Home » Training & Examinations » Certificate in Pharmaceutical Medicine

Certificate in Pharmaceutical Medicine

Booking deadline: 5 August 2024

Date of examination: 11 September 2024

Examination format: Online with remote invigilation

NEW FOR 2024 The examination is available to physicians and non-physician candidates

What is the Certificate in Pharmaceutical Medicine (CPM)?

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.

The Exam Application Period is now open!

NEW FOR 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.

How will the CPM benefit you?

Gaining a professional qualification in the specialty of pharmaceutical medicine can have a hugely beneficial impact on your career.

Gives you a globally recognised qualification

Formally recognises your knowledge and expertise of pharmaceutical medicine

Demonstrates your ongoing commitment to training and career development

Shows you're up for a challenge and will give you a sense of personal achievement

Gives you the edge when applying for a new job or promotion

Builds your professional reputation

Boosts your knowledge and expertise in pharmaceutical medicine

Registration and fees

  • Examination: Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) paper
  • Date: Wednesday 11 September 2024
  • Start time: 13:30
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Location: Online (See our online examinations FAQs)
  • CPM exam entry fee: £405
  • Registration deadline: The registration window will close at 17:00 (UK time) on Monday 5 August 2024.
  • Withdrawal Policy: A candidate who withdraws from the exam must do so via email to exams@fpm.org.uk Fees will be refunded in full to a candidate whose withdrawal reaches the FPM office before the published registration deadline. Candidates who withdraw after the published registration deadline will be subject to a £75 per paper administrative fee. A candidate who does not appear for the exam or withdraws after starting the exam will not be entitled to a refund.
  • Privacy Notice: If you are registered or anticipate being registered with the GMC, your personal data, including exam marks, will be passed to the GMC for quality assurance purposes and to facilitate the awarding of CCTs. Please note our privacy policy and terms and conditions.
  • If you are a physician in PMST or undergoing revalidation through an approved designated body, you should discuss the outcome of any exam at your next ARCP or revalidation appraisal respectively.

Examination Guidance and Regulations

A pass in the Certificate in Pharmaceutical Medicine (CPM) is also Part 1 of the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine (DPM) but in order to take the Diploma examinations candidates do have to be medically qualified.

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.

Preparing for the exams

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.