Five Steps to Becoming a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Pharmacist
A comprehensive roadmap to earning your BCEMP credential — from your PharmD degree through certification and beyond.
Jimmy Pruitt
PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP — Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Introduction
Becoming a Board Certified Emergency Medicine Pharmacist (BCEMP) is a great way to specialize in providing safe, effective medication services in hospital settings. It requires specialized training and certification from a recognized board of pharmacy, such as the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS).
This article will explain the five steps needed to become a BCEMP, including obtaining an accredited pharmacy degree, taking the NAPLEX and MPJE exams, gaining experience in an emergency medicine setting, taking the BCEMP exam, and earning and maintaining your BCEMP credential. With the right preparation and experience, you can make a difference in patient care by becoming a board-certified emergency medicine pharmacist.
PharmD Degree
NAPLEX & MPJE
EM Experience
BCEMP Exam
Maintain Credential
Obtain an Accredited Pharmacy Degree
To become a BCEMP, you must first complete an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program. Programs typically take four years to complete, and some require residency training.
- Complete a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE-accredited institution
- Ensure the program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
- Consider programs with residency training opportunities for additional hands-on experience
Key Information
The PharmD is a prerequisite for all board certifications through BPS. Make sure your program is ACPE-accredited, as this is a non-negotiable requirement for licensure and future certification eligibility.
Complete the NAPLEX and MPJE Exam
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) requires all pharmacy professionals to pass the NAPLEX and MPJE Exam to be eligible for certification.
NAPLEX
A national examination that gauges your knowledge and understanding of pharmacy practice. This is the primary licensure exam for pharmacists across the United States.
MPJE
A state-specific exam assessing your legal knowledge related to the distribution and use of drugs. Requirements vary by state.
Pro Tip
PACU offers comprehensive NAPLEX and MPJE preparation resources. Having a strong licensure foundation will give you confidence as you pursue advanced board certification later in your career.
Gain Experience in an Emergency Medicine Setting
You must obtain practice experience in a hospital or emergency department setting to meet the requirements for board certification. During this time, you should strive to gain as much knowledge of emergency medications and protocols as possible.
BPS offers three eligibility pathways for the BCEMP exam:
Pathway 1: Practice Experience
At least four years of practice experience in a hospital or emergency department setting with at least 50% of time spent in the scope defined by the Board of Specialty Pharmacy.
Pathway 2: PGY1 + Practice Experience
Successful completion of a PGY1 pharmacy residency within the past seven years, plus at least two years of Emergency Medicine Pharmacy practice experience with at least 50% of time spent in the scope.
Pathway 3: PGY1 + PGY2 (Fastest Route)
Successful completion of a PGY1 pharmacy residency plus successful completion of an ASHP-accredited/candidate status PGY2 pharmacy residency in Emergency Medicine Pharmacy within the past seven years. This is the quickest method to become eligible.
Pro Tip
PGY2 training in Emergency Medicine Pharmacy is the fastest path to BCEMP eligibility. If you are early in your career, strongly consider pursuing residency training to accelerate your timeline and deepen your clinical expertise.
Take the BCEMP Exam
Once you have completed the necessary experience and education, you can apply to take the BCEMP exam. This exam tests your knowledge across several critical domains of emergency medicine pharmacy practice.
BCEMP Exam Content Areas
- Emergency medicine protocols — Assessment and management of acute conditions
- Pharmacology principles — Drug mechanisms, interactions, and evidence-based therapeutics
- Patient care and management — Direct patient care in emergency settings
- Practice management — Operational and systems-based approaches
- Education and research — Teaching, scholarship, and evidence evaluation
- Regulations — Legal and regulatory knowledge related to dispensing medications in emergency settings
Key Information
The BCEMP exam is administered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). Check the BPS website for current exam windows, application deadlines, and the most up-to-date content outline.
Earn and Maintain the BCEMP Credential
After completing the exam, you will receive a certification from BPS indicating that you are now a Board Certified Emergency Medicine Pharmacist. However, to maintain this credential, you must meet ongoing recertification requirements.
Recertification Options
Option A: Continuing Education
Earn at least 100 hours of continuing education credit provided by a professional development program approved by BPS during your seven-year certification cycle.
Option B: Recertification Exam
Achieve a passing score on the 100-item recertification examination administered by BPS, based on the content outline for the Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Specialty, in your seventh year following initial certification.
Important
Your BCEMP certification is valid for seven years. Be sure to track your continuing education credits throughout your certification cycle so you are prepared for recertification when the time comes.
Conclusion
Key Takeaway
With the proper training, experience, and dedication, any pharmacist with a PharmD degree can follow these five steps to become a board-certified emergency medicine pharmacist and expand their career opportunities in acute care.
Becoming a board-certified emergency medicine pharmacist is essential in providing safe, effective medication services in hospital settings. With the proper training and experience, you can make a long-term career in this field.
Following the steps outlined here, anyone with a PharmD degree can become certified to practice emergency medicine. With the correct preparation and dedication, you can become a board-certified emergency medicine pharmacist and expand your career opportunities.
Quick Recap: Your 5-Step Roadmap
- 1 Obtain an Accredited Pharmacy Degree — Complete a PharmD from an ACPE-accredited program
- 2 Complete the NAPLEX and MPJE Exam — Pass both exams to become a licensed pharmacist
- 3 Gain Experience in an Emergency Medicine Setting — Meet BPS eligibility through practice or residency training
- 4 Take the BCEMP Exam — Pass the BPS certification exam covering EM pharmacy domains
- 5 Maintain the BCEMP Credential — Recertify via continuing education or examination every seven years
Written By
Jimmy Pruitt
PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP — Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Jimmy L. Pruitt III is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and board-certified critical care pharmacist who serves as an Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist. He is dedicated to advancing pharmacy education and helping pharmacists achieve board certification through evidence-based preparation strategies.
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