Eligibility & Exam Fees

Confirm Your Eligibility - Council on Pharmacy Standards
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Are You Eligible?

All candidates must meet three general requirements to apply for a CPS certification. Review these and then select the professional pathway that best describes you.

Education

Hold a Pharm.D. or B.S. Pharm. degree from an ACPE-accredited program or a recognized equivalent.

Licensure

Possess an active, unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. state/territory or your country of practice.

Compliance

Agree to adhere to all CPS policies and uphold the professional standards outlined in the CPS Code of Conduct.

Choose Your Pathway

Pathway 1: U.S. Licensed Pharmacists

  • Hold an active and unrestricted U.S. pharmacist license.
  • Graduate of an ACPE-accredited school OR hold an FPGEC® Certificate.
  • Fulfill the Specialty Experience Requirement below.

Pathway 2: International Pharmacists

  • Hold an active and unrestricted license in your country of practice.
  • Hold a professional pharmacy degree equivalent to a U.S. degree.
  • Fulfill the Specialty Experience Requirement below.

Specialty Experience Requirement (All Pathways)

To ensure foundational knowledge, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Standard Experience: Completion of at least one year of professional experience in a practice setting directly related to the certification area.
  • Certificate Waiver: The experience requirement is waived for candidates who hold a relevant, active certificate of completion from a recognized provider (e.g., PGY residency, fellowship, APhA/ASHP training program).

Transparent Fee Schedule

All fees are listed in U.S. dollars and must be paid at the time of service via a valid credit card. CPS does not accept personal checks.

Item Fee Description
Application Fee $395 A one-time, non-refundable fee covering the administrative cost of processing and reviewing your initial application and exam administration.
Exam Retake Fee $350 For candidates who need to retake an examination after an unsuccessful attempt. Subject to the Retest Policy.
Recertification Fee $250 A fee required to maintain an active certification status, due every 3 years on the anniversary of your certification date.
Appointment Reschedule Fee $50 Assessed for changing your confirmed exam date or time within the same testing window. Must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the appointment.
Appointment Cancellation Fee $100 A non-refundable fee assessed for canceling a scheduled exam appointment without rescheduling. Examination fee is forfeited upon cancellation.
Duplicate Certificate Fee $50 For ordering a replacement or additional printed copy of your official CPS certificate.

Upholding Professional Standards

All candidates and certificants must adhere to the CPS Code of Conduct, which outlines the ethical and professional standards required for certification. By applying, you agree to uphold these principles:

  • Prioritize patient-centered care, safety, and confidentiality.
  • Act with integrity and honesty in all professional interactions.
  • Commit to lifelong learning and professional competence.
  • Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Uphold the dignity and reputation of the pharmacy profession.

A copy of the full Code of Conduct is available for download.