PharmExPrep

Syllabus

CTCS Prep Course (CTCS)

91 lessons. Online and self-paced.

CTCS Framework Foundations

Introduces the exam-facing content map, role boundaries, and core terminology used throughout tobacco treatment specialist practice and CTCS preparation.

  1. 1Inferred Domain Structure
  2. 2Exam Task Patterns
  3. 3Scope-Safe Answering
  4. 4Tobacco Treatment Specialist Role
  5. 5Out-Of-Role Actions
  6. 6Referral And Escalation Triggers
  7. 7Tobacco And Nicotine Products
  8. 8Dependence And Withdrawal Terms
  9. 9Abstinence Relapse And Recovery

Tobacco Dependence Basics

Covers nicotine delivery, dependence mechanisms, withdrawal, and health effects that underpin cessation treatment decisions.

  1. 10Nicotine Absorption And Delivery
  2. 11Nicotinic Receptor Effects
  3. 12Tolerance And Dependence Mechanisms
  4. 13Common Withdrawal Symptoms
  5. 14Withdrawal Time Course
  6. 15Withdrawal Versus Safety Concern
  7. 16Combustible Tobacco Harms
  8. 17Smokeless And Electronic Risks
  9. 18Benefits Of Cessation

Assessment And Documentation

Builds practical skill in screening, dependence assessment, history taking, and accurate documentation for treatment planning.

  1. 19Universal Tobacco Screening
  2. 20Product And Pattern History
  3. 21Quit Attempt History
  4. 22Dependence Severity Indicators
  5. 23Triggers Cues And Routines
  6. 24Withdrawal Risk Profile
  7. 25Readiness To Quit Assessment
  8. 26Confidence And Importance Ratings
  9. 27Barriers And Social Determinants
  10. 28Baseline Assessment Elements
  11. 29Progress Note Essentials
  12. 30Outcome And Quality Metrics

Motivation And Counseling

Teaches client-centered counseling strategies, motivational interviewing, and brief intervention methods for tobacco cessation.

  1. 31Stages Of Change
  2. 32Self-Efficacy And Ambivalence
  3. 33Change Talk Recognition
  4. 34OARS Communication Skills
  5. 35Elicit Provide Elicit
  6. 36Rolling With Resistance
  7. 375 A's Framework
  8. 385 R's For Readiness
  9. 39Intensive Counseling Structure

Treatment Planning

Moves from assessment to an individualized quit plan including goals, coping strategies, supports, and follow-up structure.

  1. 40Quit Date Selection
  2. 41Abrupt And Gradual Quitting
  3. 42Readiness-Matched Goal Setting
  4. 43Craving Coping Skills
  5. 44High-Risk Situation Planning
  6. 45Social Support Strategies
  7. 46Early Follow-Up Priorities
  8. 47Medication Adherence Support
  9. 48Longitudinal Care Planning

Pharmacotherapy Literacy

Reviews approved cessation medications, product education, contraindication awareness, and combination principles within specialist scope.

  1. 49NRT Product Types
  2. 50Patch Use Principles
  3. 51Oral NRT Use Principles
  4. 52NRT Precautions And Referrals
  5. 53Varenicline Basics
  6. 54Bupropion Basics
  7. 55Medication Selection Factors
  8. 56Combination NRT Principles
  9. 57Adverse Effect Counseling
  10. 58Medication Myths And Misuse

Special Populations

Addresses adaptation of cessation support for populations with higher risk, unique barriers, or referral needs.

  1. 59Pregnancy Risk Communication
  2. 60Pregnancy Pharmacotherapy Coordination
  3. 61Postpartum Relapse Risk
  4. 62Youth Use Patterns
  5. 63Developmentally Appropriate Counseling
  6. 64Referral And Policy Considerations
  7. 65Psychiatric Comorbidity Considerations
  8. 66Substance Use Recovery Context
  9. 67Suicidality And Safety Escalation
  10. 68Chronic Disease Contexts
  11. 69Hospital And Peri-Event Opportunities
  12. 70Health Disparities And Equity

Relapse Prevention And Recovery

Prepares learners to manage slips, relapse risk, and ongoing recovery support using chronic-care principles.

  1. 71Lapse Versus Relapse
  2. 72Relapse Risk Factors
  3. 73Recovery-Oriented Reengagement
  4. 74Maintenance Coping Rehearsal
  5. 75Weight Mood And Stress Concerns
  6. 76Stepped-Up Support Decisions

Ethics Communication And Programs

Covers ethics, confidentiality, cultural responsiveness, interprofessional coordination, and program operations relevant to CTCS practice.

  1. 77Client-Centered Ethical Practice
  2. 78Confidentiality And Consent
  3. 79Boundary And Dual-Role Risks
  4. 80Nonjudgmental Communication Principles
  5. 81Literacy And Language Adaptation
  6. 82Access And Resource Navigation
  7. 83Care Coordination Pathways
  8. 84Workflow And Policy Variation
  9. 85Quality Improvement Basics

Exam Integration And Review

Synthesizes core CTCS content into decision frameworks, cross-domain cases, and final review strategies.

  1. 86Assessment To Plan Algorithm
  2. 87Safest Next Step Logic
  3. 88Cross-Domain Case Synthesis
  4. 89Frequent Scope Traps
  5. 90Counseling And Pharmacotherapy Pitfalls
  6. 91Rapid Review Checklist
Back to the program

Contact PharmExPrep

Ask us about a program, enrollment or training for your team.

support@pharmexprep.com
See the programs

PharmExPrep
Programs
BPS Board Specialties 15
CPS Practice Certifications 22
Licensure (PharmD) 1
Other Pharmacist Credentials 2
Technician Certification 3
See all programs
For organizations
Team trainingPlans for training a whole team.Ask about group enrollmentTell us the programs and the size of your team.Email ussupport@pharmexprep.com
ContactLog inGet a free guide