BCACP (BPS) - Board Certification in Ambulatory Care

The Board Certification in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (BCACP) is a professional credential offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) for pharmacists specializing in ambulatory care. This certification recognizes the pharmacist's expertise in managing complex medication regimens for patients with chronic diseases in ambulatory settings. The BCACP is designed for pharmacists who focus on direct patient care in environments such as clinics, community pharmacies, or patient-centered medical homes.

Completion Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Cost: $600. Candidates who failed a certification exam in the past 12 months may retake it for $300.

Exam Format

The BCACP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (25 unscored) that assess the pharmacist's knowledge and skills in ambulatory care pharmacy practice.

Topics include chronic disease management, pharmacotherapy, patient-centered care, health system management, and population health.

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• A valid pharmacist license.

• Completion of a PGY1 pharmacy residency program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or equivalent experience.

• A minimum of four years of post-licensure pharmacy practice experience (with at least 50% of time spent in ambulatory care activities) if not residency-trained.

Certification Process

Submit an application to BPS for eligibility assessment.

Successfully pass the BCACP examination.

BCACP certification requires renewal every 7 years.

Renewal involves completing professional development activities, such as continuing education credits in ambulatory care pharmacy.

Continuing education is crucial for maintaining certification and staying up-to-date with advancements in ambulatory care pharmacy.

This may include attending conferences, participating in workshops, and completing online courses.

For specific information regarding Board Certification in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy, including detailed requirements, examination schedules, and maintenance of certification, it is recommended to consult directly with the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). The BPS website offers comprehensive resources and guidance for pharmacists pursuing and maintaining certification in various pharmacy specialties.

Career Opportunities

BCACP-certified pharmacists work in various settings, including clinics, community pharmacies, healthcare organizations, and academic institutions.

They play a vital role in medication therapy management, chronic disease management, wellness and prevention, and interprofessional healthcare teams.

The BPS also offers the following certifications:

• Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacist (BCCCP)

• Board Certified Cardiology Pharmacist (BCCP)

• Board Certified Emergency Medicine Pharmacist (BCEMP)

• Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacists (BCGP)

• Board Certified Infectious Diseases Pharmacist (BCIDP)

• Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist (BCNP)

• Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP)

• Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP)

• Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPP)

• Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)

• Board Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacist (BCSCP)

• Board Certified Solid Organ Transplant Pharmacist (BCTXP)

The American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) offers the HIV Pharmacist (AAHIVP) certification.