Top 10 Pharmacy Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for pharmacy technicians in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and professionalism to employers. Pharmacy technicians with certifications have shown their commitment to the profession and have proven that they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality service. Employers want to know that their employees are knowledgeable and reliable, so having a certification can give them peace of mind when hiring. Additionally, many states require pharmacy technicians to be certified before being allowed to work in a pharmacy setting. Thus, having a certification is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician.

The purpose of this article is to review top certifications for Pharmacy Technicians and explain how they can benefit a pharmacy technician's career.

What are Pharmacy Technician Certifications?

Pharmacy technician certification is a voluntary certification program administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). It is designed to ensure that pharmacy technicians have the knowledge and skills required to provide safe and effective patient care in a variety of settings. The certification demonstrates to employers and other healthcare professionals that pharmacy technicians have achieved a level of competence consistent with the standards established by PTCB.

The certification process includes passing an exam, completing additional continuing education requirements, and maintaining an active status on the PTCB registry. Upon successful completion of all requirements, individuals will be awarded the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.

Having a pharmacy technician certification can help individuals stand out from their peers when applying for jobs or seeking advancement opportunities. Employers may prefer candidates who are certified due to their demonstrated level of knowledge and commitment to quality care. In addition, having a CPhT credential can increase earning potential as many employers offer higher pay rates for those with certification. Finally, having a CPhT credential may provide access to more job opportunities as some employers only hire certified technicians.

Pro tip: Before attempting to receive a pharmacy technician certification, make sure to research the requirements in your state or region. Some states require additional training or certifications before you can become a certified pharmacy technician.

Related: What does a Pharmacy Technician do?

Top 10 Pharmacy Technician Certifications

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

1. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a non-profit organization that was established in 1995 to develop and administer a national certification program for pharmacy technicians. The PTCB certification is the most widely recognized credential for pharmacy technicians in the United States. It is accepted by all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as many employers, government agencies, and other organizations.

To become certified by the PTCB, a pharmacy technician must pass an exam that covers topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law and ethics, pharmacology and drug classifications, pharmaceutical calculations, inventory management, recordkeeping and patient relations. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes two hours to complete.

To prepare for the PTCB certification exam, applicants can take practice tests online or attend classes at local community colleges or vocational schools. Many employers also provide training programs to help their employees prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the PTCB certification exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $129 to $150. There may also be additional fees associated with taking practice tests or attending classes to prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the PTCB certification exam, you will be issued a certificate that is valid for two years. You will need to renew your certification every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee of $50.

2. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification is a nationally recognized credential for pharmacy technicians. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of pharmacy technicians in the areas of medication safety, pharmacology, medication distribution, and other related topics.

To obtain the CPhT certification, applicants must have completed a formal education program approved by the NHA or have at least one year of work experience as a pharmacy technician. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the NHA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as pharmaceutical calculations, drug classifications and interactions, and patient safety.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on whether you are taking it at an independent testing center or through an NHA-approved training program. The fee for an independent testing center is $129 while the fee for an NHA-approved training program is $109.

It typically takes about 4 weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate from the NHA that verifies your status as a certified pharmacy technician.

3. Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT)

The Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) is a national certification program that recognizes pharmacy technicians who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to practice safely and effectively in a variety of settings. The ICPT is sponsored by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as medication safety, pharmacology, pharmacy law and regulations, and other related topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, having completed an ASHP-accredited pharmacy technician training program or having two years of work experience as a pharmacy technician.

The cost of taking the ICPT exam is $150 for members of ASHP and $200 for nonmembers. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification within 6 weeks.

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

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a certification program that recognizes pharmacy technicians who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the practice of pharmacy. The CPhT certification is designed to provide assurance to employers, patients, and other health care providers that an individual has met the standards for safe and effective practice as a pharmacy technician.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain requirements including passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). This exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medication safety, quality assurance, medication order entry and processing, medication storage and inventory control, drug information and patient counseling.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the PTCE exam. During this time, individuals should review their knowledge of pharmacy practice through study guides or courses offered by ASHP or other organizations. Additionally, they should gain experience working in a pharmacy setting if possible.

The cost of obtaining the CPhT certification varies depending on whether you are an ASHP member or not. If you are an ASHP member it costs $129 to register for the PTCE exam; if you are not an ASHP member it costs $189.

5. National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT)

The National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT) is a voluntary certification program for pharmacy technicians. It is designed to recognize pharmacy technicians who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties safely and effectively.

To become certified, pharmacy technicians must meet the following requirements:

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be currently employed as a pharmacy technician in an accredited setting
• Have completed at least 400 hours of on-the-job training within the last two years
• Pass the CPHT exam with a score of 75% or higher
• Maintain continuing education credits every two years to remain certified

The CPHT exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as medication safety, drug information, inventory management, patient records, and communication. The exam takes about three hours to complete. The cost of taking the exam is $150 for NPTA members and $200 for non-members.

6. International Society of Pharmaceutical Compounding (ISPCP) Certified Compounding Technician

The International Society of Pharmaceutical Compounding (ISPCP) Certified Compounding Technician program is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the area of pharmaceutical compounding. This certification is designed to ensure that those who are involved in the compounding process have the necessary training and expertise to safely and accurately compound medications for patients.

The ISPCP Certified Compounding Technician program consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical evaluation. The written exam covers topics such as compounding techniques, sterile preparations, quality assurance, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. The practical evaluation requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to compound medication according to established standards.

To obtain the ISPCP Certified Compounding Technician certification, applicants must successfully complete both the written examination and the practical evaluation. The written examination can be taken at any Prometric testing center or online through Pearson VUE. The practical evaluation must be completed at an approved facility under direct supervision of an approved instructor.

The cost of obtaining the ISPCP Certified Compounding Technician certification varies depending on where you take the exams and whether or not you need additional training prior to taking them. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$400 USD for both parts of the certification process. Depending on your experience level and how quickly you can study for the exams, it may take anywhere from one month up to six months or more to complete all requirements for this certification.

7. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Certified Pharmacy Technician

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Certified Pharmacy Technician certification is a nationally recognized program that provides pharmacy technicians with the knowledge and skills to perform their job duties more effectively. The certification is designed to demonstrate the competence of pharmacy technicians in areas such as pharmaceutical calculations, drug dispensing, medication administration, customer service, and other related topics.

It typically takes between six to twelve months to complete the certification process. To become certified, pharmacy technicians must first pass an exam administered by NICET. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as dosage calculations, pharmacology, and patient safety. After successfully passing the exam, applicants must also complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

The cost of obtaining NICET Certified Pharmacy Technician certification varies depending on the provider chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$500 for both the initial exam fee and continuing education credits.

8. American Medical Technologists (AMT) Registered Pharmacy Technician

American Medical Technologists (AMT) Registered Pharmacy Technician is a professional certification that recognizes pharmacy technicians who have met the standards of knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality patient care in the pharmacy setting. This certification is offered through AMT, an independent certifying agency for healthcare professionals.

To become an AMT Registered Pharmacy Technician, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and pass the certification exam. To be eligible, applicants must have either a high school diploma or GED; complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program; and have at least one year of work experience as a pharmacy technician.

The certification exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medication safety, pharmacology, legal issues, and compounding. The cost of the exam is $125 for AMT members and $175 for non-members. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certificate from AMT within 6 weeks. You will also need to renew your certification every two years by completing 20 continuing education hours and paying a renewal fee of $75 for members or $100 for non-members.

9. The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) National Certified Pharmacy Technician

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) National Certified Pharmacy Technician (NCPT) is a certification program designed to recognize pharmacy technicians who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care in a pharmacy setting. The NCPT certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as medication safety, medication administration, pharmacology, and patient care. Applicants must also have at least one year of experience working as a pharmacy technician or have completed a formal training program.

The NCPT exam typically takes about three hours to complete and costs $130. To register for the exam, applicants must submit an application form and fee to the NHA. The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid before registering for the exam. Once registered, applicants will receive an authorization letter with instructions on how to schedule their exam date and time.

Applicants who successfully pass the NCPT exam will receive their certification within four weeks of taking the test. The certification is valid for two years from the date of issue and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

10. Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists’ Certification Board of Canada Certified Pharmacy Technician

The Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists’ (CSHP) Certification Board of Canada Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-C) is a professional certification program that recognizes pharmacy technicians who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties in a safe and effective manner. The CPhT-C designation is recognized across Canada and is becoming increasingly important as the role of pharmacy technicians expands.

It typically takes two years to complete the requirements for the CPhT-C designation. During this time, pharmacy technicians must complete a minimum of 2000 hours of supervised practice in a hospital setting, pass an online examination administered by CSHP, and successfully complete an oral examination conducted by the CSHP Certification Board.

To get certified, individuals must first apply for candidacy status with CSHP. This requires providing proof of registration with their provincial regulatory body, submitting transcripts from any post-secondary education completed, and paying an application fee. Once accepted into candidacy status, individuals can begin completing their required hours of practice in a hospital setting and prepare for their online and oral examinations.

The cost for obtaining the CPhT-C designation varies depending on the province in which you live. In Ontario, it costs $500 to apply for candidacy status plus $200 for each examination taken (online or oral). In other provinces, fees may vary slightly but are generally similar to those listed above.

Do You Really Need a Pharmacy Technician Certificate?

Yes, a pharmacy technician certificate is essential for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the pharmacy field. It is an industry-recognized credential that proves the individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to perform pharmacy related tasks. The certificate also demonstrates to employers that the individual is qualified to work in a pharmacy setting and can be trusted with customer information and medications.

Having a certified pharmacy technician on staff is beneficial for any business, as it ensures that customers are receiving accurate and reliable advice and prescriptions from someone who knows what they are doing. A certified technician can also assist pharmacists with more complex tasks such as compounding medications, filling prescriptions, verifying insurance coverage, and counseling patients on medication use. All of these tasks require specialized training that only those with a pharmacy technician certificate possess.

In addition to providing assurance of competency for employers, having a pharmacy technician certificate can also lead to greater job opportunities and higher pay rates. Employers will often give preference to applicants who have demonstrated their knowledge of the profession by earning their certification. Furthermore, obtaining a certificate shows dedication to one’s profession and may open up new doors for advancement within the field.

In conclusion, having a pharmacy technician certificate is essential for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical field. Not only does it provide employers with assurance of competency but it can also lead to greater job opportunities and higher pay rates due to its recognition among peers in the industry.

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FAQs About Pharmacy Technician Certifications

1. What is a Pharmacy Technician Certification?

Answer: A Pharmacy Technician Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have met certain qualifications and demonstrate the knowledge and skills to work in a pharmacy setting.

2. How do I become a Certified Pharmacy Technician?

Answer: To become a Certified Pharmacy Technician, you must complete an accredited program and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

3. Is certification required to be a pharmacy technician?

Answer: While certification is not always required, it may be beneficial in terms of job prospects and pay as many employers prefer or require certification for their pharmacy technicians.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: It typically takes 3-6 months to complete an accredited program and prepare for the PTCE exam. Once you pass the exam, your certification will be valid for two years before needing to be renewed.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements after becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, most states require pharmacy technicians to complete continuing education credits each year in order to maintain their certification status.