Certified DEA Compliance Pharmacist (CDCP)

CDCP (DCA-001) Exam Objectives

This exam certifies that the candidate has the expert-level knowledge to develop, implement, and manage a compliant controlled substance program in accordance with DEA regulations.

Domain 1: DEA Regulations and the Controlled Substances Act (40%)

• Drug Scheduling: Differentiate between controlled substance schedules (I-V).
• Prescription Requirements: Apply federal and state requirements for a valid controlled substance prescription.
• Corresponding Responsibility: Describe the pharmacist's legal responsibility to ensure the legitimacy of a controlled substance prescription.
• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): Interpret and apply key sections of 21 CFR, Part 1300 to end.

Domain 2: Recordkeeping and Inventory Management (30%)

• Ordering and Receiving: Manage the process for ordering Schedule II substances using the Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS) or a DEA Form 222.
• Inventories: Perform initial and biennial controlled substance inventories according to DEA requirements.
• Dispensing and Distribution Records: Maintain accurate and readily retrievable records of all controlled substances dispensed or distributed.
• Theft and Loss Reporting: Manage the process for reporting significant theft or loss using a DEA Form 106.

Domain 3: Diversion Prevention and Monitoring (20%)

• Diversion Prevention: Develop and implement a comprehensive diversion prevention program.
• Surveillance and Auditing: Utilize surveillance software and internal audits to proactively detect potential diversion.
• Waste and Disposal: Ensure proper procedures are in place for the secure waste and disposal of controlled substances, including the use of a DEA Form 41.

Domain 4: Registration and Security Requirements (10%)

• DEA Registration: Manage the DEA registration process for an institutional practitioner.
• Physical Security: Ensure that all physical security requirements for the storage of controlled substances are met.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to sit for a CPS certification exam, candidates must meet the criteria outlined in one of the two pathways below.

Pathway 1: For U.S. Licensed Pharmacists

This pathway is for pharmacists licensed to practice within the United States, regardless of country of graduation.

• Hold an active and unrestricted pharmacist license in any state or territory of the United States.
• Meet educational requirements by being a graduate of an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy or holding a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee® (FPGEC) Certificate.
• Fulfill the specialty experience requirement as outlined below.

Pathway 2: For International Pharmacists (Non-U.S. Licensed)

This pathway is for pharmacists who practice outside of the United States.

• Hold an active and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in their country of practice. A certified English translation of the license must be provided if the original is not in English.
• Hold a professional degree in pharmacy equivalent to a U.S. pharmacy degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree (BPharm), Master’s degree in Pharmacy Practice (MPharm), or Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD).
• Fulfill the specialty experience requirement as outlined below.

Specialty Experience Requirement (for all pathways)

To ensure candidates have foundational knowledge in the specialty, one of the following criteria must be met:

• Standard Pathway:
  Completion of at least one year of professional experience in a practice setting directly related to the certification area.
• Certificate Pathway:
  The one-year specialty experience requirement is waived for candidates who hold an active certificate of completion from a nationally recognized provider in a related subject matter. This includes, but is not limited to, the completion of a relevant PGY residency, fellowship, certificate/training program, or a relevant graduate degree (e.g., a Master's degree in the specialty field). Recognized providers of certificate programs include, but are not limited to:
  • American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
  • American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
  • American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
  • American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)

Career Path for CDCP Professionals

The CDCP certification is for pharmacists in roles that require a deep, practical understanding of controlled substance laws. This credential is vital for anyone responsible for diversion prevention, regulatory compliance, and medication safety in any pharmacy setting.

Target Candidates

• Pharmacy managers or directors in any practice setting.
• Pharmacists in charge (PICs) responsible for overall compliance.
• Health-system pharmacists working in medication safety or compliance roles.
• Consultant pharmacists specializing in regulatory affairs.

Primary Job Roles:

• Controlled Substance or Diversion Specialist
• Pharmacy Compliance Manager
• Medication Safety Officer
• Director of Pharmacy
• Consultant (DEA Compliance)

Career Advancement:

A CDCP is positioned for high-level leadership roles in risk management and compliance. They can advance to become a Chief Compliance Officer, a system-level Director of Medication Safety, or a sought-after consultant for health systems and pharmacies facing regulatory scrutiny.

Study Resources

Prepare for your CDCP exam with resources focused on the intricate details of controlled substance regulation.