November 11, 2019
The following is a press release being issued to the media. We’re pleased to announce our newly certified advocates!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Patient Advocate Certification Board Certifies Fourth Cohort of Board-Certified Patient Advocates
ADA, OH, November 11 – The Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB) has certified an additional 144 Patient Advocates following the fourth national certification exam for professionals working in the field of patient advocacy. This brings the total number who have earned the BCPA credential to 632. The certification exam was administered at testing sites across the United States and a few international locations. The new group of Board-Certified Patient Advocates received notification of successfully passing the certification in early November.
The non-profit PACB was organized in 2012 to establish ethical standards, professional competencies and best practices for professionals who work in the emerging field of patient advocacy. “Healthcare has become such a complex system, patients and families often face enormous challenges. Health/Patient Advocates can provide valuable assistance and certifications like the BCPA help to provide assurance of quality, safe and ethical conduct,” said Christine North, PhD, PACB President.
The PACB contracted with Professional Testing Corporation (PTC), an organization that develops, administers, and maintains certification exams, to guide the exam development from conception through administration and continues to collaborate for psychometric analysis to ensure fairness and accuracy of the examination.
According to North, “Certification programs are a way to enhance credibility, self-image, and encourage life-long learning and professional development, and also help guide consumers to locate the most qualified service providers available.”
Patient Advocates who earn the BCPA credential must be recertified every three years. Certified advocates are listed on the PACB website. The exam is available two times a year. The next testing period is scheduled for spring 2020. Contact help@pacboard.org to be notified when registration becomes available. Learn more at https://pacboard.org/getcertified/. The site also hosts news and developments about the organization and information related to exam registration and credential maintenance.
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Patient Advocate Certification Board, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on development and maintenance of certification for the profession of patient advocacy.
I am so proud to be counted in the newest group of BCPAs! It is a privilege to provide clients with the highest standards of professional advocacy established by the Board. Thank you for setting the bar high for all of us! I look forward to earning that trust daily!
Since many of the BCPA are nurses, could you please consider nursing CEU’s to count toward the 30 CEU’s for renewals? Thank you.
Hi Caryn, BCPAs come from very diverse backgrounds. As such there are no reciprocal arrangements with other providers of continuing education. However, many BCPAs submit nursing CEs through our Post Approval process, and most are easily approved. Feel free to contact us directly at help@pacboard.org for more information or assistance.
In total, how many individuals have set for the certification exam?
Carl Callison
BCPA
We added 144 new Board Certified Patient Advocates for a total of 634 BCPAs to date.
So excited to now be included in this wonderful group of professionals! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for Patient Advocates! Congratulations to all my fellow BCPA colleagues!
Is this certification recognized as a national certification?
Is the recertification an exam every 3 years or CEUS?
Thank you!
The BCPA is considered a national certification. We will be applying for accreditation as soon as we become eligible. Currently, the certification is too new to qualify for accredited status. Board certified patient advocates may re-test after three years, or submit 30 CEs during the 3 year period of certification to retain the credential.
Congratulations!!!! To everyone who passed the exam. My prayer is that ALL who wish to assist the elderly will have the opportunity to join the ranks with you all and deliver the VERY BEST advocacy services for our seniors.
Good afternoon,
I had the pleasure of testing for the certification, however, missed the qualifying score by 12 questions with 88 out of 125 correct. Is there a rounding curve for the scoring at all for any exceptions?
I do plan on retesting for the next exam cycle. Thanks in advance.
John
Hi John, There is no rounding on the exam. It is a strict 100 out of 125 to pass. Focus on those areas that are highlighted on the report you received and hopefully that will help next time. Registration for the spring exam will open soon.
Congratulations to everyone who achieved their BCPA!
This is great! So happy to be one of the 144 new BCPAs!!
congratulations to that group. Are you still planning on a March test? I live in Massachusetts snd am on your email list. Thanks.
Registration for the spring exam will open soon.
I took mine and failed
How can I retake it
Simply re-apply when the spring registration window opens.