BENEFITS OF
CERTIFICATION
MSL-BC® Certification, What’s In It for Me?
Five Benefits for MSLs and MSL Managers
Earning the MSL-BC® requires a substantial commitment of time and energy. But here’s what you gain in return for this investment.
Benefit #1
You’ll be recognized as having met the “Gold Standard” for the MSL profession
Why certification is a Gold Standard
In all occupations and professions, certification is viewed as a professional qualification, signifying to employers, regulators, and the public that the holder of the credential possesses the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills needed to competently perform the role.
Because certification is typically a voluntary process (vs. licensure which is mandatory), obtaining the credential also shows that you are:
- committed to meeting the professional standards set by the industry and/or profession; and
- dedicated to maintaining your competency through engaging in continuing professional development (as is required to maintain certification).
For all these reasons, certification is often seen as the “gold standard” of professional credentials.
The value of a Gold Standard for the MSL profession
In the past, our profession was missing the golden standard that would be able to validate our knowledge.”
–Sasha Bogdanovich, MD, PhD, MSL-BC
MSL, EMD Serono
Certification provides a means through which stakeholders can gauge the qualifications of an MSL professional. The MSL-BC® has established consensus-based, industry-recognized standards against which MSL professionals can be evaluated.
Using processes similar to those utilized to create physician board certifications, the rigorous MSL-BC® examination was developed by leaders in the field working in partnership with experts in certification testing.
The MSL-BC® also provides a uniform measure of the knowledge and skills expected of all MSL professionals, regardless of the path they have taken into the field.
"My route to this role is not typical of many MSL peers. I’m very privileged to work amongst colleagues with exceptional healthcare/research backgrounds and qualifications including PharmD and PhD; however, I hope that my attaining this Board Certification demonstrates that despite my lack of such degrees, I can stand shoulder to shoulder with any MSL/MSL Leader across our industry – worldwide.”
–Amjad Mahmood, MSL-BC
Sr. MSL, AstraZeneca (UK’s first Board Certified MSL)
Benefit #2
Distinguish yourself within the MSL community
A mark of distinction
Certification requires that you submit to a rigorous, objective, and standardized evaluation of your knowledge and skills by an independent, third party. Successfully completing this process is a mark of distinction – you have taken the extra step of demonstrating that your expertise “measures up” to the gold standard set by the profession.
"As career interest continues to grow in the MSL eld I think it will be even more important to stand out in a strong field of applicants. The MSL-BC® will help!”
–Jeanna Cooper, PharmD, MSL-BC, BCPS
MSL, Ipsen
A valuable addition to your resume
The MSL-BC® represents your mastery of a specific, highly-detailed skill set. By comparison, a resume typically summarizes experience and accomplishments in general terms. Earning the MSL-BC® provides stakeholders with more insight into your capabilities. Thus, the credential can add value to your resume — no matter how long that resume is.
"The MSL-BC® will help to define not only experienced MSLs, but MSLs who ‘get it’ and understand the multifaceted skill set needed to be an MSL.”
–Jamie Tobitt, PharmD, MSL-BC
Sr. MSL, bluebird bio
Benefit #3
Accelerate your MSL career
Draws attention to your job application
"The MSL-BC® was an opportunity to showcase my credentials on my professional social media to let recruiters know that I am abreast and up-to-date in my field. I believe that with these credentials I will advance in my career much faster.”
–Chuck Narla, BPharm, PhD, MSL-BC
MSL, Eisai
Demonstrates your commitment
"The MSL-BC® is a tool to gauge the commitment of an MSL/MSL manager to the profession, which may prove useful in career advancement opportunities.”
–Anu Guggilam, DVM, PhD, MSL-BC
MSL, SK Life Science
May lead to being considered for a promotion or increase in compensation
"It is not an ‘end,’ but rather a step in my ongoing growth and development, creating opportunities for both increased compensation, career and promotional opportunities.”
–Gary Dawson, PhD, BCPP, MSL-BC
Medical Affairs, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Certification is not just beneficial for securing a job early in your career or obtaining a position with a new employer. The MSL-BC® can also be an advantage if you are an established professional or have been with an employer for some time, since employers may require certification or consider it as a factor when awarding a promotion or an increase in compensation.
"… as more MSL leaders become aware of this certification, it might become a requirement for anyone who is interested in advancing upwards on the MSL career ladder.”
–Mila Levinson, PharmD, BCPS, MSL-BC
Sr. MSL, AstraZeneca
Benefit #4
Greater credibility and respect from KOLs
and other stakeholders
"...On a daily basis, to me, MSL-BC® means a HCP/KOL or co-worker can trust in this discussion of the peer reviewed data as it has been brought to you by a peer reviewed & approved certified Medical Science Liaison.”
–Angie Lombard, CP, MS, MSL-BC
MSL, Instrumentation Laboratory, A Werfen Company
"… I think this exam is highly important for elevating our profession and truly shows to our healthcare providers and ultimately patients that we have set the bar high in terms of our scientific, clinical, and medical knowledge and that we truly bring incredible value.”
–Mariya Krisenko, PhD, MSL-BC
MSL, Novo Nordisk
Benefit #5
Professional Growth and Satisfaction
"The certification is important because it will bring recognition, and commitment to the profession. It will label you as a specialist who has gone the extra mile to learn, to ensure a thorough understanding of the role, the do’s and don’ts, as well as, responsibilities. It will put you a cut above which will help with job placement and advancement.”
–Alexi Negron, PharmD, MBA, MSL-BC
Executive MSL, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
"I am more confident that I understand the MSL role, and I have the required competencies to do my job effectively.”
–Eyitayo Fakunle, PhD, MPH, MSL-BC
MSL, Bioventus
Ultimately, What is the MSL-BC® Certification?
The MSL-BC® is the standard of excellence within the profession!
Ready to get started?
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Qualification for the MSL-BC® include:
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher from a regionally or nationally accredited educational institution (a copy of the candidate’s highest degree or transcript must be provided at the time of registration); and
- One (1) year of cumulative experience working full-time as a Medical Science Liaison (or equivalent title) or leading a Medical Science Liaison team.
Note – This certification is NOT available for Aspiring MSLs (i.e. those trying to break into the MSL career). All applicants must legally attest that they meet all the above requirements, which is subject to verification.
