Last Updated on: August 26, 2026
Notice: This guide reflects policies and requirements for the 2026 examination year and is subject to updates or policy changes. 2025 examination candidates with questions should contact BPS staff.
General Information
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) is an independent, nongovernmental certification body that develops and administers board certification examinations in recognized pharmacy practice specialties. BPS was created on January 5, 1976, by the American Pharmaceutical Association (now the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and exists today as an autonomous division of APhA.
The BPS Board of Directors (the Board) is composed of 12 voting members, including nine pharmacists and three public members. The BPS Executive Director and one member of the APhA Board of Trustees are nonvoting ex officio Board members. For a current list of the Board of Directors, click here.
BPS has established a specialty council for each recognized specialty certification program. Specialty councils work with the Board to develop and administer psychometrically sound and legally defensible certification examinations, consistent with the credentialing of healthcare professionals. A specialty council is comprised of at least 10 members who are board certified in that specialty area. Each specialty council may include up to two additional members, each of whom may be either board-certified in that specialty area or a pharmacist not certified in that specialty area but with other qualifications and/or expertise pertinent to the specialty area. For a current list of specialty council members, click here.
The principal responsibilities of BPS include:
- To grant recognition of appropriate pharmacy practice specialties based on criteria established by BPS.
- To establish standards for certification and recertification of pharmacists in recognized pharmacy practice specialties.
- To grant qualified pharmacists certification and recertification in recognized pharmacy practice specialties.
- To serve as a coordinating agency and information clearinghouse for organizations and pharmacists in recognized pharmacy practice specialties.
- To enhance public/consumer protection by developing effective certification programs for specialty practices in pharmacy.
Importance of Certification and Recertification
Pharmacists certified in a specialty are frequently sought for professional consultations. Employers and patients can feel confident knowing that a board-certified pharmacist has taken the initiative to obtain an advanced, specialized credential that sets them apart. Specialty certification communicates an individual’s educational and practice accomplishments to other professionals and demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills beyond a degree program, license, practice experience, or post-graduate training.
Specialties continue to evolve in response to new knowledge and technologies that impact patient care. The rapid advancement of drug therapy in recent decades has created a clear need for pharmacist practitioners who specialize in specific areas of treatment and patient care. Specialty certification is a responsible, progressive initiative that helps ensure patients receive the highest quality of care.
The purpose of recertification is to ensure credential holders maintain and further develop the competencies necessary for safe and effective practice within their specialty area.
Recognition of BPS Certification
BPS Board Certification is recognized globally as a marker of advanced knowledge and specialized pharmacy practice.
In the United States, many states recognize BPS Board Certification in ways that support advanced pharmacy practice, including continuing education benefits, eligibility for collaborative practice agreements, and authorization for specialized practice roles, as defined in state laws and regulations.
Learn how BPS Board Certification is recognized across U.S. states:
Explore State Recognition of BPS Board Certification
BPS certification does not grant licensure to practice pharmacy in the United States or any other country. Pharmacists should consult their local licensing authority for official requirements.
Overview
This Recertification Guide is intended for use by board-certified pharmacists who are committed to maintaining their specialty certification. This guide provides information on BPS recertification processes: application procedures, examination administration, and annual certification maintenance. This document is ONLY A GUIDE. The information, procedures, and fees detailed in this publication may be amended, revised, or otherwise altered at any time and without advance notice from BPS. The provision of this guide does not confer any rights upon an applicant or certificant. The information contained in this guide supersedes information contained in all previous editions of the BPS Recertification Guide. All correspondence and requests for information concerning BPS recertification should be directed to:
Board of Pharmacy Specialties
2215 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20037-2985
TEL (202) 946-5026
www.bpsweb.org/contact/
- Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality
- Nondiscrimination Policy
- Ethics and Professionalism Policy
- Privacy Policy
For more information on the following policies, visit the Privacy Statement page on the BPS website:
- Credential Verification
- BPS Database
- Sharing of Certificant Data
Nondiscrimination Policy
BPS endorses the principle of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all certification specialty programs and prohibits discrimination against its applicants, candidates, certified persons, staff, and volunteers. Certification is offered to all eligible persons regardless of age, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation or disability, or any other category protected by U.S. federal or state law. BPS ensures fair and equitable treatment of all candidates throughout all phases of the certification process. All BPS decisions related to certification (including granting, suspending, and withdrawing) are made impartially and free from nondiscriminatory judgments.
Candidate Conduct and Professional Behavior
Candidates are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner in all interactions with BPS personnel, volunteers, examination vendors, proctors, and other candidates. Candidates who violate test center or approved remote proctored exam regulations or rules, engage in irregular behavior, misconduct, disruptive, threatening, abusive, or inappropriate conduct, or fail to comply with a test administrator’s instruction to discontinue such behavior may be dismissed from the test center. Such conduct, whether occurring in person, by telephone, electronically, or in writing, may result in disciplinary action. Examination fees will not be refunded, examination results may be withheld or canceled, and additional disciplinary action may be imposed, including disqualification from future BPS specialty examinations.
Impartiality Statement
The BPS management and its employees, volunteers, and contractors understand the importance of impartiality and the consideration of any potential conflicts of interest in carrying out its certification activities. BPS shall manage conflicts of interest and ensure the objectivity of its certification activities. BPS shall act impartially in relation to its applicants, candidates, and certified persons.
Decisions on certification programs shall be made in accordance with established policies and procedures. Policies and procedures affecting applicants, candidates, and certified persons shall be made public and shall fairly and accurately convey information about the certification program. BPS shall ensure that all stakeholders, e.g., subject matter experts, consultants, and vendors, involved with BPS operations, comply with the tenets of the Policy on Impartiality.
BPS does not restrict admittance to any of its certification programs on the grounds of membership in any organization, or excessive and unsupported eligibility requirements. BPS does not offer any education or training programs. Certification is open to all qualified candidates.
Statement of Confidentiality
BPS is committed to protecting confidential or proprietary information related to applicants and certification holders, as well as the examination development, maintenance, and administration process.
BPS has the responsibility to protect confidential and proprietary information and maintain confidentiality of that information. Personnel associated with BPS certification activities shall keep confidential all information obtained in the process of conducting its certification programs. BPS shall function under a strict confidentiality policy. This policy shall apply to all aspects of confidential information obtained during the execution of BPS certification activities, including information obtained about applicants, candidates, and certified persons; financial information; test scores; the intellectual property associated with the administration of BPS certification programs; and any information associated with vendor support of BPS certification programs. BPS will not disclose any confidential applicant/certificant information outside of the course of BPS business unless authorized in writing by the individual or as required by law.
Application Status
An individual’s application status is considered confidential. BPS does not disclose information regarding whether an individual has applied for recertification or has taken the recertification examination. Current certification status is published and verifiable as noted in the credential verification section on the Privacy Statement page here.
Records Retention Policy
BPS retains examination results, examination administration records, and active applicant data for seven years. BPS retains submitted paper documentation for one year. After one year, BPS shreds those documents. Applicants/certificants should retain their own copies of all documentation sent to BPS.
BPS Email Communication Guidelines
The email address listed on your MyBPS profile is our primary means of communicating with you. Maintain your current email address, mailing address, and phone number in your profile. Ensure info@bpsweb.org is added as a safe sender to avoid BPS communications from being filtered to a junk folder located in your email account or server.
As a recipient of BPS emails, you have the option to unsubscribe from our third-party contact management system. If you opt out or unsubscribe from any BPS emails, you are still responsible for adhering to the contents of our communications, including policy changes. BPS sends periodic reminders related to annual certification maintenance fees, recertification requirements, and important news that you may miss if you unsubscribe from our communications.
Regardless of subscription status to the BPS mailing list, all certificants remain responsible for meeting all requirements and deadlines necessary to maintain their certification in good standing, regardless of their email subscription status.
Recertification Application Process
For questions pertaining to BPS recertification, visit the Contact Us page of the BPS website or call (202) 946-5026. BPS office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time. BPS offices are closed on all U.S. federal holidays.
Board-certified pharmacists must recertify every seven years. The recertification application becomes available online through the MyBPS portal in January of the seventh year and must be submitted by August 17. Payment must be made with a valid credit or debit card. The online application process uses a secure server.
- If recertifying by continuing pharmacy education (CPE), the application can be submitted prior to completion of the required CPE. CPE earned in excess of the recertification requirement will not be applied forward to the next certification cycle.
- If recertifying by examination, the application must be submitted and approved to register for the exam. The deadline to schedule and complete the exam is October 15.
- Recertification initial exam: Subject to recert exam deadline.
- Recertification retake exam: Review the section titled ‘Retaking the Examination’ for more details.
A current, active license or registration to practice pharmacy is required to maintain certification and recertify. If the license is not in English, a translated copy must be provided. Recertification eligibility requirements and examination content outlines for each specialty are available here.
If recertification requirements are not completed by December 31 of the recertification year, the certification will lapse and be removed from the Find a Board-Certified Pharmacist directory on the BPS website. Once removed, the pharmacist may no longer use the specialty designation or initials (e.g., Board-Certified Nuclear Pharmacist, BCNP) or display the BPS certificate. Certification can only be reinstated by successfully completing the full certification process outlined in the BPS Candidate’s Guide.
If eligible, the option to submit a one-time extension may be granted for a 1-year period, at the sole discretion of BPS. Refer to the ‘Request for Extension’ section found later in this guide for more information about this process.
Applying for Recertification
The application must be submitted through MyBPS by clicking the “Recertify” link in the recertification section of the portal home screen. The recertification application is due by August 17 of the recertification year. If recertifying by continuing pharmacy education (CPE), the application can be submitted prior to completion of the required CPE. The deadline to complete CPE for recertification is December 31 of the recertification year. If recertifying by examination, the application must be submitted and approved to register for the exam. The deadline to schedule and complete the recert exam is October 15.
Processing Applications
The board-certified pharmacist is responsible for submitting a complete recertification application. Incomplete and/or unpaid applications are not processed. Recertification by examination candidates will be notified via email of their eligibility to sit for the examination within 30 calendar days of receipt of their completed application and fee. Candidates should keep a record of their unique examination ID (example: BPS-EXAM-XXXX) and use it in all correspondence with BPS regarding the examination.
For pharmacists recertifying by examination, an authorization to test (ATT) eligibility email is sent within 30 calendar days of receipt of the completed application and fee. The ATT eligibility email includes instructions to schedule the exam through Pearson.
Incomplete applications requiring further information will be marked as Needs More Info in their MyBPS profile. The applicant will be notified by email and will be required to supply the requested information within 30 business days.
If the applicant fails to provide the information, the certification will lapse on December 31, and the applicant will forfeit all fees.
Recertification application fees are as follows:
The recertification application fee is $400 USD, regardless of route chosen (Examination vs CPE).
The recertification examination retake application fee is $200 USD.
Payments
Payments must be made by the certificant through MyBPS in USD by credit or debit card. Purchase orders will NOT be accepted.
All fees are subject to change at the sole discretion of BPS.
Declined Credit or Debit Cards
If a credit or debit card transaction is declined, an alternate valid credit or debit card number must be provided.
If you receive an “Error 12” message, it indicates that some or all of the billing information does not match the details associated with the card being used. Contact your financial institution to confirm the correct billing address before attempting payment again.
If the issue persists, wait 24 hours before submitting a new payment.
Forfeiture of Fees
Forfeiture of examination fees occurs if:
- Candidate fails to schedule an examination appointment within their recertification/extension year, if recertifying by the examination route, OR
- Candidate fails to arrive at the test center at the scheduled date and time with acceptable identification, unless they have an approved withdrawal, OR
- Candidate fails to reschedule an exam appointment less than 5 days prior to an appointment.
Candidates who forfeit examination fees must submit a new recertification application at the full cost if they wish to sit for a future examination.
The recertification application fee is nonrefundable if the application is approved by BPS staff.
The recertification application fee is nonrefundable if the application is reviewed by BPS staff, is marked as “needs more information,” and if the required materials are not received within 30 days.
ArmyIgnitED/U.S. Army Credentialing Assistance Program
BPS has been approved as a vendor in the U.S. Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program. Soldiers can apply for funding support to maintain BPS Board Certification through this program. For more information about the U.S. Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program, visit the U.S. Army Credentialing Assistance Program page on the BPS website.
Americans with Disabilities Act
BPS complies with the relevant provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for individuals with documented disabilities. Any requests must be submitted to BPS in advance, accompanied by the appropriate forms, and uploaded at the time of the online application submission. For more information about BPS compliance with the ADA, visit the Apply for ADA Accommodations page on the BPS website.
Recertification Route
Board-certified pharmacists are required to maintain their certification in year seven by one of the following routes:
Option One: Examination
- Certification cycles that started on or before January 1, 2023: Achieve a passing score on the examination administered by BPS by December 31.
- Certification cycles that start on or after January 1, 2024: Achieve a passing score on the examination administered by BPS and self-report 20 units of continuing professional development (CPD) in MyBPS (assessed CPE can also satisfy this requirement) by December 31. For more information on CPD, review the FAQ page.
- To maintain an active certification in good standing, a minimum of two units of assessed CPE from BPS-approved professional development programs or self-reported CPD must be earned each year.
OR
Option Two: Professional Development (Continuing Pharmacy Education [CPE])
- Certification cycles beginning January 1, 2023, or earlier: Earn the required number of assessed CPE from BPS-approved professional development programs by December 31. Click here for more information.
- Certification cycles beginning January 1, 2024, and onward: Earn 100 units, comprised of at least 80 units of assessed CPE from BPS-approved professional development programs and up to 20 units of self-reported continuing professional development (CPD) (assessed CPE can also satisfy this requirement).
- To maintain an active certification in good standing, a minimum of two units of assessed CPE from BPS-approved professional development programs or self-reported CPD must be reported each year.
For more information on CPD, see the CPD section in this guide or the FAQ page on the BPS website.
A current and active license or registration to practice pharmacy is required for recertification. If the license or registration is not in English, an English translation must be provided. Recertification eligibility requirements and examination content outlines for each specialty are available here.
Recertification Timeline
The table below can assist with identifying a candidate’s recertification year.
The cycle for beginning recertification requirements does not begin until January 1 of the year following the achievement of a new certification.
Recertification requirements must be met by December 31 of the 7th year of the cycle.
| Certification obtained/ Recertification completed | Recertification cycle begins (accrual of recertification requirements begins) | Recertification cycle ends (requirements must be met) |
| 2019 | Jan 1, 2020 | Dec 31, 2026 |
| 2020 | Jan 1, 2021 | Dec 31, 2027 |
| 2021 | Jan 1, 2022 | Dec 31, 2028 |
| 2022 | Jan 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2029 |
| 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 | Dec 31, 2030 |
| 2024 | Jan 1, 2025 | Dec 31, 2031 |
| 2025 | Jan 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2032 |
| 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | Dec 31, 2033 |
Recertification via
Professional Development (Continuing Pharmacy Education)
The recertification application must be submitted by August 17. The application can be submitted prior to completion of the required continuing pharmacy education (CPE). CPE earned in excess of the recertification requirement will not be applied forward to the next certification cycle.
The deadline to complete recertification requirements is December 31. Certificants who are unable to meet this deadline may request a one-time, one-year extension if eligible. For details, see the Request for Extension section later in this guide.
| Important Recertification Deadlines | |
| Recertification Application | August 17 |
| Extension Request Application | December 31 |
| CPE Activity Completion | December 31 |
| *Complete 2 Units of CPE/CPD | December 31 |
| *Annual Reflection and Plan | December 31 |
*Applies only to certifications with cycles beginning on or after January 1, 2024. For more information, see the CPD section or the FAQ page.
BPS-Approved Professional Development Program (recertification) Providers of Assessed CPE (a.k.a. Recertification Providers)
BPS-approved professional development program (PDP) providers may facilitate assessed CPE for recertification in multiple specialties. Overlap and repurposing of programs is not permitted unless specified in the course description.
More information about recertification by CPE, including a list of BPS-approved professional development program providers, can be found here.
Recertification by Examination
Examination Registration
The deadline to schedule and complete the recert exam is October 15.
- Recertification initial exam: Subject to recert exam deadline.
- Recertification retake exam: Review the section titled ‘Retaking the Examination’ for more details.
Important exam deadlines and dates may also be found here.
- Application Requirements: Applications must be submitted and approved to register for the exam.
- Exam Scheduling:
- Candidates are encouraged to test early in the year to allow time for a retake if needed.
- The October 15 deadline ensures that exam scores are received by December 31, preventing a lapse in certification.
- Retake Policy: Review the exam retake policy in the Retaking the Examination section for more information.
- For Certification Cycles Beginning January 1, 2024, and Onward:
- To maintain an active certification in good standing, pharmacists must complete:
- At least 2 units of assessed CPE from BPS-approved professional development programs or self-reported CPD each year by December 31.
- An Annual Reflection and Plan (ARP) each year.
- To maintain an active certification in good standing, pharmacists must complete:
Candidates cannot apply for recertification or sit for the exam until 20 CPD units (assessed CPE may satisfy this requirement) and 7 ARPs are completed.
Scheduling the Examination
For the greatest probability of obtaining the preferred test center and date, BPS recommends submitting an application as early as possible.
Pearson provides telephone and email support to candidates on matters related to scheduling an examination appointment. For candidates in North America, the best way to contact Pearson is by telephone during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday at 866-508-8836. The call center is closed on U.S. holidays.
For candidates outside of North America, please find the call center hours and phone numbers below:
- EMEA: Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) certification testing with Pearson VUE | Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) region
- APAC: Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) certification testing with Pearson VUE | Asia-Pacific region
For inquiries outside of the normal call center hours for your region, candidates can contact Pearson by email or Chat:
- Chat: Look for the “Chat with us” symbol in the lower right corner, at https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/bps.html
• Email for candidates in North America: https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/test-takers/customer-service/email/americas-professional.html - Email for candidates in EMEA: https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/test-takers/customer-service/email/emea.html
- Email for candidates in APAC: https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/test-takers/customer-service/email/asia-pacific.html
Once an examination appointment is scheduled, the candidate will receive a confirmation email from Pearson outlining the appointment details.
More information about scheduling an examination in a test center can be found on the Test Center page on the BPS website.
Online/remote testing is not a standard delivery option and may be approved only in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis for eligible candidates in the United States, Australia, and Canada with advance approval by BPS. Candidates who believe they may require an exception should contact BPS to request approval and receive instructions. Additional information is available on the Online Testing page on the BPS website.
Rescheduling
Candidates may cancel or reschedule a recertification examination up to five calendar days prior to the scheduled examination appointment.
Cancellation/rescheduling fees will be charged as follows:
- 30 or more days prior to appointment: No Fee collected by Pearson.
- 5-29 days prior to your appointment: $60 USD fee collected by Pearson.
- Less than 5 days prior to appointment: No cancel/reschedule will be allowed. Your full test fee will be retained by BPS.
BPS staff cannot cancel or reschedule examination appointments. To reschedule or cancel, visit the Pearson website.
Examination Withdrawals
Recertification candidates have until October 15 to schedule and complete their testing session and may request an emergency withdrawal with appropriate documentation (e.g., physician’s letter, police report, etc.), to be considered under the following situations: serious illness (either of the candidate or an immediate family member), immediate family death, disabling accident, court appearance, jury duty, or unexpected military call-up.
Recertification candidates who receive a denial of their withdrawal request will forfeit all fees, unless they test as scheduled. Recertification candidates whose withdrawal request is approved must submit an extension request, if eligible, to maintain their certification and recertify in the extension year.
Name and/or Address Change
The board-certified pharmacist must confirm that the first name and last name on the application are exactly as they appear on the government-issued identification presented at the test center. Digital IDs are not accepted. Candidates will be denied admission to the test if there is a name mismatch. Failure to present valid identification will result in denial of entry to the exam room, inability to reschedule the exam, and forfeiture of all associated fees.
Name changes must be requested through MyBPS and require a PDF or JPG copy of a government-issued identification. Name change requests must be received no later than 30 calendar days after application submission.
Address and name changes made after the mailing of certificates will result in a $50 USD charge for a duplicate certificate.
The address on the application does not need to match the ID, and candidates will not be denied admission due to an address mismatch.
Preparing for the Examination
Preparation for the examination might include the following:
- Residency or other formal training;
- Journal articles, textbooks, or other publications related to the examination content outline;
- Continuing pharmacy education programs;
- Study groups;
- Examination preparation courses and materials; and/or
- Sample examination items, which are provided on the BPS website for candidates to familiarize themselves with the various item formats that are presented on the examination; are not to be interpreted as an indicator of examination performance.
Candidates may contact the organizations noted here, which offer materials for the specialty or specialties listed. The listing is provided as a convenience for candidates; BPS does not sponsor nor endorse training or educational opportunities for any BPS examinations. BPS does not have any official preparation/training partnerships or agents outside of the United States.
This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of sources, and candidates using any preparatory resources agree to abide by all U.S. copyright laws in the use of examination preparation materials.
Examination Content Outlines
BPS publishes the examination specifications document specific to each examination and strongly encourages candidates to become thoroughly familiar with this document. This document includes the Examination Content Outline, which defines the scope of the assessment in terms of the knowledge and skills assessed by the examination and notes the percentage of items allocated to each content area. The examination specifications documents are developed via a job analysis approximately every five (5) years and periodically updated to reflect changes in practice. Candidates should ensure that they are referring to the current examination specifications document for their specialty area.
Examination Content Outlines for each specialty can be found here.
BPS recertification examinations sample the knowledge required to perform the tasks in each of the major areas of responsibility of the specialty as defined through a job analysis. The examination does not attempt to test knowledge at all levels or settings in the specialized practice area. Mastery of the knowledge and skills involved in the defined scope of specialized practice is necessary for board certification regardless of the practice in which an applicant is currently involved. New regulations, drugs, and therapies are continually incorporated into the examination content. Examinations are assembled months prior to the administration date, so they may not always reflect all 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.
Examination Format
Four-option multiple-choice items constitute most examination items; however, some of the specialty examinations also use multiple-choice multiple-response items (i.e., more than one response must be selected), and items supplemented with images.
All items must be answered in the order they are presented, and a candidate is not able to skip items. Once a candidate confirms an answer choice and moves to the next item, the candidate will not be able to go back and change the response. There is no penalty for guessing, and it is in the best interest of the candidate to answer every question. The forward-only examination navigation serves as a security measure for BPS examinations and aligns with the best practices of several pharmacy examinations.
Candidates will be provided with a scientific calculator available on their computer screen for use during the examination. A sample calculator is available on the Pearson Candidate portal.
Throughout BPS specialty recertification examinations, measurements from laboratory test results are expressed in metric (SI) units that are commonly used in practice in the United States. A conversion chart is NOT offered as part of the examination. A reference table of normal laboratory values is NOT provided during examination administration. Candidates should take this into consideration when preparing for the examination.
BPS is aware that examination items dealing with procedures or regulatory issues in the United States may not be pertinent to candidates who practice in other countries. However, all candidates are given the same examination and are held to the same standard, regardless of the country in which they practice and the regulations under which they practice.
Candidates will have the option to add comments to each examination item. Examinees who wish to provide feedback must specify any issues with an item in the comment section of the item, and not at the end of the examination session. The comments will be collected and shared in aggregate for review by BPS staff and the applicable BPS specialty council. Comments will not be used in the scoring of the examination.
Instructions will be provided to candidates on their computer screen. Only answers submitted via computer will be scored. Answers written on whiteboards, comment boxes, or scratch paper will not be scored.
Sample Examination Items
BPS has provided sample multiple-choice items to give candidates an opportunity to review the format of the items used on BPS specialty recertification examinations. They are used strictly for the purpose of examination content format and are not indicative of actual content on the examinations.
Sample examination items can be found here.
Day of the Examination
Checking In on Examination Day: Test Center
Information about checking in to a test center on the day of a scheduled examination is available on the Test Center page on the BPS website.
Checking In on Examination Day: Online/Remote Testing (Limited Exceptions)
Online/remote testing is not a standard delivery option and may be approved only in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis for eligible candidates in the United States, Australia, and Canada with advance approval by BPS. Candidates who believe they may require an exception should contact BPS to request approval and receive instructions. Additional information is available on the Online Testing page on the BPS website.
Late Arrivals
Candidates who arrive 30 minutes after their scheduled appointment may be refused admission. Refunds will not be issued in the event of a forfeited appointment.
No Shows
- Failure to appear at a scheduled exam appointment, or failure to appear with appropriate identification, will count as the candidate’s testing session, and the candidate will be marked as a no-show.
- Failure to schedule an exam appointment by the end of the eligibility period as outlined in the authorization to test (ATT) will count as the candidate’s testing session and the candidate will be marked as a no-show, unless an extension is granted. Review the Request for Extension section for more information about the extension process.
- Failure to cancel an exam appointment less than five days prior to an appointment, without a BPS-approved exemption, will count as the candidate’s testing session, and the candidate will be marked as a no-show.
For initial recertification examinations: If a candidate is marked as a no-show, all fees are forfeited. The candidate must submit a new application and pay the full $400 USD application fee to schedule a future examination.
For retake recertification examinations: If a candidate is marked as a no-show for a retake examination, all fees are forfeited. The candidate must submit a new application and pay the full $400 USD application fee to schedule a future examination.
More information on the following can be found on the Test Centers and Online Testing pages on the BPS website:
- Inclement Weather and Cancellations
- Internet Issues During the Examination
- Prohibited Items
- Use of Scratch Paper
- Water Policy
Examination Rules
BPS and Pearson follow industry-standard examination rules as outlined within this guide and the Test Centers and Online Testing webpages.
Examination Duration
Examination introduction, tutorial, and 150 certification or recertification examination items: 3 hours, 45 minutes.
Among the 150 items, the examination includes 25 unscored pretest items that are embedded within the test and represent new items that are being trialed before use as a scored item in subsequent forms of the examination.
Unscheduled Departure from Testing Area
Candidates at a test center may not leave the room without test center staff permission. If the candidate leaves the room without permission prior to completing their examination, the proctor will note the time of departure, terminate the examination immediately, and the candidate will not be refunded.
Breaks
Scheduled breaks are not offered during certification or recertification examinations. One 10-minute optional unscheduled break is permitted, and if taken, this time is subtracted from the candidate’s remaining examination time. A proctor must be notified and approve this optional break. Failure to notify the proctor of an unscheduled break may result in termination of the examination and forfeiture of all fees. Upon the candidate’s return, a full security scan will be conducted prior to resuming the examination.
Candidates who take an unscheduled break during an examination and exceed 10 minutes will have their examination terminated. All items on the examination must be answered in the order they are presented, and a candidate is not able to return to previous items or skip ahead to other items.
Security
BPS examinations are the confidential property of BPS and are protected by trade secret law, copyright law, and other applicable state and federal laws and regulations. BPS and its testing vendor maintain examination administration and security standards that are designed to assure that all candidates are provided with the same opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.
Before beginning the examination, candidates must read and sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement and General Terms of Use. This statement restricts candidates from sharing any information about the examination with other individuals, including discussions with any colleagues who might be planning to take the examination.
Proctors are authorized by BPS and its examination administrator to maintain a secure and proper examination administration environment.
Candidates will be inspected for devices such as hand-held scanners, cameras, tape recorders, or other electronic equipment. Areas around the testing room (e.g., hallways, restrooms, telephone stalls) are monitored throughout the examination for security purposes. Candidates are observed at all times while taking the examination. Observation may include direct observation by center staff, as well as video and audio recordings of the examination session.
Candidates may not communicate with other candidates during the examination. Anyone who provides or receives assistance during the examination will be dismissed from the examination room. Candidates may not photograph, record, or memorize any examination material. Other causes for dismissal include, but are not limited to, using notes, references, or any test aids; using unauthorized calculators; causing a disruption to the environment; and removing any examination material from the test center. Candidates who are dismissed from the examination room forfeit all fees.
Personnel authorized and trained by Pearson will proctor the examination. No other individuals are permitted in the room during the examination except for the candidates and persons authorized by BPS and/or the examination administrator.
Statement of Confidentiality for BPS Examinations
- This examination and the test items contained herein are the exclusive property of BPS.
- This examination and the items contained herein are protected by copyright law. No part of this examination may be copied or reproduced in part or whole by any means whatsoever, including memorization.
- The theft or attempted theft of any examination materials is punishable as a felony.
- Participation in any irregularity occurring during this examination such as giving or obtaining unauthorized information or aid, as evidenced by observation or subsequent analysis, may result in termination of participation, invalidation of the examination results, or other appropriate action.
- Further discussion or disclosure of the contents of the examination orally, in writing, or by any other means, is prohibited.
The electronic signature on a candidate’s recertification application indicates that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the statement of confidentiality and that they have read and understood the BPS Recertification Guide. Failure to comply can result in termination of the candidate’s participation, invalidation of the results of the examination, or other appropriate action.
After the Examination
Examination Scoring
Responses are scored in real-time as candidates progress through an examination. The candidate’s response to each examination item is recorded and scored against the answer key. All items must be answered in the order they are presented, and a candidate is not able to skip items. Once a candidate confirms their answer choice and moves to the next item, they will not be able to go back and change their response. It is to the candidate’s advantage to answer every item on the examination; there is no penalty in the scoring formula for guessing.
Beginning January 2026, for examinations administered in the continuously available format, BPS will display a preliminary pass/fail decision onscreen. Examinees can expect to access their official score report on their MyBPS account within 45 calendar days after the date of the test session.
Official score reports will be made available within 45 calendar days after the date of the testing session for examinations administered in the continuously available format. Official score reports will be made available within 45 calendar days after the end of the administration window for examinations administered in the administration window.
Candidates can access score reports by logging into their MyBPS account.
Individual examination results are considered confidential. Scores are released only to the individual candidate unless a signed release is provided in advance. Results are not released by phone, fax, or email. All personal information submitted by applicants and certificants with their application is considered confidential.
Access to a candidate score report is limited to BPS staff who are involved in the processing of these reports. BPS will not release personal information (other than the name of certified individuals under established policy) without written authorization by the examinee.
More information about the examination scoring process, including information on the passing standard, equating and scaled scores, and interpreting the score report can be found on the Examination Scoring page on the BPS website.
Comparative Review and Hand-Scoring
A comparative review verifies that the candidate’s answers were scored against the correct examination answer key to confirm the candidate’s examination was scored properly. The computer-based examination scoring process is accurate, and the BPS scoring process already includes several quality assurance steps.
To request a comparative review/hand scoring of a BPS examination, a candidate must submit the request form on their MyBPS profile, along with a $50 USD fee. Requests must be received within 30 calendar days of the issuance of the score report. Candidates should allow 30 calendar days to process requests.
Appeals Process
An appeals process is available to any individual who has applied for or earned a BPS certification and wishes to contest any adverse decision or proposed action affecting their application for certification or recertification status other than a failed examination score.
BPS provides a two-step appeals process for resolution of any questions or complaints concerning an action or decision by the BPS Board of Directors. The first step of the process includes a reconsideration review procedure which is handled by BPS. The second step of the process is an appeals procedure which is handled by a specially appointed appeals committee. The individual must first file the request for reconsideration before filing an appeal.
Requests for reconsideration or appeal can be submitted electronically using the required Request for Reconsideration or Appeal form via the Appeals Policy and Procedures page on the BPS website.
If the candidate experiences an examination administration issue and wishes to file a complaint, the complaint must be received by BPS within five (5) calendar days of the examination date by using the Examination Appointment Issues link on the BPS website.
Retaking the Examination
Examinees who fail their first examination attempt may apply for a retake and pay the discounted fee of $200 USD. Examinees are allowed up to two retake examinations (three attempts total). Following each attempt, there is a 90-day washout period, after which candidates have a maximum of ninety (90) calendar days to schedule and complete their next attempt.
Note: All attempts must be scheduled and completed by October 15. The 90-day scheduling and testing period will be adjusted to align with October 15.
If a passing score is not achieved after the third attempt, the examinee must wait 12 months from the date of their final attempt before submitting a new application, paying the $600 USD application fee, and beginning the process again.
If an examinee does not use their option to retake the examinations within the allowed timeframe, they must resubmit a complete application and pay the $400 USD application fee to restart the process.
An individual who fails one specialty examination may NOT apply for another specialty examination as a retake candidate.
Retake examinees who withdraw from taking the examination are processed as described in the withdrawal section.
Status of BPS Certification
Certification statuses are displayed within the certificant’s MyBPS profile. All statuses, except withdrawn status, are displayed on the public-facing roster of board-certified pharmacists and digital badges.
BPS provides the following certification status definitions:
- Active: the certificant has met requirements to obtain the certification, holds an active license/registration to practice as a pharmacist, is up-to-date on all outstanding fees, and for any certification with a cycle beginning January 1, 2024, or after, satisfies the annual minimum CPE/CPD requirements.
- Activity Pending: the certificant has an active certification but has pending requirements with BPS that need to be addressed (e.g., 2-unit annual minimum CPE/CPD and/or outstanding fees) prior to return to active status. A certification may remain in activity pending status for no longer than 12 consecutive months.
- Suspended: the certificant did not complete pending requirements after 12 consecutive months in activity pending status and disciplinary action is taken (i.e., suspension of certification). The certification may return to active status by completion of pending requirements. A certification may remain in suspended status for no longer than 12 consecutive months.
- Withdrawn: the certificant did not meet annual CPE/CPD requirements, did not pay outstanding fees, did not maintain licensure, and/or did not comply with the BPS ethics and professionalism policy, leading to withdrawal of the certification (i.e., inactivated, rescinded). The former certification holder may no longer identify as board certified. The individual’s name is removed from the Find a Board-Certified Pharmacist roster. Reinstatement of the certification can only be achieved by successful completion of the entire certification process, including submitting an application, meeting eligibility requirements, paying all applicable fees (including outstanding fees), and successfully passing the certification examination.
Policy on Suspension of Certification
BPS shall be responsible for suspending, withdrawing, or changing the scope of certification. The certification of an individual may be suspended for:
- Failure to complete or fulfill requirements for certification or recertification;
- Failure to maintain professional licensure;
- Determination that certification or recertification was improperly granted;
- Misrepresentation or misstatement of facts submitted upon application for certification or recertification;
- Violation of Conflict of Interest and/or confidentiality/ non-disclosure attestations to BPS; and/or
- Violation of the Ethics and Professionalism Policy.
Policy on Withdrawal of Certification
If a complaint is received by BPS which upon investigation is related to certificant licensure and the practice of pharmacy governed by various regulatory bodies BPS will refer this complaint to the State Board of Pharmacy or relevant governing body serving the certificant’s official mailing address in BPS files. BPS will closely monitor the action of the state board or governing body, and if the certificant’s license is revoked or suspended, BPS may withdraw the certificant’s certification. Additionally, failure to meet requirements for the ethics and professionalism policy may also result in a withdrawal of a certificant’s certification.
In the event of a withdrawal, the certificant must discontinue the use of any reference to BPS certification. Withdrawal for failure to maintain licensure or to recertify in accordance with BPS recertification policy is automatic and non-discretionary. All other grounds for withdrawal of certification are discretionary on the part of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties.
Annual Certification Maintenance Fee
All BPS-certified pharmacists are required to pay a $125 USD annual certification maintenance fee during years 1 through 6 of the certification cycle. This fee is not required in year 7 (the recertification year). When paying the annual certification maintenance fee, board-certified pharmacists must attest to holding a current, active license/registration to practice pharmacy.
Certificants, including those holding more than one certification, are required to submit the $400 USD recertification fee for each specialty along with their recertification application in year 7. If a certificant is granted an extension year, they must pay the $125 USD annual certification maintenance fee in year 8 (the extension year). Pharmacists holding more than one BPS certification pay only one annual certification maintenance fee. Multi-certified pharmacists in a recertification year who do not request an official delist or submit a recertification application are required to pay the annual certification maintenance fee for any remaining active credential(s).
A payment notification will be sent to each certificant via email annually in May (including in year 1), and payment is due by July 1.
Failure to pay the annual fee by July 1 results in a change in certification status, which will be reflected on the certificant’s digital badge and in the public Find a Board-Certified Pharmacist directory. Additionally, a $5 USD late fee will be applied. Once outstanding fees are paid, the certification status in the directory will update to Active within 72 hours. For more information, refer to the section titled Status of BPS Certification.
Note: Before applying for recertification in year 7 or for a new specialty certification, all outstanding fees must be paid. Certificates cannot be ordered until all fees are settled.
For more information regarding the annual certification maintenance fees, click here.
Use of BPS Fees
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) collects fees related to the following: certification applications, maintenance of certification, and recertification applications. These fees support the BPS mission by funding the critical infrastructure and operations necessary to uphold the high standard of pharmacist board certification and ensure that board certification remains a credible, professionally meaningful, and globally recognized credential.
Collected fees support the ongoing development of examination content for each certification program to ensure the relevancy, validity, and defensibility of each BPS Certification. Fees are also used to maintain an office space in Washington, D.C., employ dedicated customer support representatives and staff, and facilitate examination delivery globally. Tools such as the BPS Website, the Find a Board-Certified Pharmacist Database, and the MyBPS platform are maintained through this funding, alongside the engagement of subject matter expert volunteers, specialty council members, professional committees, and the BPS Board of Directors.
Fees support essential legislative and regulatory work that protects and promotes the value of certification. Additionally, collected fees are used to fund the BPS Research Seed Grant and BPS and FIP Foundation Research Grant which support investigator’s research into BPS Board Certification in the U.S. and internationally.
Certificates and Lapel Pins
Board Certified Pharmacists who successfully complete recertification will receive a complimentary certificate, suitable for framing, and a BPS lapel pin approximately 90 calendar days after recertification requirements have been completed.
A certificate request should not be submitted through MyBPS. Prior to issuance, The Award Group (TAG), the approved certificate vendor for BPS, will provide you with login credentials by email to claim the certificate.
Note: Once recertification requirements are completed you have one year to notify BPS if your certificate is not received. If reported within this timeframe, a replacement will be issued at no charge.
Certificate Replacements
Board certified pharmacists who have previously recertified may request additional certificate copies and/or lapel pins through TAG. Login credentials do not expire.
Replacement certificates will not be issued if the certification is scheduled to expire within the current recertification year (i.e., within 12 months of the expiration date). In such cases, you must first complete the recertification process. Upon successful recertification, an updated certificate reflecting the new certification period will be issued.
The BPS shall maintain sole ownership of the certificates, and the certification mark and logo are the property of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties®. BPS is the only authorized agency that issues BPS certificates. These certificates are exclusively provided through our approved vendor, The Award Group (TAG). It is crucial to be cautious of any groups claiming to represent BPS. To avoid any confusion or scams, we recommend verifying purchases by directly contacting BPS with questions or concerns.
BPS Digital Badges
BPS digital badges, distributed by Credly, were created to enable users to manage and share their professional achievements easily and efficiently. Board-certified pharmacists may choose to utilize this verified display of their credentials as evidence of their professional achievement. The badge can be easily shared on social media, through professional channels, in an email signature, blog, or website.
BPS digital badges are automatically issued to the email address on file in your MyBPS profile one week (seven days) after exam scores are released. If you recently received an exam score notification, please allow seven days to receive your digital badge in your Credly account.
To accept and share a digital badge, you must access the Credly account associated with the email address on your MyBPS profile.
For more information about certificates and digital badges, click here.
Use of the BPS Mark and Logo
The BPS shall maintain sole ownership of the certificates, and the certification mark and logo are the property of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties®. The certificate shall take the form of a letter, card or other medium, and is signed or authorized by an appropriate member of the BPS staff, BPS Board of Directors chairperson and the BPS Specialty Council chairperson. Permission to use the certification logo or mark is granted to certified persons at the discretion of the BPS, for permissible uses only.
A candidate who passes the examination will receive a certificate with a raised seal suitable for framing and will have the right to claim the mark of a Board-Certified Pharmacy Specialist. Use of the BPS mark and logo is limited to those persons who have been granted the BPS designation and who satisfy all maintenance and recertification requirements established by the BPS. Use of the certification mark or logo by individuals who have not been granted and have not maintained the BPS certification is expressly prohibited.
NOTE: BPS is the only authorized agency that issues BPS certificates. These certificates are exclusively provided through our approved vendor, The Award Group (TAG). It is crucial to be cautious of any groups claiming to represent BPS. To avoid any confusion or scams, we recommend verifying purchases by directly contacting BPS with questions or concerns.
Use of the Designation
To use letters in one’s title, individuals must: (1) meet and continue to meet BPS certification and recertification standards; and (2) demonstrate the requisite experience requirements. Successful individuals are authorized to use the following certification marks or designations in communications and marketing materials, once they have earned the specific designation: BCACP®, BCCP®, BCSCP®, BCCCP®, BCEMP®, BCGP®, BCIDP®, BCNP®, BCNSP®, BCOP®, BCPMP™, BCPPS®, BCPS®, BCPP®, and BCTXP®.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
The following section ONLY applies to board-certified pharmacists starting a NEW cycle beginning January 1, 2024 and onward. The follow section does NOT apply to any board-certified pharmacist mid-cycle or those who are in an extension year with pending requirements. Once all recertification requirements have been met and a NEW cycle begins, CPD will apply as part of the recertification process.
BPS defines continuing professional development (CPD) as a commitment to lifelong learning. 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 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 MyBPS and reviewed periodically for progress.
The updated recertification framework, including CPD, is applied to all pharmacists starting a new 7-year certification cycle (newly certified and recertified pharmacists) until it applies to all board-certified pharmacists.
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. Please review the chart on the FAQ page under Continuing Professional Development question, “Who is impacted by CPD? When?” for additional information.
CPD Activities
CPD activities must correlate to the examination 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 recognize seven categories of activities.
- Assessed CPE from BPS-approved professional development program(s)
- CPE and CPD portfolios
- Academic, Professional, and Interprofessional Study
- Teaching and Precepting Learners
- Scholarly Activities
- Workplace Activities
- Leadership and Professional Service
Certificants may self-report (manually add) continuing pharmacy education (CPE) from any CPE provider (e.g., state associations, workplace education, certificate training programs offering ACPE credit) as CPD.
Review the CPD FAQ page, for more information about CPD and click here for a list of acceptable activities and corresponding units.
CPD activities should be reported in MyBPS within six months of the activity completion date. Board-certified pharmacists can edit/delete CPD activities up to December 31 of each year. A step-by-step video detailing how to self-report CPD activities can be found here. 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.
CPD within recertification routes with certification beginning January 1, 2024 or later
Board-certified pharmacists are required to maintain their certification over a 7-year period by one of the following:
- Achieve a passing score on a specialty certification examination and report 20 units of CPD (assessed CPE can also satisfy this requirement) by the end of the 7-year recertification cycle.
- Earn 100 units, comprised of at least 80 units of assessed CPE from BPS-approved professional development programs and up to 20 units of self-reported CPD (assessed CPE can also satisfy this requirement).
Whether recertifying by professional development or recertification examination, board-certified pharmacists who start a new certification cycle in 2024 and onward must:
- Record their annual reflection and plan (ARP) in their MyBPS profile annually, and
- Earn a minimum of 2 units (via CPD activities or assessed CPE via BPS-approved professional development programs) during each year of their cycle.*
Review ARP prompts and steps for documenting in MyBPS on the FAQ page under Continuing Professional Development question, “Where is CPD documented?” A step-by-step video can be found on the same webpage under “Additional Resources for Continuing Professional Development”.
*Failure to complete the 2-unit annual requirement by January 1 of the following year will result in a change in certification status, which will be displayed on the certificant’s digital badge and on the public Find a Board-Certified Pharmacist directory. Once the 2-unit annual requirement has been satisfied, the certification status will appear as “Active” on the board-certified pharmacist directory within 72 hours. For more information, refer to the section titled “Status of BPS Certification.”
Request for Extension
Certificants may receive a 1-year, one-time extension at the sole discretion of BPS if unable to complete the total required CPE or achieve a passing score on the recertification examination. The recertification application must be submitted and approved to submit an extension request. The deadline to submit an extension request is December 31 of the recertification year.
An extension is only granted one time during the life of a certification.
After an extension is granted, the certificant is bound to fulfill the recertification requirements of their current cycle within the extension year. New recertification requirements apply after completion of the current cycle, and the new cycle begins. Accreditation standards and BPS policies prohibit extending certification cycles beyond 8 years.
Steps to submit an extension request application:
- Log in to your MyBPS profile
- Begin the Recertification Process
- Find the recertification section in your portal home screen.
- Click the ‘Recertify’ link.
- Note: The recertification application must be submitted/approved to submit an extension.
- Extension Request
- After the recertification application is approved (within 30 calendar days), the ‘Request Extension’ link will appear in the recertification section of your portal home screen.
- Complete Extension Request
- Click the ‘Request Extension’ link.
- In the ‘Reason and Plan’ text box, include the following:
- Describe why recertification requirements were not satisfied by December 31 of your recertification year.
- Outline your plan to satisfy recertification requirements (either by earning the total CPE or passing the recertification examination) by December 31 of your extension year, if approved.
- In the drop down, select your recertification route.
- Ensure the extension request is submitted by December 31 of your recertification year.
A short video describing the extension request process is available here.
Requests are processed within 15 business days of the submission date. The plan described in the extension request application determines the final recertification route. To update the route, notify BPS staff via the contact us webpage by the recertification application deadline.
The credential remains active during the extension year. The annual certification maintenance fee is required in the extension year. If recertification requirements are not completed by December 31 of the extension year, the certification will lapse and the certificant will be removed from the Find a Board-Certified Pharmacist directory on the BPS website.
BPS requires that any pending examination appointment with Pearson is canceled prior to submitting an extension request. Candidates must cancel the appointment with Pearson, pay the cancellation fee, and attach documentation of the cancellation to the extension request. After BPS verifies the cancellation, the extension request may be approved and a new authorization to test (ATT) will be issued. The previously issued ATT(s) is/are invalid. If the certificant is unable to cancel the examination appointment with Pearson, the certificant must notify BPS staff.
If recertifying via CPE in extension year, CPE must be completed by December 31. Any CPE earned in excess of the recertification requirement will not be applied forward to the next certification cycle.
After recertification requirements are completed in an extension year, the new 7-year certification cycle will begin January 1 of the following year.
Delist
To deactivate a certification prior to the cycle end date, submit a delist request through the MyBPS portal by completing the following steps:
- Log in to the MyBPS profile.
- Click on the “Delist” link found in the certification information section.
Multi-certified pharmacists who delist a credential during a recertification year must pay the annual certification maintenance fee for any remaining active credentials in the following year.
Multi-certified pharmacists in a recertification year who neither request an official delisting nor submit a recertification application must also pay the annual certification maintenance fee for all remaining active credentials in the following year.
Delist requests are approved within 14 calendar days of the request submission date. After the delist request is processed, the certification will be removed from the public roster on the BPS website.
Once a credential is delisted, the reinstatement of the certification can only be achieved by successful completion of the entire certification process, including submitting a certification application, meeting eligibility requirements, paying all applicable fees, and successfully passing the certification examination.