In this Article
By: Anna Giorgi
Professional insights: Zachary Green
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system. Working under the direction of a pharmacist, they support the safe and effective dispensing of prescription medications, manage pharmacy inventory and communicate with patients and healthcare professionals. If you’re interested in this profession, earning professional certification to work as a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) may improve your employment opportunities and earning potential. In states where you must be a CPhT to practice, this certification can help you meet licensing criteria. Learn how the CPhT credential can impact your career and what you need to earn it.
What sets a certified pharmacy technician apart
A certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) is a pharmacy technician who has earned the introductory certification in the profession. When compared to other pharmacy technicians, a certified pharmacy technician has demonstrated a higher level of competency and knowledge. These professionals generally have more advanced skill sets than their non-certified counterparts.
Certified pharmacy technicians, like all pharmacy technicians, support pharmacists in many important ways. “Pharmacy technicians serve as the essential bridge between patients and pharmacists, combining technical expertise with compassionate patient care. What sets us apart is our dual role: We’re both healthcare professionals and medication safety experts,” said Zachary Green, CPhT, Director of Professional Affairs at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and Director of Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC).
A certified pharmacy technician has met the requirements for education, experience and examination to prove their professional competence. This proof of competence sets a certified pharmacy technician apart from a licensed pharmacy technician.
A certified pharmacy technician has met the requirements for education, experience and examination to prove their professional competence. This proof of competence sets a certified pharmacy technician apart from a licensed pharmacy technician.
Most states require that pharmacy technicians obtain licensing. A licensed pharmacy technician has permission from the state board of pharmacy to work in this role. Licensing often requires passing a background check and drug screening to register as a pharmacy technician in a given state. Depending on a state’s requirements, licensing may also involve completing an educational program or other criteria such as professional certification.
Even if certification is not required in your state, many employers prefer or require this credential for the pharmacy technicians they hire. Earning a CPhT can help you establish yourself as a trusted professional among your pharmacy technician peers and pharmacists, says Green, who found this to be true in his own experience.
You can find out your state’s licensing requirements and whether the CPhT is required to practice by contacting your state board of pharmacy. Consult the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy directory to find contact information for your state board of pharmacy.
Choose a path to eligibility
You can become a certified pharmacy technician by passing the professional certification exam offered by one of two nationally accredited organizations. These exams and their respective organizations include:
While both certifying organizations (PTCB and NHA) claim their exams are accepted in all 50 states, you should verify this with your state board of pharmacy. You should also investigate the hiring practices of prospective employers to ensure you take the exam that can help you achieve your professional goals.
To take a PChT exam, you must meet the eligibility requirements of the certifying organization you select. Both the PTCB and NHA require a high school diploma or an equivalent educational degree for all applicants. However, they differ in their criteria for meeting qualifying education and work experience.
Candidates for the PTCE must complete one of the following pathways:
Candidates for the NHA have slightly different pathways, which include:
Complete an educational program
Pharmacy technicians typically complete an educational program to learn the specialized skills and knowledge they need to work in their unique roles. “Unlike some other healthcare roles, we work directly with medications daily, requiring precise attention to detail while maintaining efficiency in fast-paced environments. We’re often the first point of contact for patients, providing crucial support during vulnerable moments in their healthcare journey,” said Green.
You can gain the foundational knowledge necessary to work as a pharmacy technician by completing a certificate/diploma or an associate degree. Both programs typically include classroom instruction and hands-on practice. While a certificate program can often be completed in about six to 12 months, an associate degree requires two years.
In some states, pharmacy technicians can meet their educational requirements by completing an on-the-job educational program without the need for a formal education. Knowing your state’s requirements and the educational criteria for the specific CPhT exam you plan to take can help you select the most appropriate education option.
Prepare for your exam
A pharmacy technician educational program provides the foundational knowledge you need to pass the CPhT exam administered by either the PTCB or NHA. Taking the exam soon after completing your education can give you the advantage of having recent notes, exams and support materials you can review while the information is fresh in your mind.
To understand what to expect, review the information provided by the PTCB or HNA about their respective exams and the subject matter included. You can also benefit from a wide range of materials designed to help you practice and increase your chances of passing on your first try. “Consider starting with a formal training program to build confidence and knowledge before taking the certification exam,” said Green.
Along with the PTCB and HNA, many independent educational organizations offer study materials and self-paced practice courses. Options include flashcards, books, smartphone apps and practice exams. Consult with your instructors and peers to learn about strategies that others found most helpful and effective.
Register and take a certification exam
When you feel ready, you must register to take the CPhT with the PTCB or NHA. To do so, you will have to submit documentation to verify your education or experience. Each exam charges a $129 application fee.
Upon approval of your credentials, you will receive an authorization to test via email. This includes the information you need to schedule your exam. The PTCB and HNA both offer options to take the exam at home in a proctored online setting or onsite at a local testing facility.
You will receive your official exam results according to the timeline of the administering organization. Your options will include:
If you pass the CPhT exam, you can use your proof of passing to apply for a state license with your state board of pharmacy if the CPhT is required. You can also begin using the CPhT designation after your name to indicate your professional achievement.
If you didn’t pass the CPhT exam, follow the guidelines for retaking the exam. Both testing organizations allow candidates to retake the exam after observing a waiting period between exams. Use the time between exams to review the areas in which you were weakest in your failed attempt.
Consider advanced certifications
Certified pharmacy technicians who earned their certification from the PTCB meet the criteria necessary to pursue advanced certifications and specialty certificates offered by this organization. “The pharmacy profession offers many opportunities for pharmacy technicians and being a PTCB CPhT offers numerous advancement opportunities, including specialized certifications in areas like sterile compounding, immunization and medication therapy management,” said Green.
Specialty and advanced credentials can help you advance your career and pursue special interests that align with your professional goals. Options offered by PTCB include:
Advanced professional certifications in the following areas:
- Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv)
- Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)
- Certified Pharmacy Technician Educator (CPTEd)
Assessment-based specialty certificates in many types of in-demand skills that include:
- Billing and Reimbursement Certificate
- Immunization Administration Certificate
- Point-of-Care Testing Certificate
- Supply Chain and Inventory Management Certificate
Maintaining your certification
As a certified pharmacy technician, you will have to complete 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to maintain your CPhT credential. In addition to meeting the CE criteria of your testing organization, you will also have to pay a recertification fee every two years to remain current. Failing to meet these requirements will result in having your certification expire. If this occurs, you must follow your testing organization’s procedures for reinstatement of your professional certification.
