How to Get Your Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT)

What to Expect from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam

Passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is an important milestone on your journey to becoming a pharmacy technician.

Not only do many employers prefer applicants with the certification, but in many states, passing the PTCE is a prerequisite for working as a pharmacy technician.

In this guide, we’ll cover what you can expect from the exam.

Pharmacy Technician Education Requirements

Education Requirements

In order to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s (PTCB) exam, candidates are required to have completed a PTCB-recognized education program or to have undertaken an equivalent level of work experience. They must also have a high school diploma or equivalent.

In addition to the above requirements, pharmacy technician certification candidates must not have any record of criminal conduct, any State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure action involving the candidate, or any violation of PTCB Certification policy.

Applying for the PTCB’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam

You can apply to take the pharmacy test certification examination on the PTCB’s portal or by calling Pearson VUE at 866‐902‐0593. Candidates will first need to create a PTCB account, and after applying will receive an email with authorization to schedule their test.

The PTCE is administered at more than 1,400 Pearson Professional Centers around the US and can also be taken online.

Renewing Your Pharm Tech Certification

Your pharmacy technician certification must be renewed every two years. This ensures that those working in the field stay on top of any changes to the industry through the continuing education required to renew. If you fail to renew your pharmacy tech national certification, you must immediately stop identifying yourself with this qualification.

What to Expect on the Exam

The Rules of The Exam

Candidates taking the exam in person must arrive at their designated testing center at least 30 minutes ahead of their appointment.

You must bring with you an approved form of identification that matches your name as stated on your PTCB account.

The pharmacy technician certification exam is a computer-based assessment with 90 multiple choice questions. It takes approximately two hours to complete.

The Material Covered on the Exam

During your pharm tech certification classes, you should receive education on the following subjects, which will be covered on the test.

• Pharmacology for Technicians
• Pharmacy Law and Regulations
• Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding
• Medication Safety
• Pharmacy Quality Assurance
• Medication Order Entry and Fill Process
• Pharmacy Inventory Management
• Pharmacy Billing and Reimbursement
• Pharmacy Information Systems Usage and Application

Code of Conduct Requirements

The PCTB Code of Conduct is broken down into three areas:

• Responsibilities relating to legal requirements
• Responsibilities to PCTB/Compliance with organizational policies and rules
• Responsibilities to the public and employers

It’s vital that every aspiring pharm tech read up on this code of conduct before starting their pharmacy technician training.

Pharmacy Technician Practice PTCE and PTCB Exam Resources

Pharmacy Tech Exam Preparation

There are a variety of programs offered by community colleges and career training institutions that prepare you for the certification exam. You can choose an online or on-campus course. These programs can generally be completed in less than a year and will usually include an externship in a real-world setting.

Once your pharmacy tech education is complete, it’s time to prepare for the PTCE. The best way to do this is to revisit the topics learned during the program, and to take practice PTCB exams, which are accessible online.

Here are some links to help you prepare for the PTCB Exam:

• Prepare for the PTCE
• PTCB Content Outline
• Top 5 PTCB Study Guides

Where to Take Practice PTCB Exams

Prepare for your pharmacy technician certification exam by taking these PCTB mock exams:

• PTCB Practice Test
• Pharmacy Math
• Pharmacy Business Math
• Pharmacy Laws and Regulations
• Pharmacy Billing and Reimbursement
• Pharmacy Quality Assurance
• Pharmacy Inventory Management
• Medication Order Entry and Fill Process
• Sterile and Non-sterile Compounding
• Pharmacology for Technicians
• Pharmacy Information System Usage and Information

PTCE Exam Tips

• Use study guides and prepare by taking mock exams
• Make sure you know how to get to your test center, and arrive in good time
• If you’re taking the test online, ensure your computer is up to the task

The Benefits of Obtaining PTCB Certification

Many employers look for candidates who are certified as well as many states require it. The CPhT designation tells employers that you’ve met the qualifications of a national certifying association and demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be a pharmacy technician. Earning this industry-recognized certification may increase your employment opportunities.

Additional benefits of acquiring PTCB certification include:

• It demonstrates your commitment to the healthcare field
• It’s valid throughout the U.S. and can be an important hiring requirement for many entry-level pharmacy technician positions

If you want to be a pharmacy technician, then career training and certification can be important steps for you. Once you become certified, you’ll be one step closer to working as a pharmacy technician.