Certified Medical Affairs Pharmacist (CMAP)

CMAP (MAP-001) Exam Objectives

This exam certifies that the candidate has the knowledge and skills to function effectively as a scientific professional within a biopharmaceutical Medical Affairs department.

Domain 1: The Role of Medical Affairs and Compliance (30%)

• Function of Medical Affairs: Describe the core functions of Medical Affairs, including Medical Information, Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), and Medical Education.
• Compliance and Regulations: Differentiate between the promotional activities of Commercial teams and the non-promotional, scientific exchange conducted by Medical Affairs, ensuring compliance with FDA and OIG guidance.

Domain 2: Clinical Data Interpretation and Communication (40%)

• Literature Evaluation: Critically appraise the methodology and results of clinical trials, real-world evidence studies, and health economics research.
• Scientific Exchange: Communicate complex clinical and scientific data to healthcare professionals in a clear, balanced, and non-promotional manner.
• Key Opinion Leader (KOL) Engagement: Describe the principles and compliant practices for engaging with KOLs to gather insights and support research.

Domain 3: Medical Information and Education (20%)

• Medical Information Responses: Develop fair and balanced responses to unsolicited medical information requests from healthcare professionals.
• Medical Content Creation: Review and provide scientific input on medical and educational materials (e.g., slide decks, publications).
• Medical Grants and Investigator-Initiated Research: Describe the process for reviewing and supporting independent medical education and research.

Domain 4: Healthcare Landscape and Strategy (10%)

• Drug Development Lifecycle: Describe the phases of drug development and the role of Medical Affairs in pre-launch and post-launch activities.
• Healthcare Stakeholders: Understand the needs and perspectives of different healthcare stakeholders, including payers and patient advocacy groups.

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 CMAP Professionals

The CMAP certification is for pharmacists seeking a career in the biopharmaceutical industry. This credential demonstrates the unique skills required to function in a non-commercial, science-focused role that is critical to a company's success.

Target Candidates

• Pharmacists with experience in drug information, clinical research, or academia.
• Managed care or health-system pharmacists interested in transitioning to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Clinical pharmacists with deep therapeutic area expertise.
• Professionals aspiring to roles such as Medical Science Liaison (MSL) or Medical Information Specialist.

Primary Job Roles:

• Medical Science Liaison (MSL)
• Medical Information Specialist
• Medical Affairs Manager
• Clinical Science Liaison
• Medical Director / Medical Lead

Career Advancement:

A CMAP is on a path to leadership within the pharmaceutical industry. They can advance to become a Director or Vice President of Medical Affairs, lead an MSL team, or take on strategic roles in global medical strategy, clinical development, or health economics and outcomes research (HEOR).

Study Resources

Prepare for your CMAP exam with resources designed to master the unique competencies of a Medical Affairs professional.