Top 10 Pharmacy Cashier Certifications

Certifications for a pharmacy cashier are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and proficiency in the job duties required of a pharmacy cashier. By earning certifications, a pharmacy cashier is able to show potential employers that they have the necessary skills and qualifications to perform the job. Certifications also demonstrate to employers that the pharmacy cashier has taken the initiative to learn more about their chosen profession, which is an attractive quality for many employers. Finally, certifications can also lead to higher wages as employers often use them as a benchmark when offering salary packages.

This article reviews top certifications for Pharmacy Cashiers and explains how they can help advance a pharmacy cashier's career.

What are Pharmacy Cashier Certifications?

Pharmacy cashier certification is a type of certification program designed to provide pharmacy cashiers with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly handle customer transactions, manage inventory and stock shelves, process payments, and ensure customer satisfaction. It is typically offered by professional organizations that specialize in pharmacy-related training.

This type of certification can help pharmacy cashiers by teaching them the proper procedures for handling customer purchases, including how to accurately enter payment information into the system, how to properly manage inventory and stock shelves, and how to properly communicate with customers regarding their purchases. Additionally, it can teach them how to respond when customers have questions or concerns about their purchase. This knowledge can help ensure that customers receive the best possible service while shopping at a pharmacy.

Furthermore, having this certification may make a pharmacy cashier more attractive to employers when they are looking for new employees. Employers may view having this certification as an indication that the applicant has a certain level of expertise in working with customers and managing store operations. This could significantly increase their chances of being hired over other applicants who do not have any formal education or training related to working in a pharmacy environment.

Pro Tip: When considering pharmacy cashier certification, always make sure to research the certifying organization and their accreditation. Look for programs that provide comprehensive training on topics such as customer service, inventory management, and drug safety. Additionally, look for programs that provide hands-on experience in order to become fully prepared for the position.

Related: What does a Pharmacy Cashier do?

Top 10 Pharmacy Cashier Certifications

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

1. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a professional who has completed specialized training and passed an exam to become certified. CPhTs are responsible for assisting pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, as well as providing customer service and other administrative duties.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete the necessary training and become eligible for the certification exam. To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). These include completing a PTCB-recognized pharmacy technician education/training program or having at least one year of full-time work experience as a pharmacy technician. Once you have met these requirements, you can then register for and take the PTCB exam.

The cost of becoming a CPhT varies depending on where you take your training and how long it takes to complete it. The cost of the PTCB exam itself is $129. Additionally, you may need to pay for additional materials such as textbooks or online courses if needed.

Overall, becoming a CPhT is an investment that pays off in terms of job security, higher wages, and career advancement opportunities.

2. Certified Retail Pharmacy Technician (CRPT)

Certified Retail Pharmacy Technician (CRPT) is a professional certification for pharmacy technicians who work in retail pharmacies. The certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills to provide quality pharmacy services in a retail setting.

To become certified, an individual must pass an exam administered by the NHA. The exam covers topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law and ethics, compounding techniques, drug information, and patient care. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least one year of experience working as a pharmacy technician in a retail setting or have completed an approved training program.

The cost of the CRPT exam is $129. The exam can be taken at Pearson VUE testing centers located throughout the United States. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CRPT certification within four weeks.

The CRPT certification must be renewed every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education credits and paying a recertification fee of $79.

3. Certified Pharmacy Cashier (CPC)

Certified Pharmacy Cashier (CPC) is a certification which recognizes the knowledge and skills of pharmacy cashiers. It demonstrates that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of pharmacy operations, customer service, and financial transactions.

To become certified, individuals must complete an approved training program and pass an exam. The training program typically takes around 8-10 hours to complete, depending on the provider. After completing the training program, individuals must pass an exam administered by either the National Healthcareer Association or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

The cost for certification varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $100-$200. This fee covers both the training and exam fees.

Once certified, individuals are able to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in customer service and pharmacy operations. Certified Pharmacy Cashiers may also be eligible for higher wages or promotions within their organization.

4. Certified Medication Technician (CMT)

Certified Medication Technician (CMT) is a professional certification that recognizes the successful completion of a medication technician training program. The CMT credential is designed to help ensure that medication technicians have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively administer medications in long-term care settings.

It typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete the required training program, depending on the state in which you live. Training programs are offered by community colleges, technical schools, or other organizations approved by your state's Board of Nursing or Department of Health.

To become certified as a CMT, you must pass an exam administered by either the National Association for Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) or the National Council for Certified Medication Technicians (NCCMT). After passing the exam, you will receive your certification from either organization.

The cost of becoming certified as a CMT varies depending on where you take your training and whether you take it online or in person. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1000 for all associated fees including tuition, textbooks, and exam fees.

5. National Healthcareer Association's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)

The National Healthcareer Association's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge and skills of pharmacy technicians. The PTCE is designed to assess the competency of entry-level pharmacy technicians. It covers topics such as medication safety, pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, and pharmacy law and ethics.

The PTCE consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes two hours to complete. The exam is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the United States. To take the PTCE, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also submit an application form with a nonrefundable fee of $129 to NHA prior to scheduling their exam date.

Once applicants pass the PTCE, they will receive their certification from NHA in about two weeks. The certification is valid for two years and can be renewed by completing 20 hours of continuing education credits every two years or by taking the recertification exam every five years.

The cost of taking the PTCE includes an application fee of $129 plus any applicable taxes, fees, or other charges associated with scheduling an appointment at a Pearson VUE testing center.

6. National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (NPTB)

The National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (NPTB) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for pharmacy technicians. It is the only nationally recognized certification program for pharmacy technicians in the United States. The NPTB was established in 1995 to promote and maintain high standards of professional practice among pharmacy technicians.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, pass an exam, and agree to abide by the NPTB's Code of Ethics. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medication safety, pharmacology, patient care, and pharmacy law. It typically takes two to three hours to complete the exam.

In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have either a high school diploma or equivalent education, or have completed a formal training program approved by the NPTB. Applicants must also have at least one year of work experience as a pharmacy technician within the past five years.

The cost of taking the NPTB certification exam varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person. The online version costs $129 while the in-person version costs $159. After passing the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 which must be paid every year in order to keep your certification active.

7. American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists' Certified Pharmacy Technician Program (ASHP-CPT)

The American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists' Certified Pharmacy Technician Program (ASHP-CPT) is a comprehensive certification program for pharmacy technicians. The program provides pharmacy technicians with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to work safely and effectively in a variety of pharmacy settings.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as medication safety, pharmacy calculations, patient care, and more. Applicants must also have completed at least 500 hours of supervised practice in a pharmacy setting within the last two years.

The cost for the ASHP-CPT exam is $129.00 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive results after taking the exam.

Once certified, individuals will be able to use the designation “Certified Pharmacy Technician” on their resumes and professional profiles. This can help them stand out from other job applicants and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their field.

8. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy's Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors Program (NABP-VAWD)

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy's Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors Program (NABP-VAWD) is a voluntary program that verifies and accredits wholesale drug distributors. The program was established to ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of pharmaceuticals distributed in the United States.

The NABP-VAWD program evaluates and verifies that wholesale distributors meet or exceed state licensing requirements. The process includes an onsite inspection of the distributor’s facility, personnel qualifications and training, record keeping systems, security measures, and other operational procedures. Once a distributor has been approved for accreditation, they are listed on the NABP website as an accredited wholesaler.

It takes approximately 8-12 weeks to complete the application process for NABP-VAWD accreditation. During this time, applicants must complete all required paperwork and submit it to NABP for review. They must also provide evidence that their facility meets or exceeds all applicable state licensing requirements. After submitting the application materials, applicants will receive an onsite inspection from a trained NABP representative to verify compliance with all standards set by the organization.

The cost of applying for NABP-VAWD accreditation varies based on the size of the applicant’s business. Generally speaking, fees range from $1,000-$2,500 per year depending on whether or not an applicant is seeking initial or renewal accreditation status. Additional fees may also be required if an applicant needs assistance with preparing their application materials or requires additional support during the onsite inspection process.

Overall, obtaining NABP-VAWD accreditation is beneficial for any business involved in distributing pharmaceuticals in the United States as it demonstrates that they are meeting industry standards and provides them with greater credibility in their field.

9. American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists' Certified Professional in Pharmaceutical Science Program (AAPS-CPPS)

The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Certified Professional in Pharmaceutical Science Program (AAPS-CPPS) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. The AAPS-CPPS certification provides evidence of an individual’s commitment to the profession and their ability to apply their knowledge and skills in the workplace.

In order to obtain the AAPS-CPPS certification, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, which include having a minimum of three years of experience in the pharmaceutical sciences field, holding a degree from an accredited institution, and passing an examination administered by AAPS. The exam consists of two parts: a written examination covering topics related to pharmaceutical science, and an oral examination on topics related to professional practice.

The entire process typically takes 6-9 months to complete. To get started, individuals must first submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. After submitting the application form, applicants will be required to register for and take the written examination as well as pay any associated fees. Once they have passed the written exam, they will be eligible to take the oral exam which is typically held at one of AAPS’s annual meetings or conferences. Upon successful completion of both exams, applicants will receive their official AAPS-CPPS certificate in the mail within 6-8 weeks.

The cost for obtaining the AAPS-CPPS certification varies depending on whether or not you are an AAPS member. For non-members, it costs $450 USD for both parts of the exam ($225 USD for each part). For members, it costs $300 USD for both parts ($150 USD for each part).

10. International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering's Certified Pharmaceutical Quality Auditor Program (ISPE-CPQA).

The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering’s Certified Pharmaceutical Quality Auditor Program (ISPE-CPQA) is a certification program designed to recognize experienced pharmaceutical quality auditors who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities required to audit pharmaceutical quality systems. The ISPE-CPQA certification program is based on the ISPE Good Practice Guide: Auditing Pharmaceutical Quality Systems, which provides an industry-recognized framework for auditing and evaluating pharmaceutical quality systems.

The ISPE-CPQA certification process includes a written examination that covers topics such as regulatory requirements, GMP principles, risk management, and audit techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass and receive their certification.

In order to be eligible for the ISPE-CPQA certification program, candidates must have at least two years of experience in auditing or managing pharmaceutical quality systems. Additionally, candidates must submit documentation demonstrating their experience in the field, such as letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues.

The cost of the ISPE-CPQA certification program is $400 USD for members of ISPE and $500 USD for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the exam as well as any additional materials needed for preparation.

Overall, obtaining an ISPE-CPQA certification can take several months due to the application process and exam preparation time required. However, once certified, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in auditing pharmaceutical quality systems and gain recognition within the industry.

Do You Really Need a Pharmacy Cashier Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and the job they are applying for. Some pharmacy employers may require a cashier certificate while others may not.

If you are applying for a job as a pharmacy cashier, it is always best to be prepared and have all necessary documentation ready. A pharmacy cashier certificate can demonstrate to an employer that you have the knowledge and skills required to perform the job correctly. It can also show that you are dedicated to learning and staying up-to-date with industry standards.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working in a pharmacy or have taken courses in medical terminology and pharmacology, these experiences may be sufficient for some employers and they may not require a certificate. However, having the certificate can still make your application stand out from other applicants who do not have one.

Ultimately, it is important for each individual to assess their qualifications and experiences before deciding whether or not they need a pharmacy cashier certificate. If you feel like you need one in order to increase your chances of getting hired, then it is definitely worth considering getting one.

Related: Pharmacy Cashier Resume Examples

FAQs About Pharmacy Cashier Certifications

1. What is a Pharmacy Cashier Certification?

Answer: A Pharmacy Cashier Certification is a credential that confirms an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to accurately handle cash transactions in a pharmacy setting.

2. Is a Pharmacy Cashier Certification required?

Answer: While not required, obtaining a Pharmacy Cashier Certification can be beneficial for job seekers as it can demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their proficiency in handling cash transactions.

3. How do I obtain a Pharmacy Cashier Certification?

Answer: To become certified, individuals typically need to complete an approved training program or pass an exam administered by a professional organization such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time needed to become certified as a pharmacy cashier varies depending on the certification program chosen and how quickly the individual completes the requirements. Generally, however, it can take anywhere from two weeks up to several months.

5. What are some benefits of having a Pharmacy Cashier Certification?

Answer: Having a Pharmacy Cashier Certificate can help demonstrate professionalism and competence in handling cash transactions, provide job security, and increase opportunities for career advancement in the field of pharmacy services.