BCEMP (BPS) - Board Certified Emergency Medicine Pharmacist

The Board Certified Emergency Medicine Pharmacist (BCEMP) certification is a professional credential offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) for pharmacists who specialize in emergency medicine. This certification recognizes a pharmacist’s expertise in providing pharmaceutical care to patients in emergency situations, including acute care management, medication therapy, and collaboration with emergency medicine teams.

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 BCEMP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (25 unscored) that assess the pharmacist's knowledge and skills in emergency medicine pharmacy practice.

Topics include acute patient care, pharmacotherapy, toxicology, medication safety, and emergency preparedness.

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 emergency medicine pharmacy activities) if not residency-trained.

Certification Process

Submit an application to BPS for eligibility assessment.

Successfully pass the BCEMP examination.

BCEMP certification requires renewal every 7 years.

Renewal involves completing professional development activities, such as continuing education credits in emergency medicine pharmacy.

Continuing education is essential for maintaining certification and staying current with the latest advancements in emergency medicine pharmacy.

This may include attending specialized conferences, participating in workshops, and engaging in online courses and clinical research.

For specific information regarding Board Certification in Emergency Medicine 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, including emergency medicine.

Career Opportunities

BCEMP-certified pharmacists work in emergency departments, trauma centers, and urgent care settings.

They are integral members of the emergency care team, focusing on medication management, critical care, and resuscitative measures.

The BPS also offers the following certifications:

• BPS Board Certification in Ambulatory Care (BCACP)

• BPS Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacist (BCCCP)

• BPS Board Certified Cardiology Pharmacist (BCCP)

• 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)