How to Become a Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP)

Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP) is a certification that has been around a while.  I was actually looking for more information on this certification, and it seems kind of difficult to find good info compared to the BCPS certification.  BCPS is more popular than CGP which likely makes it a little easier to find BCPS info.  I was prompted to write this post due to the fact that I just recently received an email with more info about CGP.

CGP has now changed to BCGP – Here’s an updated version of Information surrounding BCGP.

Here are some recent statistics I received from the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy: “Since the end of 2009, the number of Certified Geriatric Pharmacists has nearly doubled, rising from 1,523 to over 2,800 today.  At the same time, the practice settings of CGPs have shifted and become more diverse.  In 2005, nearly half (46%) of CGPs were located in the long-term care setting.  Today, the hospital setting has become the largest practice setting with 32% of CGPs.  Long-term care is the second largest with 28%.”

It was kind of surprising to me how many hospital pharmacists have this certification, but geriatrics is a necessity in nearly all “brands” of pharmacy so maybe it shouldn’t have surprised me that much.  Geriatrics is one of the areas where a pharmacist’s skill set can be supremely utilized (i.e. drug interactions, polypharmacy, kinetics etc.).

How many pharmacists take BCPS, BCACP etc. compared to CGP?  Even when accounting for trends in pharmacist board certification from the BPS website, this would make CGP the second most popular pharmacist board certification.  Here’s a look at the numbers with this nice table from BPS; note that it goes through 2013.

With the increasing popularity of board certifications and numbers of new graduates on the rise, I don’t anticipate much slow down in CGP, BCPS or any specialty certification numbers anytime soon.

If you are interested in becoming a Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, what do you need to know?

  1. You must take a 150 question, multiple choice test and receive a passing score
  2. The cost of the exam is 600$
  3. You do not need to know brand names
  4. There are 4 different testing periods (which allows a little more flexibility than BCPS)
  5. My opinion: This exam is easier than BCPS, but I work in geriatrics everyday, so this may skew my perception.

If interested in more on the CGP exam, you have to check out the practice exam I created!  It is an incredible value compared to the CCGP mock exam.  I have also created a 10+ hour video CGP Study Guide which covers the content outline. All of these are contained within our All Access Packages:

Helpful link for those serious about the CGP Exam – http://www.ccgp.org/exam

38 Comments

  1. tony

    And why would it be a good idea to do this? maybe long term care….? Where else can this be used? Anyone know?

    Reply
    • Eric Christianson

      That’s a good question Tony and a question anyone considering taking any specialty exam should ask themselves. I can tell you why I did it. I wanted a way to differentiate myself from other pharmacists (marketing). Many strongly clinical positions are now requiring or strongly recommending board certification. For the CGP specifically, I believe there has been one company that has made their employees obtain CGP and only hires CGP’s. I believe there will be more of this to come and I didn’t want to be scrambling to get them. I also felt like passing these exams would be easier sooner rather than later in life. In addition to that, I honestly learned a lot in preparing to pass these exams. Just my thoughts, thanks for the comments.

      Reply
  2. Meredith Gilbert

    I am currently starting to prepare for the CGP. What advice do you have for those of us taking this for the first time?

    Reply
    • Eric Christianson

      I always recommend studying rather than winging it 🙂 Finding the right content to study is a bit more challenging. I was fortunate to have an elective geriatrics course in pharmacy school and I had notes from that class that I utilized to help prepare me for the exam as well as some questions. There are some professional organizations with content available…I am not sure how good/bad they are? I’m in the process of putting a mock exam together that will hopefully be helpful for folks.

      Reply
      • Noah Stalcup

        I would be very interested in a mock exam as I am currently preparing for the CGP exam. Currently I am reviewing ASCP’s CGP exam prep material, which is thorough, but sometimes too wordy…….

        Reply
        • Eric Christianson

          My goal is within the next week or two 🙂 stay tuned! – Eric

          Reply
  3. Eric Christianson

    Hey Robert, there should’ve been a link following purchase sent to your email. Maybe it got sent to junk email? If can’t find it, please email me at [email protected] and I can get you taken care of! Thanks – Eric

    Reply
  4. DocRod

    Thanks for writing this. I took the CGP exam in 2012, but I didn’t do as well, as I would have liked. Seeing this article, encourages me to take a different study approach and re-test. I really do have a passion for geriatric healthcare, as it relates to pharmacist interventions, patient safety.

    Reply
    • Eric Christianson

      Thanks for the comment! I might try to create a couple more study tips/posts on this topic…Best wishes!

      Reply
  5. Aya Chaaban

    I took the CGP exam and found it easy(I passed).Now Iam preparing for the BCACP and I think it would be much harder.

    Reply
    • Av

      Hi can you tell me which prep course you used for exam?

      Reply
  6. Jody

    I tooled the CGP back in 2014. I studied. Not a lot but I did the study modules. When I took the test thought it was easy. I was well prepared for it by using the modules

    Reply
    • AV

      Hi Jody which study material did you use for how long?

      Reply
  7. Ernest

    Hey Eric!

    Thanks for the posts
    I am wondering is CGP useful and wanted in rehab facilities when applying for a job?

    Reply
    • Eric Christianson

      Good question…whether it is CGP, residency, or other certification, every notch in your belt will help improve your chances. Networking should not be underestimated as well. Some positions are now requiring some sort of certification or residency prior to applying. – hope that helps!

      Reply
  8. Jenny

    Can I register before my two year but take the exam after I get two years of pharmacist experience?

    Reply
    • Eric Christianson

      That’s a great question. I think it is a gray area and there’s an argument to be made in either direction. Here’s where it talks about eligibility – http://www.ccgp.org/exam I would recommend emailing CCGP – keep in mind eligibility requirements may change in 2018 (as well as the exam) when the switch over to BPS happens.

      Reply
  9. Isabelle

    How long does it take to get your results after you take the exam

    Reply
    • Eric Christianson

      Usually in the ballpark of a couple month…I know, it’s hard to wait that long!

      Reply
  10. Jacquelyn

    How long did it take you to prepare for the exam?

    Reply
    • Eric Christianson

      That’s a good questions, I would say in the ballpark of 2-3 months for an hour or two per day. I spent a little longer period of time for the BCPS as I don’t have a strong background in ICU/critical care and things of that nature. Eric

      Reply
      • Jacquelyn

        Thank you! What did you do to study?

        Reply
        • Eric Christianson

          There isn’t much available for CGP – fortunately I had some notes from a geriatric course I took and then I used practice questions. Be sure to look at the content outline. It will help make sure you’re prepared and have an understanding of what’s on the exam. – hope that helps, Eric

          Reply
          • Irfan Ullah

            Greeting Sir Eric,
            Can you mailed me those notes please on Irfanpharmacist1@gmail>com

          • Eric Christianson

            Sent you an email to the address provided here. Thanks!

          • Elizabeth

            Hi Eric
            Could I too please have those notes from that course?
            I just purchased your bulletpoint book from Amazon (love it) and realize how much I need to study
            Sincerely appreciate your time

          • Eric Christianson

            Hey Elizabeth, thanks for the message! The BCGP bullets will definitely help you identify weak areas and make sure you know the big picture ideas with regards to the exam. I have a full review course with about 1,500 practice questions and other resources available here: https://www.meded101.com/bcgp-study-material-options/ – Best wishes to you on your journey to becoming board certified! Eric

  11. Urvish

    Where to find good reading material for cgp exam?

    Reply
  12. CMD

    I have a couple questions. I am taking the exam Friday! Do all the questions give the generic name only or do they give both brand and generic names? Also, the current exam is three multiple choice options or did it already move to four choice? Any last minute tips would be appreciated!

    Reply
    • Eric Christianson

      Sorry…just getting to this now, hope it went well! I believe all certification exams are based on generic nomenclature. BCGP will be changing to four questions in 2018. – best, Eric

      Reply
  13. Martins

    I am interested in the programs (CGP or BCPS). But I need to understand the exam (600$) you are talking of. Is it a kind of entrance exam or certification exam. What’s the program like?

    Reply
    • Eric Christianson

      Hey! Thanks for the message. The CGP (now BCGP) is a certification that is intended to demonstrate that an actively practicing pharmacist is an expert in geriatric pharmacy. More specific information can be found here: https://www.bpsweb.org/bps-specialties/geriatric-pharmacy/

      The BCPS exam tends to be more of a generalized specialty. The certification portrays that you have an expertise in ensuring safe, economical, and appropriate use of medications. This can be applicable to a variety of settings, but maybe has a little more focus on hospital and healthcare system work. This is information from the BPS website who administers the exams and gives pharmacist the certification if they meet the requirements. https://www.bpsweb.org/bps-specialties/pharmacotherapy/

      The cost is still 600$ at this point to sit for the exam. There are also content outlines on the BPS website which is what our study material is based on. Hope that helps!!

      Eric

      Reply

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Written By Eric Christianson

August 2, 2015

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