Top 10 Pharmacy Technician Trainee Certifications

Certifications for a pharmacy technician trainee are important in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has both the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties. They also show potential employers that the individual is committed to learning and staying up-to-date on the latest developments in their field. In addition, certifications provide a way for employers to quickly identify qualified individuals when they are hiring. Finally, certifications can give an individual a competitive edge over other candidates who do not have them.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Pharmacy Technician Trainees and explain how they can contribute to a pharmacy technician trainee's career growth.

What are Pharmacy Technician Trainee Certifications?

Pharmacy Technician Trainee Certification is a program designed to certify individuals who are currently enrolled in, or have completed, an accredited pharmacy technician program. This certification is not required for employment as a pharmacy technician, but it can be beneficial in many ways. It can help demonstrate the individual’s commitment to the profession and their knowledge of the pharmacy field. It also shows potential employers that they have taken the necessary steps to become certified in the field. Having this certification may give an applicant an advantage over other applicants when applying for jobs, as employers may view it as evidence of knowledge and dedication to the profession. Additionally, having this certification may make it easier for individuals looking to advance their career within the field of pharmacy technology, such as becoming a lead technician or supervisor.

Pro Tip: When pursuing pharmacy technician trainee certification, it is important to make sure you have the necessary experience in the field. Many states require a certain number of hours of supervised work experience before certification can be obtained. Additionally, you should research the specific requirements for your state and ensure that all coursework is completed prior to taking the exam.

Related: What does a Pharmacy Technician Trainee do?

Top 10 Pharmacy Technician Trainee Certifications

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

1. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is an individual who has achieved a certain level of competency in the field of pharmacy. CPhT certification is granted by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This certification demonstrates that an individual has met the required standards for knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform as a pharmacy technician.

To become certified, individuals must pass the PTCB Exam. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law and regulations, patient care and communication, medication order entry and fill process, inventory management, and medication storage and security. The exam takes two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the PTCB Exam, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent; be at least 18 years old; have completed a formal training program or have at least one year of work experience as a pharmacy technician; and pass a criminal background check.

The cost of taking the PTCB Exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $129 for non-members and $109 for members. After passing the exam, individuals will need to pay an annual fee of $40 in order to maintain their certification status.

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 recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of individuals who are responsible for performing sterile compounding activities in a pharmacy setting.

The CSPT certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as USP 797, USP 800, sterile compounding techniques, quality control processes, and safety protocols. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CSPT certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience in sterile compounding or have completed a PCAB-accredited training program. Applicants must also submit an application form, pay an application fee, and provide proof of their work experience or training program completion.

The cost of the CSPT certification varies depending on the applicant’s eligibility status. For those who are eligible based on their work experience or training program completion, the cost is $350 USD. For those who are not eligible based on their work experience or training program completion, the cost is $450 USD.

3. National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (NPTCB)

The National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (NPTCB) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for pharmacy technicians. The NPTCB Certification is the most widely recognized and accepted credential for pharmacy technicians in the United States. It is designed to ensure that pharmacy technicians have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, effective, and accurate medication services.

To obtain the NPTCB Certification, an individual must pass an exam administered by the NPTCB. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as pharmacology, drug information, medical terminology, compounding and calculations, patient safety, inventory management, and professional ethics. The practical portion assesses an individual’s ability to properly fill prescriptions and complete other tasks related to pharmacy operations.

The entire process of obtaining NPTCB Certification can take up to six weeks from start to finish. To begin the process, individuals must first register online with the NPTCB website. Once registered, applicants will receive instructions on how to prepare for and take the exam. After passing both portions of the exam, applicants will receive their certification within four weeks of completing the exam.

The cost of taking the NPTCB Certification Exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of an affiliated organization such as a state or national pharmacy association or college/university program. For non-members, it costs $125 for each part of the exam ($250 total). For members of affiliated organizations it costs $95 for each part ($190 total).

4. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is an independent certification organization that provides a voluntary national certification program for pharmacy technicians. The PTCB's mission is to advance medication safety by certifying pharmacy technicians who are qualified to support the pharmacist and patient care team.

To become certified, individuals must complete an accredited training program and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCE is a 90-minute, multiple-choice exam that tests knowledge of pharmacy practice and related topics.

The process of becoming certified typically takes 4-6 months, depending on how quickly you can complete the training program and take the exam. To get started, you will need to find an accredited training program in your area or online. Most programs cost around $1,000-$2,000. After completing the training program, you can register for the PTCE through the PTCB website. The cost of taking the exam is $129. Once you have passed the exam, you will be officially certified as a pharmacy technician and can use your credentials when applying for jobs or advancing in your career.

5. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is a professional organization that represents pharmacists who practice in hospitals, health maintenance organizations, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, and other components of health care systems. It was founded in 1942 and is based in Bethesda, Maryland.

ASHP provides members with educational resources and information about the practice of pharmacy, as well as advocacy for the profession on the national level. It also offers certification programs to recognize pharmacists' expertise and knowledge in specific areas of practice. ASHP's certifications include Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP), Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP), Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP), Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS), and Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP).

To become an ASHP member, you must be currently licensed as a pharmacist in the United States or its territories. Membership applications are available online at https://www.ashp.org/membership/join-now/. The application process typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete and requires a fee of $125 for individual membership or $50 for student membership.

6. International Society of Pharmaceutical Compounding (ISPC)

The International Society of Pharmaceutical Compounding (ISPC) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the practice of pharmaceutical compounding. ISPC provides education, resources, and support to pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who specialize in the preparation of customized medications for individual patients.

Membership in ISPC is open to any pharmacist or pharmacy technician who practices or has an interest in compounding. It takes about one week for membership applications to be processed and approved. To become a member, applicants must complete an online application form on the ISPC website and pay a one-time membership fee that ranges from $50-$125 depending on their level of experience.

In addition to providing educational opportunities, ISPC also offers members access to exclusive discounts on supplies and equipment used in compounding, as well as networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

7. National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a non-profit organization that provides certification and professional development for healthcare professionals. It was established in 1989 and offers certifications in medical assisting, phlebotomy, electrocardiography, pharmacy technician, medical coding and billing, patient care technician, and other healthcare disciplines.

It takes approximately three to six months to complete the NHA certification process depending on the program chosen. The process includes completing an application form, passing an exam, submitting proof of education or experience in the field of study and paying a fee. The fees vary depending on the program chosen but are typically between $125-$200.

To get certified by NHA you must first create an account on their website. Once your account is created you can select the certification program that best suits your needs. You will then be asked to provide proof of education or experience in the field of study as well as pay a fee for the certification exam. After successfully passing the exam you will receive your official certificate from NHA.

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

The Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to pharmacy technicians in the United States. The ICPT offers a voluntary credential, Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), which is recognized by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). This certification demonstrates that a pharmacy technician has met the standards of knowledge and practice required to safely and effectively provide quality patient care.

The ICPT certification process typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having completed an accredited pharmacy technician training program or having at least two years of full-time work experience as a pharmacy technician. Applicants must also pass an exam consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as pharmacology, dosage calculation, drug safety, and patient communication.

The cost of ICPT certification varies depending on whether you are already certified or if you need to take the exam. If you are already certified with another organization, you can transfer your credentials to ICPT for $50. If you need to take the exam, the fee is $129 plus any applicable taxes.

Once certified, pharmacy technicians must renew their credentials every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education and paying a renewal fee of $50.

9. American College of Apothecaries (ACA)

The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is a professional organization that provides educational, networking and advocacy opportunities to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and other healthcare professionals. It was founded in 1868 and is the oldest national pharmacy association in the United States. The ACA's mission is to promote excellence in pharmacy practice, education and research.

To become a member of the ACA, you must be a licensed pharmacist or pharmacy technician in good standing with your state board of pharmacy. You will also need to complete an application form and submit it along with a fee for membership. The cost for membership varies depending on your type of membership (student, regular or life).

Once your application has been approved by the ACA Board of Directors, you will receive an official certificate of membership that is valid for one year. After one year, you will need to renew your membership in order to maintain active status.

In addition to providing educational resources and networking opportunities, members of the ACA are eligible for discounts on products from various vendors as well as access to exclusive events such as conferences and seminars.

10. American Association of Pharmaceutical Technicians (AAPT).

The American Association of Pharmaceutical Technicians (AAPT) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of pharmaceutical technicians. It was founded in 1996 and has grown to include more than 6,000 members across the United States. The AAPT provides certification for pharmacy technicians, continuing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the profession.

To become certified as a pharmacy technician through the AAPT, applicants must complete an application form and pass an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as pharmacology, pharmacy law and regulations, medical terminology, drug calculations, and pharmacy operations. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of taking the AAPT certification exam is $150 for members of the organization and $200 for non-members. Applicants must also pay a one-time application fee of $50 when submitting their application form. Once certified, pharmacy technicians are required to recertify every two years by completing 24 hours of continuing education courses or passing a recertification exam.

In addition to providing certification services, the AAPT also offers membership benefits such as discounts on products and services related to pharmacy technology, access to online resources and publications about the profession, job postings from employers seeking qualified technicians, and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

Do You Really Need a Pharmacy Technician Trainee Certificate?

Yes, you do need a pharmacy technician trainee certificate in order to become a pharmacy technician. The certificate is proof that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a pharmacy technician. Without it, employers may not be willing to hire you or they may require additional training before allowing you to work as a pharmacy technician.

The requirements for obtaining a pharmacy technician trainee certificate vary by state, but generally include completing an accredited program, passing an exam, and completing any required clinical hours. An accredited program will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to perform basic duties such as counting medications, labeling bottles, preparing insurance forms, and interacting with customers. The exam tests your understanding of pharmacology and drug safety measures. Clinical hours allow you to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting under the guidance of a licensed pharmacist.

Having a pharmacy technician trainee certificate also shows employers that you are committed to your career and that you are taking steps to ensure that you are capable of performing all tasks assigned to you correctly and safely. It demonstrates your dedication to patient safety and customer service which can help set you apart from other applicants when applying for jobs.

In conclusion, having a pharmacy technician trainee certificate is essential if you want to pursue a career in this field. It is necessary for employers who want to ensure that their employees are qualified for the job, as well as for those who want proof of commitment from potential hires.

Related: Pharmacy Technician Trainee Resume Examples

FAQs About Pharmacy Technician Trainee Certifications

1. What is a Pharmacy Technician Trainee Certification?

Answer: A Pharmacy Technician Trainee Certification is a certificate awarded by an accredited institution after completion of a training program. This certification allows individuals to work as a pharmacy technician in specific settings and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field.

2. How long does it take to complete the Pharmacy Technician Trainee Certification?

Answer: The length of time required to complete the certification depends on the type of program selected and can range from 6 months to 2 years.

3. What are the requirements for becoming a certified pharmacy technician trainee?

Answer: Requirements for certification may vary depending on the institution, but generally include completion of an accredited training program, passing an exam, and having current CPR/First Aid certification.

4. Is there any continuing education required after completing my Pharmacy Technician Trainee Certification?

Answer: Yes, some states may require continuing education credits or other forms of ongoing professional development in order to maintain your certification status.

5. Where can I find more information about Pharmacy Technician Trainee Certifications?

Answer: Additional information about Pharmacy Technician Trainee Certifications can be found through various organizations such as the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA). You can also contact local employers or institutions that offer certifications for more information.