Top 11 Pharmacy Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for a pharmacy clerk in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job effectively. Certifications also give employers an assurance that the applicant is qualified and capable of taking on the duties of a pharmacy clerk. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities for career advancement and higher pay for those who have them. Finally, certifications provide evidence of professional development and commitment to the profession, which can be attractive to potential employers.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Pharmacy Clerks and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Pharmacy Clerk Certifications?

Pharmacy Clerk Certification is a certification program designed by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to provide pharmacy clerks with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to work in a pharmacy setting. This certification proves that an individual has the necessary qualifications to work as a professional pharmacy clerk.

The certification exam covers topics such as medication safety, customer service, inventory control, pharmaceutical calculations, and drug information. These topics are important for any pharmacy clerk who needs to understand how medications are stored, dispensed, and monitored within the pharmacy environment. By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to providing quality care and services to patients in a safe and effective manner.

Having Pharmacy Clerk Certification can help those looking for employment in a pharmacy setting because it demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of the profession. It also gives employers confidence that their employees have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their job duties effectively. Additionally, having this certification may give individuals access to higher-paying positions or promotions since employers often prioritize candidates who have obtained certifications related to their field of work.

Pro Tip: Obtaining a pharmacy clerk certification can be beneficial for those looking to enter the field of pharmacy. It is important to research and understand the requirements of the certifying body, such as passing an exam or completing a set number of hours in a pharmacy setting. Additionally, it can be helpful to explore available online courses or programs that are designed to help prepare for the certification exam.

Related: What does a Pharmacy Clerk do?

Top 11 Pharmacy Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a professional who has completed a formal training program and passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The CPhT works under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist to assist in providing medication and other health care products to patients.

The length of time it takes to become a CPhT depends on the individual's educational background, training, and experience. Most programs require completion of at least 600 hours of coursework and/or an externship in order to qualify for the PTCE.

In order to become certified, individuals must first complete a formal pharmacy technician training program from an accredited institution. After completing the program, they must then pass the PTCE which is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Once they have passed the exam, they will be awarded their certification as a CPhT.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on where you take your training program and how much study material you purchase for preparation for the PTCE. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 or more.

2. Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)

Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) is a certification program offered by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB). The CSPT certification is designed to provide assurance that technicians who prepare compounded sterile preparations have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to safely and effectively perform their duties.

The CSPT certification requires applicants to pass an exam administered by PCAB. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions about topics such as sterile compounding techniques, USP Chapter <797>, and other relevant topics. Candidates must also complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education in the past two years related to sterile compounding or related topics.

It typically takes around 6-8 weeks for applicants to receive their results from the PCAB exam.

To become certified as a CSPT, candidates must first register with PCAB and pay the registration fee. The fee is currently $250 for US-based applicants, and $150 for non-US based applicants. Once registered, applicants can then take the CSPT exam at an approved testing center.

The cost of taking the CSPT exam varies depending on the testing center but typically ranges between $175-$200 USD per attempt.

3. Certified Immunization Delivery Technician (CIDT)

Certified Immunization Delivery Technician (CIDT) is a certification program offered by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). The CIDT certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate competence in delivering immunizations and providing patient education.

It takes approximately 12-15 hours to complete the training and pass the exam. To become certified, individuals must first complete an online self-study course, which covers topics such as vaccine storage and handling, vaccine administration techniques, vaccine safety, patient education, and more. After completing the course, participants must take an online proctored exam to demonstrate their knowledge of immunization delivery.

The cost for the CIDT certification varies depending on the organization or institution offering it. Typically, the cost is around $100-$150 for both the course and exam fees.

4. Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a healthcare professional who has been trained to administer medications to patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse. They are responsible for providing medication to patients, monitoring patient reactions and side effects, and documenting all activities related to medication administration. CMAs must complete an approved training program and pass an exam in order to become certified.

The duration of the CMA training program varies by state but typically takes between 8-12 weeks. The cost of the program also varies by state but can range from $500-$1,000. Upon completion of the program, students must take and pass a competency exam in order to become certified.

To get certified as a CMA, you must first complete an approved training program. After completing the program, you will be eligible to take the competency exam which is administered by your state’s Board of Nursing or other regulatory agency. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification as a CMA.

5. Certified Pharmacy Technician in Training (CPTT)

A Certified Pharmacy Technician in Training (CPTT) is a certification program designed to recognize pharmacy technicians who have successfully completed an approved training program and passed the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. The CPTT certification is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The CPTT certification is usually obtained after completing a formal pharmacy technician training program, which can take anywhere from six months to one year. This program includes coursework on topics such as medical terminology, pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, drug calculations, and compounding techniques. Upon successful completion of the training program, applicants must pass the NHA's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) before they can become certified.

The cost of obtaining the CPTT certification varies depending on the pharmacy technician training program chosen. Generally speaking, most programs will cost between $500 and $2,000. In addition to tuition costs, there may be additional fees for textbooks or other materials required for the coursework.

In order to maintain their CPTT certification status, pharmacy technicians must complete continuing education credits every two years in order to stay up-to-date on new developments in the field.

6. National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (PTCB)

The National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (PTCB) is a comprehensive, computer-based exam that tests the knowledge and skills of pharmacy technicians. The exam is designed to assess the competency of pharmacy technicians in areas such as medication safety, inventory management, patient counseling, and more.

The PTCB exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as pharmaceutical calculations, drug classifications, dosage forms and routes of administration, storage and handling of medications, medical terminology, and pharmacy law.

To be eligible to take the PTCB exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed at least 600 hours of work experience in a pharmacy setting. You must also pass a criminal background check before taking the exam.

The cost for the PTCB exam is $129 for non-members ($129 for members). The fee includes one retake if needed. After passing the PTCB exam, you will receive a certification from the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), which is valid for two years.

7. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Certification Exam (ASHP-CE)

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Certification Exam (ASHP-CE) is a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge and skills of pharmacists in the United States. The exam is designed to ensure that pharmacists have the necessary knowledge and expertise to practice safely and effectively. The ASHP-CE is administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).

The ASHP-CE consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as drug information, patient safety, medication therapy management, pharmacology, clinical pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical calculations, and therapeutic drug monitoring. It takes about three hours to complete the exam.

To get certified, applicants must first meet all eligibility requirements for certification including education and experience requirements. Applicants must then submit an application to NABP along with a fee. Once approved, applicants are sent an authorization letter with instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost of taking the ASHP-CE varies depending on whether you take it online or in person at a testing center. Online exams cost $400 while in-person exams cost $450.

8. National Healthcareer Association Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (NHA-PTCE)

The National Healthcareer Association Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (NHA-PTCE) is a comprehensive exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills of pharmacy technicians. The NHA-PTCE is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

The NHA-PTCE consists of 90 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medication safety, pharmacy operations, inventory management, drug information, and patient relations. The exam takes 2 hours to complete and must be taken at an approved testing center.

To qualify for the NHA-PTCE, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must have completed a formal training program in pharmacy technology or have at least 1 year of work experience in the field. Applicants must also pass a criminal background check prior to taking the exam.

The cost of taking the NHA-PTCE is $129 for members of the NHA and $179 for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with scheduling an appointment at an approved testing center.

9. Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians Exam (ICPT-Exam)

The Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians Exam (ICPT-Exam) is an exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It is designed to assess a pharmacy technician's knowledge and skills in order to become certified. The ICPT-Exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as pharmacy law, calculations, pharmaceutical terminology, drug therapy, and more.

The ICPT-Exam takes approximately three hours to complete. In order to take the exam, you must first complete an application and pay the required fee. After your application has been approved, you will be provided with a testing date and location. Once you have completed the exam, your results will be sent to you within two weeks.

The cost of taking the ICPT-Exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $100-$200 USD per test session. Additionally, there may be additional fees for study materials or other services related to taking the exam.

In order to become certified as a pharmacy technician after passing the ICPT-Exam, you will also need to meet certain eligibility requirements set forth by NHA including having a high school diploma or equivalent, completing an accredited training program or having one year of full-time experience in a pharmacy setting.

10. Retail Pharmacy USA Certification Program

The Retail Pharmacy USA Certification Program is a voluntary program that recognizes pharmacies that meet the highest standards of quality and safety in the retail pharmacy industry. The program is designed to ensure that patients receive safe, effective, and appropriate medications from their local pharmacies.

The certification process takes approximately six months to complete. To become certified, pharmacies must demonstrate compliance with a set of standards developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). These standards include patient safety, medication accuracy, customer service, and quality assurance.

To get certified, pharmacies must submit an application to NABP and provide evidence that they meet the requirements for certification. This includes submitting documentation such as policies and procedures manuals, training records, and inspection reports. Once all documents have been reviewed by NABP staff and approved, the pharmacy will be issued a certificate of accreditation.

The cost for certification varies depending on the size of the pharmacy. For small pharmacies (1-5 locations), the cost is $595 per location; for medium-sized pharmacies (6-10 locations), it is $495 per location; and for large pharmacies (11+ locations), it is $395 per location.

11. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy is a nationally recognised qualification that provides pharmacists with the skills and knowledge required to work in community pharmacies. It is designed for those who wish to become a qualified pharmacist, or for those already working in the industry who wish to upgrade their qualifications.

The course consists of 12 core units and 4 elective units, which cover topics such as professional practice, medication management, customer service and communication, quality assurance and safety, and pharmacy operations. The program takes approximately 18 months to complete if you are studying full-time. If you are studying part-time it can take up to 24 months.

To get the certificate you will need to complete all of the units within the program. You can do this by enrolling in an accredited training provider or university. You may also be able to study online or through distance education depending on your location and availability.

The cost of completing the Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy varies depending on the provider you choose and whether you are studying full-time or part-time. Generally speaking it can range from $2,500 - $6,000 AUD depending on your circumstances.

Do You Really Need a Pharmacy Clerk Certificate?

In order to work as a pharmacy clerk, it is not necessary to have a pharmacy clerk certificate. However, having a certificate can be beneficial in many ways.

For starters, having a pharmacy clerk certificate shows employers that you are dedicated and knowledgeable about the industry. It can also give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. Employers may view those with the certificate as more reliable and trustworthy than those without it. Additionally, having a certificate can give you the opportunity to take on more responsibilities and advance within the field.

Having a pharmacy clerk certificate also demonstrates your commitment to quality patient care. A successful pharmacist must understand how medications interact in order to provide safe and effective treatment for their patients. The knowledge gained from obtaining a pharmacy clerk certificate will help you understand medications better and enable you to provide better customer service when dealing with customers’ prescriptions or medical inquiries.

Overall, having a pharmacy clerk certificate is not required for all positions, but it can be beneficial in many ways and will certainly help you stand out from the competition when looking for employment in this field.

Related: Pharmacy Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Pharmacy Clerk Certifications

1. What is a Pharmacy Clerk Certification?

Answer: A Pharmacy Clerk Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the field of pharmacy management and operations. The certification is typically achieved through an accredited program, such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete a training program approved by the certifying organization and then pass an examination. You may also be required to complete continuing education courses to maintain your certification status.

3. Are there prerequisites for becoming certified?

Answer: Depending on the certifying organization, prerequisites may vary but generally include a high school diploma or GED, completion of a formal pharmacy technician program, and/or completion of certain college courses related to pharmacy practice.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: It usually takes between 6 months and 2 years to become certified depending on the certifying body and preparation time allotted for studying for the exam.

5. Is there an age requirement for being certified?

Answer: No, there is no age requirement for being certified as a pharmacy clerk; however, applicants must meet all other requirements set forth by the certifying body in order to be eligible for certification.