Empower and Advocate
Elevate Your Impact with Board Certification.Lead the Way in Patient Wellbeing with our Globally Recognized Patient and Healthcare Advocacy Credential.
PACB Board Certification for Professional Patient and Health Care Advocates
Earning the Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) credential is a testament to your unwavering commitment to the patient and healthcare advocacy profession. This certification also signifies your dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth. If you are a healthcare advocate at any stage of your career, you can benefit from this certification, which reflects your adherence to the rigorous standards set by the Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB).
What Does a Patient or Healthcare Advocate Do?
In the complex world of healthcare decisions, a patient or healthcare advocate is the supportive companion everyone needs. They ensure the client, patient, or family fully grasp the crucial issues, understand their rights, and feel emboldened to voice their own perspectives.
As a Patient or Healthcare Advocate, your role is pivotal in:
1. Amplifying Your Client’s Voice: Empowering your clients to ensure their concerns and opinions are not just heard, but also given the weight they deserve in decision-making processes.
2. Safeguarding Their Rights: Vigilantly protecting and promoting your client’s rights within the healthcare system.
3. Honoring Their Values: Ensuring their values and wishes are genuinely considered, fostering a shared-decision making environment that respects their individuality and autonomy.
By obtaining the BCPA credential, you not only advance your career but also contribute to the broader profession’s growth and credibility. Elevate your advocacy journey with us and make a difference in the lives of those navigating the healthcare system.
Who are patient and health care advocates, and what do they do?
Annual Shine Lecture: ‘Making the Case for Patient and Health Care Advocates’
Join us for an enlightening exploration with Heidi B. Kummer, MD, MPH, BCPA, in the annual Cathy Shine Lecture hosted by Boston University School of Public Health’s Center for Health Law, Bioethics & Human Rights.
This prestigious event pays tribute to Cathy Shine’s unwavering commitment to the rights of those requiring care. For this year’s lecture, we had the honor of hosting Dr. Kummer, an esteemed authority in the field. As the founder of the independent practice 3C Patient Advocacy and the serving President of the Patient Advocate Certification Board since 2021, Dr. Kummer brought her extensive expertise and unique insights to the event.
Dive into the video of this comprehensive lecture to learn about the evolution and importance of patient advocacy in today’s health care landscape.
Presenter
Heidi B. Kummer, MD, MPH, BCPA
President, Patient Advocate Certification Board
Moderator
George J. Annas, JD, MPH
William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor, Boston University; Director of the Center for Health Law, Ethics & Human Rights, Boston University School of Public Health.
The Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) credential signifies more than an accolade—it’s your passport to professional growth. Data indicates that certified professions possess higher earning potential. PACB’s mission is to elevate patient and healthcare advocacy as a recognized profession, bolstering your career trajectory.
Our Equivalent Experience eligibility pathway opens doors for diverse backgrounds to join the patient advocate ranks. Earning the BCPA credential signifies not just your competence, but the richness you bring to our vibrant community of advocates.
Holding the BCPA designation is a testament to your dedication. You are advocating for your clients, your profession, and setting an elevated standard for the entire field. This commitment reinforces your knowledge, skills, and competence.
Earning the BCPA certification sets you apart in a competitive job market. Disciplines with certification programs are often preferred, sometimes even mandated for job opportunities. PACB is steadfast in enhancing the recognition and respect your credentials deserve.
As a BCPA holder, you’ve demonstrated your mastery in patient advocacy. The Equivalent Experience pathway ensures diversity and provides a platform for continuous learning and evolution, enriching the entire field.
As a BCPA, you’re leading the change in healthcare, carving out the indispensable role of patient advocacy. In this evolving professional practice, it’s both an honor and responsibility to demonstrate our value as key members of any healthcare team.
BCPA Certification Pathways
Congratulations! You have made the important decision to pursue the Board Certified Patient Advocate credential.
Determine your eligibility pathway.
- Eligibility requires a combination of education and experience; however, candidates who are seasoned practitioners may request eligibility based on experience only. Refer to Eligibility for detailed eligibility information.
- All candidates must complete the self-assessment quiz – The self-assessment quiz is only a guide to assist in determining readiness to test. Your score is required only as data collection for PACB and does not factor into your eligibility.
Eligibility Pathways:
1. Education Pathway: Bachelor’s Degree or higher (or the international equivalent)
2. Equivalent Experience Pathway: (paid or volunteer) submitted as written documentation (see https://www.pacboard.org/eligibility/ for an example of acceptable documentation.
Get Certified Now in three easy steps
STEP 1 – Establish Eligibility
STEP 2 – Gather documentation and complete application
STEP 3 – Pay application and exam fee and Submit
Blog Entries
BCPAs in the News
Summer 2023 - BCPA's In the News Dig into the fascinating stories of BCPAs who have been interviewed, featured in podcasts, or gained media attention over the summer. Stay engaged and let the remarkable accomplishments of our BCPAs inspire and motivate you....
BCPA Exam Results – Spring 2022
BCPA Exam Results - Spring 2022 PACB Announces Results of the Spring Examination for Board Certified Patient Advocates The Patient Advocate Certification Board is pleased to announce that 77 individuals have earned the Board Certified Patient Advocate credential after...
PACB Forms JEDI Task Force
PACB Forms JEDI Task Force - 2022 As part of the organization's strategic initiatives, the Patient Advocate Certification Board recently announced the formation of a new task force to address Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity in patient and health...
PACB Forms Ethics Committee
PACB Forms Ethics Committee - 2022 The Patient Advocate Certification Board recently announced the formation of an Ethics Committee, which will be tasked with reviewing ethics inquiries, writing relevant position papers, and periodic reviews and updates to the...
New PACB Board Members – 2022
New PACB Board Members - 2022 The Patient Advocate Certification Board announces the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors. The new Board members include Rebecca Green, Jessica Fisher, Tiffany Matthews, and Devon Santoro. “We are pleased to add...
PACB Thanksgiving Message 2021
PACB Thanksgiving Message As we reflect on all the things and people we are grateful for, we realize there are once again many more empty chairs around dinner tables- permanently empty due to Covid-19 or other illnesses or temporarily vacant due to work...
PACB Announces Fall 2021 Cohort of BCPAs
PACB Announces Fall 2021 Cohort of BCPAs (Board Certified Patient Advocates) The Patient Advocate Certification Board is pleased to welcome another 69 individuals to the growing number of board certified patient advocates-bringing the total number to just shy of 1000...
PACB Announces Spring ’21 Cohort
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPatient Advocate Certification Board Certifies Next Cohort of Board Certified Patient Advocates Gilbert, AZ, April 13, 2021 – The Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB) has certified an additional 58 Patient Advocates following the eighth...
PACB Launches Job Task Analysis
Your participation in the Job Task Analysis Project will make a difference in reaching our goal of 500 participants. Please consider sharing your knowledge and expertise. Job Task Analysis Survey Link: http://onu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eDQW2neXGveKQeNThe...
2020 In Review
PACB - 2020 In Review Certification Commission Eligibility Criteria Live Remote Proctoring through Examity Prolydian Registration and CE Management Platform Job Task Analysis (aka Role and Function Study) Conclusion 2020 is almost over and there is little...