal intensive care unit stays, and lower mortality. Overall, the findings support board certification as an indicator of advanced expertise that enables pharmacists to positively influence patient safety and quality of care in high risk clinical settings.

This white paper explains that the American College of Clinical Pharmacy views BPS board certification as an essential qualification for clinical pharmacists who provide direct patient care. The document highlights that meaningful evaluation of the impact of board-certified pharmacists is limited, and may be due to the challenging nature because pharmacists differ widely in training backgrounds, practice environments, and types of certification. This white paper offers a detailed framework for designing rigorous research studies that examine the influence of BPS certification on patient outcomes, including guidance on study design, outcome measurement, and the management of confounding variables. The authors conclude that high-quality prospective studies are necessary to more clearly determine the value of pharmacist board certification.

This article explains the increasing need for more pharmacists who are trained in HIV prevention and treatment. It describes the gaps in pharmacy education, small number of HIV focused postgraduate training programs, and the challenges created by state level regulations. The authors emphasize that pharmacists play an essential role in HIV care and that stronger training pathways, including residency programs and board certification, are needed. They specifically mention the Board of Pharmacy Specialties Infectious Diseases certification as one way pharmacists can demonstrate advanced competency in caring for people with HIV.

This study used a cross-sectional survey to examine burnout among clinical pharmacists in the United States who provide direct patient care. Results showed that 78% of participants met burnout criteria in at least one area, with depersonalization being the most common. About 72% of respondents held Board of Pharmacy Specialties certification, but certification itself was not linked to burnout. Overall, the study found burnout to be widespread and recommends organizational changes such as protected time, better documentation processes, recognition programs, and flexible work options to improve pharmacist well-being.

The study looked at burnout among California pharmacy residents and its potential impact on professional goals, including Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) certification. While weekend staffing requirements did not have a big impact on burnout scores, overall emotional exhaustion increased during the residency year, particularly among PGY2 residents. Residents who became less likely to pursue BPS certification exhibited the highest burnout scores across all domains. This suggests a possible link between burnout severity and decreased interest in board certification, though it is not certain. Future research should look at whether reducing burnout can help residents stay engaged in professional growth like BPS certification.

This commentary provides an in-depth overview of the education, training, and credentialing pathway that defines today’s clinical pharmacist. The authors emphasize that clinical pharmacists undergo extensive didactic and experiential preparation in pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics, with residency programs contributing an additional 2,000–4,000 hours of advanced clinical experience. Board certification through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) is described as a critical milestone that validates advanced clinical competence and ensures pharmacists are equipped to deliver comprehensive, team-based care. Overall, the article reinforces that board certification is essential to recognizing pharmacists as medication experts who optimize therapeutic outcomes and strengthen interprofessional collaboration.

The article highlights the worsening mental health crisis in the United States and explains that pharmacists are not currently prepared to meet the growing need for mental health and substance use disorder care. It points to problems like limited psychiatry teaching in pharmacy school, fewer residents going into specialized training, faculty shortages, and confusion about how much training pharmacists should have to provide this kind of care. The authors note that certificate programs and general wellness training cannot replace the specialized knowledge needed to manage complex psychiatric conditions. They emphasize the need for clear guidance on which conditions can be handled by generalists and which require more specialized knowledge held by board-certified psychiatric pharmacists. The article recommends creating minimum training and board certification standards for different levels of psychiatric care and also emphasizes that employers, payors, and state policies must support board certification so there can be pharmacists trained to properly care for these patients. Overall, the article encourages national pharmacy organizations to take the lead in setting these standards to ensure patients receive consistent, high-quality mental health care.

The article highlights the role of board certification in ensuring high-quality pharmacy care for critically ill patients. An interprofessional panel of 21 experts, including pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and administrators, participated in multiple rounds of surveys and discussions to develop 10 consensus recommendation statements. These recommendations emphasize that specialized training, post-graduate residency experience, and board certification in critical care pharmacy (BCCCP) are markers of competency and effectiveness. Evidence suggests that board-certified and residency-trained pharmacists contribute to improved patient outcomes and cost savings, yet the number of critical care pharmacists is not enough to meet healthcare needs. Institutions are encouraged to support critical care pharmacists’ autonomy through credentialing, privileging, and collaborative practice frameworks, while ongoing research is needed to evaluate patient-to-critical care pharmacist ratios and board certification impact for both pharmacist performance and patient outcomes.

This mixed methods study used surveys and interviews to examine the education and training needs of oncology pharmacists in Nigeria, especially their role in reconstituting chemotherapy. The authors found that many pharmacists involved in chemotherapy preparation lack formal training; only 20.7% of those surveyed said they had formal training in chemotherapy preparation, and just 10.3% worked in cleanroom environments. Many participants expressed the need for better training programs, improved facilities, and clearer policies. Participants described board certification in oncology pharmacy (BCOP) as a rigorous process that not only enhances clinical knowledge and skills but also provides recognition, and professional respect when providing oncology care. Although BCOP is not currently required in Nigeria, and none of the participants held this credential, participants viewed board certification as an urgent educational need that could significantly improve oncology pharmacy practice in Nigeria.

The author highlights the prevalence of Spanish pharmacists who hold a Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) certification, particularly in oncology pharmacy, attributing this to efforts by the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH). As of March 2025, Spain has 287 BPS-certified pharmacists across nine specialties, with over half certified in oncology. The author notes that BPS certification is internationally recognized and reflects a strong commitment to advanced clinical training. Additionally, the author emphasizes that certification and recertification should be central to hospital pharmacists’ professional development. Finally, a call is made for a unified, practical certification model at the national or regional level, aligned with SEFH’s specialization framework.

This two-phase, cross-sectional pilot study assessed both the perceived and actual impact of board-certified pharmacists on hospital outcomes in the U.S. Respondents perceived board certification as having moderate to high value in improving hospital culture and processes, but having a low positive impact on financial and clinical outcomes. Although one significant difference was found in 30-day readmission rates post-CABG between hospitals with ≥33% vs. <33% FTE board-certified pharmacists, no consistent differences were observed across other conditions. This study reinforces the need for a more comprehensive study to evaluate the clinical, operational, and financial value of board-certified pharmacists on hospital institutions.

The authors define credentialing, certification, and privileging as interconnected processes used to verify qualifications and grant responsibilities based on demonstrated expertise. The article reviews the history of BPS since its establishment in 1976, highlighting its growth into a globally recognized certifying body offering credentials in 15 different pharmacy specialties. The authors outline both the certification and recertification processes, emphasizing that recertification is essential for ensuring pharmacists continue to develop and maintain advanced competencies. They note that only five pharmacists in India currently hold a BPS certification, attributing this to the relatively recent introduction of the PharmD degree in the country, but stress that board-certified pharmacists have a unique opportunity to shape the future of clinical pharmacy practice in India as the profession evolves.

The PHARM-BPS study compared the interventions and cost avoidance (CA) generated by Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) board-certified pharmacists and non-board-certified (“Non-BPS”) pharmacists in emergency departments (ED) and intensive care units (ICU) across 89 U.S. institutions. The study found that BPS board-certified pharmacists provided significantly more interventions per shift with a higher acceptance rate compared to their non-board-certified counterparts. Findings included that BPS board-certified pharmacists in the ED and ICU generated greater CA and a higher CA-to-salary ratio (10.5:1 vs 6.3:1) than non-board-certified pharmacists. The study concluded that board certification, alongside factors such as clinical experience, led to increased cost savings and more impactful interventions by pharmacists.

This study aimed to assess the impact of ambulatory care pharmacist involvement in performing spirometry and therapeutic management of COPD on symptoms and inhaler use. Two board-certified pharmacists (BCACP) and one ambulatory care resident were responsible for providing COPD management visits for patients that had been referred by their provider for modification of inhaler therapy, COPD and inhaler education, immunizations and labs, and tobacco cessation education and management, when applicable. The authors indicated statistically significant improvements in CAT score, use of guideline-directed therapy, symptom improvement, and the number of smoke-free patients by the end of the study period.

Using a systematic search of published literature, this opinion article highlights the increased need for ambulatory care pharmacists to take on a more active role in managing depression and anxiety within primary care settings. With increasing demand for mental health services and upcoming perceived physician workforce shortages, pharmacists have the opportunity to provide patient care through medication management, patient education, mental health screenings, and collaborative care. While the authors briefly touch on the value of board-certified psychiatric pharmacists, especially those with dual certifications in psychiatry and pharmacotherapy, they place a greater emphasis on the need to incorporate mental health education into all pharmacy school curriculums and residency training programs. Overall, the article highlights the importance of specialized training in expanding pharmacist involvement in mental health care and calls on the pharmacy profession to help improve access and outcomes for patients with mental illness in primary care.

In the editorial from JACCP, the author rationalizes the reasons more states should operate under a standard of care (SOC) practice model for pharmacy practice. They compare similarities of the education and training that physicians and pharmacists that practice in more clinical settings go through in order to draw the conclusions that the profession of pharmacy should continue to mirror physicians and operate under a standard of care model. The author elaborates on the implications of board certification under a SOC model by saying that board certification would allow pharmacists to practice under an expanded scope within the specialty area that aligns with their certification. By highlighting the support from other industry partners such as APhA, AACP, and NABP, this shows the importance of SOC to many professional organizations.

The retrospective study analyzed data from BPS credentials eligible for recertification in 2022 and survey responses from 3,629 board-certified pharmacists that successfully recertified to assess the recertification rate of board-certified pharmacists as well as any potential benefits or challenges associated with recertification. The authors found that 75.4% of credentials were successfully recertified, with 92.1% of pharmacists opting for continuing pharmacy education (CPE) rather than examination. Additionally, respondents reported that maintaining board certification primarily expanded their knowledge, skills, and confidence, with a preference for a recertification process that was both time and cost-efficient.

This mixed methods systematic review gathered pharmacy stakeholders’ views on credentialing in advanced and specialist pharmacist practice. Stakeholders saw credentialing as a way to ensure quality, improve patient safety, expand pharmacists’ roles, and strengthen professional credibility. Of the 60 studies included, the most common credentialing model was Board of Pharmacy Specialties certifications. Board certification was highlighted as one of the most trusted and rigorous forms of credentialing with one U.S. study calling it the “gold standard” because it is validated, demanding, and widely recognized by patients, providers, and pharmacists. BPS certification is required in Singapore and encouraged in Canada, Australia, and the Philippines and studies included in this review since 2020 showed that about half of hospital and academic employers prefer it when hiring. Credentialing uptake was higher in supportive work environments with two hospital studies reporting greater BPS certification rates in teaching institutions and in settings where directors were supportive or held board certification themselves. Overall, the findings demonstrate that credentialing systems, including board certifications, are necessary to advance pharmacy practice, expand pharmacist roles, and ensure consistent standards of expertise in patient care.

This article describes the establishment of Thailand’s first post-percutaneous coronary intervention (post-PCI) clinic, aimed at improving long-term care for patients after cardiac stenting. The multidisciplinary clinic’s personnel included clinical pharmacists all of whom were trained by board-certified pharmacists, aiming to implement standardized care pathways. Compared to historical controls, patients enrolled in the post-PCI clinic showed significantly higher usage rates of secondary prevention medications, adjustments in dosing regimens, and reduced unnecessary medications six months after discharge (all with statistically significant improvements). The clinic’s success highlights the lasting impact of board-certified pharmacists in enhancing medication adherence and optimizing outcomes for post-PCI patients through their ability to effectively precept and train the next generation of clinical pharmacists.

In this article, the authors evaluated the development of pharmacy practice around the globe in order to identify ways that India can further the utilization of pharmacists within their own country. Community pharmacy and pharmaceutical industry were highlighted as the two most common career paths taken by pharmacists due to the lack of emphasis on specialization within the field of pharmacy, but also in pharmacy school curricula. The authors recognized various motivators and outcomes for pharmacists to seek clinical jobs and board certification: career advancement, financial incentives, increased recognition, improvements to patient care, etc.. The barriers to board certification that were identified consisted of lack of employer support, minimal guidance from more senior pharmacists, little awareness of board certification, and a lack of well-defined specialty areas within their job setting.

The survey aimed to identify the causes of the low numbers of oncology pharmacists in Nigeria, despite a growing number of patients with cancer. Across the pharmacists that were surveyed, the majority (73%) said they didn’t receive education on oncology related topics throughout pharmacy school which has majorly contributed to a lack of oncology expertise across the country. The survey also assessed pharmacists’ familiarity with board certification and identified barriers to obtaining board certification. The highest barrier pharmacists in Nigeria identified was affordability which was followed by a lack of study materials, testing sites, trainers, and recognition. The overwhelming majority of pharmacists that participated in the survey (91%) agreed that there needed to be more resources and support systems for pharmacists like online courses, hospital management sponsorship, postgraduate education, and webinars.

In an effort to inform implementation of oncology pharmacy services in the ambulatory care setting in Saudi Arabia, this article analyzed the benefits of such services within the US. Benefits identified include cost savings, improved patient adherence, decreased emergency room visits and hospital admissions, and increased patient and provider satisfaction. The authors also examined the current state of board-certified oncology pharmacists (BCOP) in Saudi Arabia, reporting a total 28 BCOP-certified pharmacists in Saudi Arabia at the time of authorship. The authors attribute this to barriers such as the lack of oncology pharmacotherapy courses in PharmD curriculums and ASHP-accredited pharmacy residency programs. It is appropriately acknowledged that early steps in promoting board certification and oncology pharmacy services in the ambulatory care setting in Saudi Arabia include establishing robust education, training, experiential opportunities, and research.

A pharmacist medication administration program was implemented at a large academic medical center to integrate pharmacists into emergency care, addressing their underutilization despite extensive training. Of the seven pharmacists who administered medications, all but one were board certified, and they collectively provided 349 doses to 284 patients, including critical medications such as vasopressors and sedatives, with zero reported adverse events or safety concerns. This initiative underscores the effectiveness and safety of involving pharmacists in parenteral medication administration during emergencies.

The study surveyed oncology pharmacists to evaluate workplace satisfaction and retention, identifying four key domains: practice model, professional development, well-being/burnout, and metrics. Leadership was considered a component of each domain rather than a separate one. A follow-up survey highlighted the need for clearer practice expectations and protected time for non-patient care activities to enhance satisfaction. The study also emphasized that institutions should invest in technology and advanced technician roles to manage tasks that don’t require a pharmacist’s expertise and support pharmacists’ professional development, including board certification. It concluded with a call for professional organizations to better advocate for and demonstrate the value of oncology pharmacists in the healthcare system.

This journal article evaluates the integration of board-certified psychiatric pharmacists (BCPPs) into Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in an effort to help combat the growing shortage of mental health professionals despite the increased need of mental health services. The authors detail the various roles BCPPs play within healthcare teams, including conducting patient case reviews, managing medications through collaborative practice agreements, providing medical education, performing medication use evaluations, and facilitating transitions of care. Despite their potential contributions, the article highlights skepticism among other healthcare professionals regarding the pharmacists’ roles.

This letter raises the question of how aware current Pharm.D. students are of BPS board certification and when they are being introduced to it. The letter comments on past studies indicating the level of awareness, but no recent studies have been conducted after the growth in the number of board-certified pharmacists and specialty areas. The letter calls on Pharm.D. programs to take action to consider the benefits of and requirements for board certification.

The authors emphasize the crucial role of Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPPs) within mental health care teams by reviewing the specialized clinical services they can offer patients. They detail the rigorous education and training required for BCPP certification, highlighting the expertise necessary for this role. Additionally, the article critiques existing policies that restrict the practice of BCPPs. To address these limitations, the authors propose solutions such as enhancing access to BCPPs through telehealth, ensuring reimbursement for their services, and recognizing BCPPs as healthcare providers. This approach aims to improve mental health care delivery and access for patients.

In a comment on the article titled “Education for Tobacco Use Disorder Treatment” that conducted a review of the current state of tobacco use disorder training (TUDT) across various healthcare professions, the authors made a case for the inclusion of post-licensure certification examinations within the review. The authors highlighted that BPS board certifications exams, which assess advanced pharmacy knowledge in specialized areas, including tobacco cessation, should not have been overlooked in the review. The authors recommended that post-licensure certification examinations like the Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (BCACP) examination be included in further studies as this credential includes competencies related to tobacco use and cessation.

A prospective, dual-center, cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions made by internal medicine (IM) pharmacists and their trainees. The study results showed 386 interventions made by four IM pharmacists, three of whom were board-certified. The study detailed the types of interventions made and the possible barriers to acceptance if an intervention was rejected. The acceptance rate was 95.6%, indicating a significant level of trust and value in the recommendations of the IM pharmacists.

This article summarizes the efforts of the Core Outcome Set Task Force (COSTF), organized by the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP). The task force aimed to establish a consensus set of outcomes for standardizing measurements of care and studying the impact of psychiatric pharmacists on patients with psychiatric disorders. To identify key outcomes, data were extracted from articles on psychiatric pharmacy outcomes spanning 1965 to 2021 and posters from AAPP Annual Meetings from 2007 to 2021. The aggregated outcomes underwent review by board-certified psychiatric pharmacists (BCPPs) through a survey, assessing quality and clinical relevance for the creation of the Core Outcome Set (COS). The survey was distributed to 631 BCPPs, with 19 completed surveys included in the final analysis. Subsequently, a series of summits involving 18 BCPPs was conducted to interpret the survey results and formulate the final COS.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of board certification among pharmacy practice faculty in the United States and assess motivators and barriers to board certification in this population. Out of 3276 pharmacy practice faculty surveyed, 56% (1846) were board-certified, marking an increase from the 2011 survey by Toussaint and colleagues, which reported a rate of 37%. The main motivators to becoming board-certified was to be recognized as an expert in the field, personal growth, and recognition by peers. The main barriers were perceived as the time-consuming nature of exam preparation/maintenance, lack of perceived need, and no perceived benefit. The study determined there was limited financial support from employers to obtain board certification; however, considerations for promotion and tenure were identified as incentives given by institutions.

This study evaluated the number and types of interventions, as well as the associated cost savings, of including one Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacist (BCCCP) on the evening shift at an academic medical institution covering six intensive care units (ICUs). The article discusses current gaps in care, as many ICUs do not staff a critical care pharmacist during evening and weekend shifts. Evidence suggests that the absence of an evening/weekend critical care pharmacist can lead to higher rates of medication errors for patients and increased costs for the institution. The inclusion of one BCCCP on the evening shift resulted in 510 interventions collected during a 12-week data collection period. The most common interventions included medication discontinuation, dose corrections, intravenous to oral conversions, antibiotic de-escalation, and the addition of prophylaxis medications. The overall cost savings documented were $66,537.80. The data from this study justified the need for a second evening ICU float pharmacist position at the institution.

This study surveyed 1601 Residency Program Directors (RPDs) by email to assess board certification preparation in post-graduate residency programs in the United States and RPDs’ attitudes toward board certification preparation during residency training. The researchers received 360 survey responses, revealing that 33 programs offered structured board certification preparation, and 49 programs provided financial support to their residents. Among the 33 programs with board certification preparation, 8 were interviewed, confirming a 100% pass rate for residents who took the associated BPS exam after completing their board certification preparation. Of the respondents without board certification preparation, 142 programs expressed “somewhat” to “very” interest in implementing a program. The primary barriers identified for incorporating preparation were time and funding constraints.

A cross-sectional survey evaluated job satisfaction among BPS board-certified pharmacists in Virginia. Out of the 13,962 survey respondents, 1,284 respondents met the inclusion criteria. The study revealed that 93.6% of BPS board-certified pharmacists in Virginia reported being “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with their current jobs. It was determined that certain workplace settings were associated with higher job satisfaction among board-certified pharmacists in Virginia. Other factors that contributed to higher job satisfaction included working 30-49 hours versus ≥ 50 hours, earning ≥ $150,000 versus $100,000-149,999, and having paid sick leave.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to compare the level of interest in a community pharmacy practice board certification among community pharmacists and non-community pharmacists. The survey was distributed to a random sample of 572 email addresses retrieved from the boards of pharmacy in Nebraska, Ohio, and Rhode Island. Fifty-three responses met inclusion criteria, and the conclusion drawn was that there was no statistically significant difference in the perceived value of a community pharmacy practice board certification between community and non-community pharmacists.

This article discusses how Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPPs) can address the national emergency in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP). BCPPs can use their expertise in medication management to work with interprofessional healthcare teams and collaborative practice agreements to address the emergency. The article describes the current issues facing CAP patients and how BCPPs’ knowledge of antipsychotic metabolic monitoring, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medication follow-up, and medications for opioid use disorder can lead to improved patient outcomes. BCPPs are also well-positioned to provide medication education to the patients and the healthcare teams. The article goes on to underscore how pharmacy administrators can promote the expansion of psychiatric pharmacy services within CAP.

This document establishes expectations for clinical pharmacists as outlined by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP). The article also highlights that one of the prerequisites for engaging in direct patient care activities is post-licensure certification, specifically BPS certification. Additionally, the article underscores the importance of clinical pharmacists maintaining their competency through certification and recertification, with a focus on certification agencies like BPS.

This cross-sectional study was conducted to revisit data compiled by Johnson et al (2019) while also adding some new data points (BCSCP and BCEMP). The purpose of this study was to compare the examination pass rates amongst the various cohorts of practice specialties recognized by BPS. Overall, analyses show higher performance was measured in those completing a PGY2 than those only completing a PGY1.

As the rates of cancer is expected to increase by almost 50% by 2050, the workforce will need to adapt to support the expanding patient population. HOPA members were surveyed between March 2021 and January 2022 regarding pharmacy practice. Nearly 70% of all surveyed centers encouraged certification for oncology pharmacists.

As the realm of transplant pharmacy continues to grow both in size and recognition, this paper helps address those changes and future of solid organ transplant.

In this commentary, the authors encourage the exploration of the value of board certification. The authors discuss the history of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties and raise the question of what the true value of board certification is. The authors discuss the benefits of conducting trials to evaluate the value of board certification but also discuss the barriers to creating such a trial. The author encourages the profession to further investigate the value that board certification provides and to whom the recipient of this value is.

Credentialing & Privileging (C&P) is a process recognized to advance pharmacy practice; credentialing speaks to an individual’s qualification while privileging is where an institution grants the individual authorities to perform services. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) pursued C&P for both inpatient and ambulatory clinical pharmacists. OHSU already operates with an advanced pharmacy practice integrated into their interdisciplinary team; therefore, pharmacist C&P allows pharmacist to demonstrate significant clinical benefit and quality improvement in patient care deliver.

The authors called for an expansion of residency training to better prepare pharmacy professionals to provide high quality care and practice in specialized settings. One of the motivations for wanting to expand residency training programs is the factor that residency training plays in board certification success rates. The authors identified the importance of developing preceptors by promoting preparedness for board certification. To foster innovation and meet evolving needs, the authors urged professional organizations to offer preparatory courses and professional development aligned with BPS Board Certification content outlines. Expanding residency programs to underserved areas and nontraditional settings, such as rural hospitals, will improve health equity and address gaps in care.

A subset from the 2019 National Pharmacist Workforce Summary (NPWS) data (n = 4,557) was used to aggregate the demographics, training, clinical specialties, and practice activities of ambulatory care pharmacists. Within this data, information on active pharmacists and their certifications was highlighted. Ambulatory care pharmacists reported having more training and certifications than the overall sample of pharmacists.

This comment article describes the current landscape where rules and regulations for pharmacy education and training are spread across multiple organizations. This can make it difficult to maintain consistent standards from pharmacy school through residency and certification. The authors propose creating a new, independent organization to align the standards and accreditation processes for all postgraduate education programs including residency, fellowship and board certification programs. Alternately, they propose an independent organization for all postgraduate pharmacy education programs that is linked to the Accreditation for Continuing Pharmacy Education (ACPE) organization. Ultimately, the article compares the two possible approaches and asks for feedback or alternative ideas.

Staying up to date with the current literature can be challenging, especially when the sheer number of publications produced continues to grow. This article explores five strategies to help pharmacists stay up to date with new literature.

The purpose of this report is to analyze the recent growth in board certified pharmacists via the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. The growth has been unprecedented, and it may showcase the overall demand for pharmacy specialists in communities.

This article outlines the necessity of board certification in the realm of palliative care and how pharmacists have played a vital role in this arena. It concludes with a call to action in the creation of a new certification.

Board certification and promoting specialization of pharmacy practice has been recognized in nearly 50 countries. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the intersections of board certification and international advanced pharmacy practice frameworks.

The article states that the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) considers the Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) as the gold standard credential for psychiatric pharmacy. The article discusses how pharmacists interested in psychiatric pharmacy should work to obtain BCPP and how proper training can prepare them for the credential. According to the article, obtaining BCPP validates a pharmacist’s knowledge and skills in treating psychiatric illnesses and signifies the pharmacist’s ability to work on an interprofessional team. The article explores the value that BCPP provides to every setting and ways to enhance the use of BCPPs to improve patient outcomes, including utilizing comprehensive medication management, psychotropic stewardship, and incorporating psychiatric pharmacy training for students.

BPS certification is endorsed to distinguish pharmacists for their advanced practice and highlight their expertise. This study characterizes how board certification is integrated into hospital pharmacy departments across California.

This study’s primary objective was to characterize pharmacodynamic dosing strategies used at children’s hospitals using a national survey. They concluded that further guidance from trials and literature are needed to better assist pediatric pharmacodynamic dosing efforts, an area where board certified pharmacists may be of assistance.

The objective of this study was to classify interventions performed by ICU clinical pharmacists and quantify the cost avoidance generated through their accepted interventions. In summary, pharmacist involvement in the care of the critically ill resulted in significant avoidance of healthcare costs.

Medication safety in children and adolescents continues to be a public health concern, especially with psychiatric conditions. Interdisciplinary collaboration between psychiatrists and pharmacists can improve health outcomes, including quality of care and patient safety.

As per ASHP, pharmacists have a responsibility to help patients receive the best possible therapy; pharmacogenomics can play an important role in improving medication-related outcomes across the continuum of care in all health-system practice settings. These advanced pharmacist functions may require specialized education, training, or experience to provide optimal outcomes for patient populations.

This article underscores the reasons and avenues through which Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPPs) have the capability to help fill the gap in the treatment of patients with mental health disorders, a gap that has resulted from the shortage of behavioral health providers. BCPPs have advanced clinical skills and in-depth psychopharmacology knowledge, positioning them well to provide support in areas such as opioid use disorder treatment, antipsychotic use in children, utilization of long-acting injectable antipsychotics, appropriate use of clozapine, and improving transitions of care. The article concludes with future opportunities for BCPPs, including the utilization of pharmacogenomics and addressing current barriers to BCPPs filling the gaps in care.

The article delves into the inception and growth of pharmacy specialties in the United States, specifically tracing the establishment of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). It outlines how discussions during the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) House of Delegates led to the creation of an APhA Task Force on Specialties, culminating in the formation of BPS. The article highlights BPS’s role in recognizing and approving various pharmacy specialties, exemplified by the emergence of the “pharmacotherapy” specialty from discussions on “clinical pharmacy.” It underscores BPS’s commitment to specialist certification and recertification based on evolving pharmacy practices over the past 50 years.

Pharmacists are well positioned to assist in the implementation of pharmacogenomic testing in healthcare systems, but uptake has been limited. In this study, a survey was conducted to determine how post-graduate training and board certification influence pharmacists’ attitude and knowledge in pharmacogenomic testing.

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to students and pharmacists at two institutions in Saudi Arabia to assess knowledge and attitudes towards BPS board certification. Out of 221 participants, 55.2% showed good knowledge about pharmacy board certification, with practicing pharmacists being more aware than students. 48.4% of respondents reported interest in pursuing board certification in their future careers. The survey included questions about specialties offered, certification cost, and demands. The study showed that 40.3% of participants believe pharmacy specialization is not formally recognized in practice. With an increase in specialties and opportunities for board-certified pharmacists, interest in certification among students is expected to rise.

This article summarizes the results of the 2019 Role Delineation Study for the Pharmacotherapy Specialty Certification (BCPS), conducted by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties to better define the role of pharmacotherapy specialists. A survey was sent to board-certified pharmacotherapy specialists, and more than 1100 responses were collected and reviewed by a panel of experts in pharmacotherapy and psychometrics. The findings were used to refine the content outline and exam blueprint for the BCPS certification so it more closely reflects real-world practice. The study identified the key skills and knowledge pharmacists need to provide safe and effective patient care. The final domain weights were Patient-centered pharmacotherapy at 65 percent, Application of evidence to practice and education at 25 percent, and Health care systems and population health at 10 percent, showing that patient-centered care is the primary focus of daily practice.

This review article highlights the Veteran Health Administration’s efforts to utilize clinical pharmacy specialists as direct patient care providers to increase quality of care and access to care for veteran patients.

This article advocates for the deliberate alignment of educational outcomes, goals, and competencies across the developmental continuum of students, residents, and pharmacy practitioners. These goals will help programs optimally prepare individuals for board certification and future professional roles.

The authors urge for institutions to establish a credentialing and privileging process for pharmacist personnel. By acknowledging a pharmacist’s credentials such as board certification, institutions can identify pharmacists that qualify for more advanced privileges like providing more direct patient care. The article reviews considerations for the verification process of applicants as well as how to establish privileged responsibilities for pharmacists that do meet the credentialing requirements for pharmacy privileging. While there is a legislative and regulatory component to establishing a pharmacist’s scope of practice within an institution, the authors acknowledge that pharmacists are essential members to the healthcare team, improving patient outcomes and saving healthcare costs.

The article discusses how validated and sound credentialing is an essential component in advancing pharmacy practice. It explores BPS, its accreditation, the psychometric process involved in creating certification examinations, and other operational aspects of BPS. It concludes by stating that BPS board certification is the most rigorous credential for demonstrating competency in specialist practice.

Using a nationwide search of pharmacist job listings, this study explored the influence of board certification on employment opportunities in non-community pharmacy settings across the U.S. The objectives were to determine whether employers required or preferred board certification, evaluate differences between clinical and nonclinical roles, identify variation, if any, between practice area and specialty, and explore employers’ motivations for requiring or preferring certification. Overall, more employers did not require or prefer board certification (51%) compared to those who did (49%). However, listings for predominantly clinical roles were more likely to include board certification as a requirement or preference (53%) compared to nonclinical roles (27%). When specified, pharmacotherapy was the most frequently requested certification, followed by oncology and psychiatry. Employers who required or preferred board certification cited it as an indicator of specialty competence and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

This article describes how the expanding scope of pharmacy and board certification should be discussed together and how they may work in tandem. The commentary will help advocates at the state level to revise pharmacy practice acts to reflect the changing landscape.

A survey was sent to current and past postgraduate year-2 residents (PGY2) to gauge their perception of pursuing a pharmacotherapy specialty certification (BCPS) during residency training. Out of the 116 respondents (with a response rate of 16%), 70% had taken the BCPS examination by the time of the survey. Among respondents, 38% pursued BCPS certification during residency training, all of whom passed on their first attempt. Within this group, 93% expressed satisfaction with their decision to take the exam, while among those who did not pursue certification during residency training, 96% were satisfied. Personal satisfaction emerged as the top reason for obtaining BCPS among PGY2 residents, while time pressures and burnout from residency were cited as the main reasons for not pursuing board-certification.

In this retrospective observational cohort study, BPS conducted research on pass rates and eligibility pathways looking at pharmacists who got board certified in the following specialties: BCACP, BCCCP, BCOP, BCPPS, BCPS, BCPP. In summary, those that complete postgraduate training showed a correlations to higher pass rates.

The pharmacy leadership team at University of Wisconsin Health used an iterative process and a “rolling” FAQ format to develop and implement a certification requirement. Residents who achieve board certification claim it is valuable, gain personal satisfaction, expand their knowledge, and overall has helped them find careers.

This article explains the importance of board certification to Australian pharmacists. The article provides information on the history of, organization structure, operations, and role of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). It highlights the process any pharmacist around the world can take to become board-certified and maintain their certification through BPS. The article was written in 2017; therefore, some information discussed is outdated. However, it provides a thorough overview for Australian Pharmacists interested in board certification.

This case study reviewed the development of the Pharmacist Career Ladder Program (PCLP) at Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH), designed to provide advancement opportunities for pharmacists without requiring them to give up direct patient care. The program established general requirements, including board certification, for entry-level clinical pharmacist placement and outlined expectations for progression through roles such as Clinical Pharmacist II, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, and Clinical Pharmacy Specialist II. Promotion criteria for Clinical Pharmacist II included achievements in pharmacy practice, drug information, education and scholarship, and leadership. As a result of the program, YNHH saw increased rates of board certification and peer-reviewed publications, along with greater pharmacist involvement in quality improvement projects and medication safety initiatives.

There is an increased focus and anticipation of growth in the specialty training and certification realm of the pharmacy profession. This paper outlines three recommendations for PGY2 residency programs to better align with specialty board certification programs to ensure pharmacists complete their residency with a better competence in their specialized field.

As the US population ages, the number of patients who need cancer treatment will far exceed the amount of oncology physicians available. To help mitigate this impending shortfall, there may be a need to rely on non-physician healthcare practitioners, such as BCOPs, to manage patients.

The authors reviewed the current state of pharmacy specialization and specialty certification in Canada through a survey sent to pharmacists and pharmacy employers to address the lack of consensus on the definition of “pharmacist specialization.” Based on survey results, four recommendations were made to promote the standardization and recognition of pharmacist specialization: obtain agreement on the definition, identify a formal recognition process, research processes for formal certification of pharmacists, and conduct public outreach to increase understanding. Within these recommendations, BPS was specifically highlighted as the process for pharmacists to obtain a certification within a specialty area with respondents endorsing specialization as a method to obtaining recognition of their competence, increasing personal and profession growth, and improving patient outcomes.

A survey sent to student pharmacists from nine states in February 2011 aimed to gauge their awareness of BPS board-certification, their level of knowledge of it, and their interest in obtaining it. Out of 1108 respondents (response rate 15.3%), 72.6% were aware of BPS, with 85.3% claiming they knew little to some level of knowledge on board-certification. Students mainly learned about BPS from faculty, preceptors, APPEs and mentors and those who were exposed to it through required courses. 43.4% of respondents expressed intent to pursue certification citing reasons such as job security, salary increase, and increased credibility to other healthcare professionals.

In this resource guide, the Council on Credentialing in Pharmacy (CCP) reviews the difference between credentialing and privileging as well as the different types of credentials (license, certificate, certification, etc.). The process of credentialing was described using five phases: application, verification, analysis and decision, periodic reappraisal, and ensuring continued competence. The CCP examples the relationship between credentialing and privileging by saying that credentialing is what has to happen before privileging can take place. This relationship was illustrated by explaining that a Health System may have a credentialing process that requires a pharmacist to hold the Board-Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) credential to be eligible for employment as an oncology pharmacist. After hire, a privileging process ensures the pharmacist meets the competency requirements for specific tasks, which the BCOP credential would also satisfy.

As pharmacy continues to evolve, so do the needs of the public. Board certification may become increasingly important as patients desire more accountability and improved quality in their healthcare.

Added qualifications in cardiology (AQCV) have been approved and require the applicant to be BCPS certified before applying for added qualifications. The purpose of this study was to determine if pharmacists with advanced credentials exhibited improved quality measures for various cardiovascular disorders compared to institutions lacking cardiovascular credentialed pharmacists.

The commentary article describes the minimum qualifications for clinical pharmacy practice faculty in U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy and highlights the important role board certification plays. The committee strongly recommends that faculty are board certified through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) or, when appropriate, a relevant non-BPS certifying body, either prior to accepting a faculty position or within two years of hire. The committee feels that board certification demonstrates a commitment to advanced knowledge, clinical expertise, and professional excellence. In 2004, 32% of public school faculty and 38% of private school faculty were board certified, up from just 9% in 1993. The article notes that the benefits of board certification include enhanced professional and clinical opportunities, peer recognition, and a potential salary advancement. By making board certification a requirement, the committee aims to ensure that faculty are highly qualified and prepared to serve as leaders in clinical practice and education.

In this commentary, ACCP defines what “direct patient care” is and why they believe that pharmacists engaging in patient care should become board certified.

This white paper, developed by the ACCP Certification Affairs Committee, outlines a structured pathway for professional development among clinical pharmacists, beginning with graduation from an accredited pharmacy program, state licensure, completion of a PGY1 (with optional PGY2 or fellowship), and board certification. The authors emphasize the importance of adopting a lifelong approach to professional development and provide strategies to support ongoing growth. They detail requirements for Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) for both board certification maintenance and licensure renewal and challenges these systems’ ability to actively and effective assessment a pharmacist’s ability to maintain the level of competence they possessed at initial certification/licensure. The paper then introduces the concept of Continuous Professional Development (CPD), a complement to CPE that promotes lifelong learning through active engagement in self-directed educational activities aimed at maintaining professional competence, as a way to improve upon the utility of the recertification or licensure renewal processes.

This survey assesses the number of board-certified pharmacists in pharmacy practice faculty and the factors influencing the decision to become and maintain board certification. Out of the 2,867 recipients of the survey, 308 pharmacists were included in the analysis. Among the respondents included in the study, 308 pharmacists were board-certified, and 14 were previously board-certified. The motivations and barriers were categorized based on whether the respondent was board-certified, previously certified, or never certified. The most common motivators for becoming board-certified in any group were personal growth and being viewed as an expert in the field. The most common barrier in the never certified group and the previously certified group was a lack of perceived benefit or perceived need. The authors discussed the value that having a board-certified pharmacist on staff can provide and urged schools/colleges that do not have high rates of board-certified pharmacists to implement steps to improve their rates.

This article is a debate on whether all pharmacists who care for patients with complex medication needs should be required to hold Board of Pharmacy Specialties certification. The “pro” argument states that board certification helps ensure pharmacists maintain advanced, up-to-date clinical knowledge and can consistently provide high-quality care. Supporters believe certification demonstrates true competency beyond basic licensure and helps standardize skills across different training backgrounds. The “con” argument counters that certification may be impractical in areas facing workforce shortages, limited residency opportunities, financial barriers, and a lack of clear evidence that certification alone improves patient outcomes. Overall, the article highlights differing views on how best to prepare and validate pharmacists who care for patients with complex medication needs.

A survey was sent out to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) pharmacists who recently took the BPS board certification examination in pharmacotherapy, evaluating whether they felt that preparation for the exam affected the way they practiced. Each participant underwent a nine-month curriculum developed by the VHA. Out of the 76 survey respondents, 91% agreed that studying for the pharmacotherapy examination helped them gain knowledge that improved the care they provided, and a majority of respondents agreed that they have begun implementing that knowledge in practice.

This article highlights ACCP’s stance on the role and necessity of board certification within the pharmacy profession.

ACCP charged the Task Force on Residency Equivalency to define what professional experience expected of a pharmacist after completing a PGY1 residency. In the past, there has been a shift on what the public demands are of healthcare and of pharmacy; ACCP hopes to meet these demands by 2020 in having pharmacists complete a residency as a prerequisite to providing direct patient care.

ACCP presents a vision for the future of the pharmacy profession dictating that “formal, postgraduate residency training will become mandatory before one can enter practice.” This article further expands on this notion and examines evidence to support their vision.

In 2009, the authors proposed a multi-step process for certification that consisted of an initial “fundamental” examination with subsequent sub-specialty examinations. While the authors endorsed support for specialty certification and highlighted certification as a stepping stone toward pharmacist reimbursement for services, they identified that the certifications available through BPS at the time left gaps where pharmacists were providing specialized care. The authors also urged for standardization across exam eligibility requirements.

The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) emphasizes the importance of board certification for pharmacists, recognizing it as a critical factor in enhancing patient care and validating specialized knowledge. In their position statements, ACCP highlights the role of BPS in serving as the organization responsible for identifying and recognizing pharmacy practice specialties as well as setting standards for certification and recertification. They also reaffirm their vision that all pharmacists who are responsible for pharmacotherapeutic management of patients should be board certified. Because of this, ACCP supports the collaboration of pharmacists, employers, professional organizations, and legislative and regulatory bodies to develop mechanisms to ensure and promote the competency of pharmacists such as board certification.

In this publication, the authors emphasize the importance of pharmacists as healthcare professionals in medication-use outcomes and disease management. They provide an overview of Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) Certifications, describing pharmacist board certification as a voluntary, peer-developed process where pharmacists’ education, experience, knowledge, and skills in a specific practice area are validated through an examination, going beyond licensure requirements. The article highlights the advantages of certification, such as improved patient care, increased job opportunities, recognition among peers, higher salaries, and greater career advancement. The authors also provide strategic advice on exam preparation by encouraging pharmacists to consider taking the exam early in their career while weighing the benefits of timing based on residency, work experience, and personal circumstances.

Healthcare and pharmacy practice are continually evolving, and this may allow for new opportunities for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to perform functions and provide services not currently considered with their traditional roles.

This 2006 white paper by ACCP outlines a vision where most clinical pharmacists will be board-certified specialists within 20-30 years. It discusses the expertise and specialized knowledge that board certification provides, emphasizing its role as a quality assurance measure in healthcare institutions and a criterion for payment by payers. ACCP recommends that faculty members become board-certified and encourages colleges of pharmacy to support this initiative. Additionally, the paper addresses current barriers to achieving this vision, such as the lack of compensation for pharmacy services, and suggests possible solutions.

This white paper discusses the value of specialty certification in pharmacy through the views of employers, the government, and practicing pharmacists. The article summarizes the history of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties and the specialties recognized by BPS when the article was written. The article highlights various benefits based on which stakeholder is being evaluated. Common benefits given by clinical employers were public recognition, an increase in responsibilities/privileges, salary increases, and payment for certification fees and exams. Benefits viewed by pharmacists included increased acceptance by other healthcare professionals, salary raises, and job promotion. The white paper goes on to discuss the role of specialty in the medical field and the value it brings to physicians and their practice and how the same can translate over for pharmacists.

This article explores the evolution of pharmacy specialization and highlights the pivotal role of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) in recognizing specialized practice areas and certifying pharmacists. BPS established specialty councils and criteria for areas like nuclear pharmacy and pharmacotherapy, later adding “added qualifications” to support deeper specialization. It discusses the challenges of adopting a medical-style specialization framework in pharmacy while emphasizing the need for robust credentialing, education, and continuous professional development. The article also reviews the rise of disease-state management programs and other initiatives aimed at enhancing pharmacists’ responsibilities. In conclusion, the author calls for ongoing improvements in specialization frameworks to align with the ever-changing demands of healthcare and the pharmacy profession.

The article explains how board certification and credentialing help maintain pharmacist competency, resulting in improved patient care and professional development. It highlights the benefits of specialization, such as better clinical outcomes and the ability to provide targeted services, while also addressing concerns like increased costs and limited access to specialized care. The authors emphasize the importance of ongoing education and adaptable standards to support both specialized and generalist roles. The article provides valuable insights into how board certification impacts both pharmacists and the broader healthcare environment. BPS-certified specialists are recognized for their advanced expertise and preparation by federal agencies, academic institutions, and state boards of pharmacy. These specialists often receive higher compensation, expanded prescribing privileges, and a range of other benefits.

The article highlights the growth of specialization in pharmacy, following the trends in other healthcare professions like medicine and nursing. The author highlighted the importance of the formation of the “Board of Pharmacy Specialties,” which established criteria to recognize specialty areas within pharmacy practice, ensuring these specialties are rooted in advanced pharmaceutical sciences rather than basic or administrative tasks. The author emphasizes the importance of advanced education and training to meet the complex needs of these specialized roles. The article invites others in the field to contribute ideas and expand the list of recognized specialties, demonstrating the dynamic and evolving nature of pharmacy as a profession.