What is the CPEL?
The Certified Pharmacy Executive Leader (CPEL) credential provides national recognition of pharmacy leaders who have achieved validated competencies in professionalism, leading people, leading the pharmacy enterprise, and leading within and across complex health care systems. The CPEL also demonstrates a commitment to achieving and maintaining excellence in pharmacy leadership.
The CPEL is the only credential exclusively for pharmacy executive leaders.

What are the benefits of the credential?
The CPEL credential acknowledges your unique expertise as a pharmacy executive leader and communicates your value to colleagues, healthcare administrators, other health care professionals, and employers. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to engage and network with other highly accomplished pharmacy leaders. CPELs receive access to exclusive professional development and networking opportunities for pharmacy executive leaders.

Who is the target candidate?
CPELs must have responsibility for leading people or programs/services and oversight and accountability for budgets/financial decisions and/or clinical outcomes for service line(s)/department(s). Eligible roles include but are not limited to system level executives including VA and managed care organizations, CPOs, C-suite executives, VPs, directors/department heads, service line leaders, multisite/system clinical leaders, faculty director/chair or other high-level position in college/university departments. Others may be eligible if responsibilities meet criteria.

Candidates must meet eligibility criteria including ASHP membership and current leadership position with a minimum of 5 years post-residency progressive and sustained healthcare leadership experience including leading the organization's decisions involving operations, policies, and programs and services.

If I work outside of the US, can I apply for the CPEL?
Provided the candidate meets eligibility criteria, pharmacy leaders who practice outside of the US can apply for the CPEL. Please note that the applicant is responsible for travel to attend the capstone at ASHP.

I no longer work in a health-system, am I eligible to apply?
Candidates who are currently executive leaders in a healthcare organization resulting in advancing pharmacy practice and positive patient outcomes who previously worked as a pharmacy leader in a health system within the last 3 years can apply for the CPEL.

I am a clinical leader, am I eligible to apply?
Clinical leaders who lead and/or influence medication policy quality initiatives, and other programs in multi-site or health-system settings who have responsibility for delivering results across the organization are eligible.

I work in academia, am I eligible to apply?
Directors/chairs or leaders in other high-level positions in a college/university department are eligible. Those whose roles are limited to teaching are not eligible.

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for the CPEL credential?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Current ASHP member at the time of application;
• Current executive leadership position in a healthcare organization resulting in advancing pharmacy practice and positive patient outcomes;
• A minimum of five years post-residency progressive and sustained healthcare leadership experience including leading the organization's decisions; involving operations, policies, and programs and services;
• A valid and unrestricted license as a pharmacist in the U.S. or another jurisdiction;
• Graduate of a pharmacy school accredited by ACPE or a program outside the U.S. that qualifies the individual to practice in their jurisdiction;
• Documented achievement of the CPEL professional and leadership competencies;
• Engagement in a volunteer activity within the past two years.

Residency completion, BPS certification, master’s degree, or completion of the Pharmacy Leadership Academy is not required but can support your application. 

How much does the CPEL cost?

How is the CPEL different from the Pharmacy Leadership Academy?
The Pharmacy Leadership Academy® (PLA) is for aspiring and established leaders. The PLA is a yearlong virtual program featuring seven online courses designed to expand leadership competencies and explore essential skills needed to address today’s healthcare challenges. Each course is taught by pharmacy leaders who engage participants in the course curriculum through weekly assignments. The CPEL is a professional credential acknowledging the skills and expertise of pharmacy executive leaders based on validated professional and leadership competencies.

Where can I view a current list of CPELs?
The roster of current CPELs is available online

How were the CPEL competencies developed?
The CPEL competencies are based on validated leadership competencies including the Korn Ferry Leadership Architect TM.  ASHP staff and the CPEL Advisory Group developed competencies using a variety of sources including the ASHP Statement on the Roles and Responsibilities of the Pharmacy Executive, HSPL PGY2 residency competencies, interviews with health system pharmacy leaders, as well as reviews of pharmacy leader roles and job descriptions. ASHP also reviewed other healthcare certifications from the American College of Healthcare Executives, American Association for Physician Leaders, and the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). CPEL competencies were also shared for public comment and updated prior to approval by the ASHP Board of Directors.

What information will I need to apply?

• ASHP membership number
• Resume/CV in PDF
• Organizational chart in PDF
• Dates of residency completion, PLA completion, and BPS certification ID (if applicable)
• Documented achievement of the CPEL professional and leadership competencies. Be prepared to share examples of your accomplishments including collaborations with health care executives, influence on strategic planning related to medication use and pharmacy services in your department and organization, initiatives you have led to align services with initiatives such as quality metrics and fiscal performance and advancing patient care services through the promotion of pharmacy best practices by the creation and adoption of emerging technologies and innovative services.
  Note: the PPAC is seeking experiences that document your leadership responsibilities versus management roles. Examples include accountability to senior management for department performance, control of departmental budgeting, direct oversight over other staff and hiring decisions, ensuring strategic planning leverages pharmacy services across the continuum of care to improve health outcomes.
• Two (2) references, ideally one from a senior healthcare executive affirming your leadership experience. See FAQ on letters of recommendation.
• Documentation of current (within past 2 years) volunteerism in healthcare-related organizations (excluding precepting roles) where your role was not compensated. See FAQ on volunteer roles.

How do I apply for the CPEL?
To apply for the CPEL credential, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria and complete an online application. The application includes a series of questions designed to document your leadership experience, qualifications, and achievement of the CPEL competencies. All questions asked may be previewed in the Application Instructions. We suggest drafting your responses in advance and saving a copy in case you experience technical issues saving your application.

Be prepared to upload electronic versions of your organizational chart, reference letters and CV during the online application. You will also share examples of your accomplishments including collaborations with health care executives, influence on strategic planning related to medication use and pharmacy services in your department and organization, initiatives you have led to align services with initiatives such as quality metrics and fiscal performance and advancing patient care services through the promotion of pharmacy best practices by the creation and adoption of emerging technologies and innovative services.

There is no fee to apply for the CPEL. All applications must be submitted online (www.ashp.org/cpel).

How do I document achievement of the CPEL competencies?
The application includes a series of questions about your leadership roles, competencies, and vision. To view these questions in advance of completing the application, download the Applicant Instructions.
Be prepared to share examples of your accomplishments including collaborations with health care executives, influence on strategic planning related to medication use and pharmacy services in your department and organization, initiatives you have led to align services with initiatives such as quality metrics and fiscal performance and advancing patient care services through the promotion of pharmacy best practices by the creation and adoption of emerging technologies and innovative services.

Note: the PPAC is seeking experiences that document your leadership responsibilities versus management roles. Examples include accountability to senior management for department performance, control of departmental budgeting, direct oversight over other staff and hiring decisions, ensuring strategic planning leverages pharmacy services across the continuum of care to improve health outcomes.

Is BPS certification and completion of an ASHP residency required?
BPS certification and completion of a residency is not required to apply. If you have not completed a residency, you will respond to a series of questions to document experience and qualifications. To view these questions in advance of completing the application, download the Applicant Instructions.

What kind of activities are acceptable for volunteerism?
Volunteerism can include any roles in healthcare-related charitable organizations or professional organizations (including ASHP) where your contribution was not compensated. Please do not include precepting roles or mentoring of students within your organization as volunteer work. Examples include:

• Committee member of an association, professional society including ASHP or other healthcare organization
• Volunteering at clinics or other health agencies
• Organizing a community health fair
• Volunteering or participating in a blood drive or awareness walk
• Participating in community healthcare fundraising events

What should be included in the letters of recommendation?
The reference requirement provides confirmation that a candidate has the professional attributes required for the CPEL credential. Please upload 2 references from individuals who can attest to your leadership roles (ideally one from a senior executive in your organization). Letters should include your reporting relationship, number of years you have worked together, contact information, and attestation of your leadership experience touching on the following criteria if possible:

• Ensuring the organization's strategic planning leverages pharmacy services across the continuum of care to improve health outcomes;
• Participating in the pharmacy enterprise's and health system’s strategic planning and decision-making processes at the most senior levels;
• Collaborating with executives within and external to the health system to build cross-functional relationships and align services with initiatives such as quality metrics and financial performance;
• Advancing patient care services through the promotion of pharmacy best practices by the creation and adoption of emerging technologies and innovative services;
• Optimizing formulary management with an emphasis on procurement that is driven by clinical efficacy, patient outcomes and total cost of care.

Who approves the CPEL applications?
CPEL applications are reviewed and approved by the ASHP Pharmacy Practice Accreditation Commission (PPAC).

When will I be notified of acceptance?
ASHP will contact all applicants about the status of their application approximately 4 weeks prior to the capstone.

Is there a test required to obtain the CPEL credential?
Participating in the CPEL capstone is the final requirement for candidates to earn the CPEL credential. The capstone replaces a standardized exam used to certify candidates in specialized areas of knowledge. During this multi-day in-person program at ASHP, candidates engage in facilitated case discussions based on the CPEL professional and leadership competencies. Each capstone is facilitated by an accomplished CPEL with unique leadership experience and a passion for pharmacy leadership. Upon successful completion of the capstone, candidates are awarded the CPEL credential for 7 years.

What is the CPEL capstone?
The capstone is the final required step for candidates to earn their CPEL credential. The capstone consists of one virtual session prior to attending a multi-day in-person program at ASHP headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. Each capstone is facilitated by an accomplished CPEL with unique leadership experience and a passion for pharmacy leadership. In addition to the case discussions, candidates discuss leadership ethical dilemmas and also develop a leadership professional development plan.

The capstone is a collaborative experience, giving you an opportunity to:

• Interact with other highly accomplished pharmacy leaders in similar situations and positions;
• Form personal and professional bonds through team building with your cohort;
• Create a network of highly competent leaders.

Is there CPE credit for attending the capstone?
The capstone is not intended as training where knowledge is imparted, but rather a validation of the CPEL competencies you attested to during the application process. There is no CPE credit offered for the capstone.

Is there an option to participate in the capstone virtually?
Candidates attend one virtual session in preparation for the in-person capstone at ASHP. In addition to the virtual session, candidates must also attend the in-person 2.5 day program at ASHP.

Does the capstone require completion of a project?
Completion of a project is not required for the capstone. Candidates complete a leadership self-assessment survey prior to the capstone and prepare a professional development plan to bring to the capstone.

What preparation is required for the capstone?
Candidates must attend one virtual discussion session in preparation for the in-person capstone. Candidates must also complete a leadership self-assessment survey and professional development plan before the capstone. No other pre-work is required for the capstone.

How many attend each capstone?
Each capstone is limited to 30 participants.

What are the recertification requirements?
Recertification is based upon submission of a portfolio documenting four volunteer activities, key accomplishments, and completion of 60 points of CPEL-designated continuous professional development, including a minimum of 30 points from ASHP live (in person or live virtual) activities. The cost for recertification is $600.00 every seven years.

How do I claim a CPEL recertification statement of participation for attending CE program at ASHP meetings and conferences or ASHP webinar?
Enter the attendance code provided at the session in “Redeem a Code.” After claiming CPE credit, be sure to also claim a separate CPEL recertification statement of participation. The statement will be used to track your participation in CPEL recertification activities during your certification term.

How should the CPEL credential be listed?
CPELs are encouraged to use the CPEL credential in all professional communications and social media platforms. The CPEL credential should appear in alphabetical order with other certifications.

Example: John R. Smith, PharmD, MS, BCPS, CPEL, FASHP

Is there a digital badge for CPELs?
ASHP has partnered with Credly to provide a digital badge to showcase your CPEL credential. Once certified, you will receive an email from Credly inviting you to claim your credential. This digital badge contains information describing your credential and allows you to easily share your achievement to LinkedIn and other platforms.

The benefits of a digital badge include: 

• Easily manage, share, and verify your learning achievements
• Secure verification adds credibility to your achievement
• Labor market insights connect your skills with active job opportunities

View a step-by-step tutorial video at this link