Application window: 2 June - 14 July 2025
Date of examination: Wednesday 3 September 2025
Examination format: Online with remote invigilation
NEW AS OF 2024 The examination is available to physicians and non-physician candidates
The CPM is a respected qualification that serves as a hallmark of excellence in the field of pharmaceutical medicine. It endorses the holder’s expertise and proficiency in pharmaceutical science, clinical research, and regulatory affairs.
Whether you’re a physician, scientist, pharmacist, or another healthcare professional, this examination offers a valuable opportunity to validate your knowledge and advance your career.
NEW FROM 2024 The examination is available to physicians and non-physician candidates. Find out more.
In addition to medically qualified candidates, the CPM examination is now accessible to individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in any scientific discipline or who have professional experience as a registered pharmacist, nurse, midwife, physiotherapist, osteopath, chiropractor, or psychologist.
It is strongly recommended you have at least two years’ experience of working in pharmaceutical medicine, and specifically in disciplines that provide experience relevant to the CPM syllabus, for example, clinical development, medical affairs, pharmacovigilance, or other related disciplines.
Not sure whether you should sit the CPM or DPM? Find out about the differences between these qualifications
Gaining a professional qualification in the specialty of pharmaceutical medicine can have a hugely beneficial impact on your career.
CPM is a Multiple Choice Question paper (MCQ) of 75 questions, each with five possible answers, all to be completed in 2 hours 30 minutes;
Please see our reasonable adjustment policy (pdf) for candidates who may require additional time.
Candidates for the Certificate examination are not required to have attended a postgraduate course covering the syllabus for pharmaceutical medicine although they may find it helpful.
There are several providers of training which candidates might find useful in the preparations for the examination. The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine runs the DPM Training Programme which covers the six topic areas relevant to the Certificate and Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine examinations and is delivered online via the FPM Learning Hub.
Study of a current edition of one of the published comprehensive texts is also highly recommended as preparation for the examination. Textbooks on key topics in the syllabus such as clinical trials, pharmacokinetics, medical statistics, safety assessments, etc, are also essential reading. Regulatory guidelines, particularly those issued by ICH, can also be a valuable source of up-to-date information.
