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Frequently asked questions

Certificate Programs

What is a certificate program?

A certificate program is an educational program providing participants with in-depth study in a specific area of pharmacy practice. On completion of the program, the pharmacist receives a certificate of completion. Generally, certificate programs do not "certify" that a person is competent in a specific area of practice. See next question for further discussion of certification.

What's the difference between certification and a certificate program?

The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) states that:  "Certification is the process by which a non-governmental agency, such as a professional association, grants recognition, following assessment, to an individual who has met certain predetermined qualifications specified by that organization." Examples of certifications in pharmacy include: 

• Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP), 
• Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP), 
• Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP),
• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS), 
• Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) (see the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties for more information) and 
• Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP) (see the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy for further information).

In contrast, "certificate programs in pharmacy are structured and systematic post-graduate continuing education experiences for pharmacists that are generally smaller in magnitude and shorter in time than degree programs, and that impart knowledge, skills, attitudes and performance behaviors designed to meet specific pharmacy practice objectives."  "The successful completion of one or more Certificate Programs in Pharmacy may be among the requirements for certification or re-certification, as determined by the organization granting certification.

Reference: The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Standards and Quality Assurance Procedures for ACPE-Approved Providers of Continuing Pharmaceutical Education Offering Certificate Programs in Pharmacy. Chicago, 1999.

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