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The Certificate in Human Pharmacology

Announcement

Friday 30 May 2025:

Following an internal review, and in the light of feedback from employers and the stakeholders, we have decided that this programme, the Certificate in Human Pharmacology (CHP), along with the Diploma in Human Pharmacology (DHP) and Diploma in Experimental Therapeutics (DET) are being formally discontinued.

These qualifications have been suspended to new registrations for several months. That suspension is now a permanent closure with immediate effect and we will no longer be accepting new applications.

Read more about the suspension of these exams

Exam dates:

The final CHP exam will be held in October 2026.

Candidates enrolled on the Programme will be contacted to submit an application for the exam sitting.

 

Withdrawal Policy:

A candidate who withdraws from the exam must do so via email.

Candidates who withdraw after the published registration deadline will be subject to a £75 administrative fee.

In this section

The Certificate in Human Pharmacology programme for doctors and scientists to attain and demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of exploratory studies of investigational medicinal products (IMPs) in man. Completion of the course will enable you to ask the right questions, anticipate and address potential issues, learning from the experience of others.

Overview

The Certificate in Human Pharmacology (CHP) is a 1-year part-time programme for doctors and scientists to attain a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of exploratory studies of investigational medicinal products in man. The programme includes pharmacology applied to drug development, study design, basic pharmacokinetics, biomarkers of drug action, evaluation of new chemical entities, biological medicines and vaccines, safety, ethics and regulation. CHP will enable you to be better informed about the practicalities and underlying science of early studies of investigational medicines in humans.

Programme structure and curriculum

Participants in the programme are required to attend two courses at King’s College, London. These cover exploratory drug development including ‘first-in-human’ studies (5 days) and drug development pharmacology (5 days) at an advanced level. * Please note that this will change as of 2025  In addition to post-course tests and assignments, there is also an examination comprising a multiple-choice question paper administered by FPM.

Eligibility

You need to have a BSc (or higher qualification) in a relevant biological science or medical degree. You don’t have to be working in human pharmacology, though some basic knowledge of Phase I studies is really helpful. Applicants who don’t have a basic knowledge of Phase I studies may be recommended to attend a basic course in Clinical Pharmacology prior to registering for CHP.

Fees

The fee for enrolling on the CHP programme is £1000 which covers administration of the programme and the exam. Fees for the teaching and materials associated with the CHP courses are charged separately by the provider, King’s College London. The fee does not include travel or accommodation expenses.

Programme registration

Programme registrations are currently not accepted but you can submit an expression of interest by emailing exams@fpm.org.uk. Please note that the regulations and guidance documents will be updated for 2025.

Exam registration (for enrolled candidates only)

All FPM exams are held online with remote invigilation. For more information go to COVID-19 and examinations.

Certificate in Human Pharmacology – MCQ exam 21 October 2025

 

Withdrawal Policy:

A candidate who withdraws from the exam must do so via email.

A withdrawal fee of £75.00 will be charged to candidates who withdraw after the application deadline to cover the costs of the online exam seat.

Candidate Guides and Regulations

Download further details about the examinations: