Council on Pharmacy Standards

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Increase your knowledge. Advance your career. And most importantly, become a better pharmacist.

A Standard of Value Across Healthcare

A CPS credential is more than a line on a resume—it’s a trusted verification of advanced skill and knowledge. Our rigorous standards provide tangible benefits to employers, payers, patients, and the dedicated pharmacists who earn them.

For Employers & Health Systems

Hire and promote with confidence. CPS certification verifies that your pharmacists possess the specialized skills needed for complex roles, improving quality of care, ensuring compliance, and reducing institutional risk.

For Patients & The Public

Feel secure knowing your pharmacist has met a rigorous national standard for specialty practice. CPS-certified pharmacists are committed to providing the safest, most effective, and most advanced care.

For Pharmacy Professionals

Validate your expertise, unlock new career opportunities, and distinguish yourself as a leader in your field. A CPS credential is a powerful investment in your professional future and a mark of excellence recognized by peers.

Certification grants pharmacists the essential expertise and vision to navigate and thrive in today's evolving healthcare system.

Earning a CPS credential is a clear demonstration of your advanced knowledge and commitment to professional excellence. Our process is designed to be straightforward for eligible candidates ready to validate their expertise through our rigorous, nationally-recognized examinations.

Review the Exam Blueprint

Start by reviewing the detailed Exam Content Blueprint for your chosen specialty. This official document is your guide to the competency areas, knowledge domains, and skills that are assessed on the exam.

Sit for a Proctored Exam

Our examinations are administered at secure, proctored testing centers to ensure the integrity of the testing experience and the validity of your credential. The computer-based format is designed to be intuitive and professional.

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95%

of certified pharmacists report that certification is key to deepening and broadening their expertise in pharmaceutical care.

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Setting the Standard for Pharmacy Excellence

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Access the official CPS candidate handbook, exam policies, scheduling, and scoring information.

CANDIDATE INFORMATION & POLICIES

Access official information to get ready for test day—eligibility requirements, exam blueprints, scheduling, scoring, accommodations, security, and FAQs.

View Candidate Resources

CANDIDATE HANDBOOK — FREE DOWNLOAD

The official Certified Surgical Pharmacy Specialist (CSPS) Candidate Handbook provides authoritative, evidence-based policies and guidance for candidates and practitioners.

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