If you’re considering a career as a Pharmacy Technician, you’ve likely come across the term “certification”.
But what exactly does it mean, and how important is it for your career?
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Pharmacy Technician Certification.
But first, we’ll start by clarifying the difference between a certificate and a certification, so you don’t confuse the two.
Then, we’ll discuss which certification is best for pharmacy technicians, the exam process, fees, topics covered, and recertification requirements.
Plus, we’ll also address an important question: is CPhT certification required for pharmacy technicians?
Finally, we’ll guide you on how to get certified faster without the unnecessary hassles of a traditional program and without any student loan debt.
So, let’s get started.
Certificate Vs. Certification – What’s the Difference?
The terms certificate and certification may sound similar, but they refer to two distinct credentials with different purposes in professional training and career development.
Certificate – What Is It?
A certificate is awarded after completing an educational program that provides training in a specific field. It shows that you have completed coursework, but it does not certify your competency through an exam.
For example, if you enroll in a Pharmacy Technician training program at a university or an online platform, you’ll receive a certificate of completion after finishing the coursework.
Certification – What Is It?
A certification is a professional credential granted by a recognized organization after you pass an industry-standard exam. It proves your competency and ensures that you meet the required skills and knowledge for the profession.
For example, the CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) credential from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a certification. Employers often require this credential.
Overall, a certificate shows you have completed a training program, and a certification proves you have met industry standards by passing an exam. For a successful career, both are valuable.
Pharmacy Technician Certification
If you want to become a Pharmacy Technician, earning the right certification can significantly improve your job prospects and salary potential. One of the most recognized and widely accepted certifications is the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
The CPhT certification is an industry-recognized credential offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
It proves that you have the knowledge and skills required to work as a pharmacy technician and ensures that you meet the highest industry standards.
CPhT Certification Requirements
To be eligible for the CPhT certification, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent credential
- You must complete a Pharmacy Technician training program, or gain one year of supervised work experience of 500 hours
CPhT Certification Exam
The CPhT exam assesses your knowledge and competency in handling key tasks as a Pharmacy Technician.
Total Questions: 90 questions (including 10 unscored)
Time Limit: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Passing Score: 1400
Testing Options: You can take the exam at an authorized testing center or online with a live proctor
Topics Covered in the CPhT Exam
The pharmacy technician certification exam, administered by the PTCB, evaluates the knowledge and skills required for pharmacy technicians.
The exam content is divided into four primary domains, each focusing on specific aspects of pharmacy practice:
1 – Medications (40%)
- Generic and brand names, classifications, therapeutic equivalence
- Drug interactions, contraindications, dosages, and routes of administration
- Side effects, indications, stability, storage requirements
2 – Federal Requirements (12.5%)
- Handling and disposal of substances and waste
- Controlled substance prescriptions and schedules
- Regulatory compliance for controlled substances
3 – Patient Safety and Quality Assurance (26.25%)
- Error prevention strategies
- High-alert and hazardous medications
- Quality assurance practices
4 – Order Entry and Processing (21.25%)
- Interpreting prescriptions
- Calculations and compounding
- Labeling and dispensing requirements
CPhT Exam Fee
The CPhT exam by PTCB costs $129. This fee is separate from any training program fees you might have paid.
CPhT Recertification
To maintain your CPhT certification, you must renew it every two years. This ensures you stay up to date with industry changes and maintain your professional credibility.
CPhT Recertification Requirements and Fee:
- Continuing education credits within each two years – 20 hours
- Renewal application fee – $55
Is CPhT Certification Required for Pharmacy Technicians?
If you’re planning to become a Pharmacy Technician, you might be wondering whether earning the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential is necessary.
In today’s competitive job market, most pharmacy technicians find that getting certified gives them a clear advantage.
Let’s explore why earning the CPhT certification is highly beneficial:
#1 Employers Prefer Certified Candidates
Many employers, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare facilities, prefer or require their pharmacy technicians to be certified.
A CPhT certification from the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) proves that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job efficiently.
Certified technicians are often seen as more reliable, better trained, and capable of handling responsibilities such as dispensing medications, managing prescriptions, and understanding pharmacy regulations.
In fact, some states mandate certification for pharmacy technicians, making it essential for job eligibility in those areas.
#2 Career Growth and Stability
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 data, employment for pharmacy technicians is projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033. This demand is driven by an aging population, increased medication use, and the expansion of healthcare services.
Having a CPhT certification ensures that you remain competitive in this growing field. Many career advancement opportunities, such as specialized pharmacy roles, hospital settings, and supervisory positions, are more accessible to certified technicians. Without certification, your options for growth could be limited.
#3 Increased Job Opportunities
Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, mail-order pharmacies, and long-term care facilities.
However, many of these workplaces, such as hospitals and specialty pharmacies, typically require CPhT certification as a minimum qualification.
Without it, you might find yourself restricted to entry-level retail positions, limiting your career progression.
#4 Higher Salary Potential
Certified pharmacy technicians tend to earn more than those without certification. As per BLS 2023 data, the average salary for a pharmacy technician is around $40,300 per year.
Entry-level pharmacy techs (without certification) typically start at $30,000 to $32,000 per year.
Certified pharmacy technicians often command higher wages, especially in hospitals and specialized pharmacy settings, where salaries can go well beyond the average.
How To Get CPhT Certification Faster?
If you’re planning to become a Pharmacy Technician, getting certified as a CPhT can boost your job prospects, salary, and overall career stability.
But you might wonder: how to get certified faster, especially without spending years in school or piling up student loan debt?
In this section, we’ll walk you through every step to help you earn your CPhT certification quickly and confidently.
Step 1 -> Enroll in an Online Training Program
Traditional college programs, like associate degrees or diploma courses, can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years to complete. They’re expensive, inflexible, and not the best option if you’re working, managing family responsibilities, or just looking to start fast.
That’s where online programs come in. Online training is more flexible, affordable, and allows you to study at your own pace, from anywhere.
The best part? Some programs even offer certification-focused training that helps you prepare specifically for the CPhT exam.
Is there a program like that? Yes, there is—and we’ll talk about Preppy’s self-paced program in just a bit.
Step 2 -> Complete the Coursework
Completing your coursework is crucial. It gives you the technical knowledge and skills required for pharmacy practice—from medication safety to inventory management and pharmacy law.
With Preppy’s self-paced program, you could complete the coursework in as little as 2 to 3 months, much faster than traditional options.
Plus, because it’s self-paced, you can speed things up if you’re fully committed or take your time if you’re balancing other responsibilities.
Step 3 -> Gain Experience Through an Externship
Hands-on experience is important. It helps you understand how pharmacies actually work and makes you more confident when you apply for jobs.
Externships are usually hard to find on your own, but some training programs (like Preppy) actually include an externship opportunity as part of the course. You’ll get to work in a real pharmacy, apply what you’ve learned, and add valuable experience to your resume.
Step 4 -> Prepare for the Certification Exam
To officially become certified, you’ll need to pass the PTCB’s CPhT exam. This exam covers topics like medications, federal laws, quality assurance, order processing, and more.
That’s why it’s important to choose a training program that prepares you specifically for this test.
Preppy’s curriculum is designed to align with the PTCB exam content, so by the time you complete your training and externship, you’ll be ready to take the exam with confidence.
Step 5 -> Apply for the CPhT Exam Online
Once you feel ready, you can apply for the exam online through the official PTCB website. The application process is simple:
- Pay the exam fee of $129
- Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements (like completing a recognized training program)
You’ll receive instructions on when and where to take the test.
Step 6 -> Get Certified and Explore Job Opportunities
After passing the exam, you’ll officially be a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). This credential is widely recognized by employers across the country and opens the door to better-paying jobs, more responsibilities, and long-term growth in the field.
You can start looking for job opportunities in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and more. Many employers actively seek certified techs because it proves you’re trained, qualified, and serious about the profession.
Step 7 -> What If You Don’t Pass?
Don’t worry. The passing score for the PTCB exam is 1400 out of a possible 1600. If you don’t pass on your first try, you can retake the test.
Use it as a learning opportunity, brush up on your weak areas, and come back stronger. You’re allowed to retest after 60 days.
Overall, if you want to get CPhT certified, it doesn’t have to be slow or expensive. With the right training, especially a self-paced online program like Preppy, you could fast-track your journey and become job-ready in as little as a few months.
Introducing Preppy’s Self-Paced Pharmacy Tech Training Program
If you’re someone trying to balance work, family, or other responsibilities but still want to start a career as a Pharmacy Technician faster, Preppy’s Self-Paced Program could be a perfect option. It offers everything you need in one flexible, affordable package.
Here’s what you get:
100% Online and Self-Paced
Preppy’s training is completely online and lets you study at your own pace. This format is perfect for busy adults who need the freedom to learn on their own schedule without giving up other commitments.
Faster Completion
Most traditional programs take anywhere from six months to two years to finish. But with Preppy, you could complete the program in as little as two months. That means you can start your career sooner without the long wait.
Hands-On Externship Opportunity
Along with your online coursework, Preppy also includes an externship opportunity so you’ll get real-world pharmacy experience.
Plus, we could even help place you at a location close to where you live. It’s a great way to put your learning into practice and build your confidence.
You Could Become Certification-Ready
Preppy’s curriculum is meticulously designed to meet industry standards, so you could become ready to take the CPhT certification exam by the PTCB.
This nationally recognized certification gives you a major edge when applying for jobs and shows employers you’re trained and ready to go.
Affordable Tuition
The entire program costs just $1,599, making it one of the most affordable options out there. You get quality training without the risk of student debt.
University Certificate
Once you complete the program, you’ll receive a certificate from Texas A&M International University, a respected non-profit institution. This adds real value to your resume and proves your training came from a trusted source.
24/7 Student Support
Preppy offers round-the-clock support, so if you ever have questions—whether it’s about the course, technical issues, or job prep—our team is always ready to help.
A Big Bonus
As a bonus, if you pay the tuition in full, you’ll get a free laptop to keep, even after completing the program. Our students believe it is a practical and valuable bonus.
So, if you’re looking for a fast, flexible, and affordable way to launch your Pharmacy Tech career, Preppy’s Self-Paced Training Program could be the perfect fit.
In Conclusion
If you’re planning to become a Pharmacy Technician, understanding the certification process is crucial.
We hope you now understand why getting CPhT certified isn’t just about meeting a requirement. It’s about standing out to employers, unlocking better job opportunities, and setting yourself up for long-term success.
Well, to get certified, you don’t have to spend years in school or pile up student debt. With the right online training program, like Preppy, you could prepare for your certification faster.
Ultimately, if you’re serious about building a career in pharmacy, getting certified is one of the smartest moves you can make.
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
Time is money. Instead of programs that could take 2 years, Preppy provides you with education in a few months through immersive online training.
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Our team of higher education and startup veterans has created the best solution so everyone can obtain the emerging careers of today and tomorrow.
We look forward to speaking with you. You may also call 800-729-1317.
