CPOT vs other certs in this field — is it worth it salary-wise?

For what it's worth from someone who's been through it:

The CPOT is one of those exams where the practice tests really do prepare you well. The style of questioning is pretty consistent. If you're comfortable with "CPOT" material under timed conditions, you'll be fine.

The one thing I'd add: read the question stems very carefully. They sometimes add a qualifier that completely changes the right answer and it's easy to miss when you're going fast.

Also check whether you need to schedule the exam in advance — some testing centers book up 2-3 weeks out.

For anyone finding this later: CPOT is passable with consistent effort even working full time. I studied 71 minutes a day for 12 weeks. The cpot professional ethics legal standards kept me honest about my actual gaps.

For anyone finding this later: CPOT is passable with consistent effort even working full time. I studied 56 minutes a day for 7 weeks. The cpot professional ethics legal standards kept me honest about my actual gaps.

I just passed my CPOT last month so I can actually speak to this. The thing that made the biggest difference for me wasn't the study guides or the flashcards everyone recommends. It was drilling the optics and dispensing sections specifically, because those two areas are weighted heavier than you'd expect and I almost didn't catch that until pretty late in my prep.

On the salary question, I'd say don't expect a raise to just show up automatically. It's more like it gets you in the door at better offices and gives you leverage when you're negotiating. My starting rate at the new practice I joined was noticeably higher than what I was making before, so I think the ROI is real, it just doesn't happen on its own.