Certified Pharmacy Supply Chain Manager (CPSCM)

CPSCM (SCM-001) Exam Objectives

This exam certifies that the candidate has the strategic, financial, and regulatory knowledge to effectively manage the pharmaceutical supply chain in a complex healthcare environment.

Domain 1: Procurement and Inventory Management (40%)

• Procurement Strategy: Manage relationships with wholesalers, Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs), and manufacturers. Evaluate and negotiate purchasing contracts.
• Inventory Control: Implement and monitor inventory control systems and strategies (e.g., perpetual vs. periodic, just-in-time) to optimize inventory turns and minimize carrying costs.
• 340B Program Management: Oversee the operational and compliance aspects of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, including inventory management and audit readiness.
• Formulary Management: Collaborate with clinical teams to align procurement strategies with formulary decisions and therapeutic interchange programs.

Domain 2: Drug Shortage Management (25%)

• Shortage Identification and Assessment: Proactively monitor for potential drug shortages and assess their potential clinical and operational impact.
• Mitigation Strategies: Develop and implement strategies to mitigate the impact of shortages, including identifying therapeutic alternatives and managing alternative product acquisition.
• Communication: Develop and execute a communication plan to inform prescribers and clinical staff about ongoing shortages and conservation strategies.

Domain 3: Regulatory Compliance and Safety (20%)

• DSCSA Compliance: Ensure adherence to all requirements of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, including product tracing, verification, and serialization.
• Controlled Substance Management: Oversee procurement, inventory, and record-keeping for controlled substances in compliance with DEA and state regulations.
• Product Integrity: Manage processes for handling drug recalls, expired medications, and preventing the entry of counterfeit drugs into the supply chain.

Domain 4: Financial and Data Analysis (15%)

• Data Analytics: Utilize purchasing and inventory data to identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize contract performance, and improve efficiency.
• Financial Acumen: Understand the impact of supply chain decisions on the pharmacy's budget and the organization's overall financial health.

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 CPSCM Professionals

The CPSCM certification is for pharmacists and experienced professionals in health-system pharmacy who are responsible for purchasing, inventory, and supply chain logistics. This credential signifies a high level of expertise in the business and operational side of pharmacy.

Target Candidates

• Pharmacists and technicians working in pharmacy purchasing or inventory control.
• Pharmacy business managers and 340B coordinators.
• Pharmacy leaders responsible for budgeting and financial performance.
• Consultants specializing in pharmacy supply chain optimization.

Primary Job Roles:

• Pharmacy Supply Chain Manager
• Pharmacy Purchasing Manager or Coordinator
• Pharmacy Inventory Specialist
• 340B Program Coordinator or Manager
• Pharmacy Business Manager

Career Advancement:

A CPSCM is well-suited for senior leadership roles within pharmacy administration. They can advance to become a Director of Pharmacy Supply Chain, a Director of Pharmacy Business Operations, or hold executive-level roles in health-system administration overseeing system-wide supply chain logistics.

Study Resources

Prepare for your CPSCM exam with resources focused on the intricate world of the pharmacy supply chain.