BCCCP (BPS) - Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacist

The Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacist (BCCCP) is a professional credential offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) for pharmacists specializing in the care of critically ill patients. This certification recognizes a pharmacist's expertise in managing complex medication regimens and providing pharmaceutical care in critical care settings such as intensive care units (ICUs).

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

Topics include pharmacotherapy, patient assessment, life support, disease management, and drug-induced complications in critically ill patients.

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 critical care pharmacy activities) if not residency-trained.

Certification Process

Submit an application to BPS for eligibility assessment.

Successfully pass the BCCCP examination.

BCCCP certification requires renewal every 7 years.

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

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

This may include attending critical care conferences, participating in specialized training programs, and completing online educational courses.

For specific information regarding Board Certification in Critical 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, including critical care pharmacy.

Career Opportunities

BCCCP-certified pharmacists work in hospital settings, primarily in intensive care units, trauma centers, and emergency departments.

They are involved in direct patient care, medication management, collaboration with critical care teams, and contributing to clinical research and education.

The BPS also offers the following certifications:

• Board Certification in Ambulatory Care (BCACP)

• 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.