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Nobody Likes Overpaying — Good Thing We Have a Fix for That.
Eli Broad, founder of KB Home and Sun Life Financial, wrote in his autobiography: “The solutions to the serious problems that face our world — a recessionary economic environment, unsustainable energy consumption, skyrocketing healthcare costs — start with education. Moreover, we have no more right to starve our children of knowledge and the ability to apply it than we do to starve them of food.”

In-Person and Online PBM Training

The Certified Pharmacy Benefits Specialist (CPBS) and Certified Medical Benefit Specialist (CMBS) programs are career development courses designed to help professionals build credibility, sharpen decision-making, and position themselves as leaders in the employee benefits space. Available in live online, on demand, or hybrid formats, both programs fit your schedule while offering direct access to expert instructors, real-world case studies, and recognized certifications.

These programs are more than training; they are strategic investments in your personal brand. By completing CPBS and/or CMBS, you will not only deepen your understanding of pharmacy and medical benefits but also gain the confidence and authority to influence outcomes, elevate conversations, and stand out in a crowded field.

TESTIMONIALS

What our students have to say.

Michael Thomas, Pharm.D., CPBS
Michael Thomas, Pharm.D., CPBSClinical Pharmacist
PANTHERx Specialty Pharmacy
“You are one of the best teachers I have encountered and this course should be taught at every pharmacy school.”
Grant Rappleye, CPBS
Grant Rappleye, CPBS Employee Benefits Consultant
InterWest Insurance Services, LLC
“I couldn’t have imagined learning as much as I did over these 8 weeks, especially as it pertains to hidden revenue streams and ambiguous contract language that ultimately drives up costs for the plan sponsor.”
Amanda Johnson, Pharm.D., CPBS
Amanda Johnson, Pharm.D., CPBSAsst. Professor of Clinical Education
UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
“Thank you so much for being a great teacher. I learned so much!”
Tony Cochren, CLU, CIC, CRM, CPBS
Tony Cochren, CLU, CIC, CRM, CPBSVice President Employee Benefits
German American Insurance

“I have thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from the PBM training. As you can see below by my signature, I have other designations. I can honestly say this was, by far, the most challenging certification course I’ve taken. I know I still have much more to learn, but this class has set me in the right direction.”

Joseph Thomas, Pharm.D., CPBS
Joseph Thomas, Pharm.D., CPBS Clinical Advisor
CVS Health

“I can’t express enough how invaluable your class was for me.”

Michael M. Adams, CPBS
Michael M. Adams, CPBSBenefits Advisor
Workforce Benefit Solutions
“I truly thank you for your effort in putting together this class, I learned more than I ever thought I would. I have always found it hard to concentrate in school and you kept me engaged, answered all my questions and I was pumped after each class.”
Lucy Hoff, Pharm.D., CPBS
Lucy Hoff, Pharm.D., CPBSDirector of Pharmacy Practice
On-Site Rx, Inc.

“Thank you so much, Tyrone. I really enjoyed the PBM certification course and I did work really hard. Hearing your high praises means so much to me. I also appreciate the feedback you provided in the grading sheet. I will definitely keep these in mind in the future. I did get a little carried away with my 6-tiers, but I was just having too much fun with it.”

Charonda McGill, GBA, CPBS
Charonda McGill, GBA, CPBSVice President, Total Rewards
Lendmark Financial Services
“I want to thank you so much for the knowledge, energy and passion you brought to the topics covered in the course. Your delivery was so electric! Not only was there never a dull moment in this course, the information shared was so eye opening. Throughout the class I kept saying to myself how can I have spent so much time managing employee benefit programs (over 20 years) and not have been aware of much of the material covered in this course. I thought I knew much more that I knew before I took this course. I feel so much more equipped now, though I am certain there is so much more to learn. If ever you consider offering other related courses, please let me know. I would love to consider enrolling.”
Brian Kurz, Pharm.D., CPBS
Brian Kurz, Pharm.D., CPBSSenior Manager, Pharmacy Benefits
Fresenius Medical Care North America
“Thank you so much Tyrone. This class was challenging yet so rewarding. I learned an incredible amount from you and look forward to using this talent and credential to better my career. I appreciate all your help. I know I’m never done learning and will definitely look to you as a resource.”

Pharmacy Benefits Training Program

Introduction to Pharmacy Benefit Management

Introduction to Pharmacy Benefit Management

PBM Module #1

Fundamentals of PBM Pricing

PBM Module #2

Plan Design for the Pharmacy Benefit

PBM Module #3

Cost Containment Strategies for the Pharmacy Benefit

PBM Module #4

PBM Contracts

PBM Module #5

PBM Procurement

PBM Module #6

Specialty Pharmacy Benefits Management

PBM Module #7

Final Exam

PBM Module #8

Employee Benefits Certification Programs

Pharmacy Benefit Institute of America
Pharmacy Benefit Institute of America
CMBS-PBIA (2)

Certified Medical Benefits Specialist

Are you ready to experience more confidence and fulfillment as well as a better ability to lead at work? Consider becoming a CMBS.
Pharmacy Benefit Institute of America

Certified Pharmacy Benefits Specialist

Are you ready to increase your skillset around enhancing the pharmacy benefit experience? Consider becoming a CPBS!