Why become a Prior Authorization Certified Specialist?

Certification is becoming an important factor in the healthcare industry in general.

The Prior Authorization Certified Specialist program is the first of its kind in the world. This course was created by a panel of experts with a range of experience from every role involved in the Prior Authorization process. This allows for you to gain valuable access to inside global knowledge and expertise from provider’s offices, pharmacies and Insurance plans that has never been exposed. Becoming certified will allow you to become an expert in your field, distinguish yourself, and become a leader with great potential of career growth.

Studies have shown that individuals who are certified in their field have higher salaries and better promotion opportunities.

Please visit our PACS Benefits Page to learn more about how becoming a prior authorization certified specialist can help advance your career.

How long does the program take to complete?

Once you enroll in the PACS program, you have up to 6 months to complete the program. Because the entire program is online, you can work at your own pace & comfort level to complete the program. If you require an extension, you will need to make a written appeal to our chief academic officer who will make the final decision. There may be a fee associated with extensions granted.

How can I access the program learning content?

Once you are accepted, you will receive confirmation and instructions via email. The program learning content can be accessed on an online, Learning Management System.

What professional designation would I be able to include in my title?

For those individuals who successfully pass the exam, It will be a PACS professional designation. For example, John Doe, PharmD, PACS.

Is the PACS Examination Difficult?

The examination is of low to intermediate difficulty. It is meant to assess your core competencies in the areas covered within the PACS program.

Where do I take the exam?

The candidate can take the exam anywhere, anytime. The final certification exam is available on the program’s Learning Management System (LMS). The exam tab will be enabled once the candidate has completed all module quizzes and the candidate will be able to begin the exam at any time. All of the instructions on how to begin exam will be available on the examination page in the LMS.

When can I take the exam?

The exam is offered asynchronously. That is, the candidate may sit for the exam anytime, anywhere as long as the candidate has access to the PACS program’s Learning Management System (LMS).

What if I fail the exam?

The PACS exam can be taken up to 4 times before needing to file a new application. If a candidate fails the exam on the fourth try, there will be a waiting period of 1 year before retaking the exam up to four more times, and a reexamination fee of $250.00 USD.

How will I receive my certificate?

Certificates are mailed via the United States Postal Service (USPS) on a quarterly basis. For example, to receive your certificate within the quarter you must complete your board exam within 10 days prior to the ending of that quarter. Q1: January-March, Q2: April-Jun, Q3: Jul-Sep, Q4: Oct-Dec.

Candidates may request for an alternate shipping method for an additional charge.

How soon will I receive the results?

Results will be available within 3-5 business days via email.

Will I be able to review the exam results?

In order to protect the integrity of the PACS program, no exam questions or the answer key will be released to any individual or organization.