Certified Psychedelic Therapy Pharmacist (CPTP)

CPTP (PSY-001) Exam Objectives

This exam certifies that the candidate has the critical knowledge of pharmacology, patient safety, and clinical protocols to function as the medication expert on a psychedelic-assisted therapy team.

Domain 1: Pharmacology and Neuroscience (35%)

• Mechanism of Action: Differentiate the primary mechanisms of action for psilocybin/LSD (serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonism), MDMA (serotonin/norepinephrine/dopamine releaser), and ketamine (NMDA receptor antagonism).
• Pharmacokinetics & Metabolism: Describe the absorption, distribution, metabolism (including key CYP enzymes), and elimination of key psychedelic compounds.
• Drug-Drug Interactions: Given a patient's medication list, identify and manage potentially dangerous interactions, particularly with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and other psychotropic agents.

Domain 2: Clinical Protocols and Therapeutic Frameworks (30%)

• Patient Screening: Identify absolute and relative medical and psychiatric contraindications for specific psychedelic agents (e.g., cardiovascular risks for MDMA, psychosis risk for psilocybin).
• Medication Management: Develop evidence-based protocols for tapering or holding concomitant psychiatric medications before, during, and after a psychedelic therapy session.
• Therapeutic Models: Describe the pharmacist's role within the common three-stage model of psychedelic therapy: preparation, administration session, and integration.
• REMS and Restricted Access: Explain the key components of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program as it applies to agents like esketamine (Spravato).

Domain 3: Patient Safety and Risk Management (25%)

• Adverse Event Management: Recognize and outline management strategies for potential acute adverse events, such as hypertension, tachycardia, serotonin syndrome, and challenging psychological experiences.
• Supportive Care: Identify appropriate pharmacological interventions (e.g., benzodiazepines, antihypertensives) and non-pharmacological support measures that may be required during a session.
• Protocol Development: Create a comprehensive safety and emergency response protocol for a psychedelic therapy clinic.

Domain 4: Ethical and Regulatory Considerations (10%)

• Legal Landscape: Describe the current legal status of various psychedelic substances (e.g., Schedule I vs. approved medical use) and the pathways for FDA approval.
• Informed Consent: Identify key elements that must be included in the informed consent process for a patient undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy.

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 CPTP Professionals

The CPTP certification is for pharmacists seeking to specialize in the innovative field of psychedelic medicine. This credential is ideal for professionals working in specialized mental health clinics, academic research centers, or in roles related to clinical trial management and patient safety.

Target Candidates

• Psychiatric pharmacists with a strong interest in novel therapies.
• Pharmacists working in investigational drug services or clinical research.
• Medication safety pharmacists in behavioral health settings.
• Ambulatory care pharmacists practicing in mental health clinics.

Primary Job Roles:

• Clinical Pharmacist, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
• Medication Safety Pharmacist (Psychiatry)
• Investigational Drug Service Pharmacist
• Clinical Research Pharmacist
• Director of Pharmacy at a Mental Health Center

Career Advancement:

A CPTP is positioned to become a leader in this emergent field. Career advancement opportunities include becoming a director of a clinical program, a primary investigator in clinical research, a consultant for the pharmaceutical industry, or a key contributor to policy and guideline development for psychedelic medicines.

Study Resources

Prepare for your CPTP exam with resources focused on this unique intersection of pharmacology and mental health.