Solid Organ Transplantation Pharmacy Specialty Review Course and Practice Exam (No Recert Credit) (L259146)
ACPE Numbers: Various – see listing below
Content Release Date: July 09, 2025
Expiration Date: July 07, 2026
Activity Type: Application-based
CE Credits: 24.5 contact hours (ACPE only)
Activity Fee: $455 (ASHP member); $665 (non-member)
Activity Overview
This course is ideal for pharmacy professionals who are preparing for the Solid Organ Transplantation Pharmacy Specialty Certification Examination administered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) and those seeking a self-paced review and refresher on disease states and therapeutics.
Developed by board-certified pharmacists and clinical experts, the course content is based on the domains, tasks, and knowledge statements outlined in the BPS Solid Organ Transplantation Pharmacy content outline. The course content provides a comprehensive review of the knowledge domains covered in the specialty certification examination. The course uses case-based presentations for application to real-life scenarios, a practice examination together with correct answers, links to the reference sources, and domains, tasks, and knowledge statements.
The course is available for continuing pharmacy education credit only.
These activities are part of the ACCP and ASHP professional development program.
Accreditation
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The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education with Commendation. |
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The American College of Clinical Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. |
Target Audience
Solid Organ Transplantation Pharmacy Preparatory Review Course is designed to help pharmacists who are preparing for the Board of Pharmacy Specialties certification examination in Solid Organ Transplantation Pharmacy and those seeking a general review and refresher on disease states and therapeutics. The program goals are as follows:
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Present a high-quality, up-to-date overview of disease states and therapeutics
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Provide a framework to help attendees prepare for the specialty certification examination in Solid Organ Transplantation Pharmacy
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Offer participants an effective learning experience using a case-based approach with a strong focus on the thought processes needed to solve patient care problems in each therapeutic area
Review Course
This course consists of 8 Groups (see table below) and provides up to 24.5 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education credit. The Review Course includes case-based presentations for application to real-life scenarios, a practice exam along with correct answers, and links to the reference sources, and domains, tasks, and knowledge statements. To help you further prepare, this package includes a compilation of practice questions in the same format and rigor to help you prepare for the BPS Specialty Examination.
Learning Activity |
ACPE Number |
Contact Hours |
Date |
|
Group 1: Transplant Immunology; Induction and Management of Acute Cellular Rejection |
0217-9999-25-167-H01-P |
2.25 ACPE |
07/09/2028 |
|
Group 2: Maintenance of Immunosuppression Part One; Approaches to Prevent and Manage Antibody Development |
0217-9999-25-168-H01-P | 2.5 ACPE | 07/09/2028 | |
Group 3: Kidney Transplantation; Liver Transplantation; Pancreas and Islet Cell Transplantation and Intestinal Transplantation |
0217-9999-25-169-H01-P | 3.5 ACPE | 07/09/2028 | |
Group 4: Heart Transplantation; Lung Transplantation; Maintenance of Immunosuppression Part Two |
0217-9999-25-170-H01-P | 4.5 ACPE | 07/09/2028 | |
Group 5: Infection Prevention and Management in Solid Organ Transplant Patients; Prevention and Management of Malignancy in Solid Organ Transplant Patients |
0217-9999-25-171-H01-P | 2.5 ACPE | 07/09/2028 | |
Group 6: Primary Care of the Solid Organ Transplant Patient; Special Considerations in Pediatric and Geriatric Transplant Populations |
0217-9999-25-172-H01-P | 3.0 ACPE | 07/09/2028 | |
Group 7: Trial Design and Biostatistics |
0217-9999-25-173-H99-P | 2.5 ACPE | 07/09/2028 | |
Group 8: Continuity of Care and Managing Transitions of Care in the Transplant Patient/Transplant Regulations and Performance Improvement/Transplant Resources, Patient Education and Transplant Study Endpoints |
0217-9999-25-174-H99-P | 3.75 ACPE | 07/09/2028 | |
Supplementary material: Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation |
N/A | N/A | N/A |
Learning Objectives
After participating in this CPE activity, learners should be able to:
ACPE Number: 0217-9999-25-167-H01-P
Transplant Immunology
- Differentiate between components of innate and adaptive immunity.
- Review lymphocyte activation, differentiation and effect mechanisms.
- Discuss pathways of allorecognition, transplant rejection and injury.
- Assess immunologic risk of rejection.
- Describe pathways to immunologic tolerance of allograft.
Induction and Management of Acute Cellular Rejection
- Outline the principles of induction immunosuppression and how these agents can be used for different organs.
- Compare and contrast the available induction agents; specifically focusing on mechanism of action, ease of administration, adverse events and economic impact.
- Evaluate the efficacy of induction therapy among the different organs.
- Design an evidence-based induction regimen centered on donor, recipient and transplant characteristics.
- Compare and contrast the agents available for the treatment of acute cellular rejection.
- Assess the optimal therapeutic options for management of acute cellular rejection.
ACPE Number: 0217-9999-25-168-H01-P
Maintenance of Immunosuppression Part One
- Differentiate between the pharmacokinetic profiles of immunosuppressive medication formulations utilized in solid organ transplantation.
- Select the appropriate method for therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressive medications.
- Design an initial immunosuppression regimen for a solid organ transplant recipient utilizing a patient’s pharmacogenomic data.
- Revise an immunosuppression regimen for a solid organ transplant recipient based on the presence of pertinent drug-drug interactions.
- Assess patient-specific data to identify immunosuppression-related adverse effects.
- Design an appropriate monitoring plan for immunosuppressive medications.
Approaches to Prevent and Manage Antibody Development
- Distinguish the role of patient characteristics, and pharmacotherapy on immunologic risk.
- Assess current interventions for immunologic event monitoring.
- Differentiate current evidence-based desensitization regimens with a focus on optimal patient selection.
- Compare methods of pharmacologic immunosuppression management of failed allografts.
ACPE Number: 0217-9999-25-169-H01-P
Kidney Transplantation
- Assess non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic risks of patients undergoing kidney transplant evaluation.
- Evaluate effects of nonadherence on long-term allograft survival.
- Distinguish between absolute and relative contraindications to kidney transplant.
- Differentiate pathophysiology of and design management strategies for allograft specific complications.
- Design modifications to therapy that account for patient-specific factors, immunologic risk, and complications after kidney transplant.
- Assess barriers after kidney transplant and implement strategies to improve adherence.
Liver Transplantation
- Describe diagnoses that may lead to referral for liver transplantation.
- Identify indications and contraindications for liver transplantation.
- Create a medication regimen for a liver transplant recipient taking into account immunologic risks and comorbid conditions.
- Summarize the presentation and management of common immunologic and non-immunologic complications after liver transplantation.
- Evaluate potential causes of medication non-adherence after liver transplantation.
Pancreas and Islet Cell Transplantation and Intestinal Transplantation
Pancreas and Islet Cell Transplantation
- Demonstrate an understanding for common complications of pancreas transplantation and develop strategies to prevent or treat these complications.
- Devise a monitoring strategy to evaluate exocrine and endocrine function after pancreas transplantation.
- Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of pancreas and islet cell transplantation.
Intestinal Transplantion
- Describe the etiologies of intestinal transplantation.
- List the current trends in immunosuppression for small bowel transplantation.
- Discuss the common complications observed after small bowel transplantation.
ACPE Number: 0217-9999-25-170-H01-P
Heart Transplantation
- Describe common indications that may lead to heart transplantation.
- Identify pre-transplant risk factors that may impact outcomes after heart transplantation.
- Describe heart techniques for rejection surveillance.
- Understand heart specific pathologic findings.
- List and discuss heart specific post-transplant complications and strategies for management.
Lung Transplantation
- Describe diagnoses that may lead to end-stage lung disease and referral for lung transplantation.
- Identify indications, absolute contraindications, and relative contraindications for lung transplantation.
- Formulate a medication regimen for a lung transplant recipient, taking into account immunologic risks and needs, preventative needs, and comorbid diseases.
- Explain the objective testing used to evaluate lung allograft function.
- Summarize the presentation and management of common immunologic complications after lung transplantation.
- Summarize the presentation and management of common non-immunologic complications after lung transplantation.
Maintenance of Immunosuppression Part Two
Kidney
- Create an evidence-based maintenance regimen for a kidney transplant recipient that accounts for patient-specific factors.
- Evaluate the role of extended-release tacrolimus formulations and novel immunosuppression regimens.
Liver
- Evaluate maintenance immunosuppression regimens for liver transplant recipients that account for patient-specific factors.
- Design evidence-based maintenance immunosuppression regimens for liver transplant recipients.
Lung
- Compare and contrast the benefit, risk, and role of each maintenance immunosuppressant medication in lung transplantation.
- Design evidence-based maintenance immunosuppression regimens for lung transplant recipients.
Pancreas and Islet Cell
- Design a maintenance immunosuppression regimen for the prevention of rejection after pancreas transplant.
- Design a maintenance immunosuppression regimen for the prevention of rejection after islet cell transplant.
Heart
- Describe common immunosuppression approaches in heart transplantation.
- Discuss alternate approaches to immunosuppression.
ACPE Number: 0217-9999-25-171-H01-P
Infection Prevention and Management in Solid Organ Transplant Patients
- Develop appropriate pre-transplant serologic testing recommendations and interpretation of these results.
- Identify risk factors associated with post-transplant infections and the epidemiology and timing of these infections.
- Design strategies to prevent post-transplant opportunistic infections, including prophylaxis regimens and monitoring parameters.
- Formulate treatment plans for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections in solid-organ transplant recipients.
- Develop monitoring plans for patients receiving antimicrobials, complete with management of adverse effects and intolerances.
Prevention and Management of Malignancy in Solid Organ Transplant Patient
- Demonstrate the common pathogenesis of and risk factors for types of malignancy after solid organ transplant.
- Distinguish between the types of malignancy that are of increased risk before and after solid organ transplant.
- Assess preventative strategies for malignancy after transplantation.
- Diagram an overview of immunosuppression management in the setting of malignancy.
- Compare common treatment approaches to common malignancies after transplantation, including non-melanoma skin cancer, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
ACPE Number: 0217-9999-25-172-H01-P
Primary Care of the Solid Organ Transplant Patient
- Apply general principles and practices of disease prevention to solid organ transplant recipients.
- Outline unique patient populations that require additional disease screening.
- Create an immunization plan for a solid organ transplant recipient in both the pre- and post-transplant setting.
- Identify reputable resources for public education and awareness on organ transplantation including organ donation.
Special Considerations in Pediatric and Geriatric Transplant Populations
Pediatrics
- Discuss practical differences of medication use in children with emphasis on pharmacokinetics, formulations, and monitoring of commonly used immunosuppressants.
- Describe the etiologic differences for organ disease and discuss associated complications after solid organ transplant in children.
- Design a pharmacotherapeutic treatment plan for pediatric patients undergoing intended ABO incompatible organ transplantation.
- Formulate an immunization plan for a pediatric organ transplant candidate.
Geriatrics
- Compare outcomes of transplant recipients by age group.
- Evaluate geriatric candidates for transplant based on guideline recommendations.
- Distinguish pharmacokinetic differences among geriatric transplant recipients.
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Design an immunosuppression regimen for a geriatric transplant recipient.
ACPE Number: 0217-9999-25-173-H99-P
Trial Design and Biostatistics
- Describe hypothesis testing and state the meaning of and distinguish between p values, confidence intervals, and measures of central tendency and data spread.
- Define, compare, and contrast the concepts of internal and external validity, causation, association, bias, and confounding in trial design. Select strategies to eliminate or control for covariates that may impact study conclusions.
- Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of various study designs (e.g., prospective, retrospective, case-control, cohort, cross-sectional, randomized controlled clinical trials, systematic review, meta-analysis).
- Determine why a statistical test is appropriate or not appropriate, given the sample distribution, data type, and study design.
- Interpret statistical and clinical significance for results from commonly used biostatistical estimation strategies (i.e., confidence intervals) and statistical tests.
- Define and evaluate odds ratio, risk/incidence rate, relative risk, number needed to treat, number needed to harm, and other risk estimates.
ACPE Number: 0217-9999-25-174-H99-P
Continuity of Care and Managing Transitions of Care in the Transplant Patient
- Describe the role of the pharmacist in obtaining an accurate medication, allergy and immunization history and the importance of proper medication reconciliation in solid organ transplant recipients at all stages of the transplant process.
- Identify challenges in assessing readiness of a pediatric patient to transition to the adult transplant care team.
- Examine the unique role of a pharmacist in the transition of solid organ transplant recipients between healthcare settings as it relates to medication error reduction, cost avoidance, and hospital readmission.
- Summarize the common obstacles and potential solutions to proper medication adherence post-transplant including health literacy, cultural competence and language and sensory barriers.
- Identify common barriers to medication access in solid organ transplant recipients and compare the various medication access resources available.
Transplant Regulations and Performance Improvement
- Review regulations for solid organ transplantation (SOT) programs.
- Highlight regulations that may involve SOT pharmacists.
- Discuss strategies to develop policies and procedures for SOT pharmacists that are consistent with transplant regulatory requirements.
- Identify opportunities for SOT pharmacists to participate in Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities to enhance the safety and effectiveness of medication-use process in SOT.
- Diagram involvement of SOT pharmacists in collaborative relationships with interdisciplinary transplant team to promote quality patient care across the continuum.
Transplant Resources, Patient Education and Transplant Study Endpoints
- List key government organizations and transplant societies that influence the practice of solid organ transplantation.
- Compare practice-defining guidelines within the field of solid organ transplantation.
- Assess patients’ barriers to understanding their medication regimen and adapt education strategy to foster patient competency.
- Describe appropriate monitoring strategies for transplant medications requiring REMS participation.
- Formulate an appropriate contraceptive regimen for a female transplant recipient of childbearing age.
- Evaluate patient risk factors for non-adherence and implement a plan to improve compliance.
- Review transplant study end points used in the literature to establish efficacy of clinical intervention.
Faculty
Kari Allan, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS
Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Solid Organ Transplant
Department of Pharmacy
Children’s Hospital Colorado
Aurora, Colorado
Nicole R. Alvey, PharmD, FAST, BCPS, BCTXP
Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences
Roosevelt University College of Science, Health, and Pharmacy
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Solid Organ Transplant
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois
Lyndsey J. Bowman Anger, PharmD, FCCP, FAST, BCTXP, BCPS
Pharmacotherapy Specialist, Kidney, and Liver Transplantation
Coordinator, Solid Organ Transplant Pharmacist
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, Florida
Sarah E. Bova, PharmD, BCPS, BCTXP
Cardio-Renal Medical Science Liaison
Boehringer Ingelheim
Baltimore, Maryland
Brandi L. Bowers, PharmD, BCACP
Clinical Associate Professor
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Springfield, Missouri
Maya Campara, PharmD, FCCP, FAST, BCTXP*
Clinical Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice and Surgery
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Jillian P. Casale, PharmD, BCTXP
Medication Safety Manager
RWJ Barnabas Health
West Orange, New Jersey
Steven Gabardi, PharmD, FCCP, FAST, BCPS
Medical Science Liaison – Hepatology
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Jennifer C. Hagopian, PharmD, BCPS, BCTXP
Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Solid Organ Transplant
Michigan Medicine
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Kimberly Harrison, PharmD, BCPS, BCTXP
Heart Transplant Clinical Specialist
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee
Tiffany E. Kaiser, PharmD, MS, FCCP, AF-AASLD
Transplant Clinical Pharmacist
Director, Solid Organ Transplant Quality
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Clare Kane, PharmD, BCTXP
Clinical Pharmacist, Solid Organ Transplant
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois
Hanna L. Kleiboeker, PharmD, BCTXP
Clinical Pharmacist, Solid Organ Transplant
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Madison, Wisconsin
Cassie Stromayer Muran, PharmD, BCPS, BCTXP
Abdominal Transplant Clinical Pharmacist
University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Illinois Chicago, Retzky College of Pharmacy
Chicago, Illinois
Dana Pierce, PharmD, BCTXP
Clinical Assistant Professor
Clinical Transplant Pharmacist
University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy
Chicago, Illinois
Lisa Potter, PharmD, FCCP, FAST, BCTXP, BCPS*
Clinical Coordinator, Transplant Pharmacy Services
University of Chicago Medicine
Chicago, Illinois
Tara Veasey Rackley, PharmD, BCPS, BCTXP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Cardiac Transplant
Allegheny General Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Debbie Ramirez, PharmD, BCTXP, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist, Value Based Care
Kidneylink
Plano, Texas
Lindsey P. Toman, PharmD, BCPS, BCTXP*
Transplant Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
PGY2 Solid Organ Transplant Residency Program Director
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland
*Indicates Content Matter Expert Panel Member
Reviewers
Jamie J. Benken, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Sandra El Hajj, PharmD, BCTXP
Solid Organ Transplant Pharmacotherapy Specialist
Department of Pharmacy Services
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Mary Grace Fitzmaurice, PharmD, BCTXP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Solid Organ Transplant
Henry Ford Health
Detroit, Michigan
Kellie J. Goodlet, PharmD, BCIDP, BCPS, BCTXP
Associate Professor
Midwestern University College of Pharmacy
Infectious Disease Research Specialist and Faculty Clinical Pharmacist
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
Glendale, Arizona
Reed Hall, PharmD, BCPS, BCTXP
Lead Solid Organ Transplant Clinical Pharmacist
University Health
Adjoint Assistant Professor
University of Texas College of Pharmacy, Austin
San Antonio, Texas
Lynley Heinrich, PharmD, BCTXP
Transplant Clinical Pharmacist
University of Illinois Health
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy
Chicago, Illinois
Edward T. Horn, PharmD, BCCCP
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics
University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy
Associate Director, Cardiac Transplant Program
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Kayla Joyal, PharmD, BCTXP, FAST
Clinical Pharmacist III - Abdominal Transplant
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts
Jennifer Jebrock Kelly, PharmD, BCPS, BCTXP
Liver and GI Transplant Pharmacist
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Karen L. Kier, PhD, FCCP, BCPS, BCACP
Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Director of Drug and Health Information
Raabe College of Pharmacy
Ohio Northern University
Ambulatory Care Pharmacist
Ohio Northern University HealthWise
Ada, Ohio
Elisabeth Kincaide, PharmD, BCPS, BCTXP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist III, Solid Organ Transplant, University Health
Adjunct Faculty, University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
San Antonio, Texas
Erica Maceira, PharmD, BCPS, BCTXP
Interim Director of Pharmacy
Transplant Pharmacist
Albany Med Health System, Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany, New York
Amanda J. Condon Martinez, PharmD, BCTXP, BCPS
Senior Director, Pharmacy Clinical Services
FreseniusRx, Fresenius Medical Care North America
Franklin, Tennessee
Natalia M. Panek, PharmD, BCPS
Pediatric Clinical Transplant Pharmacist
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Dawn Pluckrose, PharmD, BCTXP
Abdominal Transplant Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts
Michael A. Shullo, PharmD*
Vice President, Transplant
West Virginia University Hospitals
Professor
West Virginia University School of Pharmacy
Morgantown, West Virginia
Krysta S. Walter, PharmD, BCTXP
Solid Organ Transplant Clinical Pharmacist Specialist
University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine
Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Michigan College of Pharmacy
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Bo Young H. Yen, PharmD, BCTXP
Staff II Pharmacist, Solid Organ Transplant
UCSF Medical Center
Health Science Assistant Professor
UCSF School of Pharmacy
San Francisco, California
*Indicates Content Matter Expert Panel Member
Supplementary Materials**
Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Robin Klasek, PharmD, BCPS
Medical Science Liaison
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Boston, Massachusetts
**Not available for continuing pharmacy education credit.
Disclosures
In accordance with our accreditor’s Standards of Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, ASHP requires that all individuals in control of content disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies. An individual has a relevant financial relationship if they have had a financial relationship with an ineligible company in any dollar amount in the past 24 months and the educational content that the individual controls is related to the business lines or products of the ineligible company.
An ineligible company is any entity producing, marketing, re-selling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients. The presence or absence of relevant financial relationships will be disclosed to the activity audience.
The following persons in control of this activity’s content have relevant financial relationships:
- Consultant/Advisory Board Member: Nicole R. Alvey (Consultant, Veloxis Pharmaceuticals), Tiffany E. Kaiser (Consultant, Eurofins Transplant Genomics and Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.), Michael A. Shullo (Natera), Lindsey P. Toman (Consultant, Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)
- Received Grant Funding/Research Support: Jamie J. Benken (Innoviva Pharma, Verici Dx, National Institite of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [NIAID], CareDx Incorporated, Transplant Genomics, Inc.), Maya Campara (ARGENX Research funding to University of Illinois Chicago)
- Speakers Bureau: Reed Hall (Veloxis Pharmaceuticals), Tiffany E. Kaiser (Global Learning Collaborative)
- Employee: Sarah E. Bova (Boehringer Ingelheim); Steven Gabardi (Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals), Amanda J. Condon Martinez (FreseniusRx, Fresenius Medical Care North America)
- Stock Options: Amanda J. Condon Martinez (FreseniusRx, Fresenius Medical Care North America)
As required by the Standards of Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, all relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the CPE activity.
Methods and CE Requirements
Activities can be completed in any order. Each activity consists of audio, video, and/or PDFs and evaluations. Learners must review all content and complete the evaluations to receive continuing pharmacy education credit for each activity.
Follow the prompts to claim, view, or print the statement of credit within 60 days after completing the activity.
Development
ASHP and ACCP collaborate on solid organ transplantation activities.
To maintain its strict, independent standards for certification, BPS does NOT endorse or provide review information, preparatory courses, or study guides for Board Certification Examinations.