If 2020 was the year that tested our collective resilience, then 2021 was the year we harnessed that resilience to achieve purposeful, significant growth. It was a year of building on the innovations forged in the crucible of the pandemic and channeling that energy into expanding our mission and deepening our impact. We transitioned from a posture of rapid response to one of strategic action, solidifying the “new normal” of flexible, accessible certification and pushing forward into new frontiers of clinical excellence.
Throughout 2021, the Council on Pharmacy Standards (CPS) was guided by a clear vision: to not only recover from the disruptions of the previous year but to emerge as a stronger, more accessible, and more indispensable partner to the pharmacy profession. We made our innovative remote testing option a permanent feature, we launched our most ambitious new portfolio of clinical certifications to date, and we forged deeper, more meaningful partnerships with the nation’s leading employers.
This report is a testament to the trust you place in us and the incredible engagement of our entire community—from our newest candidates to our most seasoned volunteer experts. On behalf of our entire leadership team and Board of Directors, thank you for your partnership as we reflect on a remarkable year of growth and look ahead to an even brighter future.
2021 By the Numbers: An Overview of Our Impact
Our success is measured by the success of the professionals we serve. In 2021, our community grew in every key area, demonstrating the increasing value and recognition of CPS credentials in the marketplace.
New Certificants: We proudly welcomed over 8,200 new certificants to our community, representing a 25% increase in the number of new credentials earned compared to the previous year.
Total Certificant Community: Our total number of active certificants grew to over 20,000 professionals, creating a vibrant and expanding national network of recognized experts.
Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) Adoption: The power of choice resonated strongly with our candidates. A remarkable 60% of all 2021 examinations were successfully and securely delivered via our innovative LRP platform, confirming its role as a vital tool for accessibility.
New Program Launches: We successfully launched the Clinical Care Specialties Portfolio, adding 5 new advanced certifications to our offerings in areas of critical patient need.
Volunteer Engagement: Our corps of volunteer Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) grew by 40%. These dedicated leaders contributed over 15,000 hours of their time and expertise to develop and maintain our rigorous standards.
Solidifying Innovation: The New Normal of Certification
In 2021, we made the pivotal decision, announced in our February 8th post, to make Live Remote Proctoring a permanent and accessible option for all CPS candidates. This transformed LRP from an emergency response into a core component of our commitment to equity and accessibility. The year was dedicated to optimizing and scaling this platform, ensuring it provided a seamless and reliable experience.
The overwhelming adoption of LRP confirmed that we had met a long-standing need within the profession. Candidates in rural areas, working parents with challenging schedules, and those with health or mobility concerns finally had a path to certification that did not require the time and expense of travel. By offering a true choice between in-person testing and LRP, we have created a more inclusive and candidate-centric model for professional credentialing. We continued to listen to your feedback throughout the year, implementing enhancements that streamlined the check-in process and expanded our technical support resources. This culture of continuous improvement ensures that our commitment to accessibility is matched by a commitment to an exceptional user experience.
Expanding Clinical Excellence: Meeting the Needs of Advanced Practice
The landmark achievement of 2021 was the successful launch of the Clinical Care Specialties Portfolio. As we announced on April 19th, this new suite of five advanced certifications (CCCP, CPMP, CRPS, CPSUD, and CBHP) was our direct response to the increasingly complex, clinical roles that pharmacists are undertaking on the front lines of patient care. This portfolio was created to recognize the highest levels of expertise in managing the most challenging chronic conditions facing our society.
The response from the pharmacy community was immediate and enthusiastic. In its inaugural year, the Clinical Care Specialties Portfolio attracted over 1,500 highly qualified candidates. We saw particularly strong interest in the Certified Cardiometabolic Care Pharmacist (CCCP) and Certified Behavioral Health Pharmacist (CBHP) programs, a clear reflection of the urgent national need for experts in these fields. This successful launch significantly broadens the scope of CPS’s offerings, cementing our role as the premier credentialing body for pharmacists across the entire spectrum of practice, from foundational roles to the most advanced clinical specialties.
Building Strategic Partnerships: Deepening Our Impact
We believe that the full value of certification is realized when it is recognized and supported by employers. In late 2021, we launched the Partners in Excellence Program to build formal, strategic alliances with health systems that share our commitment to the highest standards of practice. As we announced on December 6th with our inaugural partners, this program is designed to integrate CPS certifications directly into institutional quality frameworks and clinical ladder programs.
We are thrilled to report that this initiative has gained significant momentum. Since its launch, the Partners in Excellence program has grown to include 12 leading health systems, which collectively represent over 250 hospitals and 500 clinics nationwide. These partnerships create a powerful synergy, providing pharmacists with direct institutional support to pursue certification and giving health systems an externally validated tool to ensure clinical excellence. This program is a key part of our long-term strategy to elevate the standard of care on a national scale.
A Foundation of Financial Strength and a Look Ahead
Thanks to the strong growth in our programs and the prudent management of our resources, CPS maintained a robust and stable financial position throughout 2021. Our financial health is the engine that powers our mission, allowing us to reinvest a significant portion of all program revenue directly back into the development of new standards, innovative technologies, and valuable resources for the profession.
This strong foundation is what enables us to pursue our next major initiative. As our 2020 Job Task Analysis made clear, there is a critical need to recognize the expertise required to manage the complex business of pharmacy. Therefore, we are excited to confirm that we are on track for the 2022 launch of our much-anticipated Pharmacy Operations & Management Portfolio.
2021 was a year of turning the resilience we discovered in 2020 into a permanent platform for purposeful growth. We solidified our innovations, expanded our impact, and deepened our partnerships. We are immensely grateful for your trust, your engagement, and your shared commitment to excellence. We look forward to continuing this incredible momentum with you in 2022.