| Certification Robert S. Doe, BS, RPh, CGP, CDE, FASCP What does all this alphabet soup mean? How are pharmacists credentialed? Who issues these credentials? How does one know if the credential has credibility and value? What is the difference between a certificate program and a certification program? There is much confusion about the meaning of the various terms used to describe different credentialing programs and processes for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. To become familiar with proper definitions and to sort through the spectrum of education and credentialing activities and processes, read the white paper, Credentialing in Pharmacy (PDF), published by the Council for Credentialing in Pharmacy.  Council for Credentialing in PharmacyStarted in 1999 by 11 founding pharmacy organizations, the Council on Credentialing in Pharmacy (CCP) provides leadership, standards, public information, and coordination for the profession's voluntary credentialing programs. The vision of CCP is for credentialing programs in pharmacy that meet established standards of quality to contribute to significant improvement in the pharmaceutical care of patients and the overall public health. Visit CCP for more information about credentialing in pharmacy. Commission for Certification in Geriatric PharmacyStarted in 1997 by the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy (CCGP) has established a national voluntary certification program for pharmacists. The focus of the certification program is Geriatric Pharmacy Practice. As part of this process, a written examination was developed, which candidates must pass to become certified. A pharmacist who is certified in geriatric pharmacy practice is designated as a "Certified Geriatric Pharmacist" (CGP). Visit CCGP for more information.Read the October 2007 issue of The Credential (PDF). CGP RecertificationRecertification assures the public and the profession that CCGP-certified pharmacists undergo periodic evaluation to verify that their knowledge and skills are maintained at a level comparable to those being newly certified. CCGP requires all Certified Geriatric Pharmacists to recertify every five (5) years. To be recertified, an individual must be currently licensed to practice pharmacy and successfully complete ONE of two methods: (1) achieving a passing score on a multiple-choice 150-question examination administered by CCGP, or (2) earning 75 continuing education hours through the newly approved Professional Development Program for CGP Recertification.Learn about recertification options here. Learn about the recertification exam here.  Professional Development Program |
