Top 10 Pharmacy Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for pharmacy assistants in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise. Employers want to know that their employees are competent and knowledgeable, so having certifications can be an indication of this. Certifications also provide evidence of additional training and continuing education, which can show employers that pharmacy assistants have stayed current on industry trends and practices. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for higher-level positions or promotions within a company.

This article reviews the top certifications for Pharmacy Assistants and explains how they can help further a pharmacy assistant's career.

What are Pharmacy Assistant Certifications?

Pharmacy assistant certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes individuals who have completed a training program in pharmacy assistance. These programs typically cover topics such as medical terminology, basic pharmacology, drug dosage calculations, and customer service skills. Upon completion of the program, individuals are eligible to take an exam to obtain their certification.

Having pharmacy assistant certification is beneficial for those seeking employment in a pharmacy setting. It demonstrates to potential employers that the individual possesses the knowledge and skills required to provide safe and effective assistance in a pharmacy setting. In some states, it may also be required in order to work as a pharmacy assistant. Pharmacy assistants who are certified may also be able to command higher salaries than those without certification. Additionally, having this type of certification can open up opportunities for advancement within the field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for pharmacy assistant certification in your state before enrolling in any courses or training programs. Different states may have different requirements, so it’s important to understand what is needed for certification in your area.

Related: What does a Pharmacy Assistant do?

Top 10 Pharmacy Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a pharmacy technician who has achieved certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a pharmacy setting. The CPhT designation indicates that the individual has met educational requirements, passed an exam, and maintained their certification through continuing education.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the requirements for becoming a CPhT. The first step is to complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program or have equivalent experience in a related field. After completing the training program, individuals must pass the PTCB Exam. The exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions covering topics such as medication safety, drug distribution systems, and pharmacy law and regulations.

Once the exam is passed, individuals must submit an application for certification along with a fee of $129.00 USD. After submitting the application and fee, individuals will receive their CPhT certificate in 4-6 weeks. In order to maintain their certification status, CPhTs must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years and renew their certification every two years by paying a renewal fee of $49 USD.

2. Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)

Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) is a certification program administered by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB). It is designed to ensure that technicians who prepare sterile medications and other compounds in a pharmacy setting have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to do so safely and effectively.

The CSPT certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in sterile compounding. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by PCAB to earn the certification. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as aseptic technique, equipment, calculations, and quality assurance.

The cost for the CSPT certification is $200 USD. The fee includes the application fee, study materials, exam registration fee, and certificate fee. Candidates must also pay an additional $50 USD if they are retaking the exam after failing it once.

It typically takes around four to six weeks to complete the application process and receive your results from PCAB.

3. Certified Pharmacy Aide (CPA)

Certified Pharmacy Aide (CPA) is a certification program offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It is designed to provide pharmacy technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist pharmacists in providing quality patient care. This certification is ideal for those who are interested in working in a pharmacy setting, but do not have the time or money to pursue a more advanced degree.

The CPA certification requires completion of an online course and passing of an exam. The course covers topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law and ethics, drug information systems, and inventory management. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours.

To get the CPA certification, you must first complete the online course and then register for the exam through NHA's website. The cost of the online course is $99, while the cost of taking the exam is $129. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CPA certificate from NHA.

Overall, it typically takes about 1-2 months to complete all requirements for obtaining your Certified Pharmacy Aide (CPA) certification.

4. Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a healthcare professional who has been trained to administer medications and provide basic care to patients. CMAs are supervised by a registered nurse or physician and must follow their instructions when administering medications. They must also be knowledgeable about the effects of different medications and be able to recognize any adverse reactions in patients.

In order to become a CMA, individuals must complete an approved medication aide training program. These programs typically take between 6-12 weeks to complete depending on the state requirements. Training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice in administering medications safely and accurately.

The cost of becoming a CMA varies from state to state, but can range from $500-$1000 for tuition and fees. In addition, some states may require additional testing fees or certification fees upon completion of the program.

Once all requirements have been met, individuals must submit an application for certification with their state board of nursing or health department in order to become certified as a CMA.

5. National Healthcareer Association Pharmacy Technician Certification (PTCB)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Pharmacy Technician Certification (PTCB) is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and competency in the field of pharmacy technology. The PTCB certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law and regulations, medication order entry and filling, inventory management, and patient care.

To obtain the PTCB certification, applicants must complete an application form with their personal information and submit it to the NHA. Once approved, applicants can register for the exam online or by mail. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. Applicants must score at least 70% to pass the exam.

The cost of the PTCB certification exam is $129 for members of NHA and $159 for non-members. It usually takes 3-4 weeks to receive results after taking the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive a certificate from NHA indicating they are now certified pharmacy technicians.

6. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Technician Certification Program (ASHP-TCP)

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Technician Certification Program (ASHP-TCP) is a voluntary certification program for pharmacy technicians. It is designed to recognize pharmacy technicians who demonstrate knowledge and competency in the practice of pharmacy. The ASHP-TCP provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to providing quality patient care and service in the pharmacy profession.

To become certified, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an ASHP accredited training program, pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), and maintain continuing education requirements. The PTCE consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

The cost of the ASHP-TCP certification program varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of ASHP. For members, the cost is $129; for nonmembers, it is $179. The fee includes the cost of taking the exam as well as any applicable taxes and fees.

Once you have completed all requirements for certification, you will receive your official certificate from ASHP within 4 weeks after passing the PTCE. Certification is valid for two years from the date it was issued, at which time you must renew your certification by completing continuing education requirements and paying a renewal fee.

7. National Pharmacy Technician Association Certification (NPTA-CPT)

The National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) Certification Program (CPT) is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize pharmacy technicians who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of pharmacy. The NPTA-CPT certification is offered by the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA), a professional association dedicated to advancing the profession of pharmacy technicians.

To be eligible for NPTA-CPT certification, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least one year of experience as a pharmacy technician or completing an accredited pharmacy technician training program. Applicants must also pass a written examination that covers topics such as pharmacology, drug interactions, drug compounding, and patient safety.

The NPTA-CPT exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam is $150 for members of the NPTA and $200 for non-members. The fee includes access to practice exams, study materials, and other resources.

Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will receive their NPTA-CPT certification card within four weeks. This card serves as proof that an individual has met all requirements for certification and can be used to demonstrate competency when applying for jobs or seeking advancement in their career.

The NPTA-CPT certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and must be renewed every three years in order to remain current. Renewal requires re-taking the written examination or completing continuing education credits related to pharmacy technician topics.

8. National Institute for Pharmaceutical Care and Education Certification Program (NIPCE-CPT)

The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Care and Education Certification Program (NIPCE-CPT) is an online certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of pharmacy professionals who are involved in providing pharmaceutical care services. The NIPCE-CPT certification is a voluntary credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in patient care and pharmacy practice.

The NIPCE-CPT certification program consists of two parts: Part I, which focuses on core competencies related to the delivery of pharmaceutical care; and Part II, which focuses on advanced topics such as drug information, medication therapy management, health literacy, and communication. To become certified, applicants must successfully complete both parts of the program.

It typically takes about 3 months to complete the NIPCE-CPT certification program. To get started, applicants must first register with the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Care and Education (NIPCE). Upon registration, applicants will receive access to an online portal where they can review course materials, take quizzes and exams, submit assignments, and track their progress towards completion.

The cost of the NIPCE-CPT certification program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NIPCE. Non-members pay $395 for Part I and $495 for Part II; members pay $295 for Part I and $395 for Part II. Payment must be made before starting the program.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their official NIPCE-CPT certificate via email within 7 business days after successful completion of both parts of the program.

9. International Society of Automation in Pharmacy Certification Program (ISAP-CPT)

The International Society of Automation in Pharmacy Certification Program (ISAP-CPT) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of pharmacy technicians in the field of automation. This certification program was developed to ensure that pharmacy technicians have the necessary knowledge and experience to safely and effectively use automated systems.

To obtain ISAP-CPT certification, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as automation principles, safety, maintenance, troubleshooting, programming, and more. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

Individuals can apply for the ISAP-CPT exam online or through their local pharmacy technician organization. The application fee is $150 USD. Once approved, individuals will receive an authorization letter with instructions on how to register for the exam.

The ISAP-CPT certification is valid for three years from the date it is issued. To maintain certification status, individuals must complete 15 continuing education credits every three years.

10. American College of Apothecaries Certification Program (ACA-CPT).

The American College of Apothecaries Certification Program (ACA-CPT) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize and promote the professional competency of pharmacists. The ACA-CPT certification is awarded to pharmacists who demonstrate excellence in their practice, and have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the areas of pharmacy practice, medication safety, patient care, and communication.

To earn the ACA-CPT certification, pharmacists must first meet eligibility requirements which include having an active license as a pharmacist in good standing with no disciplinary action taken against them by any state board of pharmacy or other regulatory agency. They must also complete at least two years of post-licensure experience in a clinical setting or possess equivalent experience as determined by the ACA-CPT Board of Directors.

Once eligible, pharmacists can apply for the ACA-CPT certification exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test knowledge related to pharmacy practice, medication safety, patient care, and communication. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their official ACA-CPT certificate.

The cost for taking the ACA-CPT certification exam varies depending on whether you are an ACA member or nonmember. For members, it costs $325; for nonmembers, it costs $425. It typically takes four to six weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.

In order to maintain your ACA-CPT certification status, you must complete continuing education credits every three years and pay an annual recertification fee of $50 for members or $75 for nonmembers.

Do You Really Need a Pharmacy Assistant Certificate?

Yes, it is important to obtain a pharmacy assistant certificate if you are interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacy assistant. A pharmacy assistant certificate provides the necessary training and qualifications to work in this field. It is not only beneficial for those looking to start their career, but also for those already working in the industry who may wish to further their knowledge and abilities.

A pharmacy assistant certificate will provide you with an understanding of the duties that are expected of you within the role, such as assisting pharmacists with medication dispensing, prescription filling, customer service and other administrative tasks. You will also learn about medical terminology and gain an understanding of the laws and regulations related to pharmaceuticals.

The coursework associated with obtaining a pharmacy assistant certificate can be completed online or in person at a college or university. The curriculum typically includes topics such as compounding medications, inventory management, customer service skills and drug information systems. Once you have completed your coursework and successfully passed all required exams, you will receive your certification from an accredited educational institution. This certification is essential for any aspiring pharmacy assistant looking to secure employment in this field.

In addition to providing knowledge of relevant topics, having a pharmacy assistant certificate proves that you are committed to your profession and demonstrates your dedication towards providing quality care for patients. Employers value professionals who have taken the time to complete additional education in order to become certified as they are confident in their abilities when it comes to performing job responsibilities.

Overall, obtaining a pharmacy assistant certificate is key if you are wanting to pursue a career as a pharmacy assistant or enhance your existing knowledge within this field. The coursework is comprehensive yet achievable with sufficient study and dedication; upon completion employers will recognize your commitment towards the profession along with increased confidence in your abilities when it comes time for hiring decisions.

Related: Pharmacy Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Pharmacy Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Pharmacy Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Pharmacy Assistant Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in pharmacy-related tasks such as dispensing medications, stocking shelves, entering prescriptions into databases, and assisting pharmacists with patient care.

2. How do I become certified as a Pharmacy Assistant?

Answer: To become certified as a Pharmacy Assistant, you must complete an accredited program or course of study and pass the certification exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

3. What types of jobs can I get with a Pharmacy Assistant Certification?

Answer: With your Pharmacy Assistant Certification, you may be able to find positions in retail pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. You may also be able to find work as an independent contractor or consultant providing medication management services to clients.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Pharmacy Assistant?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the type of program or course of study you choose to pursue. Most programs range from 6 months to 2 years in length depending on whether you choose online or in-person classes.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Pharmacy Assistant?

Answer: Yes, most programs require applicants to have completed high school or its equivalent prior to enrollment in the program. Additionally, some schools may require students to have taken college-level coursework in chemistry or biology before starting their training program.