For job candidates

CNPR Certification Reviews

Through lots of research into CNPR Certification we created this website for job candidates who could learn more about how the CNPR Certification works with consumers, companies, recruiters, and policymakers across the country to help build a fair and just marketplace in the pharmaceutical industry.

A sales representative speaking with a physician across a clinic table.

A career in Pharmaceutical Sales is an excellent choice which provides a superlative income within a growing and secure industry…

Pharmaceutical sales representatives connect healthcare providers with the pharmaceuticals that they need to provide the best care to patients. They also provide education to physicians and other healthcare-related professionals about the newest pharmaceutical products.

Professionals interested in pharmaceutical sales should look to earn their pharmaceutical sales certification, which can open more job opportunities. Details on how to earn this certification are below. But first it is important to understand more about what pharmaceutical sales representatives do.

01

What they do

Pharmaceutical sales representatives must possess an excellent grasp of pharmacology, which is the science of drugs and how they affect the body. When a sales rep is marketing a new drug, they have to be able to clearly describe the clinical research and the product efficacy in the body, possible side effects and what the potential interactions are with other drugs.

Some pharmaceutical sales representatives may specialize in different classes of pharmaceuticals, such as psychiatric and cardiac drugs. Having a deeper level of expertise about these specific classes of drugs can make the pharmaceutical sales rep of greater value to physician specialists and make them more effective in promoting such products.

  • Clinical research
  • Product efficacy in the body
  • Possible side effects
  • Interactions with other drugs
A sales representative reviewing product materials with a physician.

02

Career outlook Pharmaceutical sales representatives

Background

  • Aging population
  • Emerging treatment methods
  • Technology advances

Industry experts have found that an aging population, emerging treatment methods and technology advances mean strong career prospects for well-qualified sales reps.

Potential earnings

  • $81,297 Entry-level compensation package PayScale
  • $92,698 Average base, and bonus MedReps
  • $149,544 Experienced total per year, up to MedReps

PayScale.com sets the average compensation package for entry-level representatives at $81,297 but also notes a significant upside for bonus compensation and long-term growth. According to MedReps, total compensation for an experienced pharmaceutical sales rep can be up to $149,544 per year, with an average base of $92,698 and bonus.

03

What insiders say about breaking in

Insiders and career consultants on pharmaceutical sales, and how candidates get started.

Indeed

You should consider enrolling in the Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR) program, which will allow you to get a head start in this career.

Indeed career advice indeed.com

ZipRecruiter

Formal education is not required for Pharmaceutical Sales Representative jobs, but many find optimal career success with a 2 or 4-year degree in business, marketing, health sciences or a related field. Employers may require that you earn the Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR) certification, which is administered by the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Reps and certifies candidates to embark on a career in pharmaceutical sales.

How to become a pharmaceutical sales representative ziprecruiter.com

Learn.org

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). A strong background in science can help you as you become accustomed to the medical industry. You can earn optional certification through the National Association of Pharmaceutical Representatives (NAPR), which offers the Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR) designation (www.napsronline.org).

How to become a pharmacy sales rep learn.org

Teal

Advancing in a pharmaceutical sales career takes time and effort. A pharmaceutical sales certification can help demonstrate that you’ve put in the time and attention to develop your skills in pharmaceutical sales, which can help you advance your career.

Pharmaceutical rep certifications tealhq.com

04

From CNPR graduates now in the industry

The most effective feedback is from CNPR graduates we have reached out to. Recent comments are below.

  • US Pharmaceutical
  • Eli Lilly
  • Amplity Health
  • Omeros
  • Ethicon
  • AstraZeneca

I want to let you know that CNPR certification was the factor that got me hired by at US Pharmaceuticals. Best money I've ever spent!

Shawn Chastain CNPR

Now working at US Pharmaceutical after getting his CNPR

The training program boosted my confidence and gave me an advantage over other job applicants. Within a month of completing the program I was offered a sales rep position with a large pharmaceutical company!

Brigid (Block) Kettenburg CNPR

Now working at Eli Lilly after completing the CNPR Program

I appreciate that the training made me aware of what to expect from a pharmaceutical sales position.

Bianca Pelletteri CNPR

Now working at Amplity Health after completing the CNPR Program

I'm proud to be certified CNPR by your esteemed organization. CNPR certificate helped me in 2 ways:

  1. The valuable education and final exam gave me a great introduction into the pharmaceutical industry. I got my feet wet and gave me the confidence during my interviews with the knowledge I gained from the book you provided.
  2. The certificate on the resume is priceless because it opens doors to dialogue with recruiters and HR staff.

Bottom line, you have a solid program which prepares you for a career in the pharmaceutical field in terms of education and certification. I strongly recommend any professional to get the CNPR certificate whether they're novice or experienced.

Waleed Aldameth CNPR

Now working as a Biotech Specialty Sales Representative at Omeros Corporation

Overall a wonderful experience and probably the most interesting book I studied since school. Thanks for all the help and support. You guys rock.

Pierre Santosuosso CNPR

Now working as a Surgical Sales Representative at Ethicon Inc.

The exam was very thorough and requires that you diligently read, study, and apply the course material. The training makes me feel very confident that I will get a pharmaceutical sales position.

Kelly Avaltroni CNPR

Now working as a Pharmaceutical Sales Specialist at AstraZeneca

Next step

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