Exams offered by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) to pharma sales reps have been revamped, introducing accreditation.
For the first time in its 40 year history, the ABPI’s exam for pharmaceutical sales representatives will be accredited, backed by a new website and learning materials.
The new medical representatives exam will be a level 3 diploma in the promotion of prescription medicines. New sections have been added, and the exam will now have more emphasis on:
- Awareness of implementing the Code of Practice (rather than just knowing it)
- Knowledge of the NHS structure and function
- Knowledge of the process of drug development, in particular clinical development and statistics
- The role of a medical representative in collecting drug safety information
- Knowledge of different types of disease and the body’s defence against disease
- The principles of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
The changes have been prompted by feedback from companies, and aim to give pharmaceutical representatives a good understanding of human biology, the Code of Practice and the new NHS. Updates were overseen by training and compliance managers from ABPI member companies.
The ABPI also announced a generic sales representative examination where participants can receive a level 3 certificate in the promotion of prescription medicines.
“The ABPI exam is highly respected in the industry and the healthcare professional community,” said Sarah Jones, ABPI head of education.
“I am delighted that the exam will be accredited from now on, meaning that, for the first time, it will have a formal standing on the UK education system.”
Candidates part-way through the existing exam will be able to sit unaccredited exams up until the end of December 2015. Those already registered, but yet to take exams, will be able to switch to the accredited exam, should they wish to. If not, they too will be eligible to take the unaccredited exam up until December 2015.