Preparing for the Exam

Certification is a significant differentiator, and the rigorous exam process requires concentrated study. Successful candidates are well prepared, and a number of available resources can assist pre-qualified applicants.

The Board provides candidates with the Content Outline specific to each examination either online or available upon request from BPS. Candidates are strongly encouraged to become thoroughly familiar with this document. Since Content Outlines are occasionally modified to reflect changes in practice, applicants should check that they are using the most current version for their specialty.

Suggested preparation for the examination might include:

• the study of journal articles, textbooks or other publications related to the Content Outline;
• attendance at continuing education programs and courses in specialized pharmacy practice;
• participation in study groups and examination preparation courses;
• review of sample test questions printed in the 2012 Candidate's Guide or online.

To maintain its strict, independent standards for certification, BPS does NOT provide review information, preparatory courses, or study guides. However, such materials are available from outside organizations, state or local professional associations and colleges of pharmacy. Potential applicants may contact the professional associations noted below for additional study resources.

• For Ambulatory Care Pharmacy

  Offered by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the American Pharmacists Association
  
  Live educational review courses for the specialty in ambulatory care practice will be offered immediately before the APhA Annual Meeting, March 8-9, 2012. Click here for more information.
  
  The review course will also be offered during the ASHP 2012 Summer Meeting.
  
  American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
  (202) 628-4410
  www.pharmacist.com
  
  American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
  (301) 657-4383 · FAX (301) 652-8278
  www.ashp.org
  
  Offered by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy
  
  ACCP's Updates in Therapeutics: The Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Preparatory Review Course is offered in two formats: live and home study. The live course is offered once a year in conjunction with ACCP's Updates in Therapeutics meeting, traditionally held in April. This year it will be held April 27 - May 1, 2012. The home study materials are typically released in June each year. For more information, visit http://www.accp.com/education/ambuPrepCourse.aspx
  
  American College of Clinical Pharmacy
  (913) 492-3311 · FAX (913) 492-0088
  www.accp.com
  
  The Board of Pharmacy Specialties provides this listing for informational purposes only. BPS does not endorse or provide preparatory courses for Board Certification Examinations.
  
  

• For Nuclear Pharmacy

  University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy
  Office of Continuing Pharmacy Education
  (505) 272-3125 · FAX (505) 272-6749
  hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/radiopharmacyCE
  
  

• For Nutrition Support Pharmacy

  American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
  (301) 587-6315 · FAX (301) 587-2365
  www.clinnutr.org
  
  

• For Oncology Pharmacy

  Hematology Oncology Pharmacy Association
  (877) 467-2791
  www.hoparx.org
  
  American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
  (301) 657-4383 · FAX (301) 652-8278
  www.ashp.org
  
  American College of Clinical Pharmacy
  (913) 492-3311 · FAX (913) 492-0088
  www.accp.com
  
  

• For Pharmacotherapy

  American College of Clinical Pharmacy
  (913) 492-3311 · FAX (913) 492-0088
  www.accp.com
  
  

• For Psychiatric Pharmacy

  College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists
  (402) 476-1677
  www.cpnp.org