Pharmacologists

Certification or Licensing

Pharmacologists may choose to become certified within a special area of study. The American Board of Clinical Pharmacology, for example, offers certification in clinical and applied pharmacology. Applicants are judged based on training and experience. They must first complete postdoctoral work in clinical pharmacology, among other requirements, before being eligible for the exam. Those seeking clinical pharmacology certification must be licensed physicians at the time of exam), while those seeking applied pharmacology certification are typically physicians or hold doctorate degrees.

The American Board of Toxicology, Inc. offers a certification in toxicology, which is often required for jobs as a toxicologist. Certification is achieved after passing an exam as well as having a specified number of years of experience and education. Unlike pharmacists, pharmacologists do not have to be licensed.