Frequently Asked Questions

I work in a community pharmacy. Am I eligible to sit for the Ambulatory Care pharmacy exam?

Some Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacists work in community pharmacies. You are eligible to sit for the ambulatory care pharmacy specialty certification exam if you have graduated from an accredited school of pharmacy, have an active license to practice and have one of the following:

  • 4 years practice experience with 50% of time spent in ambulatory care activities, as defined by the Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Content Outline; or
  • Completed a PGY1 residency plus at least 2 additional years practice experience with 50% of time spent in ambulatory care activities; or 
  • Completed a PGY2 residency in ambulatory care pharmacy.


Please view the
Ambulatory Care Content Outline for more details.

An employer attestation letter and/or proof of residency completion is required.

How do I know if my years of practice experience will fulfill the eligibility requirements?

Eligibility criteria vary among specialty areas. If you are qualifying via practice experience, you must have a minimum number of years where you can demonstrate you spent at least 50% of your time each year in that specialty area, as defined by the BPS Content Outline.

The BPS Specialty Area Content Outlines are blueprints for the exam that also map out the tasks and activities that may be counted towards practice experience in that specialty area. To determine your eligibility, closely view the Content Outline to see if your practice experience matches the tasks outlined.

How do I demonstrate my years of practice experience to fulfill the eligibility requirements?

In order to provide documentation of your practice experience, the BPS application requires you to list separate twelve-month time periods with a percentage breakdown of the time you spent in each of the domains of the Content Outline for your specialty area. Additionally, you are required to provide employer contact information for each year reported. The required years of practice experience vary among specialties. Please view the eligibility criteria for your specialty for further details.

I have two years of experience where I spent 100% of my time in my chosen specialty area. Does this meet the criteria?

No, the number of years of practice experience required for each specialty area represents a minimum requirement. For example, for BCOP certification, 4 years of practice experience with at least 50% of that time each year spent in Oncology pharmacy activities is required. Even if you spend 100% of your time in Oncology pharmacy activities, four years of practice experience is required.

Does BPS partner with external organizations for the application process?

BPS partners with Prometric to provide the examination. BPS does not have any other partnerships for the certification or recertification application process. BPS partners with professional development program (PDP) providers to provide continuing education (CE) for recertification and the relationship is noted here. Any organization claiming a relationship with BPS for the application process or providing CE labeled ‘BPS-approved’ outside of the organizations listed should be reported to BPS immediately.

What is the fee for applicants seeking BPS board certification?

The fee for all first-time applicants for specialty certification is $600 USD

How often are the BPS exams held?

BPS holds specialty certification and recertification examinations both windowed testing format and continuous testing format examinations. Examinations offered in the windowed testing format are available in two windows per year, either in April/May or August/September. For examinations offered in the continuous testing format, a candidate has the opportunity to register throughout the year and take a certification or recertification examination at any point in the year.

Where are BPS exams held?

BPS uses Prometric to administer our exams. Prometric has approximately 1,000 test center locations worldwide. To search for available test locations please visit the following Prometric webpage: https://www.prometric.com/en-us/BPS/Pages/landing.aspx.

BPS has partnered with Prometric to provide live remote proctored (LRP) testing. Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) is an option for eligible candidates in the U.S., Australia, or Canada. LRP allows candidates to test in a place of their choosing (i.e., in their home) using their own computer, rather than at a brick-and-mortar Prometric testing center, while being monitored via webcam by offsite proctors. To be eligible, candidates must reside in the U.S., Australia, or Canada.

All exams are computer-based.

What happens if I fail the certification exam?

Candidates in the windowed testing format who have failed a certification examination within the past year have the option to apply for a retake examination within a year of the previous attempt for a reduced fee of $300 USD. For specialties in the continuous testing format, candidates who fail a certification examination will have to apply for a retake examination and pay a discounted fee of $300 USD to retake the examination. A candidate pursuing a specialty within the continuous testing format will be allowed two retake examinations, with 90 calendar days between each retake. If a passing score is not achieved after the second retake attempt, a candidate must wait 12 months to submit a new application, with an application fee of $600 USD, and begin the process again.

For information on recertification exams, please review the Recertification Guide.

Can I sit for more than one BPS exam?

A pharmacist can only sit for one specialty exam in each testing cycle. Additionally, it would be difficult for a pharmacist to hold more than a few certifications because of the requirement to have practiced for at least 3 to 4 years in that specialty. We do have pharmacists that hold more than one certification.

Practice guidelines have recently been updated. Will this be reflected on the exam?

All BPS specialty certification examinations reflect current, best practice guidelines. Examinations are assembled months prior to the administration date, so they 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.

When do I pay the annual maintenance fee?

Board certified pharmacists are required to pay a $125 annual maintenance fee during years 1-6 of their recertification cycle. Notifications will be sent out via email during the first week of May each year, with payment due within 45 days of the notice.

Do I pay an annual fee during my recertification year?

Board certified pharmacists who are due to recertify do not pay the annual maintenance fee in their recertification year. This includes candidates who hold two or more BPS certifications. Instead, pharmacists due to recertify should submit the recertification application and pay the recertification fee.

I have multiple certifications. Do I pay an annual maintenance fee for each specialty?

No, pharmacists holding more than one BPS certification are assessed only one annual fee.

If you delist a credential in a recertification year but wish to maintain other credential(s), you will be assessed the annual certification maintenance fee.

Why isn’t my name on the Board Certified Pharmacist search?

Board Certified pharmacists’ names are removed from the board certified pharmacist search when they are overdue on payment of the annual certification maintenance fee, and therefore not in good standing. To rectify the situation, please login to your MyBPS account to pay all past due annual maintenance fees (plus $5 penalty fee). Once these fees have been paid, your name will come up on the board certified pharmacist search.

How do I change my MyBPS password?

To change your MyBPS password, login to your MyBPS account and click “Change Password” on the left-hand side of the screen.

How do I update my email/phone number/mailing address?

To update your contact information, log in to your MyBPS account and click on “Update Profile” on the left-hand side of the screen.

Please note, changing your email address will not automatically update your Username. To update your username, click “Change Username” on the left-hand side of the homepage of your MyBPS account.

I’ve recently changed my name. How do I update it with BPS?

Logon to your MyBPS account. On the left-hand side of the screen, under “Other Requests”, click “Name Change”. This will bring you to the Name Change Application. Please note, you will need to upload a PDF or JPG of your government issued documentation (driver’s license, passport, etc.) with your updated name listed.

How can my employer verify my BPS certification?

Employers can verify certification by using the Board Certified Pharmacist Search on the BPS website, which lists all BPS pharmacists in good standing. For further information, they can contact BPS directly using the Contact Us form on the BPS website.

When is the recertification application and fee due?

Certificants can submit the recertification application and fee as early as January 1 of their recertification year. The recertification application and fee are due no later than August of the recertification year.

Why aren’t my CPE units showing up in my MyBPS account?
CPE is transmitted in live real time reporting from the provider’s learning management system (LMS) upon successful completion of the post activity assessment. If CPE is not reflected in your MyBPS account, make sure to complete all of the provider’s requirements. BPS also recommends verifying that the IND, credential number, and email address in the provider site matches the information in MyBPS.
When can I sit for the recertification examination?

It is in the best interest of a certificant to take the opportunity to register early in the year, in which case if a passing score is not achieved, there is still an opportunity to retest later in the year to successfully meet their recertification requirements within their recertification year before the December 31 deadline.

For certificants in Continuous Testing – BPS recommends that a certificant sits for their recertification examination before October 15 in their recertification year. If a certificant sits for the examination any later in the year, they may not receive their score before December 31

Please review the BPS Recertification Guide for details.

When can a newly certified pharmacist begin earning recertification units?

Once receiving a passing score, a candidate’s certification becomes active on the first day of the following month. However, a newly certified pharmacist must wait until January 1 of the following calendar year to begin earning CPE units.

(E.g., candidates certified Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023 will not be able to receive CPE units until Jan. 1, 2024)

When is the recertification application submission deadline for certificants?

Recertification applications are due the first week of August in the recertification year. The recertification cycle length remains unchanged at 7 years for all specialties. All recertification criteria must be met 7 years from the date of initial certification. Certificants must either achieve a passing score on a recertification examination or complete the required amount of BPS-approved continuing education before the December 31 deadline of their recertification year.

After my recertification application is approved, when can I schedule my recertification examination?

After a certificant is approved to take a recertification examination, they may schedule their examination session any time before December 31 of their recertification year.

BPS recommends that a certificant sits for their recertification examination before October 15 in their recertification year. If a certificant sits for the examination any later in the year, they may not receive their score before the December 31 recertification deadline.

When does a certificant need to achieve a passing score to complete recertification by examination?

Certificants who choose to recertify by examination must achieve a passing score by the December 31 recertification deadline in their recertification year.

Specialties in windowed testing can test twice in a year (March/April or August/September). BPS recommends registering early in the year. If a passing score is not achieved, there may be an opportunity to retest within the recertification year.

Specialties in continuous testing must test by October 15 in their recertification year.

What is the policy for retaking a recertification examination?

If a certificant does not pass their recertification examination, they may request to retake the recertification examination. Once their retake application is approved, they may schedule their examination session any time before December 31 of their recertification year.

There is a mandatory 90 calendar day period between the last examination session and the date a certificant schedules for their retake examination. BPS recommends that a certificant sits for their recertification examination before October 31 in their recertification year to receive their score before the December 31 deadline.

A certificant is allowed a total of three recertification examination attempts, which includes the first recertification examination attempt and two retake examination attempts.

If a certificant does not achieve a passing score after three attempts or before December 31 of their recertification year, whichever is first, they may submit a request for a one-time, one-year extension (subject to approval at the discretion of BPS). More information on extension requests is available in the BPS Recertification Guide.

A certificant recertifying by examination who does not achieve a passing score by December 31 of their recertification year and does not receive a one-year extension will be removed from the official roster of BPS-certified pharmacists. Once a pharmacist has been removed from the roster, they may no longer use the designation associated with that specialty certification. To reinstate a certification, a pharmacist will need to submit an application for the certification examination, pay all applicable fees, and pass the certification examination.

About Continuous Testing

What is continuous testing?

Continuous testing is the opportunity for a candidate to register throughout the year and take a certification or recertification examination at any point in the year. This differs from BPS’s current certification and recertification examination structure, in which exams are offered in two windows per year.

Which specialties are launching continuous testing?
Candidates can schedule a testing session in the following four specialties moving to the continuous testing model on or after:
  • BCCP – Monday, April 3, 2023
  • BCNP – Monday, April 3, 2023
  • BCPP- Monday, April 3, 2023
  • BCOP – Monday, August 28, 2023

2023 April/May August/September
BCACP Window Window
BCCCP Window Window
BCCP Continuous Starts
BCEMP Window Window
BCGP Window Window
BCIDP Window Window
BCNP Continuous Starts
BCNSP Window Window
BCOP Window Continuous Starts
BCPP Continuous Starts
BCPPS Window Window
BCPS Window Window
BCSCP Window Window
BCTXP Window Window
What is the timeline for other specialties to move to continuous testing?

The timeline for other examination programs will be announced at least six months before the shift to continuous testing. BPS aims to transition two to four specialties per year from windowed administration to continuous administration. New specialties will begin with windows-based testing and will move to a continuous testing model. While this transition takes place, all examinations will be available each year.

What are the differences between windowed and continuous testing?
The application process for windowed testing and the application process for continuous testing vary slightly. Below is a process chart to demonstrate the difference for candidates applying for certification and recertification examinations in the two testing modes. 

How will the shift to continuous testing impact my specialty recertification by examination?

Continuous testing means that a candidate will be able to test anytime throughout the year instead of the existing structure of two testing windows. For recertification by examination, a candidate will need to achieve a passing score on the recertification examination by December 31 of their recertification year. BPS recommends pursuing an examination early in the recertification year so if a passing score is not achieved, there is time to retake the examination.

How will the shift to continuous testing impact my specialty recertification by continuing education?

Continuous testing will not have an impact on a certificant completing their recertification by the continuing pharmacy education (CPE) option. For recertification by CPE, a candidate must submit their recertification application and fee by the deadline of their recertification year, and complete their specialty’s CPE requirement by December 31 of their recertification year. Continuous testing means that a candidate will be able to take the recertification examination anytime throughout the year instead of the existing structure of two testing windows. For recertification by exam, a candidate must submit their recertification application and fee by the deadline of their recertification year and achieve a passing score by December 31 of their recertification year.

Continuous Testing Exam Registration

When can a candidate register for a continuously available exam?

A candidate can register for a continuously offered examination 2-3 months prior to the launch of that examination.  

For the examinations moving to continuous testing in 2023, registration will open alongside registration for specialties with windowed exams and will remain open throughout the year. 

How long will it take for BPS to review my application?

After an applicant submits their registration application, BPS will review it within 30 calendar days.



Should I submit an application before requesting transcripts from my University?

For specialties in continuous testing, applications submitted without a transcript will not be reviewed and approved until the transcript has been received directly from the candidate’s school. The 30-day review timeline will not begin until we receive your transcript. For specialties in windowed testing, you should submit your application prior to requesting education documentation from your school. Your application is not complete; however, you will receive an authorization to test email if all other eligibility requirements are completed. You will not receive your exam score until we receive a transcript from your university. Failure to submit the Graduation Documentation Request Form may result in delays in processing your application.

After my application is approved, when can I schedule my certification examination?

From the date of application approval, a candidate may schedule their examination session at any time within the 365 calendar days following their application approval.

Can a candidate who is registered for a given administration window opt to defer and be rescheduled to continuous offering?

Yes, a candidate registered for an examination in a specialty in the continuous testing model can request to reschedule from the window-based test to the continuous test format, assuming that specialty is or will be available continuously that calendar year. To do so, please reach out through the contact us page on the BPS website.

Continuous Testing Exam Format and Administration

How many items will be on the continuously offered exams?

There are 150 items on certification examinations for specialties in the continuous testing model. This differs from the 175-item certification examinations in specialties within the windowed-testing format. Recertification examinations will remain at 100 items regardless of whether the specialty is in the continuous testing or windows-based testing format.

How much time will be alloted for the 150 item initial certification examinations?

The administration time allotted for the 150-item initial certification examinations will be 3 hours and 45 minutes. There is no change in administration time for recertification examinations.

Will there be a break during my specialty examination in the continuous testing model?

There is no scheduled break during a test in the continuously available testing model.

Candidates may choose to take an unscheduled break and have the time deducted from their examination period. In unscheduled breaks, the candidate is required to notify the proctor and wait for confirmation before leaving the examination area. Failure to inform the proctor prior to taking an unscheduled break or failure to return on time will result in a termination of the examination. Upon return, a full security scan will be conducted prior to resuming exam.

Is moving from 175 examination items to 150 making the test “easier” or less rigorous? Why is this change being made?

This will not lessen the rigor of the examination. BPS examinations maintain a high standard with a more focused set of examination items. Statistical analysis has determined that BPS can achieve adequate content coverage and reliability of exam scores with this small decrease in the number of examination items. The shorter examination will also create scheduling flexibility for candidates.

Are BPS examinations updated to reflect guideline changes?

New regulations, drugs, and therapies are continually incorporated into the examination content. All BPS specialty certification examinations reflect current, best practice guidelines. Examinations are assembled months prior to the administration date so they 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.

How long will it take for BPS to review my examination session?

After an applicant successfully completes a certification or recertification examination, they will receive their score determination within 60 calendar days.

What is the policy for retaking a certification examination?

New regulations, drugs, and therapies are continually incorporated into the examination content. All BPS specialty certification examinations reflect current, best practice guidelines. Examinations are assembled months prior to the administration date so they 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.

How many retake attempts do I have for a certification examination?

A candidate is allowed a total of three certification examination attempts, which includes the first certification examination attempt and two retake examination attempts. Once approved for the retake examination, a candidate’s 365-calendar day eligibility period is renewed.

If a candidate does not achieve a passing score after three attempts, they must wait 12 months from the last testing attempt to begin the process and register again. For more information about certification examination applications, visit the BPS Candidate’s guide.

Can candidates take continuously available exams via live remote proctoring (LRP)?

Yes. However, candidates outside of the U.S., Canada, or Australia are not eligible for LRP at this time.

Score Reporting

When can a candidate expect to receive their score report?

A candidate can expect to receive a score report within 60 calendar days after their testing session.

When will the certification become active?

Upon achieving a passing score on the certification examination, the certification becomes active the first day of the following month.

When will a successful candidate receive a physical copy of their certificate?

Physical certificates are mailed approximately 90 calendar days after a candidate receives their passing score. Physical certificates are automatically sent and do not need to be requested.

When will a successful candidate receive a BPS digital badge?

Digital badges are sent within 90 calendar days after a candidate receives their passing score. Digital badges are automatically sent and do not need to be requested.

About Continuing Professional Development

What is CPD?

BPS defines continuing professional development (CPD) as a commitment to lifelong learning. Various pharmacy organizations worldwide have used the following definitions:

The Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE) defines CPD as:

“a self-directed, ongoing, systematic and outcomes-focused approach to lifelong learning that is applied into practice. It involves the process of active participation in formal and informal learning activities that assist individuals in developing and maintaining continuing competence, enhancing their professional practice, and supporting achievement of their career goals.”

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) defines CPD as:

“the responsibility of individual pharmacists for systematic maintenance, development and broadening of knowledge, skills and attitude to ensure continuing competence as a professional, throughout their careers.”

The CPD cycle includes several phases, beginning with an assessment of learning needs and goals (REFLECT). Then, outcomes-based learning objectives, priorities, and a timeline are generated (PLAN). Activities, resources, and various learning methodologies are identified and utilized to meet the learning objectives (LEARN). Finally, learning objective outcomes and impact are evaluated (EVALUATE), leading to reflection and the continuum begins again. A key to the CPD approach is connecting learning to practice (APPLY). Each stage of the CPD process should be recorded in a personal learning record or portfolio and reviewed periodically for progress.

 
 
The CPD Cycle Chart

Used with permission from ACPE.

How will CPD activities contribute to recertification?

Whether recertifying by professional development or recertification examination, board-certified pharmacists who start a new certification cycle in 2024 must:

  1. Record their annual reflection and plan (ARP) in their MyBPS profile annually (once they are within the framework effective date in the table below), and
  2. Earn a minimum of 2 units (via CPD activities or assessed CPE via BPS-approved professional development program) during each year of their cycle.
Pathways to Recertification

Achieve passing score on a specialty certification examination and report 20 units of continuing professional development (CPD) by the end of the 7 year recertification cycle.

Complete at least 80 units of assessed continuing pharmacy education (CPE) from BPS-approved professional development programs and report 20 units of continuing professional development (CPD) by the end of the 7 year recertification cycle.

CPD activities must correlate to the content outline domains of the specialty in which the individual holds BPS certification. BPS will conduct random audits of CPD activities to ensure appropriateness and alignment with the relevant specialty content outline. BPS will begin recognizing seven categories of activities under the initial CPD pilot.
  1. Assessed CPE from BPS-approved professional development program
  2. CPE and CPD portfolios
  3. Academic, Professional, and Interprofessional Study
  4. Teaching and Precepting Learners
  5. Scholarly Activities
  6. Workplace Activities
  7. Leadership and Professional Service
Activity Category Activity Description Example Evidence for upload (not exhaustive) Units Awarded*
Assessed CPE from BPS-approved professional development program If desired, you may complete an additional 20 units of assessed CPE via BPS-approved professional development programs to satisfy the 100-unit recertification requirement. The necessary plan, reflect, and evaluate components MUST be completed regardless. Verified by BPS
1 contact hour (0.1 CEU) will be awarded 1 unit
Activity Category Activity Description Example Evidence for upload (not exhaustive) Units Awarded* Annual Maximum Maximum per Recertification Cycle
Continuing pharmacy education (CPE) and CPD portfolios Earn CPE from provider (e.g., state associations, workplace education, certificate training programs) Certificate(s) of completion 1 contact hour (0.1 CEU) will be awarded 1 CPD unit 10 10
Earn CPE or CPD based on local, state, provincial, workplace or institutional requirements utilizing recognized processes and learning plans (e.g., Iowa, Canada, Australia) Portfolio, certificate(s) of completion 1 portfolio will be awarded 10 units 10 10
Academic, Professional, and Interprofessional Study Complete post-graduate academic or professional courses from an accredited institution (e.g., MPH, MHA) Academic transcript, proof of enrollment 1 course will be awarded 5 units 5 10
Attain or maintain active status for non-BPS certifications (e.g., AAHIVP, CDCES, CNSC, BC-ADM) Certification verification document or link 1 certification will be awarded 5 units 5 10
Complete continuing education accredited for other healthcare professionals (e.g., ACCME, ANCC, AAPA, APA, CDR, BOC, ADA CERP) Certificate of completion 1 credit hour will be awarded 1 unit 10 10
Teaching and Precepting Learners Develop and present educational content (e.g., college/university course lecture, continuing education, preparation/recertification course) Syllabus, course description from catalog 1 hour of teaching will be awarded 2 units 10 10
Serve as a preceptor for students, residents, or other healthcare professionals Confirmation from college of pharmacy, evaluation from student 10 hour of precepting will be awarded 1 unit 2 10
Scholarly Activities Serve as an author in a peer-reviewed journal article or book chapter Documentation of authorship from publisher, copy of chapter page 1 article or chapter will be awarded 5 units 5 10
Serve as an author for a published book Documentation of authorship from publisher 1 book will be awarded 10 units 10 10
Serve as an investigator for a submitted federal, state or national organization project, regardless of funding outcome. Letter of attestation from organization official, communication from granting agency verifying submission 1 grant will be awarded 5 units 5 10
Serve as an investigator on an IRB approved research project. Documentation of project, listing of investigator from IRB 1 unique capstone, thesis, or dissertation will be awarded 5 units 5 10
Complete a capstone project, thesis, or dissertation as part of post-graduate academic degree program Documentation of project, thesis or dissertation from degree granting institution 1 completed project will be awarded 5 units 5 10
Workplace Activities Lead in-service training or Grand Rounds Program announcement or presentation title with author, letter of attestation from management 10 hours of participation will be awarded 1 unit 2 10
Implement performance, practice, or clinical quality improvement project Letter of attestation from management 10 hours of participation will be awarded 1 unit 5 10
Serve on institutional review board, P&T, medication safety, medication therapy management committee, or another similar committee. Letter of attestation from management 10 hours of participation will be awarded 1 unit 2 10
Leadership and Professional Service Serve on a committee, editorial board, review board, workgroup, task force, board of directors (for local, state, provincial, national, or international healthcare-related organization) Letter of attestation from leadership, publication listing individual and corresponding position or role 10 hours of participation will be awarded 1 unit 2 10
BPS Specialty Council member Verified by BPS, if submitted 8 8 20
BPS Job analysis panelist Verified by BPS, if submitted 2 2 10
BPS Standard setting panelist Verified by BPS, if submitted 2 2 10
BPS Item writer Verified by BPS, if submitted 2 2 10
BPS Ambassador Verified by BPS, if submitted 2 2 10
BPS Content Contributor (e.g., podcast guest, blogger) Verified by BPS, if submitted 1 2 2
* BPS will award CPD units for recertification purposes ONLY. The necessary Reflect, Plan and Evaluate components MUST be completed for CPD units to be awarded for recertification. If a certificant wishes to claim CPD activities for licensure or employer requirements, please contact ACPE, the state board of pharmacy, or the employer for information on requirements.
Who is impacted by BPS CPD? When?

The first cohort of board-certified pharmacists eligible to take advantage of the updated recertification framework, including CPD, are board-certified pharmacists starting a new certification cycle in 2024. This includes pharmacists newly certified in 2023 and board-certified pharmacists who successfully recertify in 2023. The framework will be applied each year to pharmacists starting a new 7-year certification cycle (newly certified and recertified pharmacists) until it is applicable to all board-certified pharmacists.

Year Certified or RecertifiedCertification Cycle
Start Date
(begin earning recertification units)
Certification Cycle Expiration Date
(deadline to complete recertification requirements)
New CPD-Recertification Framework Effective Date
2016January 1, 2017December 31, 2023January 1, 2024
2017January 1, 2018December 31, 2024January 1, 2025
2018January 1, 2019December 31, 2025January 1, 2026
2019January 1, 2020December 31, 2026January 1, 2027
2020January 1, 2021December 31, 2027January 1, 2028
2021January 1, 2022December 31, 2028January 1, 2029
2022January 1, 2023December 31, 2029January 1, 2030
2023January 1, 2024December 31, 2030January 1, 2024
2024 onwardJanuary 1, 2025December 31, 2031January 1, 2025

This table is based on the standard seven-year certification cycle. Certificants who are granted a one time, one year extension will not be subject to the updated recertification framework (including CPD) until they begin a new certification cycle after completion of the extension year.

Where is CPD documented?

Board-certified pharmacists will respond to prompts within their MyBPS portal to complete the Reflect, and Plan stages of the CPD cycle annually and complete the Evaluate stage at the time of CPD self-reporting. The Learn stage of the CPD cycle will be documented by uploading evidence of completion. The purpose of documenting the stages within the CPD cycle is to create a record of maintenance of certification.

Reflect: Consider potential learning needs related to your current practice and professional development. Consider the content outline relevant to your specialty certification. What knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, or skills did you identify as an area for growth?

Plan: Consider the CPD activity selected to promote the acquisition of the competency identified in your reflection. Document the SMART goal or learning objectives related to the CPD activity.

Learn: Will be documented via MyBPS CPD activity self-reporting portal and evidence upload feature

Evaluate: Assess the impact of your learning. Describe how your professional development or practice was/will be impacted by this learning.

CPD activities should be reported in MyBPS within six months of the activity completion date. Neither the certificant nor the organization providing the learning opportunity is required to gain BPS approval prior to participating in or reporting CPD activities. BPS will conduct random, statistically significant audits to ensure activity appropriateness and alignment with the relevant specialty content outline.

**The following steps will only appear in your MyBPS profile once you are subject to CPD requirements (see above “Who?” and “When?”). Steps are subject to change as the database undergoes updates.

To document CPD activities, log in to MyBPS. In the “Recertification” section, under the “Action” column, click “Report Activity.” Click the orange “Add Activity Record” button. Read the attestation before clicking the check box of acknowledgement. From the “Activity Type” dropdown menu, select the CPD activity you wish to report. Follow the instructions on the subsequent page and complete the required fields, including the Evaluate box. Upload your evidence of completion in the “Supporting documents” field by clicking the green “Add files” button. Click “Save” when you are ready to proceed.

To document your Annual Reflection & Plan, log in to MyBPS. In the “Recertification” section, under the “Action” column, click “report Activity.” Click the orange “Add Activity Record” button. Read the attestation before clicking the check box of acknowledgement. From the “Activity Type dropdown menu, select “Annual Reflection & Plan Submission.” In the “Date,” field, select a date within the year for which this reflection and plan are applicable. Respond to the Reflect and Plan prompts. Click “Save” when you are ready to proceed.

From the confirmation screen stating, “Record has been added,” you may click “Add new activity” to report additional CPD activities or click “Return to transcript” to review all CPE and CPD completed for recertification so far. If you notice an error in CPD activities that you’d like to correct, click the “Edit” tab.” In the action column, click “Edit/Del.” To delete the record, click “Delete record” above the “Activity Type” drop down. This cannot be undone. If you wish to edit the record, make appropriate changes and click “Save” when finished. CPD activities completed the year prior cannot be edited or deleted (i.e., 2024 activities cannot be edited/deleted in 2025).

Why is CPD being implemented?
Continuing professional development activities are being implemented as part of the BPS recertification framework in response to feedback from board-certified pharmacists who emphasized the need for flexible, contemporary, interactive, low-cost activities as part of maintaining continued competence in their specialty practice area. CPD offers a process for pharmacists to meet and maintain competencies relevant to their specialty certification and professional practice. CPD has been endorsed and encouraged by several pharmacy organizations, including but not limited to, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP), the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Additional Information

I need help and my question wasn’t found in the FAQs. How can I contact help?

Visit the contact us page on the BPS website. To expedite your request, select “CPD” from the first drop down menu when submitting an e-ticket.

If I plan to complete all 100 units required for recertification through the BPS-approved professional development program(s), how do I satisfy the requirement for 20 units of self-selected/self-reported CPD activities?

You will complete 80 units of assessed CPE via BPS-approved professional development program(s). For the remaining 20 units, you can choose to complete any combination of assessed CPE via BPS-approved professional development program(s) or self-selected, self-reported CPD activities. The necessary plan, reflect, and evaluate components for the 20 units MUST be completed regardless.

If I participate in BPS-approved, assessed CPE, but don’t pass the post-activity assessment for BPS recertification credit, can I still count the ACPE credit I earned as CPD units?

Yes, you may earn continuing pharmacy education (CPE) from any ACPE-accredited provider (e.g., state associations, workplace education, certificate training programs offering ACPE credit) to count as CPD units.

Will BPS promote CPD activities on the BPS website?

BPS will continue listing BPS-approved, assessed CPE professional development program providers for each specialty area on the website. Review a listing of professional development program providers by specialty area by clicking here

BPS will not pre-approve CPD activities, so a public repository of CPD activities will not appear on the BPS website.

What does “active – activity units pending” status mean?

“Active–activity pending” means that the certificant has an active certification but has not provided evidence of completion of the minimum of 2 CPE/CPD units annually. Pharmacists are allowed 12 additional months to complete recertification activities to correct the deficiency. If the deficiency is not corrected, board-certified pharmacists in “Active-activity pending” status are subject to action, which may include suspension of certification and/or possible revocation of certification.

How often are the BPS exams held?

BPS holds specialty certification and recertification examinations both windowed testing format and continuous testing format examinations. Examinations offered in the windowed testing format are available in two windows per year, either in April/May or August/September. For examinations offered in the continuous testing format, a candidate has the opportunity to register throughout the year and take a certification or recertification examination at any point in the year.

 

Where are BPS exams held?

BPS uses Prometric to administer our exams. Prometric has approximately 1,000 test center locations worldwide. To search for available test locations please visit the following Prometric webpage: https://www.prometric.com/en-us/BPS/Pages/landing.aspx

All exams are computer-based.

 

Why is there a difference in the time to receive a score report for windowed examinations in comparison to continuous testing examinations?

BPS exam results will be released to examinees in continuously available specialty examinations within 60 calendar days from their examination administration date. For specialties in widowed examinations, examinees will receive scores within 90 days from the close of the examination window.

BPS is in the process of converting certification examination programs from a window testing format to continuously available format. One of the key benefits of the continuously available testing format is the decreased time for verifying examination outcomes and providing score reports to candidates. To achieve this faster turnaround in the continuously available testing format, much of the psychometric analysis that is required to establish equivalence and verify the accuracy of examination scores is done prior to administration; whereas, in the window testing format, administration data from the cohort of examinees is gathered and post-administration psychometric analysis is conducted as part of the scoring process.

 

What happens if I fail an exam?

Candidates in the windowed testing format who have failed a certification examination within the past year have the option to apply for a retake examination within a year of the previous attempt for a reduced fee of $300 USD. For specialties in the continuous testing format, candidates who fail a certification examination will have to apply for a retake examination and pay a discounted fee of $300 USD to retake the examination. A candidate pursuing a specialty within the continuous testing format will be allowed two retake examinations, with 90 calendar days between each retake. If a passing score is not achieved after the second retake attempt, a candidate must wait 12 months to submit a new application, with an application fee of $600 USD, and begin the process again.

 

Can I sit for more than one BPS exam?

A pharmacist can only sit for one specialty exam in each testing cycle. Additionally, it would be difficult for a pharmacist to hold more than a few certifications because of the requirement to have practiced for at least 3 to 4 years in that specialty. We do have pharmacists that hold more than one certification.

 

What are the benefits of board certification?

For pharmacists who earn BPS certification, the career opportunities will vary by employer. In the U.S. Department of Defense and in the U.S. Public Health Service, board certified specialists may receive bonus pay. Within the VA system, specialists may serve at a higher pay step. An increasing number of employers, such as Kaiser Permanente’s Colorado region, recognize BPS certified pharmacists in their career ladder programs.

Additionally, board certification can provide a personal reward for pharmacists. By preparing for the exam there is an opportunity to increase your specialized knowledge in a practice area. Board certification is a way that pharmacists can objectively demonstrate that they have the knowledge and experience for complex medication management. Being Board certified is also a means of informing other professionals of your educational and practice accomplishments.

 

I work in a chain or independent community pharmacy. Am I eligible to sit for the Ambulatory Care pharmacy exam?

Many of the Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacists work in chain and independent community pharmacies. If you have graduated from an accredited school of pharmacy, have an active license to practice and have one of the following:

4 years practice experience with 50% of time spent in ambulatory care activities

or

Completed a PGY1 residency and 1 additional year practice experience with 50% of time spent in ambulatory care activities

or

Completed a PGY2 residency in ambulatory care pharmacy

You are eligible to sit for the exam. Please view the Ambulatory Care Content Outline for more details.

 

How do I know if my years of practice experience will fulfill the eligibility requirements?

Eligibility criteria vary among specialty areas. If you are qualifying via practice experience, you must have a minimum number of years where you can demonstrate you spent at least 50% of your time each year in that specialty area, as defined by the BPS Content Outline.

The BPS Specialty Area Content Outlines are blueprints for the exam that also map out the tasks and activities that may be counted towards practice experience in that specialty area. To determine your eligibility, closely view the Content Outline to see if your practice experience matches the tasks outlined.

 

How do I demonstrate my years of practice experience to fulfill the eligibility requirements?

In order to provide documentation of your practice experience, the BPS application requires you to list separate twelve-month time periods with a percentage breakdown of the time you spent in each of the domains of the Content Outline for your specialty area. Additionally, you are required to provide employer contact information for each year reported. The required years of practice experience vary among specialties. Please view the eligibility criteria for your specialty for further details.

 

I have two years of experience where I spent 100% of my time in my chosen specialty area. Does this meet the criteria?

No, the number of years of practice experience required for each specialty area represents a minimum requirement. For example, for BCOP certification, 4 years of practice experience with at least 50% of that time each year spent in Oncology pharmacy activities is required. Even if you spend 100% of your time in Oncology pharmacy activities, four years of practice experience is required.

 

Practice guidelines have recently been updated. Will this be reflected on the exam?

All BPS specialty certification examinations reflect current, best practices at the time they are constructed. Practice guidelines used for the Spring examination are those that are current as of January 1 of the testing year. Practice guidelines for the Fall examination are those that are current as of July 1 of the testing year.

 

Does BPS partner with external organization for the application process?

BPS partners with Prometric to provide the examination. BPS does not have any other partnerships for the certification or recertification application process. BPS partners with professional development program (PDP) providers to provide continuing education (CE) for recertification and the relationship is noted here. Any organization claiming a relationship with BPS for the application process or providing CE labeled ‘BPS-approved’ outside of the organizations listed should be reported to BPS immediately.

What is the fee for International applicants seeking BPS board certification?

The fee for all first-time applicants for specialty certification is $600 USD.

 

What additional information am I required to submit if I am licensed outside of the United States, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, or Singapore?

Applicants who receive their pharmacy education outside of the U.S. and who are not licensed to practice pharmacy in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, or Singapore must provide BPS with the following:

Documentation of current active legal authorization to practice pharmacy in their country of origin or current residence.

AND

An official copy of the graduation certificate or diploma indicating that the individual has completed an educational program, preparing him or her for basic pharmacy practice

If these documents are not in English, English translations must be provided by the candidate, at the applicant’s expense. These documents are to be uploaded in PDF or JPG format as part of the online application process.

Additionally, all applicants licensed outside of the United States, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore must request a copy of their transcripts or certificate of graduation be sent in a sealed envelope directly from their university to BPS. Please fill out the Graduation Documentation Request Form and request your university submit it to BPS along with your education documentation.

For specialties in continuous testing, applications submitted without a transcript will not be reviewed and approved until the transcript has been received directly from the candidate’s school. The 30-day review timeline will not begin until we receive your transcript.

 

Where should transcripts/certificate of graduation be sent to?

International candidates must provide the Board with the following by the application deadline:

  • Electronic documentation of current active legal authorization to practice pharmacy in their country of origin or residence.

AND

  • An electronic copy of an official graduation transcript (e-transcript) and/or an official graduation certificate (translated into English) as a part of the online application process indicating that the individual has completed an educational program preparing him/her for basic pharmacy practice (as part of the online application process). The e-transcript must be provided by the UniversityCollege or School of Pharmacy and candidates will be required to provide the name and email address of the staff member who provided the e-transcript. BPS may contact the staff member to verify that the e-transcript is an official document that was provided by the educational program or institution.

OR

  • Sealed hard copy of transcripts or certificate of graduation with seal sent directly from the college or university where they received their pharmacy degree. It is preferred that the school send English translations of documentation. Please submit a Graduation Documentation Request Form to request education documentation from your University (Candidates must submit an application online prior to having this documentation sent to BPS). Please instruct your university to send sealed copies of your transcripts or certificate directly to:

Board of Pharmacy Specialties
2215 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20037-2985

 

Can I mail hard copies of transcripts directly to BPS?

No, all graduation transcripts, certificates and diplomas must be sent to BPS in a sealed envelope directly from your university. Transcripts sent by applicants to BPS will not be accepted.

 

Should I submit an application before requesting transcripts from my university?

We recommend requesting transcripts from your university as soon as possible. However, you should submit your application prior to requesting education documentation from your school. We ask that the Graduation Documentation Request Form be attached to any documentation sent in by your university.

Please note that your application is not complete, and you will not be authorized to test, until we receive hard copy documentation from your university. Failure to submit the Graduation Documentation Request Form may result in delays in processing your application.

For specialties in continuous testing, applications submitted without a transcript will not be reviewed and approved until the transcript has been received directly from the candidate’s school. The 30-day review timeline will not begin until we receive your transcript. For specialties in windowed testing, you should submit your application prior to requesting education documentation from your school. Your application is not complete; however, you will receive an authorization to test email if all other eligibility requirements are completed. You will not receive your exam score until we receive a transcript from your university. Failure to submit the Graduation Documentation Request Form may result in delays in processing your application.

 

Do the transcripts/graduation certificates and diplomas have to be in English?

It is preferred, if possible, that your University send required documentation in English. However, we will accept documentation in foreign languages as well. All documents sent in a foreign language will be translated into English. BPS will not confirm receipt of documents until the translation is complete.

 

What if my transcripts don’t arrive by the application deadline?

For specialties in continuous testing,  all required documentation, including employment verification, completion of residency, and transcripts must be supplied at the time of application submission. If required documentation is not received within 30 days of submission, your application will be withdrawn and your application fees will be refunded.  The 30-day review timeline will not begin until we receive your transcript.

For specialties in windowed testing, you should submit your application prior to requesting education documentation from your school. Your application is not complete; however, you will receive an authorization to test email if all other eligibility requirements are completed. You will not receive your exam score until we receive a transcript from your university.  Failure to submit the Graduation Documentation Request Form may result in delays in processing your application.

 

In my country, it is acceptable to earn practice experience before licensure is granted. Does this practice experience meet the BPS eligibility requirements?

All practice experience must be earned post-pharmacist licensure. Any practice experience earned prior to the issuance of your official pharmacist license will not be accepted. This includes practice experience earned under a temporary or provisional license. Applications that do not meet this requirement will be withdrawn and your application fees will be refunded.

 

I have multiple spellings of my name. Which should I use when filling out the BPS application?

Each Prometric testing center requires all candidates to present a valid government-issued photo identification with a signature. The name that you apply with should match your government I.D. The BPS profile does offer a section for you to list any other names that are used. Please be sure to list all other names there, including the name listed on your official university documents.

 

Does BPS partner with external organization for the application process?

BPS partners with Prometric to provide the examination. BPS does not have any other partnerships for the certification or recertification application process. BPS partners with professional development program (PDP) providers to provide continuing education (CE) for recertification and the relationship is noted here. Any organization claiming a relationship with BPS for the application process or providing CE labeled ‘BPS-approved’ outside of the organizations listed should be reported to BPS immediately.

When do I pay the annual maintenance fee?

Board certified pharmacists are required to pay a $125 annual maintenance fee during years 1-6 of their recertification cycle. Notifications will be sent out via email during the first week of May each year, with payment due within 45 days of the notice.

 

Do I pay an annual fee during my recertification year?

Board certified pharmacists who are due to recertify do not pay the annual maintenance fee in their recertification year. This includes candidates who hold two or more BPS certifications. Instead, pharmacists due to recertify should submit the recertification application and pay the recertification fee.

 

I have multiple certifications. Do I pay an annual maintenance fee for each specialty?

No, pharmacists holding more than one BPS certification are assessed only one annual fee.

 

Why isn’t my name on the Board Certified Pharmacist search?

Board Certified pharmacists’ names are removed from the board certified pharmacist search when they are overdue on payment of the annual certification maintenance fee, and therefore not in good standing. To rectify the situation, please login to your MyBPS account to pay all past due annual maintenance fees (plus $5 penalty fee). Once these fees have been paid, your name will come up on the board certified pharmacist search.

 

How do I change my MyBPS password?

To change your MyBPS password, login to your MyBPS account and click “Change Password” on the left-hand side of the screen.

 

How do I update my email/phone number/mailing address?

To update your contact information, log in to your MyBPS account and click on “Update Profile” on the left-hand side of the screen.

Please note, changing your email address will not automatically update your Username. To update your username, click “Change Username” on the left-hand side of the homepage of your MyBPS account.

 

I’ve recently changed my name. How do I update it with BPS?

Logon to your MyBPS account. On the left-hand side of the screen, under “Other Requests”, click “Name Change”. This will bring you to the Name Change Application. Please note, you will need to upload a PDF or JPG of your government issued documentation (driver’s license, passport, etc.) with your updated name listed.

 

When is the recertification fee due?

All board-certified pharmacists are required to pay the BPS Annual Certification Maintenance fee of $125 USD each year for years one through six of their certification and a $400 USD recertification fee in year seven. However, you can submit your application beginning in January of your recertification year. If you wish to test during the Spring testing window, you must submit your application by the Spring application deadline (see Dates, Deadlines, and Fees for more information).

Candidates wishing to recertify via continuing education have until December 31 of their recertification year to complete their CE requirements; however, they must submit their application by August 4, by selecting the “Honor CE” recertification route.

 

Why aren’t my CE hours showing up in my MyBPS account?

Approved providers send all earned CE hours AFTER the post-test due date, so there may be lag time between when you submit a module and when those CE hours appear in your MyBPS account. Please note that hours are linked to your MyBPS account from approved providers using your BPS credential number. Your credential number can be found by logging into your MyBPS account and clicking “Credential Info”.

 

If I’m recertifying via examination, do I have to take the exam in the Fall of my recertification year?

No, Board Certified pharmacists who are planning on recertifying via examination will have the option of taking the exam in either the Spring or the Fall of their recertification year.

 

How can my employer verify my BPS certification?

Employers can verify certification by using the Board Certified Pharmacist Search on the BPS website, which lists all BPS pharmacists in good standing. For further information, they can contact BPS directly using the Contact Us form on the BPS website.

About Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Whether recertifying by professional development or recertification examination, board-certified pharmacists who start a new certification cycle in 2024 must:
  1. Record their personal CPD plan in their MyBPS profile annually (once they are within the framework effective date in the table below), and
  2. Earn a minimum of 2 units (via CPD activities or traditional, BPS-approved, assessed continuing education) during each year of their cycle.
CPD Recertification Pathways
The first cohort of board-certified pharmacists eligible to take advantage of the updated recertification framework, including CPD, are board-certified pharmacists starting a new certification cycle in 2024. This includes pharmacists newly certified in 2023 and board-certified pharmacists who successfully recertify in 2023. The framework will be applied each year to pharmacists starting a new 7-year certification cycle (newly certified and recertified pharmacists) until it is applicable to all board-certified pharmacists.
Year Certified or Recertified Certification Cycle Start Date (begin earning recertification units) Certification Cycle Expiration Date (deadline to complete recertification requirements) New CPD-Recertification Framework Effective Date
2016 January 1, 2017 December 31, 2023 January 1, 2024
2017 January 1, 2018 December 31, 2024 January 1, 2025
2018 January 1, 2019 December 31, 2025 January 1, 2026
2019 January 1, 2020 December 31, 2026 January 1, 2027
2020 January 1, 2021 December 31, 2027 January 1, 2028
2021 January 1, 2022 December 31, 2028 January 1, 2029
2022 January 1, 2023 December 31, 2029 January 1, 2030
2023 January 1, 2024 December 31, 2030 January 1, 2024
2024 onward January 1, 2025 December 31, 2031 January 1, 2025
This table is based on the standard seven-year certification cycle. Certificants who are granted a one time, one year extension will not be subject to the updated recertification framework (including CPD) until they begin a new certification cycle after completion of the extension year.
BPS defines continuing professional development (CPD) as a commitment to lifelong learning. Various pharmacy organizations worldwide have used the following definitions: The Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE) defines CPD as:

“a self-directed, ongoing, systematic and outcomes-focused approach to lifelong learning that is applied into practice. It involves the process of active participation in formal and informal learning activities that assist individuals in developing and maintaining continuing competence, enhancing their professional practice, and supporting achievement of their career goals.”

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) defines CPD as:

“the responsibility of individual pharmacists for systematic maintenance, development and broadening of knowledge, skills and attitude to ensure continuing competence as a professional, throughout their careers.”

The CPD cycle includes several phases, beginning with an assessment of learning needs and goals (REFLECT). Then, outcomes-based learning objectives, priorities, and a timeline are generated (PLAN). Activities, resources, and various learning methodologies are identified and utilized to meet the learning objectives (LEARN). Finally, learning objective outcomes and impact are evaluated (EVALUATE), leading to reflection and the continuum begins again. A key to the CPD approach is connecting learning to practice (APPLY). Each stage of the CPD process should be recorded in a personal learning record or portfolio and reviewed periodically for progress.
The CPD Cycle Chart

Used with permission from ACPE.

CPD activities must correlate to the content outline domains of the specialty in which the individual holds BPS certification. BPS will conduct random audits of CPD activities to ensure appropriateness and alignment with the relevant specialty content outline. BPS will begin recognizing seven categories of activities under the initial CPD pilot.
  1. BPS-approved, assessed CPE
  2. CPE and CPD portfolios
  3. Academic, Professional, and Interprofessional Study
  4. Teaching and Precepting Learners
  5. Scholarly Activities
  6. Workplace Activities
  7. Leadership and Professional Service
Activity Category Activity Description Example Evidence for upload (not exhaustive) Units Awarded* Annual Maximum Maximum per Recertification Cycle
BPS-approved, assessed CPE Earn from BPS-approved program providers Verified by BPS 1 contact hour (0.1 CEU) will be awarded 1 CPD unit 15 20
Continuing pharmacy education (CPE) and CPD portfolios Earn CPE from provider (e.g., state associations, workplace education, certificate training programs) Certificate(s) of completion 1 contact hour (0.1 CEU) will be awarded 1 CPD unit 10 10
Earn CPE or CPD based on local, state, provincial, workplace or institutional requirements utilizing recognized processes and learning plans (e.g., Iowa, Canada, Australia) Portfolio, certificate(s) of completion 1 portfolio will be awarded 10 units 10 10
Academic, Professional, and Interprofessional Study Complete post-graduate academic or professional courses from an accredited institution (e.g., MPH, MHA) Academic transcript, proof of enrollment 1 course will be awarded 5 units 5 10
Attain or maintain active status for non-BPS certifications (e.g., AAHIVP, CDCES, CNSC, BC-ADM) Certification verification document or link 1 certification will be awarded 5 units 5 10
Complete continuing education accredited for other healthcare professionals (e.g., ACCME, ANCC, AAPA, APA, CDR, BOC, ADA CERP) Certificate of completion 1 credit hour will be awarded 1 unit 10 10
Teaching and Precepting Learners Develop and present educational content (e.g., college/university course lecture, continuing education, preparation/recertification course) Syllabus, course description from catalog 1 hour of teaching will be awarded 2 units 10 10
Serve as a preceptor for students, residents, or other healthcare professionals Confirmation from college of pharmacy, evaluation from student 10 hour of precepting will be awarded 1 unit 2 10
Scholarly Activities Serve as a senior author in a peer-reviewed journal article or book chapter Documentation of authorship from publisher, copy of chapter page 1 article or chapter will be awarded 5 units 5 10
Serve as a senior author for a published book Documentation of authorship from publisher 1 book will be awarded 10 units 5 10
Serve as a primary grant writer for a submitted federal, state or national organization project, regardless of funding outcome Letter of attestation from organization official, communication from granting agency verifying submission 1 grant will be awarded 5 units 5 10
Complete an IRB approved research project Documentation of project, listing of investigator from IRB 1 unique capstone, thesis, or dissertation will be awarded 5 units 5 10
Complete a capstone project, thesis, or dissertation as part of post-graduate academic degree program Documentation of project, thesis or dissertation from degree granting institution 10 hours of instruction will be awarded 1 unit 5 10
Workplace Activities Lead in-service training or Grand Rounds Program announcement or presentation title with author, letter of attestation from management 1 completed project will be awarded 5 units 2 10
Implement performance, practice, or clinical quality improvement project Letter of attestation from management 10 hours of participation will be awarded 1 unit 5 10
Serve on institutional review board, P&T, medication safety, medication therapy management committee, or another similar committee. Letter of attestation from management 10 hours of participation will be awarded 1 unit 2 10
Leadership and Professional Service Serve on a committee, editorial board, review board, workgroup, task force, board of directors (for local, state, provincial, national, or international healthcare-related organization) Letter of attestation from leadership, publication listing individual and corresponding position or role 1 year will be awarded 8 units 2 10
BPS Specialty Council member Verified by BPS, if submitted 8 8 20
BPS Job analysis panelist Verified by BPS, if submitted 2 2 10
BPS Standard setting panelist Verified by BPS, if submitted 2 2 10
BPS Item writer Verified by BPS, if submitted 2 2 10
BPS Ambassador Verified by BPS, if submitted 2 2 10
BPS Content Contributor (e.g., podcast guest, blogger) Verified by BPS, if submitted 1 2 2
* BPS will award CPD units for recertification purposes ONLY. The necessary Reflect, Plan and Evaluate components MUST be completed for CPD units to be awarded for recertification. If a certificant wishes to claim CPD activities for licensure or employer requirements, please contact ACPE, the state board of pharmacy, or the employer for information on requirements.
Board-certified pharmacists will respond to prompts within their MyBPS portal to complete the Reflect, and Plan stages of the CPD cycle annually and complete the Evaluate stage at the time of CPD self-reporting. The Learn stage of the CPD cycle will be documented by uploading evidence of completion. The purpose of documenting the stages within the CPD cycle is to create a record of maintenance of certification. Reflect: Consider potential learning needs related to your current practice and professional development. Consider the content outline relevant to your specialty certification. What knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, or skills did you identify as an area for growth? Plan: Consider the CPD activity selected to promote the acquisition of the competency identified in your reflection. Document the SMART goal or learning objectives related to the CPD activity. Learn: Will be documented via MyBPS CPD activity self-reporting portal and evidence upload feature Evaluate: Assess the impact of your learning. Describe how your professional development or practice was/will be impacted by this learning. CPD activities should be reported in MyBPS within six months of the activity completion date. Neither the certificant nor the organization providing the learning opportunity is required to gain BPS approval prior to participating in or reporting CPD activities. BPS will conduct random, statistically significant audits to ensure activity appropriateness and alignment with the relevant specialty content outline. **The following steps will only appear in your MyBPS profile once you are subject to CPD requirements (see above “Who?” and “When?”). Steps are subject to change as the database undergoes updates. To document CPD activities, log in to MyBPS. In the “Recertification” section, under the “Action” column, click “Report Activity.” Click the orange “Add Activity Record” button. Read the attestation before clicking the check box of acknowledgement. From the “Activity Type” dropdown menu, select the CPD activity you wish to report. Follow the instructions on the subsequent page and complete the required fields, including the Evaluate box. Upload your evidence of completion in the “Supporting documents” field by clicking the green “Add files” button. Click “Save” when you are ready to proceed. To document your Annual Reflection & Plan, log in to MyBPS. In the “Recertification” section, under the “Action” column, click “report Activity.” Click the orange “Add Activity Record” button. Read the attestation before clicking the check box of acknowledgement. From the “Activity Type dropdown menu, select “Annual Reflection & Plan Submission.” In the “Date,” field, select a date within the year for which this reflection and plan are applicable. Respond to the Reflect and Plan prompts. Click “Save” when you are ready to proceed. From the confirmation screen stating, “Record has been added,” you may click “Add new activity” to report additional CPD activities or click “Return to transcript” to review all CPE and CPD completed for recertification so far. If you notice an error in CPD activities that you’d like to correct, click the “Edit” tab.” In the action column, click “Edit/Del.” To delete the record, click “Delete record” above the “Activity Type” drop down. This cannot be undone. If you wish to edit the record, make appropriate changes and click “Save” when finished. CPD activities completed the year prior cannot be edited or deleted (i.e., 2024 activities cannot be edited/deleted in 2025).
Continuing professional development activities are being implemented as part of the BPS recertification framework in response to feedback from board-certified pharmacists who emphasized the need for flexible, contemporary, interactive, low-cost activities as part of maintaining continued competence in their specialty practice area. CPD offers a process for pharmacists to meet and maintain competencies relevant to their specialty certification and professional practice. CPD has been endorsed and encouraged by several pharmacy organizations, including but not limited to, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP), the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Additional Information

Visit the contact us page on the BPS website. To expedite your request, select “CPD” from the first drop down menu when submitting an e-ticket.

Yes, you may earn continuing pharmacy education (CPE) from any ACPE-accredited provider (e.g., state associations, workplace education, certificate training programs offering ACPE credit) to count as CPD units.

BPS will continue listing BPS-approved, assessed CPE professional development program providers for each specialty area on the website (currently listed here.) BPS will not pre-approve CPD activities, so a public repository of CPD activities will not appear on the BPS website.

“Active–activity pending” means that the certificant has an active certification but has not provided evidence of completion of the minimum of 2 CPE/CPD units annually. Pharmacists are allowed 12 additional months to complete recertification activities to correct the deficiency. If the deficiency is not corrected, board-certified pharmacists in “Active-activity pending” status are subject to action, which may include suspension of certification and/or possible revocation of certification.