Certified Medication Reconciliation Pharmacist (CMRP)

CMRP (MRP-001) Exam Objectives

This exam certifies that the candidate possesses the specialized skills to perform a comprehensive medication reconciliation process, identify and resolve discrepancies, and ensure seamless medication management across transitions of care.

Domain 1: The Medication History and Interview Process (40%)

• Best Possible Medication History (BPMH): Utilize a systematic process and multiple sources (patient/caregiver interview, retail pharmacy records, previous medical records) to obtain a BPMH.
• Patient Interviewing Techniques: Employ effective, patient-centered communication techniques (e.g., open-ended questions, show-and-tell, teach-back) to elicit accurate medication information.
• Source Verification: Compare and contrast information from various sources to identify inconsistencies and apply clinical judgment to determine the most accurate medication list.
• Documentation: Document the complete BPMH, including drug name, dose, route, frequency, and last dose taken, according to institutional standards.

Domain 2: Discrepancy Identification and Resolution (35%)

• Reconciliation Process: Perform a systematic comparison of the patient's BPMH against admission, transfer, or discharge medication orders to identify any variations or discrepancies.
• Categorization of Discrepancies: Classify discrepancies by type (e.g., omission, commission, different dose/frequency/route) and assess their potential for causing patient harm.
• Clinical Intervention: Formulate and communicate clear, concise, and evidence-based recommendations to prescribers to resolve clinically significant discrepancies.
• Pharmacotherapy Assessment: Perform a clinical review of the reconciled medication list for appropriateness of therapy, safety, and efficacy in the context of the patient's clinical condition.

Domain 3: Transitions of Care and Workflow Management (25%)

• Transitions of Care (TOC): Apply the principles of medication reconciliation at key transition points, including admission, intra-hospital transfers (e.g., to/from ICU), and discharge to home or another facility.
• Discharge Counseling and Education: Provide clear, effective counseling to patients and caregivers on their final discharge medication list, emphasizing any changes made during their hospital stay.
• Technology and Workflow: Utilize health information technology (e.g., EHR tools, medication reconciliation software) to facilitate an efficient and reliable medication reconciliation process.
• Quality Metrics: Describe the impact of a robust medication reconciliation program on patient safety outcomes and key institutional quality metrics (e.g., reducing readmission rates and adverse drug events).

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 CMRP Professionals

The CMRP certification is essential for pharmacists and technicians working in roles dedicated to patient safety, particularly within hospitals and health systems. In a competitive job market, employers seek candidates with validated credentials. The CMRP formally recognizes a high level of skill in a foundational safety process, making you a more desirable applicant.

Target Candidates

• Hospital and health-system pharmacists.
• Pharmacists and technicians working in admissions, discharges, or emergency departments.
• Transitions of care specialists.
• Professionals focused on medication safety and quality improvement.

Primary Job Roles:

• Medication Reconciliation Pharmacist / Technician
• Transitions of Care Pharmacist
• Clinical Pharmacist (Hospital/Health-System)
• Medication Safety Officer or Specialist
• Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (managing post-discharge follow-up)

Career Advancement:

With a CMRP credential, a professional can advance to lead a medication reconciliation team or program. They are strong candidates for leadership positions such as Manager of Transitions of Care, Director of Medication Safety, or roles within quality improvement and pharmacy administration that focus on reducing medication-related harm.

Study Resources

Prepare for your CMRP exam with resources focused on this critical patient safety practice.