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Announcing the 2020 CPS Examination Schedule and Test Center Locations
A new year presents a fresh opportunity for reflection, growth, and the pursuit of professional excellence. For pharmacy professionals dedicated to advancing their skills and demonstrating their expertise, earning a professional certification is a significant milestone. At the Council on Pharmacy Standards (CPS), we are committed to supporting every step of this journey. As we enter 2020, we are excited to build upon the successful launch of our Foundational Practice Portfolio and empower a new cohort of practitioners to achieve their professional goals.
Today, we are pleased to release the official 2020 examination schedule for all four of our foundational certification programs. We have designed this schedule with flexibility and accessibility in mind, providing multiple opportunities throughout the year for candidates to sit for their examinations. Furthermore, in our ongoing effort to better serve the pharmacy community, we are thrilled to announce a major expansion of our network of available test centers, making the certification process more convenient than ever before.
This announcement contains all the key dates and information you will need to plan your certification journey for the year ahead. We encourage all prospective candidates to review this information carefully as you prepare to take this important step in your career.
The 2020 Examination Schedule
To provide candidates with maximum flexibility in scheduling, CPS will offer two distinct testing windows in 2020 for each of our certification programs. Each window includes a dedicated registration period, a multi-week testing period, and a clearly defined score release date. Please note the dates for your specific program of interest.
Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacist (CSCP)
Spring 2020 Administration:
Registration Period: February 1 – March 31, 2020
Testing Window: May 1 – June 15, 2020
Score Release: Scores will be released by August 1, 2020.
Fall 2020 Administration:
Registration Period: July 1 – August 31, 2020
Testing Window: October 1 – November 15, 2020
Score Release: Scores will be released by January 1, 2021.
Certified Non-Sterile Compounding Pharmacist (CNSCP)
Spring 2020 Administration:
Registration Period: February 1 – March 31, 2020
Testing Window: May 1 – June 15, 2020
Score Release: Scores will be released by August 1, 2020.
Fall 2020 Administration:
Registration Period: July 1 – August 31, 2020
Testing Window: October 1 – November 15, 2020
Score Release: Scores will be released by January 1, 2021.
Certified Medication Safety Officer (CMSO)
Spring 2020 Administration:
Registration Period: February 1 – March 31, 2020
Testing Window: May 1 – June 15, 2020
Score Release: Scores will be released by August 1, 2020.
Fall 2020 Administration:
Registration Period: July 1 – August 31, 2020
Testing Window: October 1 – November 15, 2020
Score Release: Scores will be released by January 1, 2021.
Certified Medication Therapy Management Specialist (CMTMS)
Spring 2020 Administration:
Registration Period: February 1 – March 31, 2020
Testing Window: May 1 – June 15, 2020
Score Release: Scores will be released by August 1, 2020.
Fall 2020 Administration:
Registration Period: July 1 – August 31, 2020
Testing Window: October 1 – November 15, 2020
Score Release: Scores will be released by January 1, 2021.
Expanded Access: Our Growing Network of Test Centers
A core part of our mission is to remove barriers for qualified professionals seeking certification. For 2020, we have made a significant investment in expanding our testing infrastructure to ensure a convenient and accessible experience for candidates nationwide.
We are proud to announce that through our partnership with a leading global test administration provider, we have increased the number of available test centers by over 40%. This expansion means that CPS examinations can now be taken at more than 500 secure, professional testing locations across the United States. This enhanced network drastically reduces the need for long-distance travel and provides a much wider array of scheduling options, allowing you to find a time and place that works best for your personal and professional life.
All CPS examinations are administered via computer-based testing in these highly secure and monitored environments, ensuring a standardized and fair experience for every candidate. To find a testing center near you, please visit the Test Center Locator tool on our website.
A Guide for Prospective Candidates
As you plan your path to certification in 2020, we offer the following guidance to ensure a smooth and successful process:
Review the Candidate Handbook: Before beginning the registration process, we strongly encourage you to download and thoroughly review the official Candidate Handbook for your chosen certification program. This comprehensive document is your most important resource and contains detailed information on eligibility requirements, application procedures, examination content outlines, and all relevant Council policies.
Register and Schedule Early: While the registration periods are several months long, we advise all candidates to register and schedule their examination appointment as early as possible. Appointments at all test centers are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. By scheduling early, you will have the best selection of available dates, times, and locations to choose from.
Special Accommodations: The Council on Pharmacy Standards is committed to providing access for all individuals with disabilities. We provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All requests for accommodations must be submitted for review and approval during the registration process. Please consult the Candidate Handbook for detailed instructions on how to submit a request.
Earning a CPS certification is a significant achievement and a direct investment in your professional future. It is a clear declaration of your expertise and your commitment to upholding the highest standards of pharmacy practice.
We wish all our 2020 candidates the very best as they prepare for this important step in their professional journey. We look forward to supporting you and celebrating your success.
The Department of Certification, Council on Pharmacy Standards (CPS)
