Top 10 Lead Pharmacy Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for lead pharmacy technicians in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, skill, and competency in the field. An employer will be more likely to hire someone with a certification, as it shows that the applicant is qualified and has met industry standards. Certifications also give lead pharmacy technicians an edge over non-certified applicants and can make them more competitive in the job market. Having certifications can also open up job opportunities that may not be available to those without certifications. Furthermore, certified lead pharmacy technicians often earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Lead Pharmacy Technicians and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Lead Pharmacy Technician Certifications?

Lead pharmacy technician certification is a specialized program offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) that recognizes pharmacy technicians with advanced knowledge and experience. The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated leadership and management skills, as well as those who are actively engaged in their profession.

By earning this certification, pharmacy technicians can demonstrate their commitment to advancing the profession and their dedication to patient care. This credential also serves as an important recognition of a technician’s professional development and competency, which can help them stand out when applying for positions or promotions.

Lead pharmacy technicians serve in roles such as department supervisors, clinical coordinators, medication usage experts, and staff trainers. Earning lead pharmacy technician certification can help these professionals gain access to higher-level positions within the field, as well as provide them with increased job security by demonstrating their expertise in their specialty area. Additionally, having this credential may make them more attractive candidates for other positions outside of the pharmacy field that require leadership skills or managerial experience.

Pro Tip: Make sure to take advantage of online resources and practice tests to prepare for your lead pharmacy technician certification exam. This will help you stay up-to-date on the latest changes in the field and give you an edge when it comes to passing the exam.

Related: What does a Lead Pharmacy Technician do?

Top 10 Lead Pharmacy Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Lead Pharmacy Technicians today.

1. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a professional designation for pharmacy technicians who have met certain educational and training requirements and passed a national certification exam. This certification is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

The CPhT credential demonstrates that the individual has achieved a level of competency in their field and has the skills necessary to provide safe and effective patient care. The CPhT also serves as an indicator of quality for employers, patients, and other healthcare professionals.

To become certified, individuals must complete an accredited pharmacy technician program or equivalent work experience, pass a criminal background check, and pass the PTCB exam. The PTCB exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law and regulations, dosage calculations, drug interactions, inventory management, sterile compounding, and more.

The cost to take the PTCB exam is $129. It typically takes about two months to receive your results after taking the exam. Once you pass the exam you will be awarded your CPhT credential which is valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

2. Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)

Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) is a certification program offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in sterile compounding. It validates their competency in the preparation and handling of sterile products, including quality assurance processes and safety protocols.

The CSPT exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within two hours. The exam covers topics such as sterile product preparation, quality control procedures, USP <797> standards, and other related topics.

To become certified as a CSPT, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Complete an accredited pharmacy technician program or have at least one year of work experience in a pharmacy setting
• Pass the CSPT Exam with a score of 70% or higher
• Pay the $129 fee to take the exam
• Maintain certification by completing continuing education credits every two years.

The cost of the CSPT exam is $129 USD.

3. National Healthcareer Association Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) is a professional certification for pharmacy technicians. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of those working in the pharmacy profession. The ExCPT certification demonstrates that an individual has met the national standards of practice for pharmacy technicians.

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for and obtain the ExCPT certification. The first step is to complete a formal training program or equivalent work experience in a pharmacy setting, which must be approved by the NHA. Once this requirement is met, individuals can register for the exam online at www.nhanow.com/exam-registration/.

The cost of taking the ExCPT exam varies depending on whether you are a member of NHA or not. Non-members pay $119, while members pay $99 for the exam fee. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registration and scheduling your exam appointment at an approved testing center.

4. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Certified Pharmacy Technician (ASHP-CPhT)

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Certified Pharmacy Technician (ASHP-CPhT) is a certification program designed to recognize pharmacy technicians who have demonstrated their knowledge and proficiency in the field. The certification is awarded by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) after successful completion of an exam.

To become certified, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have completed a state-approved pharmacy technician training program or have two years of full-time pharmacy technician experience within the past five years
• Pass a criminal background check
• Submit proof of completion of continuing education requirements, if applicable.

The ASHP-CPhT exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as medication safety, drug information, dosage calculations, sterile products preparation and storage, inventory control and management, and professional practice standards. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the ASHP-CPhT exam is $129 for members and $179 for nonmembers. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certification card in the mail within four to six weeks. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee.

5. Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians Certified Pharmacy Technician (ICPT-CPhT)

The Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a certification program that verifies pharmacy technicians have the knowledge and skills to work in a pharmacy setting. It is designed to ensure that pharmacy technicians demonstrate competency in their field, as well as provide employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified individuals.

The ICPT-CPhT certification requires applicants to pass an exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as pharmacy law and regulations, medication safety, patient care, drug distribution systems, and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the ICPT-CPhT certification, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include completing at least 600 hours of supervised on-the-job experience in a pharmacy setting within the past two years; having a high school diploma or equivalent; providing proof of continuing education credits; and passing a criminal background check.

The cost of obtaining the ICPT-CPhT certification varies depending on the applicant’s state of residence. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 for registration fees and exam fees combined. Additionally, some states may require additional fees or licensing fees which can increase the total cost.

Once an applicant has passed the ICPT-CPhT exam, they will receive their official certification from the NHA and will be listed in their online registry. This certification must be renewed every two years by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam if necessary.

6. National Center for Competency Testing Certified Pharmacy Technician (NCCT-CPhT)

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a nationally recognized certification program that provides pharmacy technicians with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their profession. The NCCT-CPhT certification is designed to ensure that pharmacy technicians are knowledgeable, competent, and qualified to work in a variety of settings.

To become certified as an NCCT-CPhT, applicants must pass the NCCT exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as pharmacology, drug calculations, medication safety, patient counseling, and pharmacy law. The practical portion includes tasks such as preparing prescriptions and entering orders into the computer system.

The NCCT exam typically takes about four hours to complete. Applicants may take the exam at any of the approved testing centers located throughout the United States. The cost of the exam varies by state but generally ranges from $100-$200.

In order to maintain certification status, CPhTs must complete continuing education credits every two years. These credits can be obtained through online courses or attending conferences or workshops related to pharmacy practice.

Overall, obtaining an NCCT-CPhT certification is an important step for those wishing to pursue a career in pharmacy technology and demonstrates professional competence in this field.

7. International Society of Pharmaceutical Compounding Certified Compounding Technician (ISPC-CCT)

The International Society of Pharmaceutical Compounding Certified Compounding Technician (ISPC-CCT) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of pharmacy technicians who are involved in the practice of compounding sterile and non-sterile preparations. The ISPC-CCT certification is offered by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Compounding (ISPC), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of pharmaceutical compounding.

The ISPC-CCT certification exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as compounding techniques, safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. The practical exam tests the technician’s ability to accurately compound preparations using approved methods.

To become certified, applicants must have at least one year of experience in a pharmacy that compounds medications and must pass both the written and practical exams with a score of 70% or higher. Applicants must also complete an online application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as proof of experience, transcripts, etc.

The cost for taking the ISPC-CCT certification exams is $150 for members and $200 for non-members. It typically takes about two weeks from the time an application is submitted until results are received.

8. Board of Pharmacy Specialties Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (BPS-CSPT)

The Board of Pharmacy Specialties Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (BPS-CSPT) is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of technicians who prepare sterile medications in a compounding pharmacy. The BPS-CSPT certification is designed to ensure that technicians have the necessary training and experience to safely and accurately compound sterile medications.

To obtain the BPS-CSPT certification, applicants must first complete an approved training program in sterile compounding. This training program must be accredited by either the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Once this training has been completed, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by BPS.

The length of time it takes to obtain the BPS-CSPT certification varies depending on how quickly an individual completes their approved training program. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to complete all requirements for certification.

The cost of obtaining the BPS-CSPT certification depends on several factors such as the type of training program chosen and any applicable registration fees. Generally speaking, most applicants can expect to pay between $500-$1,000 for their entire application process.

9. American College of Apothecaries Certified Clinical Apothecary Technician (ACAT-CCAT)

The American College of Apothecaries Certified Clinical Apothecary Technician (ACAT-CCAT) is a professional certification program for pharmacy technicians. It is designed to provide recognition to technicians who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the clinical aspects of pharmacy practice.

To obtain the ACAT-CCAT certification, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have a current Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification or equivalent;
• Successfully complete an approved ACAT-CCAT training program;
• Pass the ACAT-CCAT examination with a score of at least 70%.

The ACAT-CCAT training program typically takes around two months to complete, depending on the individual's learning speed and availability. The cost of this program varies depending on the institution offering it, but generally ranges from $500-$1000.

Once an applicant has successfully completed their ACAT-CCAT training and passed the examination, they will receive their official ACAT-CCAT certification. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education courses.

10. International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists Registered Compounding Technician (IACP-RCT).

The International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists Registered Compounding Technician (IACP-RCT) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of pharmacy technicians who are involved in the compounding of medications. The IACP-RCT is an independent, third-party certification that verifies a technician’s understanding of the principles and practices related to compounding sterile and non-sterile preparations.

To become certified as an IACP-RCT, a technician must complete an application process that includes passing a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as compounding techniques, safety protocols, equipment operation and maintenance, quality assurance, and record keeping. The exam is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and consists of 100 multiple choice questions. It takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the IACP-RCT certification program, applicants must have at least one year of work experience in a pharmacy setting or have completed an accredited pharmacy technician program. Applicants must also submit proof of current registration/licensure with their state board of pharmacy or other appropriate regulatory body.

The cost for the IACP-RCT certification program is $200 USD. This fee covers the cost of the exam as well as any applicable administrative fees. Once certified, technicians must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education requirements and paying a renewal fee of $100 USD.

Do You Really Need a Lead Pharmacy Technician Certificate?

The decision to pursue a Lead Pharmacy Technician Certificate ultimately depends on your professional goals and the type of work you plan to do with your certification. The certificate provides an additional level of recognition that employers may look for when considering a potential employee. It also indicates a higher level of knowledge and expertise in the field of pharmacy technology.

For those who are already certified as pharmacy technicians, the Lead Pharmacy Technician Certificate can provide an edge over other job applicants by demonstrating that they have taken the extra step to gain additional knowledge and experience in their field. The certificate also allows technicians to show potential employers that they have completed specialized training above and beyond basic pharmacy technician certification requirements. This can be especially helpful for those looking for positions in more specialized areas such as hospital or long-term care pharmacies, which often require additional educational qualifications.

For those who are just starting out in their career as pharmacy technicians, obtaining a Lead Pharmacy Technician Certificate may be an attractive option because it gives them a chance to demonstrate their commitment to furthering their education and gaining more knowledge about the field. Additionally, having this certification may give them access to more advanced roles within the profession or even help them gain entry into managerial positions.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Lead Pharmacy Technician Certificate depends on what you hope to achieve in your career as a pharmacy technician and how much time and effort you are willing to put into obtaining this certification.

Related: Lead Pharmacy Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Lead Pharmacy Technician Certifications

1. What is a Lead Pharmacy Technician Certification?

Answer: A Lead Pharmacy Technician Certification is a certification that demonstrates a mastery of the skills and knowledge required for pharmacy technicians to take on lead roles in their workplace. It provides recognition of the individual’s expertise and commitment to excellence in providing quality care to patients.

2. How do I become certified as a Lead Pharmacy Technician?

Answer: In order to become certified as a Lead Pharmacy Technician, you must complete an accredited program, pass a certification exam, and meet any state or employer requirements. You must also have at least one year of experience as a pharmacy technician.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Lead Pharmacy Technician?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Lead Pharmacy Technician can help increase your job prospects, provide you with higher wages, and demonstrate your commitment to providing quality care for patients. It can also give you the opportunity to take on more responsibility in your workplace and advance your career.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Lead Pharmacy Technician?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Lead Pharmacy Technician will vary depending on the individual’s experience level and other factors such as how quickly they complete their studies or if they have any pre-requisites for certification. Generally speaking, it takes about six months to one year to complete the necessary requirements for certification.

5. Is there any continuing education required after becoming certified as a Lead Pharmacy Technician?

Answer: Yes, continuing education is required after becoming certified as a Lead Pharmacy Technician in order to maintain certification status. Most states require 10 hours of continuing education per year in order to remain up-to-date with changes in pharmacy practice and regulations.