Introduction
Are you looking for ways to maintain your Board Certified Emergency Medicine Pharmacist (BCEMP) certification? BPS offers a range of options, including taking the recertification exam every seven years and completing approved professional development activities. There are plenty of opportunities available for BCEMPs who want to stay up-to-date and ahead of the curve in their field.
Read on to learn more about how you can keep your BCEMP Certification current through continuing education or examination.
Option 1: Recertification Exam
Take a 100-question exam every seven years to maintain your certification.
Option 2: Professional Development
Complete 100 hours of BPS-approved activities over seven years.
BCEMP Recertification Exam
BPS requires that BCEMPs complete either a recertification exam every seven years or participate in BPS-approved activities in order to maintain their certification status.
The recertification exam covers the following areas:
- The recertification exam is 100 questions and has 75 questions dedicated to patient care/management, 15 questions dedicated to practice management, and 10 questions dedicated to education and research.
- The total length of the exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Exam Question Breakdown
The advantage to this method is that BCEMPs will not have to purchase continued education credits and pass those exams and potentially be cost-saving. The disadvantage is that by not consistently utilizing the CE courses, some BCEMPs could fall behind in specific practice areas that may have changed over the years.
Advantage
No need to purchase continuing education credits, making this option potentially more cost-saving.
Disadvantage
Without consistent CE courses, some BCEMPs could fall behind in practice areas that have changed over the years.
Completing Approved Professional Development Activities
In addition to taking the recertification exam every seven years, BPS also offers approved professional development activities that BCEMPs can complete in order to maintain their certification status.
In terms of BPS-approved professional development activities, BCEMPs can acquire at least 100 hours of credit every seven years.
BPS offers a variety of approved programs, including:
- Self-directed learning activities
- Live or virtual lectures and presentations
- Online courses and seminars
- BCEMP workshops
Key Information
All BPS-approved credits must be reported in the BPS certification database, which is accessible to all pharmacists.
The advantage to this method is that it allows BCEMPs to stay current on any changes in the field without having to take the recertification exam every seven years. Additionally, BPS-approved activities are BPS’s way to recognize the knowledge and skills its certified professionals have developed over time.
The disadvantage is that there may be added costs associated with purchasing CE credits for some activities and BCEMPs may need to take more time out of their already busy schedules for these activities.
Advantage
Stay current on changes in the field and have your knowledge and skills recognized by BPS over time.
Disadvantage
Added costs for CE credits and additional time commitments outside of your busy schedule.
Pro Tip
Spread your 100 hours of credit evenly over the seven-year cycle. Aim for roughly 14-15 hours per year to avoid cramming near the deadline and to keep your knowledge continuously fresh.
Conclusion
Key Takeaway
Whether you opt for the recertification exam or pursue BPS-approved professional development activities, there are flexible options to maintain your BCEMP certification and stay at the forefront of emergency medicine pharmacy.
Through BPS’s recertification process, pharmacists have the opportunity to stay up-to-date and remain certified Board Certified Emergency Medicine Pharmacists (BCEMP). Whether you opt to take the recertification exam every seven years or pursue BPS-approved activities, there are plenty of options available that can help you maintain your BCEMP certification status.
With BPS’s resources and guidance, pharmacists can stay competitive in their profession while remaining at the forefront of patient care.
Written By
Jimmy Pruitt
PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP — Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Jimmy Pruitt is the founder of Pharmacy & Acute Care University (PACU) and an experienced emergency medicine clinical pharmacy specialist. He is passionate about helping pharmacists achieve board certification and advance their careers in acute care pharmacy practice.
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