Top 10 Senior Pharmacy Technician Certifications

Certifications are an important part of any pharmacy technician's career. They demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that can help a senior pharmacy technician stand out in the job market. Certifications also show employers that the technician has taken the initiative to expand their knowledge and stay up-to-date on industry trends. Additionally, certifications allow technicians to access higher-level positions in the field, such as specialized roles or managerial positions. Finally, they may provide access to higher pay scales or more desirable benefits packages.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Senior Pharmacy Technicians and explain how they can enhance their career prospects.

What are Senior Pharmacy Technician Certifications?

Senior Pharmacy Technician Certification is a voluntary certification offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The certification is designed to recognize pharmacy technicians who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skills in the areas of medication safety, drug distribution, and patient care. This certification demonstrates that a pharmacy technician has demonstrated mastery of the competencies necessary to fill prescriptions safely and accurately.

Having this certification can help pharmacy technicians demonstrate their commitment to excellence and professionalism in the industry. It also allows them to stand out among their peers when applying for jobs and promotions. By having this certification, employers can be assured that they are hiring an experienced and competent employee who has met certain standards of competence. Additionally, this certification may give pharmacy technicians access to higher wages and better benefits packages compared to those without the credential. Furthermore, it may also provide a pathway for career advancement opportunities such as becoming a supervisor or manager in a pharmacy setting.

Pro Tip: If you are a senior pharmacy technician, it is important to keep up with your certifications. Consider taking continuing education courses, attending professional conferences and webinars, or attending workshops to stay current on trends in the pharmacy profession. Additionally, many states require certification for senior technicians, so make sure you fulfill all of the requirements for certification in your state.

Related: What does a Senior Pharmacy Technician do?

Top 10 Senior Pharmacy Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a professional who has been trained and certified to assist pharmacists in the preparation, dispensing, and distribution of medications. CPhTs are responsible for accurately measuring, counting, pouring, weighing, labeling, and mixing medications under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. They also provide customer service by answering questions about medications and helping customers understand how to use them safely.

In order to become a CPhT, you must have completed an accredited training program and passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCE is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). It consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as pharmacy law and regulations; medication safety; pharmacy calculations; medication preparation techniques; drug storage and inventory control; patient counseling; communication skills; and more.

The cost of becoming a CPhT varies depending on the type of training program you choose. Most programs range from $500-$2,000 for tuition alone. You will also need to pay for textbooks and other materials needed for the program as well as any fees associated with taking the PTCE exam.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete an accredited training program and pass the PTCE exam. Once you have successfully completed both requirements, you can apply for your CPhT certification from the PTCB.

2. Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)

Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) is a certification program designed to demonstrate competency in the preparation of sterile medications and products. It is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

The CSPT certification requires applicants to have at least one year of experience in sterile compounding, pass a comprehensive exam, and complete a criminal background check. The exam covers topics such as quality assurance, safety, and sterile technique.

To get the CSPT certification, applicants must first submit an application to PTCB. Once approved, they must pay the required fee and schedule their exam. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes two hours to complete.

The cost for the CSPT certification varies depending on whether you are a PTCB member or non-member. For members, it costs $129; for non-members, it costs $209.

3. Certified Pharmacy Technician in Training (CPHT-IT)

Certified Pharmacy Technician in Training (CPHT-IT) is a certification program developed by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The program is designed to provide pharmacy technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and effectively in a pharmacy setting.

The CPHT-IT certification requires applicants to pass an exam, which consists of 120 multiple choice questions. The exam covers topics such as pharmacology, medication safety, drug distribution systems, patient care, and pharmacy law. Applicants must also have at least one year of experience working as a pharmacy technician in order to be eligible for the exam.

In order to get certified, applicants must first complete an application form and pay a fee of $125. After submitting their application, they will receive an email from NHA containing instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered, applicants will receive an authorization letter that allows them to take the exam at a Prometric testing center.

The cost of taking the CPHT-IT exam is $150. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam and results are available immediately after completion. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded their certification which is valid for two years from the date of issue.

4. Certified Automated Dispensing System Technician (CADST)

A Certified Automated Dispensing System Technician (CADST) is a professional who has been certified to install, maintain, and repair automated medication dispensing systems. These systems are used in hospitals and pharmacies to dispense medications quickly and accurately. The CADST certification is offered by the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA).

In order to become a CADST, individuals must have at least one year of experience as a pharmacy technician or have completed an approved pharmacy technician training program. They must also pass an exam administered by the NPTA. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as drug distribution systems, inventory management, and patient safety.

The cost of the exam is $150 for NPTA members and $200 for non-members. It typically takes around 4-6 weeks to receive results from the exam. Once an individual passes the exam, they will be issued a certificate that is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, individuals must retake the exam in order to remain certified.

5. Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (ACPT)

Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) is a certification program offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). It is designed to recognize pharmacy technicians who have achieved a higher level of knowledge and experience in their field. The ACPT certification requires that applicants demonstrate mastery of a broad range of topics related to pharmacy practice, including medication safety, inventory management, drug information, and patient counseling.

To become an ACPT, applicants must have at least three years of work experience as a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) and must pass the PTCB’s Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician Exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as medication safety, inventory management, drug information, patient counseling, and more. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam.

The cost of the ACPT exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $125 - $150 for the application fee and exam fee combined.

In order to maintain your ACPT certification status, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. This can be done through online courses or in-person workshops offered by PTCB-approved providers.

6. Certified Medication Aide/Technician (CMAT)

Certified Medication Aide/Technician (CMAT) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to safely administer medications in a variety of healthcare settings. This certification is often required for those who work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and other medical settings.

The program typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete depending on the specific requirements of the state you are located in. The coursework includes topics such as infection control, pharmacology, medication administration techniques, and patient safety.

To become certified as a CMAT, individuals must complete an approved training program and pass a written examination. The cost of the training program will vary depending on the provider; however, it can range from $500-$1000. Additionally, there may be fees associated with taking the exam which can range from $50-$100.

7. Certified Pharmacy Technician Specialist (CPTS)

Certified Pharmacy Technician Specialist (CPTS) is a certification that recognizes pharmacy technicians who have achieved a higher level of knowledge and skill in their field. This certification is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). To become certified, applicants must pass the PTCB’s national exam, which covers topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law and regulations, and drug distribution systems.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to prepare for the CPTS exam. Preparation includes studying textbooks, taking practice tests, and attending review courses. The cost to take the exam is $129 for members of PTCB or $189 for non-members. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official certificate from PTCB. The certification must be renewed every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education and paying a renewal fee of $49.

8. Certified Home Infusion Therapy Technician (CHITT)

Certified Home Infusion Therapy Technician (CHITT) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of home infusion therapy technicians. The certification is administered by the National Home Infusion Association (NHIA).

The CHITT certification requires that applicants have at least one year of experience in home infusion therapy, have completed an approved training program, and pass an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as infection control, medication safety, patient assessment, drug administration, and documentation.

The cost for the CHITT certification is $375 for NHIA members or $450 for non-members. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive results from the exam.

To apply for the CHITT certification, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit a copy of their current resume or CV. They must also provide proof of their training program completion and payment of the applicable fee. Once all requirements are met, applicants will be sent an authorization to test letter which will allow them to schedule their exam with Pearson VUE Testing Centers.

9. National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (NPTBE)

The National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (NPTBE) is a certification exam administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of pharmacy technicians in order to ensure that they are qualified to work safely and effectively in a pharmacy setting.

The NPTBE consists of two parts: a written multiple-choice examination and a practical laboratory examination. The written portion covers topics such as medication safety, pharmacology, drug laws, patient communication, inventory management, and other related topics. The laboratory portion includes tasks such as compounding medications, labeling containers, interpreting prescriptions, packaging medications for delivery, and other related activities.

It typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete the NPTBE. To get certified you must first register with NABP and pay the applicable fee ($129). Once registered you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your online study materials and practice exams. After studying the material you can schedule your written exam at any Pearson VUE testing center. Upon successful completion of both portions of the exam you will be awarded your certification from NABP.

The cost for taking the NPTBE is $129 plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the test at a Pearson VUE testing center.

10. National Healthcareer Association’s Exam for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

The National Healthcareer Association’s Exam for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a comprehensive exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills of pharmacy technicians. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as medication safety, pharmacy law and regulations, medication order entry and filling, inventory control, and more.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete. To get certified, you must first register with the PTCB and pay a fee of $129. After registering, you will receive an authorization to test (ATT) letter from the PTCB that will provide instructions on scheduling your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. Once you have passed the exam, you will be issued a certification card from the PTCB.

In order to maintain your certification status, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years and pay an annual maintenance fee of $40.

Do You Really Need a Senior Pharmacy Technician Certificate?

When considering whether or not to pursue a senior pharmacy technician certificate, it is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks that come with obtaining this professional credential. The most obvious advantage of earning a senior pharmacy technician certificate is that it can help you stand out from other candidates in the job market. Having this additional certification may make you more attractive to employers and give you an edge over those without such credentials. Additionally, having a senior pharmacy technician certificate may qualify you for higher salaries or more advanced positions.

On the other hand, pursuing a senior pharmacy technician certificate can be challenging and time-consuming. You will likely need to complete additional coursework and pass an exam in order to obtain this certification. This means putting in extra hours of study and practice tests in order to prepare for the exam. Furthermore, depending on your location, there may be fees associated with taking the test or applying for the certification.

Ultimately, whether or not you should pursue a senior pharmacy technician certificate depends on your individual career goals and current level of experience. If you are looking to advance your career in the field of pharmacy technology, then obtaining this credential could be beneficial. However, if you already have sufficient experience and do not wish to invest further time and resources into earning this certification, then it may not be necessary for your particular situation.

Related: Senior Pharmacy Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Senior Pharmacy Technician Certifications

1. What is a Senior Pharmacy Technician Certification?

Answer: A Senior Pharmacy Technician Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise and knowledge in the field of pharmacy technology. It is designed to provide advanced training in areas such as drug delivery systems, inventory control, and medication order processing.

2. How do I become certified as a Senior Pharmacy Technician?

Answer: To become certified as a Senior Pharmacy Technician, you must complete an accredited program of study and pass the national certification exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Senior Pharmacy Technician?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Senior Pharmacy Technician can open up opportunities for career advancement, increased job security, and higher wages. Additionally, it demonstrates your commitment to excellence in the field of pharmacy technology.

4. Is there continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, all PTCB-certified technicians must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their certification status.

5. Is there financial assistance available to help with the cost of certification?

Answer: Yes, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement or other forms of financial assistance for those seeking certification as a Senior Pharmacy Technician. Additionally, there may be grants or scholarships available from professional organizations or other sources that could help offset the cost of obtaining certification.