What We Do - Council on Pharmacy Standards

What We Do

Discover our commitment to advancing pharmacy practice through a robust portfolio of credentials and a rigorous, impartial standard-setting process.

Our Certification Portfolio

CPS provides credentials that recognize specialized knowledge and skills across the full spectrum of pharmacy practice. Our programs are designed to validate expertise, enhance professional development, and ultimately improve patient care and safety.

Clinical Specialties

Operational & Managerial Roles

Foundational & Practice-Based Skills

Technology & Emerging Areas

Validating Specialized Skills

From sterile compounding to direct patient care, our certifications are designed to validate the critical, hands-on skills that define modern pharmacy practice and ensure patient safety.

Pharmacist performing sterile compounding of an IV product in a clean room

How We Set the Standard

Our credibility rests on a foundation of impartiality, validity, and relevance. Every CPS certification is developed through a meticulous, evidence-based process to ensure it accurately reflects the demands of contemporary practice.

Job Task Analysis

We begin by conducting comprehensive studies to identify the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent performance in a specific area of practice.

Expert-Led Development

We assemble diverse panels of practicing Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to write and review all examination content, ensuring it is current, relevant, and accurate.

Psychometric Validation

Our exams undergo rigorous psychometric analysis to ensure they are fair, reliable, and legally defensible, meeting the highest standards for high-stakes testing.

Our Commitment to Excellence

The Council on Pharmacy Standards is dedicated to upholding the integrity of the pharmacy profession. Our governance structure and policies are designed to ensure complete impartiality, preventing any conflicts of interest and ensuring that every decision is made to serve the best interests of patients and the public.

Learn more about our dedication to fairness and transparency in our Governance & Impartiality section.