Board Certified Infectious Diseases Pharmacist (BCIDP)

The BCIDP is a professional certification for pharmacists aimed at validating their advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in infectious diseases. It prepares them to lead in antimicrobial stewardship, patient safety, and optimal medication therapy management in healthcare settings. 

To enroll in this course, candidates generally need: 

• To pursue BCIDP certification, candidates must hold a valid pharmacy degree (PharmD or equivalent) and an active pharmacy license.  
• Additionally, they need at least 2 years of post-licensure experience or completion of residency in infectious diseases. 

The course duration varies depending on the candidate’s preparation schedule, typically 6–12 months. 

The certification costs around INR 70,000–90,000, including application and study materials. 

• Pharmacists passionate about infectious disease care. 
• Professionals aiming to specialize in antimicrobial stewardship. 
• Candidates seeking advanced clinical expertise. 
• Those aspiring for leadership roles in healthcare teams. 
• Individuals interested in improving patient safety and treatment outcomes.

• To gain specialized skills in infectious diseases. 
• Enhance career opportunities in clinical pharmacy. 
• Lead antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. 
• Contribute to combating antimicrobial resistance. 
• Provide better patient outcomes and healthcare solutions. 

The BCIDP certification exam evaluates expertise in infectious disease pharmacotherapy. It includes multiple-choice questions covering microbial pathogens, therapeutic strategies, and antimicrobial stewardship. The exam is conducted by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). 

Admission involves submitting an application to the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). Candidates must provide proof of eligibility, including academic credentials and professional experience, and pay the application fees before registering for the BCIDP exam. 

The Board-Certified Infectious Diseases Pharmacist BCIDP subjects covered in the syllabus are:  

1. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 
2. Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal 
3. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali 
4. JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru 
5. University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh 
6. Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 
7. Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune 
8. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani 
9. Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR), Delhi 
10. Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu 

BCIDP certification enhances career opportunities in hospitals, research institutions, and academia. Certified professionals are in high demand globally to address challenges like antimicrobial resistance, improve treatment outcomes, and contribute to public health initiatives. 

After completing this course, professionals can pursue: 

• Fellowship programs in infectious diseases. 
• Advanced courses in clinical pharmacology. 
• Doctorate programs (PhD) in infectious disease research. 
• Certifications in antimicrobial stewardship. 
• Global health and epidemiology programs. 

• Infectious Disease Pharmacist 
• Antimicrobial Stewardship Coordinator 
• Clinical Researcher 
• Hospital Pharmacy Manager 
• Academic Faculty

In India, BCIDP-certified pharmacists earn an average annual salary of INR 8–12 lakhs. With increasing experience and expertise, this figure can rise significantly, particularly in roles involving antimicrobial stewardship and clinical leadership.