Contents
If you’re looking to get your pharmacy tech certification, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to get certified and start your career in the pharmacy industry.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
Earning your pharmacy tech certification is a great way to start a career in the medical field. Not only will you be able to work closely with pharmacists and other medical professionals, but you’ll also be responsible for helping patients get the medication they need.
To become a certified pharmacy technician, you’ll need to complete an accredited training program and pass a national certification exam. Keep reading to learn more about how to get your pharmacy tech certification.
What You Need to Know About Pharmacy Tech Certification
Pharmacy technicians play an important role in the healthcare industry. They work closely with pharmacists to dispense medication and provide customer service. If you’re thinking about becoming a pharmacy technician, you’ll need to get certified. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about pharmacy tech certification.
The Difference Between Certification and Licensure
When most people think about pharmacy tech certification, they are actually thinking about licensure. Licensure is required in order to work as a pharmacy technician in most states. Certification, on the other hand, is voluntary. Although certification is not required to work as a pharmacy tech, many employers prefer to hire technicians who are certified. Certification also demonstrates that a technician has the knowledge and skills necessary to do the job.
What is the Certification Process?
The first step to becoming a certified pharmacy technician is to pass a certification exam. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). To be eligible to take the PTCE, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a formal pharmacy technician training program, or have at least one year of work experience as a pharmacy technician.
After passing the PTCE, candidates must then maintain their certification by completing continuing education requirements and renewing their certification every two years. The PTCB also offers an advanced certification for pharmacy technicians who wish to specialize in a particular area of pharmacy practice, such as compounding or nuclear pharmacy.
What are the Certification Requirements?
In order to become a certified pharmacy technician, you will need to complete an accredited pharmacy technician program and pass a national certification exam. Many states also have additional requirements, such as passing a state-specific exam or completing a certain amount of continuing education credits.
Once you have completed all of the necessary requirements, you will then be able to apply for certification through a national organization such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Once you have been awarded your certification, you will need to renew it every two years by completing continuing education credits or taking a recertification exam.
How to Get Your Pharmacy Tech Certification
There are a few things you need to do in order to get your pharmacy tech certification. First, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Next, you need to complete an accredited pharmacy technician program. Finally, you need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Once you have done all of these things, you will be a certified pharmacy technician!
Step One: Research
The first step in becoming a certified pharmacy technician is to research the requirements in your state. Some states have certification requirements while others have registration or licensure requirements.
In order to work as a pharmacy technician, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to complete a formal training program and pass an exam. Once you have completed these steps, you will be eligible to apply for certification.
Step Two: Complete a Training Program
Once you have researched the requirements in your state, you will need to complete a formal training program. Most programs can be completed in 6-12 months and will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a pharmacy technician.
Some programs may require you to take an entrance exam before being accepted into the program. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the national certification exam.
Step Three: Pass the Certification Exam
After completing a formal training program, you will need to pass the national certification exam in order to become certified. The Exam for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) is administered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA).
To prepare for the ExCPT exam, you can purchase study materials from the NHA or from other sources such as study guides and practice exams. Once you have studied for the exam, you can register online and schedule a time to take the test at an authorized testing center.
Once you have passed the ExCPT exam, you will receive your certification from the NHA which is valid for two years. You will need to renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee.
Step Two: Complete an accredited training program
After you have completed high school or obtained your GED, the next step toward becoming a certified pharmacy technician is to complete an accredited training program. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer these programs, which typically last between six and twelve months. In some cases, you may be able to complete your training online.
During your training, you will learn about the different types of medication, how to dispense them, and how to assist customers and pharmacists. You will also learn about the various laws and regulations governing the pharmacy industry. After you have completed your training, you will be eligible to take the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) exam.
Step Three: Pass the certification exam
After you have completed a pharmacy technician training program, the next step is to take and pass a certification exam. The requirements for taking the exam vary by state, but most states require that candidates have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a formal training program.
There are several different exams that you can take to become certified, but the most common one is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). This exam is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). To be eligible to take the PTCE, you must:
-Be at least 18 years of age
-Have completed a formal training program or have at least 2 years of experience working as a pharmacy technician
-Not have been convicted of a felony in the past 10 years
The PTCE consists of 80 multiple-choice questions that cover four main content areas: 28 questions on medication safety, 24 questions on pharmacy quality assurance, 12 questions on medication orders and calculations, and 16 questions on pharmacy inventory. The exam is administered via computer at Prometric testing centers nationwide. You will have two hours to complete the exam.
A score of 700 or higher is required to pass the PTCE. If you do not pass the exam, you may retake it after 45 days. There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the exam, but you must wait at least 45 days between each attempt.
Once you have passed the PTCE, you will need to apply for state licensure (if your state requires it). You will also need to renew your certification every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education and paying a renewal fee.
Conclusion
Earning your pharmacy technician certification is a great way to give your career a boost. Once you’ve completed a training program and passed the certification exam, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a pharmacy technician. With the right training and certification, you’ll be prepared to take your career to the next level.
