BCPS Spring 2021

[Dumditi]

Looking to form a study group .. please message if interested. Need to start ASAP!
TIA

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[Rose19]

Very on point! I was disappointed because it did not reflect the knowledge I obtained while studying. Very off the wall stuff. I feel like I passed but have been told you should feel like you failed. I’m in awe of the format.

Mee too. I wonder it was the case past years. I didn’t see such comments in 2019 or 2018 treads.

 

[AMIpharmd]

Hi, I am planning to take the exam in fall 2021. I am practicing in the acute care for 3 years , working with ICU patients, ED, Surgery, oncology and medical floor patients. Can you recommend a study materials for the BCPS exam? I have ACCP and MEDED 101. Do I still need ASHP materials? Would like to form a study group as well, Please feel free to reach out to me. Thank you. If you have already taken the exam, can someone show me how to start a new thread for 2021 fall BCPS exam????

I am taking the exam in the fall too! It will be my first time taking it. I’d also like to join a study group for the fall exam. Not sure how that works on this platform. I started studying from ACCP, but honestly got bored with some of the lectures. Really enjoy high yield Med reviews so far. Just extremely thorough. Can’t praise the practice questions enough. They are amazing!

 

[Papichulooo_92]

Anyone have an exact date of the release of scores?

 

[imclarkent]

Anyone have an exact date of the release of scores?

Results last year started to be released around July 23. Historically, they have released other specialty certifications first before BCPS.

 

[BCnuts]

Anyone have an exact date of the release of scores?

Do you know if will receive a notification email? Or we just keep checking?

 

[AMIpharmd]

Very on point! I was disappointed because it did not reflect the knowledge I obtained while studying. Very off the wall stuff. I feel like I passed but have been told you should feel like you failed. I’m in awe of the format.

What about the format had you in awe? Some of the practice questions I have seen were patient cases, but no question—just answer choices. I am hoping it was just a typo. 😬

 

[PharmDBro2017]

In the meantime of getting results... anyone continuing to study and grind in case they need to retake it? I'm taking a couple weeks off then continuing some brushing up on material that was my weakness.

What is the retake cost?

Is there a timeframe you have to wait before being able to take it again?

 

[AMIpharmd]

In the meantime of getting results... anyone continuing to study and grind in case they need to retake it? I'm taking a couple weeks off then continuing some brushing up on material that was my weakness.

What is the retake cost?

Is there a timeframe you have to wait before being able to take it again?

I believe subsequent exams cost $300 instead of $600

 

[Papichulooo_92]

In the meantime of getting results... anyone continuing to study and grind in case they need to retake it? I'm taking a couple weeks off then continuing some brushing up on material that was my weakness.

What is the retake cost?

Is there a timeframe you have to wait before being able to take it again?

Personally, my second time taking it. I've grinded and gave this second time my best.

Need my balance of a break -- and take advantage of this transition into summer.

Keep positive thoughts and reward yourself during this time until results. When that bridge comes, you will cross it.

 

[Rose19]

Personally, my second time taking it. I've grinded and gave this second time my best.

Need my balance of a break -- and take advantage of this transition into summer.

Keep positive thoughts and reward yourself during this time until results. When that bridge comes, you will cross it.

How did find your 2nd time compared with 1st time as far as questions?

 

[PharmDBro2017]

Personally, my second time taking it. I've grinded and gave this second time my best.

Need my balance of a break -- and take advantage of this transition into summer.

Keep positive thoughts and reward yourself during this time until results. When that bridge comes, you will cross it.

Props to you for getting after it a 2nd time.

 

[Papichulooo_92]

How did find your 2nd time compared with 1st time as far as questions?

Personally, I felt it was harder. I am still trying to make sense of it tbh.

I'm not sure if it is because I truly took my time to read the question and think (as opposed to the first time I flew through it and went with my gut and never looked back -- this is my personal test taking style that got me through pharmacy school and it has ALWAYS panned out). Or maybe because this was just harder?

My first time I could have sensed a focus of topics/areas that I have had multiple questions on.

My second time I felt it was more randomized. I got tripped up on a ton of MAB questions, questions on mens/womens health, and WORDY biostats.

But again, I am just relaxing and just going to wait for results. I hope this was enough.

 

[Rose19]

Personally, I felt it was harder. I am still trying to make sense of it tbh.

I'm not sure if it is because I truly took my time to read the question and think (as opposed to the first time I flew through it and went with my gut and never looked back -- this is my personal test taking style that got me through pharmacy school and it has ALWAYS panned out). Or maybe because this was just harder?

My first time I could have sensed a focus of topics/areas that I have had multiple questions on.

My second time I felt it was more randomized. I got tripped up on a ton of MAB questions, questions on mens/womens health, and WORDY biostats.

But again, I am just relaxing and just going to wait for results. I hope this was enough.

I see. I hope you pass this time. As first time test taker, I found that questions from many major topics didn’t show up in the exam and instead so many off the wall questions appeared in the exam. I spent a lot of time on details and felt it got wasted.

 

[TranslationalRPh]

I see. I hope you pass this time. As first time test taker, I found that questions from many major topics didn’t show up in the exam and instead so many off the wall questions appeared in the exam. I spent a lot of time on details and felt it got wasted.

This is why I personally feel that much of the value of the certification is derived from preparing for the exam and subsequent review CE modules rather than taking the exam or displaying the credential itself.

 

[Rose19]

This is why I personally feel that much of the value of the certification is derived from preparing for the exam and subsequent review CE modules rather than taking the exam or displaying the credential itself.

💯 agree

 

[hope&positivity]

I am taking the exam in the fall too! It will be my first time taking it. I’d also like to join a study group for the fall exam. Not sure how that works on this platform. I started studying from ACCP, but honestly got bored with some of the lectures. Really enjoy high yield Med reviews so far. Just extremely thorough. Can’t praise the practice questions enough. They are amazing!

Hi, Thank you for the input. I am going to look into high yield med review. Let me know if you are interested in studying for BIOSTAT together.

 

[Papichulooo_92]

Hi, Thank you for the input. I am going to look into high yield med review. Let me know if you are interested in studying for BIOSTAT together.

Side note, I used "Clinical Pharmacist's Guide to Biostatistics and Literature Evaluation by ACCP" and it was AMAZING. It was literally all i needed.

Its a small book that should take you 3-4 days to get through with a TON of questions and answers with explanations.

10/10 recommendation.

 

[A101Dal]

For those of you using HYMR, I would at least recommend the practice test from ACCP. HYMR questions aren't much like the actual test, ime.

I also second the biostats book.

 

[rx25295]

Results last year started to be released around July 23. Historically, they have released other specialty certifications first before BCPS.

super important point - the spring 2020 testing window was extended to the end of June due to the pandemic/scheduling difficulties. But this year (like previous years) the testing window closed at the end of May. in years past the scores have come out around the last week of June/first week of July
(so, possibly this week)

 

[imclarkent]

super important point - the spring 2020 testing window was extended to the end of June due to the pandemic/scheduling difficulties. But this year (like previous years) the testing window closed at the end of May. in years past the scores have come out around the last week of June/first week of July
(so, possibly this week)

I took BCPS in 2018, and the exam window ended first week of May. It would be great if the results are released this week or next!

 

[Secret_Informant]

Not many of you may know me yet. However, I did pass the MPJE after months of time. I also have a contract position as a clinical pharmacist performing MTM and CMR via OutcomesMTM software, medication adherence calls, and patient education with regards to medication use. I am working part-time (24-30 hours per week) with the possibility of going remote one day per week while teaching as an adjunct instructor and tutoring by contract.

As far as the BCPS is concerned, it seems like a basic exam. Most of the questions cover a variety of therapeutic areas similar to that of the NAPLEX. The only difference is the questions are not select all that apply (THANKGOD!); only one right answer is required. Some say it is harder than the NAPLEX, but the questions seem similar to it (minus the select all that apply).

I am seeking a BCPS and a BCCP in order to apply to MSL positions. I do not have a residency, but a residency is not a hard-and-fast requirement for MSL positions. They want clinical expertise in a specific area, research publications, and the ability to influence key opinion leaders (KOLs) in the field of expertise. I have known individuals who landed such positions right out of a fellowship, by contract after graduation, after a PGY1/PGY2 residency in their specialty, or after years in the box wanting a change (a.k.a. RETAIL pharmacy).

I am well aware of the requirements for the BCPS and the BCCP as those are located on the following website:

Home Page

Board certification through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties is recognized as the gold standard for determining which pharmacists are qualified to contribute at advanced practice levels.

www.bpsweb.org

What preparation tools would you recommend for BCPS and BCCP preparation? I prefer to start early before I die of old age.

 

[TranslationalRPh]

Not many of you may know me yet. However, I did pass the MPJE after months of time. I also have a contract position as a clinical pharmacist performing MTM, medication adherence calls, nutritional counseling, and patient education with regards to medication use: statins, oral diabetic medications, and ACE/ARBs. I am working part-time (24-30 hours per week) with the possibility of going remote one day per week while teaching as an adjunct instructor and tutoring by contract.

As far as the BCPS is concerned, it seems like a basic exam. Most of the questions cover a variety of therapeutic areas similar to that of the NAPLEX. The only difference is the questions are not select all that apply (THANKGOD!); only one right answer is required. Some say it is harder than the NAPLEX, but the questions seem similar to it (minus the select all that apply).

I am seeking a BCPS and a BCCP in order to apply to MSL positions. I do not have a residency, but a residency is not a hard-and-fast requirement for MSL positions. They want clinical expertise in a specific area, research publications, and the ability to influence key opinion leaders (KOLs) in the field of expertise. I have known individuals who landed such positions right out of a fellowship, by contract after graduation, after a PGY1/PGY2 residency in their specialty, or after years in the box wanting a change (a.k.a. RETAIL pharmacy).

I am well aware of the requirements for the BCPS and the BCCP as those are located on the following website:

Home Page

Board certification through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties is recognized as the gold standard for determining which pharmacists are qualified to contribute at advanced practice levels.

www.bpsweb.org

What preparation tools would you recommend for BCPS and BCCP preparation? I prefer to start early before I die of old age.

BCPS is harder than NAPLEX for vast majority. Compare pass rates from Fall 2020

Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)

1,534 of 2,567 (60%)* candidates

Versus 88% pass rates for NAPLEX in 2020 for qualified graduates of accredited schools.

*Includes people who initially fail it.

Not even close, nor should it be. One exam is an entry level exam into the profession; the other is supposed to test demonstrable clinical competence, albeit general, for a somewhat experienced practitioner.

ACCP is a good resource for BCPS.

 

[Rose19]

super important point - the spring 2020 testing window was extended to the end of June due to the pandemic/scheduling difficulties. But this year (like previous years) the testing window closed at the end of May. in years past the scores have come out around the last week of June/first week of July
(so, possibly this week)

Are they emailing us the score?

 

[CC_16]

super important point - the spring 2020 testing window was extended to the end of June due to the pandemic/scheduling difficulties. But this year (like previous years) the testing window closed at the end of May. in years past the scores have come out around the last week of June/first week of July
(so, possibly this week)

What? I have not got any emails or updates on my account. Has anyone got their score! ?

it is almost July.

I just need 500 🙏🏻

 

[CC_16]

Are they emailing us the score?

Have you got yours?

 

[Rose19]

Have you got yours?

Nope. I wonder how we are finding out about our results?

 

[PharmDBro2017]

If anyone gets results, please post in here when/how you received them. Thanks in advance.

 

[CC_16]

If anyone gets results, please post in here when/how you received them. Thanks in advance.

I don’t think it is gonna be this week cause due to covid, they are not fast like before.

 

[AMIpharmd]

Good luck to everyone! Hope your scores are posted soon! The wait is almost over!

 

[Drakulie]

Good luck to everyone! Hope your scores are posted soon! The wait is almost over!

I am already BCPS for 12 years now but i have a buddy of mine who took the test in may of this year. He said he didn't get the results yet, will it be sent to them by next week ? has anyone already got theirs ?

 

[rx25295]

I am already BCPS for 12 years now but i have a buddy of mine who took the test in may of this year. He said he didn't get the results yet, will it be sent to them by next week ? has anyone already got theirs ?

At this point I’m thinking next week after the holiday, I don’t know that any of the scores have been released yet.

 

[mj127]

At this point I’m thinking next week after the holiday, I don’t know that any of the scores have been released yet.

I just called BPS. They’re going to work on releasing scores next week. They didn’t provide and exact date but should be sometime in coming weeks. Nothing to result today. Wouldn’t expect anything for next week either

 

[luke123]

What? I have not got any emails or updates on my account. Has anyone got their score! ?

it is almost July.

I just need 500 🙏🏻

dude I took the BCIDP exam and the questions were so weird not something I would expect from a professional exam like that. I am really really hoping for at least just a 500... I dont care if I pass with a straight 500. I am praying to god, jesus, krishna, RA, Yahweh, buddha, joe pesci.. I dont want to take it again... And I told to many people that I took the exam I dont want to be embarrassed.

 

[ICUPharm]

dude I took the BCIDP exam and the questions were so weird not something I would expect from a professional exam like that. I am really really hoping for at least just a 500... I dont care if I pass with a straight 500. I am praying to god, jesus, krishna, RA, Yahweh, buddha, joe pesci.. I dont want to take it again... And I told to many people that I took the exam I dont want to be embarrassed.

I hear ya on the BCIDP exam. I took it this May as well. We have a thread going on about it. Come on over. BCIDP. The exam was poorly written IMO and doesn't reflect real world practice.

 

[CC_16]

dude I took the BCIDP exam and the questions were so weird not something I would expect from a professional exam like that. I am really really hoping for at least just a 500... I dont care if I pass with a straight 500. I am praying to god, jesus, krishna, RA, Yahweh, buddha, joe pesci.. I dont want to take it again... And I told to many people that I took the exam I dont want to be embarrassed.

Yea I took the BCPS and just hoping for a ****ing 500 and call it a deal. I don’t have the motivation and the time to study for it again. The exam was written poorly.

I am a full time clinical pharmacist at a busy hospital. No time to do this studying again!
The wait sucks!

 

[CC_16]

At this point I’m thinking next week after the holiday, I don’t know that any of the scores have been released yet.

I honestly don’t care when the score is released.

I just care whether I got 500 on it. Jesus please help! 🙏🏻

 

[luke123]

Yea I took the BCPS and just hoping for a ****ing 500 and call it a deal. I don’t have the motivation and the time to study for it again. The exam was written poorly.

I am a full time clinical pharmacist at a busy hospital. No time to do this studying again!
The wait sucks!

I definitely dont have the motivation to study again esp if the test is going to be out of left field. I work a full time and prn job, and I have a 3 year old. I would rather just pay to start the CE credit and not pay for the test/study materials again.

 

[AMIpharmd]

dude I took the BCIDP exam and the questions were so weird not something I would expect from a professional exam like that. I am really really hoping for at least just a 500... I dont care if I pass with a straight 500. I am praying to god, jesus, krishna, RA, Yahweh, buddha, joe pesci.. I dont want to take it again... And I told to many people that I took the exam I dont want to be embarrassed.

I never share my plans for exams with anyone except my spouse. I am always terrified I will fail. With this exam, I am indifferent. Probably because I see the value in studying for the exam than the exam itself. I have not taken it yet—studying now for fall. And if you don’t pass at first, Joe Pesci will certainly make them change your score! 😆

 

[ICUPharm]

I never share my plans for exams with anyone except my spouse. I am always terrified I will fail. With this exam, I am indifferent. Probably because I see the value in studying for the exam than the exam itself. I have not taken it yet—studying now for fall. And if you don’t pass at first, Joe Pesci will certainly make them change your score! 😆

I'm the opposite. I tell all my coworkers as it motivates me. And if you don't pass it is irrelevant. You are already a better pharmacist than all the others who didn't sit for the exam. At the end of the day it is the knowledge that matters not the letters. The exam is just a tiny blip in a career spanning decades of constant knowledge acquiring.

 

[Rose19]

I definitely dont have the motivation to study again esp if the test is going to be out of left field. I work a full time and prn job, and I have a 3 year old. I would rather just pay to start the CE credit and not pay for the test/study materials again.

I feel the same. After taking the exam and seeing questions off the wall, I have no motivation study again and take it again. It doesn’t guarantee that I will pass if questions again poorly written. Just hoping to get 500 which I doubt about it.

 

[CC_16]

I definitely dont have the motivation to study again esp if the test is going to be out of left field. I work a full time and prn job, and I have a 3 year old. I would rather just pay to start the CE credit and not pay for the test/study materials again.

Did you even pass the initial exam?

If you didn’t, there is no need to worry about paying for CEs lol

 

[CC_16]

I feel the same. After taking the exam and seeing questions off the wall, I have no motivation study again and take it again. It doesn’t guarantee that I will pass if questions again poorly written. Just hoping to get 500 which I doubt about it.

I am just praying for a 500, feeling really crappy and desperate.

I heard there is a curve?

I am not going to study for it again. I

 

[CC_16]

I never share my plans for exams with anyone except my spouse. I am always terrified I will fail. With this exam, I am indifferent. Probably because I see the value in studying for the exam than the exam itself. I have not taken it yet—studying now for fall. And if you don’t pass at first, Joe Pesci will certainly make them change your score! 😆

what is so funny about that?

Just Bec you take it in the fall doesn’t mean you will pass and questions may be even harder and more weird.

I am not getting your post. Are you trying to laugh at us who are waiting for the scores?

 

[CC_16]

I'm the opposite. I tell all my coworkers as it motivates me. And if you don't pass it is irrelevant. You are already a better pharmacist than all the others who didn't sit for the exam. At the end of the day it is the knowledge that matters not the letters. The exam is just a tiny blip in a career spanning decades of constant knowledge acquiring.

I would not tell my coworkers my exam plan.
It is none of their business and if you don’t pass you look dumb and embarrassing
I don’t agree with you sharing exam plan with coworkers

 

[CC_16]

I am already BCPS for 12 years now but i have a buddy of mine who took the test in may of this year. He said he didn't get the results yet, will it be sent to them by next week ? has anyone already got theirs ?

I would really appreciate it if you don’t have to show off here that you have been bcps already.

as we are waiting for the scores, anxiously.

I have another board certification already in specialization and i am not bragging to everyone’s face.

I am not feeling respected by your post.

 

[Rose19]

I am just praying for a 500, feeling really crappy and desperate.

I heard there is a curve?

I am not going to study for it again. I

Yes there is a curve. I’m done with it too. I graduated 16 years ago with no residency. I studied for 7 months. I felt I was ready on all main disease states if I was getting questions that were not too off .

 

[luke123]

I never share my plans for exams with anyone except my spouse. I am always terrified I will fail. With this exam, I am indifferent. Probably because I see the value in studying for the exam than the exam itself. I have not taken it yet—studying now for fall. And if you don’t pass at first, Joe Pesci will certainly make them change your score! 😆

Ya, I shouldn't have told anyone beside my wife honestly. However, I'll of course be very happy if I pass even if its just barely. I am glad someone got the Joe Pesci reference.

 

[ICUPharm]

I would not tell my coworkers my exam plan.
It is none of their business and if you don’t pass you look dumb and embarrassing
I don’t agree with you sharing exam plan with coworkers

Ya, I shouldn't have told anyone beside my wife honestly. However, I'll of course be very happy if I pass even if its just barely. I am glad someone got the Joe Pesci reference.

Your coworkers will not care honestly, and if they judge you then they aren't supportive. I'm fortunate to work with great people and we all support one another and lift each other up. We aren't competing. We all want to provide great patient care. If I had a coworker that didn't pass I wouldn't think much of it other than they weren't adequately prepared or just had an off day, or the exam was poorly written with off the wall questions. I'm much more interested in how my coworkers continue to acquire knowledge and provide great patient care. That's the purpose of being a pharmacist. It isn't about passing an exam. I know people that passed the BCPS and then they don't do anything going forward. They think they can "ride the letters." Well it becomes apparent who really knows their stuff and I know plenty of people that aren't board certified that are way better pharmacists than those that are. I can't stress enough how unimportant the exam is compared to constantly learning. If you do all the PSAP modules and review courses year in and year out you are going to have a strong knowledge base. Period. This is a marathon not a sprint.

 

[Your Co-Worker]

I'm so disappointed in some of the responses on this board. When did our profession become this poisonous environment of thinking people are smart or dumb based on the results of an exam. Why would we question whether it's appropriate or not for another person to share the fact that they are taking the exam with their coworkers.

We should all be building each other up. Supporting each other. Medical knowledge is gained over a career and not from a singular test. The value of ALL of these exams is the preparation. Crossing the finish line is simply a step in the middle of the journey.

I share with any of my coworkers, supervisors, residents, students, friends, family, goals that I am striving for. I do this because it is something important to me I am working on. I also make a point to do this at work for two reasons: if i don't pass, I like to readily share that information too because then others may feel better about themselves about falling short on an exam. I also share my goals and current undertakings in a hope to inspire others to find the motivation or inspiration to reach for further education and build on their knowledge.

We can all learn from one another. We should all be supporting one another. If you have resources, throw it in a google drive and let your staff utilize it. This only benefits the department.

Remember, you don't study in order to pass exams, you study under the fact that one day the knowledge that you have may very well one day help treat/prevent a patient and drastically improve their life

 

[ICUPharm]

I'm so disappointed in some of the responses on this board. When did our profession become this poisonous environment of thinking people are smart or dumb based on the results of an exam. Why would we question whether it's appropriate or not for another person to share the fact that they are taking the exam with their coworkers.

We should all be building each other up. Supporting each other. Medical knowledge is gained over a career and not from a singular test. The value of ALL of these exams is the preparation. Crossing the finish line is simply a step in the middle of the journey.

I share with any of my coworkers, supervisors, residents, students, friends, family, goals that I am striving for. I do this because it is something important to me I am working on. I also make a point to do this at work for two reasons: if i don't pass, I like to readily share that information too because then others may feel better about themselves about falling short on an exam. I also share my goals and current undertakings in a hope to inspire others to find the motivation or inspiration to reach for further education and build on their knowledge.

We can all learn from one another. We should all be supporting one another. If you have resources, throw it in a google drive and let your staff utilize it. This only benefits the department.

Remember, you don't study in order to pass exams, you study under the fact that one day the knowledge that you have may very well one day help treat/prevent a patient and drastically improve their life

Very well written! I agree 100%.