I get asked quite a few questions nowadays on the BCPS exam, so I put together a quick list of 4 common questions I frequently get asked and give you a few BCPS exam tips.

Question 1: How hard is the exam?  The huge challenge of this exam is the broad scope of information that you could be tested on.  Pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiology, psych, critical care, etc. are all fair game on the BCPS exam and is really what makes it difficult.

Question 2: Are you asked about Brand or Generic names on the exam?  The BCPS uses generic names.  Here’s the statement right from the BPS website – “Official United States Adopted Name (USAN) generic names are used on all BPS examinations for all drug products, when possible.”

Question 3: What types/style of questions are on the exam?  The questions are in one format, and the test is uniform throughout.  You will be asked multiple choice questions with 4 possible answers and only 1 being correct.  No select all that apply, no fill in the blank, and no essay.  Here’s the language on that from BPS “The multiple-choice format is used exclusively. Four possible answers are provided for each question, with only ONE designated as the correct or best choice.”

Question 4: What’s the single most important thing I need to know for the BCPS exam?  It isn’t much of a secret, but if you don’t know basic biostatistics, you dramatically reduce your chances of passing.

Hope this helps!  If interested in more content on the BCPS exam, please check out the BCPS Statistics Study Guide and the 200 question mock exam!

Eric Christianson PharmD, BCPS, CGP