Examination Format and Content

There are 100 multiple-choice questions from the current year's Specialty Certification Examination on each recertification test. Four possible answers are provided for each question, with only ONE designated as the correct or best choice. It is to the candidate's advantage to answer every question on the examination, since the final score is based on the total number of questions answered correctly. There is no penalty for selecting an incorrect choice.

A recertification examination does not attempt to test all of a candidate's knowledge in the specialized practice area. The examination samples the knowledge and skills required to perform the tasks in each of the major areas of responsibility of the specialty as defined through a role delineation study. Mastery of the knowledge and skills involved in this defined scope of specialized practice is necessary for board certification, regardless of the particular activities in which an applicant is involved.

BPS provides a list of the domains, tasks, and knowledge statements specific to each specialty practice area to prospective candidates. This Content Outline is developed through a nationwide study of the work pharmacists perform in academic, community and institutional settings and also notes the percentage of items per domain. All BPS specialty certification examinations reflect current, best practices at the time they are constructed — approximately six months prior to administration.

New regulations, drugs and therapies are incorporated annually into the exam content. Official United States Adopted Name (USAN) generic names are used for all drug products, when possible.

Examination Day Schedule

On the day of the examination, all candidates MUST present their Admission Permits AND valid photo identification cards with signature (e.g., driver's license, hospital identification, passport) in order to be admitted to the testing room. Candidates who arrive after the examination has begun or who are without the necessary documentation will not be admitted and their fees will be forfeited.

Activity	Time
Room Opens For Morning Session	8:00 AM
All Candidates Seated And Instructions Begin	8:30 AM
Session (100 Items) Begins	9:00 AM
Session Ends	11:30 AM

Personnel from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties, its Specialty Councils, the BPS testing consultant, and/or their delegates will proctor the examination. No one is permitted in the testing room during the examination except for the candidates and BPS-authorized representatives.

Important Details

Candidates must provide their own sharpened #2 (or 2B) pencils, good eraser and hand-held, silent, non-printing, battery or solar powered calculator for use during the examination.

1. All non-test materials such as books, cell phones, PDAs, pagers, papers, cameras, recorders, purses, hats and jackets must be stored in areas designated for that purpose.
2. The test booklet and answer sheet are the property of BPS. Both must be returned to the proctors at the end of EACH examination session.
3. Candidates are allowed to leave the room for rest room breaks ONLY when accompanied by a proctor. One person at a time will be excused from the room.

Test Security

Before beginning the examination, candidates will be asked to read and sign a Statement of Confidentiality. This statement restricts candidates from sharing any information about the exam with fellow test takers following the exam or with colleagues who might be planning to take the examination in the near future.

There will be no communication between candidates during the examination. Anyone who provides or receives assistance during the test administration will be dismissed from the testing room. Other causes for dismissal include:

• Photographing, recording, or memorizing any examination material;
• Using notes, references, or any test aids;
• Removing any examination material from the testing site;
• Causing a disruption to the test environment;
• Using unauthorized calculators.

Candidates will be inspected for devices such as hand-held scanners, cameras, or recording devices. However, some calculators are permitted.

Use of Calculators

In order to provide a realistic environment for solving practice problems, hand-held, silent, non-printing, battery or solar-powered calculators may be used. Candidates may NOT use calculators or any other devices (e.g., wristwatches, PDAs) that have either word processing or word storage capabilities (complete A-Z keypad).