Top 15 Pharmacy Board Certifications in the World  

You may have questioned what pharmacy board certification entails, mainly how medicine is thriving and saving lives worldwide. This article is here to answer all these questions.

It is commendable that science has innovated a series of technicalities of saving lives. However, the pharmacy board certification enhances the team-based approach to health care, allowing more lives to be saved.

So, do you think you know everything there is to know about pharmacy board certification? On the other hand, this article will provide you with a thorough overview of all you need to know about pharmacist board certification.

Pharmacists with pharmacy board certificates have met the qualifying standards and work as part of interdisciplinary treatment teams in a variety of settings, including hospitals and health systems, to ensure that drugs are used safely, appropriately, and cost-effectively.

The purpose of the board is to ensure that the pharmacist has the advanced knowledge and competence required to improve health care. In the discipline of pharmacy, the board is the most important factor in determining whether or not someone is qualified to practice.

In addition, pharmacists’ board certification is in charge of attesting and re-evaluating pharmacists’ performance. Being certified, on the other hand, allows you to earn more and become more valuable to employers.

In addition, the ideal standard for establishing which pharmacists are qualified to contribute at advanced practice levels is board certification through the Board of Pharmacy.

You might be inquisitive to know if all pharmacists in the world are certified or not. According to research, over 36,000 pharmacists are board-certified, and more are still getting the certification. Based on that, it can be seen that not all pharmacists are certified by the board, but that does not depict that they are unqualified.

The significant implication might be a limitation to some goals and some specific jobs or projects.

Meanwhile, the table of content is below.

Table of contents

What Is a Pharmacy Board Certification?

Pharmacy board certification focuses on proving to society that a particular pharmacy has acquired other specific skills aside from the additional general expertise of being a pharmacist.

The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) is an independent branch of the American Pharmacists Association that awards accreditation to acceptable pharmacy practice specialties in the United States and defines requirements for pharmacist certification in 14 categories.

Furthermore, the Board of Pharmacy Programs is in charge of the content, administration, and scoring of certification examinations, as well as all other aspects of conducting exams. Each specialization council submits a recommendation to the Pharmacy Board for approval of the passing score for each test.

Read: 20 Best Nursing Certifications in 2024

Why Get a Pharmacy Board Certification?

Tracing it back to earlier years when getting a board certification as a pharmacist does not matter. However, the world is changing now, and it is expedient to understand the time and opportunity to stay relevant in a profession. You might not see a reason right now to enroll in a pharmacist board certification program, but it is important to make such a great decision.

These are some of the reasons you need to get a pharmacy board certification.

  • Board certification demonstrates a higher level of knowledge, which is becoming more common in hospitals.
  • Along with board certification, the experience you gain working with physicians and their assistance during the board program will help you come to the point where you can recommend accurate diagnosis.
  • Also, Instead of last-minute studying to refresh your license, scale through competition in the profession with a certification from the board by using professional development skills offered by the board. In your office, you can make yourself irreplaceable by getting more professional certification as a pharmacist. 
  • Getting a certification as a pharmacist might be helpful if you’ve been out of school for more than 5years and need to re-energize your skills and stay updated.
  • In every pharmacist job interview today, earning pharmacy certification from the board may be an opportunity to set yourself apart from a PharmD without BCPS.

There are many compelling reasons to consider obtaining a pharmacist board certification. Personally, getting additional qualifications gives you more confidence and happiness, and it establishes you as an expert in your industry.

What Is a Bcacp Certification?

The BPS Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP) Program is a certification that is meant for pharmacists who meet the eligibility requirements and provide comprehensive, accessible healthcare to ambulatory patients in a community setting, offices, and clinics.

According to research, There are presently over 5,000 BPS Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacists in the United States.

In a view to serve patients the best treatment ever, the BPS Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP) program is designed to demonstrate that a pharmacist has the extensive training and information necessary to improve patients’ treatment experience by delivering ambulatory care that is team-based and patient-centered.

Also, a certified BCACP must be ready for collaboration, education, and practice reforms to support ambulatory care practice.

Cost of Getting a Pharmacy Board Certification?

Because the cost of earning a pharmacist certification is not fixed, it isn’t easy to estimate the actual cost of a pharmacy board certification. The cost instability is because the boards are in control of cost determination, which is susceptible to change.

The certification application price, however, has increased to $600 for all participants.

In addition, the certification retakes application cost remains $300 for candidates who failed the exam and want to take the examination. However, the $300 is only accessible to those who have failed the certification exam within the previous year.

Step by Step Guide to Get a Pharmacy Board Certification

In light of the pharmacy board’s decision, which took effect on January 1, 2019, you must complete the steps below to obtain a pharmacy board certification. To begin, pick the type of certification you want to pursue and then proceed with the procedures below.

Step 1. You must have a degree from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy program or a BPS-accepted alternative educational program (outside the USA)

Step 2. Practice experience must be demonstrated in any of these two options.

  • You must have a current, valid pharmacist license as well as experience. Whether or not a residency has been completed determines the length of experience required for certification.

Suppose you wish to get certified in pharmacotherapy, for example. In that case, individuals with a Bachelor of Science degree must have more clinical practice experience than those with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in order to be qualified to apply for the Pharmacotherapy certification examination.

  • Another alternative to step 2 is Postgraduate year one residency completion.

Step 3. Finally, you must pass the Pharmacy Certification Examination with a passing score.

However, whether or not a residency has been completed affects the amount of experience required for certification. Check the certification board’s website for the most up-to-date information on the specific education, training, and experience needed for the specialty certification you want.

California Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Currently, the only permitted certification test in California is the PTCB (PTCE). And this is why before working in any pharmacy in California, Pharmacy Technicians must first obtain a license from the State Board of Pharmacy.

However, just like every other state, here are the requirements to become a Pharmacy Technician in California.

  1. A High School Diploma, GED, or its equivalent is required.
  2. To be eligible for registration, you must have finished a course in higher education such as:
  • The American Council on Pharmacy Education accredits college degrees and other college-level programs.
  • PTCB certified (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board)
  • It is also acceptable to show proof of training while serving in the Federal Armed Forces.

3. The California State Board of Pharmacy must receive a written application for a Pharmacy Technician License.

4. You must submit the fingerprint card with the form, following the instructions properl;

  • You must also submit a criminal background check from both the federal and state governments.
  • Include a photo of yourself from your most current passport
  • Along with the application form, add the $80 registration money.

5. Finally, in California, Pharmacy Technician licenses must be renewed every two years on odd-numbered years.

Top Best 15 Pharmacy Board Certifications

As you’ve known that certifications are ways of boosting your value and earning more confidence to work as an expert. Here are some highlighted 15 pharmacy board certifications below:

1. Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP)

 An oncologist pharmacist offers the best possible care for patients with cancer and its implications. These experts are involved in the identification, treatment, and prevention of distinct morbidities related to cancer and treatment of cancer.

To get certified, applicants need to write an exam on any of the websites found on BPS.

Read: TOP MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION IN 2024

2. Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians operate under the guidance of a certified pharmacist, and their duties may vary depending on state regulations. Depending on the employment, Pharmacy Technicians may be responsible for recording medicine orders, ordering and receiving stock, packing drugs, and manufacturing ointments or creams.

3. Certified Specialty Pharmacist (CSP)

To become a Certified Medical Manager, you must complete the certification procedure and display knowledge in the ambulatory health care setting.

You must have a commitment to pursuing excellence in health care office management by ongoing education and affiliation with other professionals in the field.

4. Anticoagulation Specialist (CACP)

Pharmacists can get a manual from the CACP to assist them in practice. Studying to become a CACP is a lot of self-research and learning.

For the practical portion of the exam, the pharmacist must document 36 patient’s medical experiences, which will be examined before being granted permission to take the certification exam.

The exam must be taken at one of the CACP-approved testing centers listed on the website.

5. Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)

Pharmacotherapy is the branch of pharmacy practice that ensures the safe, effective, and cost-effective use of medications in inpatient care.

The pharmacotherapy specialist is in charge of direct patient care, frequently works as an interdisciplinary team, and is often the major source of medication information for other medical practitioners.

6. Psychiatric Certification (BCPP)

A psychiatric pharmacist is responsible for optimizing drug therapy and patient care by completing patient evaluations, prescribing suitable treatment plans, and detecting stimulant difficulties as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.

Being a psychiatric pharmacist also requires taking an exam on the BPS website.

7. Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP)

The geriatric pharmacist understands that attention must be on the entire patient, examining all conditions and medications to determine whether pharmacological therapy is suitable.

The geriatric pharmacist is also aware that the elderly are more vulnerable to conditions such as stumbles, delirium, and psychotic symptoms than younger people. 

8. Nutrition Support Certification (BCNSP)

The nutrition pharmacist is responsible for ensuring that proper nutrient intake is maintained and restored, as well as planning and adjusting therapies based on the patient’s needs.

They also work as part of a multidisciplinary nutrition team and provide direct patient care.

9. Psychiatric Certification (BCPP)

Psychiatric pharmacology is concerned with the pharmaceutical treatment of people suffering from psychiatric diseases.

The psychiatric pharmacy specialist, as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team, is often in charge of maximizing psychiatric care and care quality by performing tasks such as analyzing the patient response, diagnostic testing, recognizing drug-related problems, and providing suitable treatment options.

10. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) helps physicians’ offices and clinics run efficiently by doing basic administrative and clinical activities.

11. Pediatric Certification (BCPPS)

The (BCPPS) program is a certification for pharmacists who have met the criteria and who assure secure and reliable drug usage and excellent medication therapy results in patients up to the age of 18 in their unique practice.

12. Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP)

Ambulatory care pharmacy practice is defined as the delivery of coordinated, available health care services by pharmacists who are responsible for resolving pharmaceutical needs, forging long-term relationships with patients, and practicing in the practice of social work.

Ambulatory care pharmacists operate in both institutional and community-based clinics, providing direct care to a wide range of patients.

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13. Nuclear Certification (BCNP)

A nuclear pharmacist is an expert in radiopharmaceutical procurement, formulation, quality control, dispensing, distribution, and development. A nuclear pharmacist also keeps track of patient results and gives information and advice on health and safety issues.

This exam must be taken at one of the BPS-approved testing locations, which may be located on their website.

14.  Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)

CRPs (Clinical Research Professionals) come from a diverse range of backgrounds. Nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, business administration, health record maintenance, statistics, biology, teaching, and other fields may be represented by CRPs.

CRPs’ different origins and experiences add to their distinct knowledge and competence.

15.  Internal Medicine

Internal medicine and medical genetics combined training will aid in the creation of acceptable patient care models for adult patients with genetic diseases.

Residents who finish integrated internal medicine and medical genetics training will have a specific skill set for transitioning older children and adolescents with hereditary illnesses, such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, or cystic fibrosis, to adult medical care.

Read: Top 15 Medical Certifications in the World | 2024

FAQs on pharmacy board certification

Who is a pharmacist?

A pharmacist who is willing to get a more professional foothold can apply for any of the following certifications:
Geriatric Certification (CCGP)
Nutrition Support Certification (BCNSP)
Oncology Certification (BCOP)
Pediatric Certification (BCPPS)
Pharmacotherapy Certification (BCPS)
Ambulatory Care (BCACP)
Nuclear Certification (BCNP)
Critical Care (BCCCP)

How can I become a pharmacist?

To become a board-certified pharmacist, you must have a degree from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy program or an alternative educational program authorized by the BPS (if you live outside the United States). Also, you need a current, valid pharmacy license and experience.

How many pharmacists are in the world?

There are over 50,000 BPS board-certified pharmacists in fourteen specializations worldwide.

Conclusion

Learning new abilities and achieving certifications as a pharmacist can enhance your self-esteem significantly. You can broaden your employment capabilities and responsibilities by learning new talents.

However, as a qualified board pharmacist, you will be able to demonstrate your professional experience and provide proper care to patients.

References

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Ajah Excel is a team growth and performance expert with over nine years of experience in blogging and personal development. He leads a team of 36 crazy, restless innovators with an enviable work culture at Silicon Africa Technologies Limited – a fast-rising tech firm from the SouthEast. Excel is the founder of Kiiky.com and WriterGig. He is also the co-organizer of TEDx Ikenegbu and convener of Social Media Fest. He is a vibrant learner who yearns to share his knowledge to educate and inspire young Africans. He has a B.Tech in Information Management Technology with certifications in growth hacking, effective communication, leadership, team, and personal development, to mention a few. Ajah Anayochukwu Excel is a passionate public speaker, creative writer, and brand storyteller.

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