CPIA Exam Content Outline

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Certified Pharmacy Informatics Analyst (CPIA)

Official Examination Content Outline

This document provides the official content outline for the Certified Pharmacy Informatics Analyst (CPIA) examination. This gold-standard blueprint certifies that a professional possesses the essential, performance-based competencies required to manage the entire lifecycle of pharmacy information systems—from design, build, and implementation to data analysis, optimization, and ongoing support—to ensure a safe, efficient, and effective medication-use process.

Examination Specifications

Name of Credential Certified Pharmacy Informatics Analyst (CPIA)
Certification-Issuing Body The Council on Pharmacy Standards (CPS)
Designation Awarded CPIA
Target Population Pharmacists responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of medication-use systems (e.g., EHR, CPOE, BCMA, ADCs).
Examination Length 120 multiple-choice items
Administration Time 3.0 hours

Examination Content Outline

The CPIA examination is weighted according to the five domains listed below. This structure reflects a comprehensive view of the pharmacy informatics field, aligning with industry best practices (e.g., HIMSS, ASHP) and covering the critical knowledge areas from foundational concepts and system configuration to data analytics and strategic leadership.

Domain 1: Foundations of Pharmacy Informatics and Medication-Use Systems 15%
Domain 2: System Design, Build, and Maintenance 25%
Domain 3: Data Analytics, Reporting, and Quality Improvement 25%
Domain 4: System Implementation, Support, and Project Management 20%
Domain 5: Governance, Leadership, and Professional Practice 15%

Domain 1: Foundations of Pharmacy Informatics and Medication-Use Systems (15%)

Task 1: Apply knowledge of key terminology, standards, and concepts in health informatics.
  • Differentiate between data, information, knowledge, and wisdom (DIKW pyramid).
  • Differentiate between terminologies and vocabularies (e.g., RxNorm, SNOMED CT, LOINC, ICD-10).
  • Analyze the application of interoperability standards (e.g., HL7 v2, CDA, FHIR).
  • Apply legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA, HITECH, 21 CFR Part 11) to informatics workflows.
  • Identify the roles of key standards development organizations (e.g., NCPDP, HL7, X12, USP).
Task 2: Analyze the role of technology across the medication-use process.
  • Map informatics systems to each stage: prescribing (CPOE), transcribing, dispensing (pharmacy information systems, automation), administration (BCMA, eMAR), and monitoring.
  • Identify points of failure and opportunities for technology to improve safety and efficiency.
  • Analyze the flow of medication order data from the EHR to the pharmacy and back to the eMAR.
  • Evaluate the function and integration of technologies (e.g., ADCs, smart pumps, IV workflow systems).
Task 3: Manage the integration of external data sources into clinical workflows.
  • Integrate Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data into prescribing and dispensing workflows.
  • Facilitate the exchange of data with Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) and state immunization registries.
  • Manage interfaces for electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) and real-time pharmacy benefit checks.
  • Ensure secure data exchange with external partners (e.g., specialty pharmacies, payers).
Task 4: Apply principles of medication safety, human factors, and clinical decision support (CDS).
  • Identify the "Five Rights" of CDS (right information, right person, right format, right channel, right time).
  • Assess system design for potential sources of alert fatigue, workarounds, and other human-factors risks.
  • Categorize and evaluate the effectiveness of various CDS interventions (e.g., alerts, order sets, infobuttons).
  • Apply usability principles to the design and optimization of clinical systems.

Domain 2: System Design, Build, and Maintenance (25%)

Task 1: Manage the electronic formulary and medication databases.
  • Configure medication records, including dosing, clinical properties, and billing information.
  • Build and maintain order sets, protocols, and care plans based on clinical evidence.
  • Manage drug database updates and ensure consistency across integrated systems.
  • Apply knowledge of different drug identifiers (e.g., NDC, GCN, GPI, RxNorm) in system build and maintenance.
Task 2: Configure and maintain clinical decision support (CDS) rules.
  • Build, test, and implement CDS interventions such as interaction alerts, duplicate therapy checks, and dose range checking.
  • Translate clinical guidelines and organizational policies into functional system rules.
  • Develop and implement strategies for managing and reducing alert fatigue.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and document the performance and impact of CDS rules.
Task 3: Implement security protocols and access controls within medication-use systems.
  • Configure role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure appropriate system privileges.
  • Implement and monitor audit trails to detect unauthorized access or activity.
  • Apply data encryption and privacy-enhancing principles to protect patient information.
  • Contribute to institutional cybersecurity efforts (e.g., risk assessments, incident response for ransomware).
Task 4: Manage system changes and adhere to the system development life cycle (SDLC).
  • Follow a structured process for requesting, approving, building, testing, and deploying system changes.
  • Develop clear and comprehensive design, build, and testing documentation.
  • Perform rigorous system testing (unit, functional, integration, regression) to ensure quality and safety.
  • Adhere to change control policies to maintain system integrity.

Domain 3: Data Analytics, Reporting, and Quality Improvement (25%)

Task 1: Extract and analyze medication-related data from clinical information systems.
  • Utilize reporting tools and write queries (e.g., SQL) to retrieve data from system databases.
  • Aggregate and validate data from multiple sources (e.g., EHR, ADC, purchasing) for analysis.
  • Understand data warehousing concepts and the structure of clinical data repositories.
  • Create data visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings to stakeholders.
Task 2: Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and quality metrics.
  • Design reports to track medication safety events (e.g., ADEs, overrides from BCMA/ADC).
  • Measure operational efficiency (e.g., turnaround times, inventory metrics).
  • Analyze pharmacoeconomic outcomes and financial metrics (e.g., drug cost savings, reimbursement optimization).
  • Support regulatory and quality reporting requirements (e.g., for The Joint Commission, CMS, MIPS).
Task 3: Apply data analysis to support drug diversion surveillance.
  • Analyze data from ADCs, purchasing records, and the EHR to identify patterns of potential diversion.
  • Configure and manage diversion monitoring software and surveillance reports.
  • Collaborate with diversion investigators by providing data-driven insights.
  • Identify user activities and transactions that represent a high risk for diversion.
Task 4: Apply emerging technologies and predictive analytics to enhance medication safety and optimize workflows.
  • Evaluate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models for advanced clinical decision support.
  • Utilize real-time data dashboards for proactive patient monitoring and operational management.
  • Analyze data from robotic automation systems to identify efficiency and safety opportunities.
  • Assess the application of Natural Language Processing (NLP) to extract insights from unstructured clinical notes.

Domain 4: System Implementation, Support, and Project Management (20%)

Task 1: Apply project management principles to informatics initiatives.
  • Contribute to project planning, including defining scope, objectives, and deliverables.
  • Develop project timelines, track progress against milestones, and manage risks.
  • Communicate project status effectively to stakeholders and team members.
  • Coordinate tasks among interdisciplinary teams to ensure successful project execution.
Task 2: Manage system testing, downtime, and recovery procedures.
  • Develop comprehensive test scripts and coordinate integrated testing activities.
  • Design, document, and train staff on downtime procedures for critical systems.
  • Participate in business continuity and disaster recovery planning and testing.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve post-implementation issues in a timely manner.
Task 3: Provide end-user training and ongoing support.
  • Develop training materials and conduct training for new implementations or upgrades.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for troubleshooting and resolving user-reported issues.
  • Analyze support tickets to identify trends and opportunities for system improvements or additional training.
  • Communicate system changes, updates, and best practices effectively to all end users.
Task 4: Support the implementation and integration of telehealth and patient-facing technologies.
  • Configure and support telepharmacy platforms for remote consultation and verification.
  • Integrate patient portal features for medication refills, messaging, and adherence tracking.
  • Evaluate mobile health (mHealth) applications for medication management.
  • Ensure patient-facing tools are user-friendly, secure, and integrated with the EHR.

Domain 5: Governance, Leadership, and Professional Practice (15%)

Task 1: Lead informatics strategy and contribute to enterprise-level digital transformation.
  • Align informatics initiatives with organizational strategic goals and priorities.
  • Advocate for resources and technology investments to improve the medication-use system.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on medication-related technology and data.
  • Champion the adoption of informatics best practices across the enterprise.
Task 2: Participate in clinical informatics governance and decision-making structures.
  • Prepare materials and present recommendations to clinical governance committees (e.g., P&T, Informatics Council).
  • Collaborate with clinical and operational leaders to establish policies for medication-use technology.
  • Mediate differing opinions among stakeholders to achieve consensus on system design and workflow.
  • Ensure clinical systems and workflows comply with accreditation and regulatory standards.
Task 3: Manage interdisciplinary communication and apply principles of change management.
  • Serve as a liaison translating between clinical, operational, and technical teams.
  • Identify potential resistance to change and develop mitigation and adoption strategies.
  • Engage clinical champions and super-users to promote acceptance of new technologies and workflows.
  • Assess the impact of technology changes on clinical workflows, culture, and patient safety.
Task 4: Maintain professional and ethical standards and a commitment to lifelong learning.
  • Adhere to ethical principles regarding patient data privacy, security, and confidentiality.
  • Maintain current knowledge of emerging technologies, regulations, and best practices in pharmacy informatics.
  • Participate in professional organizations (e.g., ASHP, HIMSS) and continuous professional development.
  • Manage potential conflicts of interest related to vendors and technology selection.

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