Certification is a process by which an entity grants formal recognition to individuals that meet predetermined, standardized criteria. The certification process involves determination of eligibility, an assessment of demonstration of competence, and requirements for regular recertification. Certification is usually voluntary and established by a non-governmental entity.
BPS certification validates a pharmacists’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide optimal patient care. Certified individuals in the workforce reduce risk and enhance consumer protection and public safety. In addition, BPS certification allows employers and other stakeholders to identify individuals with the competencies needed to perform a role or task.
Certification holders benefit from:
- Increased recognition by peers and respect of colleagues in the profession
- Improved opportunities for employability and advancement
- Greater confidence in their professional competence
- Increased professional trust from employers or the public
- Increased autonomy in the workplace
- Better compensation and career longevity
Apply for the 2026-2027 BPS Executive Fellowship
The APhA/BPS Executive Postgraduate Training Program provides pharmacists with training and experience in foundational association management at a national level. Fellows contribute to APhA and BPS strategic priorities through collaborations with staff teams across the organization, developing lifelong skills to advance the profession of pharmacy.
Request a BPS Presentation
Interested in receiving a presentation to share with students or colleagues about board certification? Fill out the form below to request a presentation!
Explore this sample presentation as a reference to the materials BPS may provide. Only completed presentation requests will be considered. For other inquiries, visit the BPS Contact Us page.
Student Resources
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BPS Ambassadors
Meet the BPS Ambassadors
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BPS Research Funding
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties has developed two research funding opportunities for research into the impact of pharmacist board certification on patient outcomes, healthcare systems, inter-professional collaboration, and other matters pertinent to the pharmacy profession. The research grants are awarded annually. Review this webpage for information about the application timeline.
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Pharmacy Is Right for Me
Pharmacy is Right for Me provides students, parents, and educators with interactive tools, resources, and first-person testimonials that give insight into the exciting and diverse career opportunities that exist within the field of pharmacy.
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How To Become A Pharmacist: A Step-By-Step Guide
Discover what a career in pharmacy might look like and how you can become a pharmacist.
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APPE Rotation Opportunities
The APhA and BPS Experiential Program in Association Management & Leadership is a 4- to 6-week rotation experience at the Headquarters of the American Pharmacists Association in Washington, D.C. This highly rewarding experience is tailored to each student and offers an individualized experience with association management. Review this webpage for information about the application timeline.
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BPS Executive Fellowship
The APhA and BPS Executive Postgraduate Training Program consists of five fellowship positions open to motivated individuals who want to contribute towards the advancement of the pharmacy profession and pharmacist board certification. Review the webpage for more information on the application timeline.
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Certified for Success: The Role of Board Certification in Pharmacy
Explore the exciting world of specialty pharmacy and learn how specialization and board certification can open doors to unique career paths in pharmacy! Hear real stories from certified pharmacists and get insights on education, training, and next steps toward a career you’ll love.
Board-certified pharmacists are everywhere; they could be your professors, APPE preceptors, or residency program directors. Try using the following questions to start a conversation with a board-certified pharmacist.
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Many pharmacists interested in board certification choose to pursue the board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS) certification. Whether a pharmacy student, new practitioner, or seasoned pharmacist, the BCPS certification can be an exciting next step for a pharmacist’s career. View this flyer to plan your path to BCPS certification.
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Pharmacists interested in board certification may wonder what the investment looks like over time. This infographic shows on average, a U.S. board-certified pharmacist invests 0.13% of their lifetime earnings into obtaining and maintaining their BPS Certification. View this infographic to see the investment breakdown for a career-long board certification.
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Many employers recognize and compensate board-certified pharmacists in the workplace. BPS has identified three evidence-based ways in which pharmacist board certification benefits the employer, health care team, and patient!
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Podcast Episodes for Students
The BPS Board-Certified Pharmacist Podcast has episodes addressing topics relevant for student pharmacists and new practitioners. More episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Leadership Blog Posts for Students
The BPS Leadership Blog has posts addressing topics relevant for student pharmacists.
Still Figuring It Out and That’s Okay!
Just Show Up: The Power of Getting Involved
Board Certification: Opening Doors to New Opportunities
Research into BPS Board Certification
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties has gathered the many research projects and articles into BPS Board Certification to demonstrate the value patients, pharmacists, and hospitals may receive from board certification. Click the button below to view the library of publications about pharmacist board certification.
Any Questions?
Contact Us at info@bpsweb.org
Find a Board-Certified Pharmacist
and begin the conversation about pharmacist certification!