BPS Recertification
BPS requires all board-certified pharmacists to recertify every seven years. Recertification assures the public and the profession that certified practitioners undergo periodic evaluation. The purpose of recertification is to help ensure that the credential holder demonstrates a continued commitment to maintaining and further developing the competencies necessary for safe and effective practice in that specialty area. BPS defines continuing competence as the board certified pharmacist’s ability to maintain knowledge, skills, or abilities demonstrated at the time of initial certification throughout the time the board certified pharmacist maintains active board certification status.
For certification cycles beginning January 1, 2023 or earlier: Achieve passing score on the recertification examination by the end of the 7 year recertification cycle.
For certification cycles beginning January 1, 2024 or later: Achieve passing score on the recertification examination and self-report 20 units of continuing professional development (CPD) by the end of the 7 year recertification cycle (assessed CPE can also satisfy this requirement).*
*A minimum of 2 units of CPD or BPS-approved, assessed CPE must be earned annually, regardless of recertification pathway.
For certification cycles beginning January 1, 2023 or earlier: Complete the total required assessed continuing pharmacy education (CPE) units from a BPS-approved professional development program.
For certification cycles beginning January 1, 2024 or later: Earn at least 80 units of assessed continuing pharmacy education (CPE) from a BPS-approved professional development programs and self-report up to 20 units of continuing professional development (CPD) by the end of the 7 year recertification cycle (assessed CPE can also satisfy this requirement).*
*A minimum of 2 units of CPD or BPS-approved, assessed CPE must be earned annually, regardless of recertification pathway.
Find Assessed CPE
Approved for BPS Recertification
Recertification with BPS
Annual Certification Maintenance Fee
All BPS-certified pharmacists are required to pay a $125 USD annual certification maintenance fee during year 1 through year 6. The annual certification maintenance fee is not required in year 7 (the recertification year) of a certification cycle. 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 recertification fee along with their recertification application in year 7 (the recertification year) for each specialty. If a certificant is granted an extension year, they must pay the $125 USD annual certification maintenance fee in year 8 (the extension year).
A payment notification will be sent to each certificant via email annually in May (including in year 1). Payment is due by July 1. Pharmacists holding more than one BPS Certification will only pay 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 the remaining active credential(s).
Failure to pay the annual fee by July 1 results 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. Additionally, a $5 USD late fee will be applied. For more information, refer to the section of the BPS Candidate’s Guide titled “Status of BPS Certification”.
Before applying for recertification in year 7 or for new specialty certification, all outstanding fees must be paid.
The annual certification maintenance fee supports the BPS mission by funding the ongoing work of BPS on behalf of its certified specialists: maintenance of current, credible certification examinations, maintenance of recertification examinations and related processes, research on the impact and value of certification, and exploring new specialty certifications. All fees are subject to change at the sole discretion of the Board.
Recertification Application Fees are as follows:
The recertification application fee for recertifying by examination or CPE is $400 USD.
The recertification examination retake application fee is $200 USD.
BPS recommends registering early in the year. If a passing score is not achieved, there may be an opportunity to retest within the recertification year and avoid lapse of certification. The recertification application must be submitted to register for the examination. More information about examination dates and fees is found here.
For specialties in continuous testing, BPS recommends that a candidate sit for their recertification examination by October 15 in their recertification year to ensure a score is issued by December 31.
For details on recertification by examination, review the Recertification Guide.
Certificants have the option to maintain their credential via assessed CPE from BPS-approved program provider programs. CPE units are reported in real time by program provider(s). If recertification activities aren’t accurately reflecting in MyBPS, providers are the best resource for timely and accurate reporting of progress.
Review BPS-approved Professional Development Program Provider(s) for your specialty here.
Click here to download a listing to assist you with identifying BPS-approved professional development program providers that offer recertification activities for your specialty certification.
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 a personal learning record or portfolio and reviewed periodically for progress.
The updated recertification framework began applying to board-certified pharmacists who started a new recertification cycle in 2024. Pharmacists newly certified in 2023, or board-certified pharmacists who successfully recertified in 2023, were the first cohort. The framework will then be applied each year until it is applicable to all board-certified pharmacists in 2030.
Board-certified pharmacists subject to the CPD-recertification framework 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 program) during each year of their cycle. You may complete your ARP at any point throughout the year; best practice is to document your reflection and plan prior to documenting CPD activities in MyBPS.
| Year Certified or Recertified | Certification Cycle Start Date (begin earning recertification units) | Certification Cycle Expiration Date (deadline to complete recertification requirements) | New CPD-Recertification Framework Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | January 1, 2017 | December 31, 2023 | January 1, 2024 |
| 2017 | January 1, 2018 | December 31, 2024 | January 1, 2025 |
| 2018 | January 1, 2019 | December 31, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
| 2019 | January 1, 2020 | December 31, 2026 | January 1, 2027 |
| 2020 | January 1, 2021 | December 31, 2027 | January 1, 2028 |
| 2021 | January 1, 2022 | December 31, 2028 | January 1, 2029 |
| 2022 | January 1, 2023 | December 31, 2029 | January 1, 2030 |
| 2023 | January 1, 2024 | December 31, 2030 | January 1, 2024 |
| 2024 onward | January 1, 2025 | December 31, 2031 | January 1, 2025 |
This table is based on the typical seven-year certification cycle. 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 recertification cycle after completion of the extension year. 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 begin recognizing seven categories of activities under the initial CPD pilot.
- Assessed CPE from BPS-approved professional development program
- CPE and CPD portfolios
- Academic, Professional, and Interprofessional Study
- Teaching and Precepting Learners
- Scholarly Activities
- Workplace Activities
- Leadership and Professional Service
| Activity Category | Activity Description | Example Evidence for upload (not exhaustive) | Units Awarded* | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessed CPE from BPS-approved professional development program | If desired, you may complete an additional 20 units of assessed CPE via BPS-approved professional development programs to satisfy the 100-unit recertification requirement. The necessary plan, reflect, and evaluate components MUST be completed regardless. | Verified by BPS | |||
| Activity Category | Activity Description | Example Evidence for upload (not exhaustive) | Units Awarded* | Annual Maximum | Maximum per Recertification Cycle |
| Continuing pharmacy education (CPE) and CPD portfolios | Earn CPE from provider (e.g., state associations, workplace education, certificate training programs) | Certificate(s) of completion | 1 contact hour (0.1 CEU) will be awarded 1 CPD unit | 10 | 10 |
| Earn CPE or CPD based on local, state, provincial, workplace or institutional requirements utilizing recognized processes and learning plans (e.g., Iowa, Canada, Australia) | Portfolio, certificate(s) of completion | 1 portfolio will be awarded 10 units | 10 | 10 | |
| Academic, Professional, and Interprofessional Study | Complete post-graduate academic or professional courses from an accredited institution (e.g., MPH, MHA) | Academic transcript, proof of enrollment | 1 course will be awarded 5 units | 5 | 10 |
| Attain or maintain active status for non-BPS certifications (e.g., AAHIVP, CDCES, CNSC, BC-ADM) | Certification verification document or link | 1 certification will be awarded 5 units | 5 | 10 | |
| Complete continuing education accredited for other healthcare professionals (e.g., ACCME, ANCC, AAPA, APA, CDR, BOC, ADA CERP) | Certificate of completion | 1 credit hour will be awarded 1 unit | 10 | 10 | |
| Teaching and Precepting Learners | Develop and present educational content (e.g., college/university course lecture, continuing education, preparation/recertification course) | Syllabus, course description from catalog | 1 hour of teaching will be awarded 2 units | 10 | 10 |
| Serve as a preceptor for students, residents, or other healthcare professionals | Confirmation from college of pharmacy, evaluation from student | 10 hour of precepting will be awarded 1 unit | 2 | 10 | |
| Scholarly Activities | Serve as an author in a peer-reviewed journal article or book chapter | Documentation of authorship from publisher, copy of chapter page | 1 article or chapter will be awarded 5 units | 5 | 10 |
| Serve as an author for a published book | Documentation of authorship from publisher | 1 book will be awarded 10 units | 10 | 10 | |
| Serve as an investigator for a submitted federal, state or national organization project, regardless of funding outcome. | Letter of attestation from organization official, communication from granting agency verifying submission | 1 grant will be awarded 5 units | 5 | 10 | |
| Complete a capstone project, thesis, or dissertation as part of post-graduate academic degree program | Documentation of project, thesis or dissertation from degree granting institution | 1 unique capstone, thesis, or dissertation will be awarded 5 units | 5 | 10 | |
| Serve as an Investigator on an IRB approved or exempt research project | Documentation of project, listing of investigator from IRB | 1 completed project will be awarded 5 units | 5 | 10 | |
| Workplace Activities | Lead in-service training or Grand Rounds | Program announcement or presentation title with author, letter of attestation from management | 10 hours of participation will be awarded 1 unit | 2 | 10 |
| Implement performance, practice, or clinical quality improvement project (e.g. medication safety project/MUE) | Letter of attestation from management | 1 completed project will be awarded 5 units | 5 | 10 | |
| Serve on institutional review board, P&T, medication safety, medication therapy management committee, or another similar committee. | Letter of attestation from management | 10 hours of participation will be awarded 1 unit | 2 | 10 | |
| Leadership and Professional Service | Serve on a committee, editorial board, review board, workgroup, task force, board of directors (for local, state, provincial, national, or international healthcare-related organization): Activities under this description may include service for non-BPS-affiliated organizations and entities. Evidence must demonstrate participation and relevance to healthcare-related leadership or professional service. | Letter of attestation from leadership, publication listing individual and corresponding position or role | 10 hours of participation will be awarded 1 unit | 2 | 10 |
| BPS Specialty Council member: Participation on a specialty council established by BPS. Verified by BPS. | Verified by BPS, if submitted | 9 | 9 | ||
| BPS Job analysis panelist: Service on a job analysis panel convened by BPS. Verified by BPS. | Verified by BPS, if submitted | 2 | 2 | 10 | |
| BPS Standard setting panelist: participation in a standard-setting panel convened by BPS. Verified by BPS. | Verified by BPS, if submitted | 2 | 2 | 10 | |
| BPS Item writer: Contribution to the development of examination items for BPS. Verified by BPS. | Verified by BPS, if submitted | 2 | 2 | 10 | |
| BPS Ambassador: Serving as an official representative or ambassador for BPS. Verified by BPS. | Verified by BPS, if submitted | 2 | 2 | 10 | |
| BPS Content Contributor (e.g., podcast guest, blogger): Providing content for official BPS communications, such as podcasts or blogs. Verified by BPS. | Verified by BPS, if submitted | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
* BPS will award CPD units for recertification purposes ONLY. The necessary Reflect, Plan and Evaluate components MUST be completed for CPD units to be awarded for recertification. If a certificant wishes to claim CPD activities for licensure or employer requirements, please contact ACPE, the state board of pharmacy, or the employer for information on requirements.
Additional CPD Resources
CPD Recertification Checklist
Use this one-pager as a guide to stay on track to complete your recertification requirements by the end of your certification cycle.
Click Here to Download
CPD Annual Reflection and Plan Sample
CPD Annual Reflection and Plan Sample
View our CPD Annual Reflection and Plan (ARP) Sample as a reference for structuring and formatting your annual reflection and plan for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This example, provided by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), helps board-certified pharmacists understand the expectations for documenting their professional growth and future learning goals. Please note that reflection content, length, and appropriateness are subject to audit by BPS.
Click HereCPD Activity Evaluation Sample
CPD activity evaluation sample
View our CPD Scholarly Activity Evaluation Sample as a reference for submitting an evaluation related to scholarly activities for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. This example showcases a well-structured evaluation submitted by a certificant, demonstrating how to effectively document and reflect on scholarly activities for CPD purposes. This sample is provided for guidance and is not the only acceptable format for submitting CPD activity evaluations.
Click HereCPD Activity Verification Letter
CPD Workplace activity evidence
View our CPD Activity Verification Letter template as a reference to employer verification of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities. This sample template illustrates how an employer can verify that a pharmacist completed specific tasks or activities essential for recertification. This is provided as an example and is not the only form of evidence that can be provided to verify completion of CPD activities. Please note, employers should use their company letterhead for the final document.
Click HereCPD Instructional Videos
What is CPD?
Logging CPD Units
CPD Podcast Episodes
What is CPD?
Explaining Continuing Professional Development in Pharmacy with Michelle Estevez, a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and Pharmacy Manager at Lee Health in Florida. Michelle shares her research into the impact of CPD on development of pharmacy staff, how CPD can be implemented at any stage of a pharmacists career, and resources for those interested in learning more about CPD.
Click HereNavigating Recertification and CPD
Karen Gunning, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, FCCP, Chair of the BPS Employer Advisory Council, discusses the first year of continuing professional development (CPD) and shares insights as part of the first cohort eligible for the CPD recertification framework. Learn more about CPD, how many pharmacists may already be partaking in this version of continuous learning, and how it can help practitioners get out of their comfort zones and learn new things.
Click HereBPS Recertification Guide
For additional information about continuing professional development (CPD) and the recertification process, please refer to the BPS Recertification Guide.
Board-certified pharmacists subject to the CPD-recertification framework 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 program) during each year of their cycle. You may complete your ARP at any point throughout the year; best practice is to document your reflection and plan prior to documenting CPD activities in MyBPS.
To document your Annual Reflection & Plan, log in to MyBPS.
- In the “Recertification” section, under the “Action” column, click “Report Activity.”
- Click the orange “Add Activity Record” button.
- Read the attestation before clicking the check box of acknowledgment.
- From the “Activity Type” dropdown menu, select “Annual Reflection & Plan Submission.”
- In the “Date,” field, select a date within the year for which this reflection and plan are applicable.
- Respond to the Reflect and Plan prompts.
- Click “Save” when you are ready to proceed.
If a certificant is unable to complete the total required CPE or does not achieve a passing score on the recertification examination, an extension request application can be submitted by December 31. A recertification application must be submitted and approved prior to submitting an extension request. Certificants may receive a one-year, one-time extension at the sole discretion of BPS. An extension is only granted one time during the life of a certification.
If an extension is granted, the certificant is bound to fulfill the recertification requirements of their current cycle within the extension year. New recertification requirements do not begin until a certificant fully completes their previous recertification cycle.
Steps to submit an extension request application:
- Log in to your MyBPS profile
- Begin the Recertification Process
- Find the recertification section on 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 weren’t 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 step-by-step video explaining the extension request process can be found here. This short video describes the extension request process for board-certified pharmacists unable to complete recertification requirements by December 31 of their recertification year.
Requests are approved within 15 business days of the submission date. The plan described in the extension request application determines the final recertification route. Certificants must notify BPS staff via the contact us webpage if interested in changing their recertification route during their extension year.
The credential remains active during 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.
Click here for more details on submitting a request for extension.
All recertification requirements must be completed by December 31 of the recertification/extension year.
If requirements are not met, the certification will lapse, and the individual will be removed from the official roster of BPS-certified pharmacists. Once removed from the roster, individuals may no longer use the designation or initials associated with that specialty (e.g., Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist, BCPS) nor display the BPS certificate.
Reinstatement of your certification can only be achieved by successful completion of the entire certification process, including submitting an application, meeting eligibility requirements, paying all applicable fees, and successfully passing the certification examination.
For more details, refer to the BPS Candidate’s Guide.
