What is PTCB Certification?

Unlike other medical professions, starting as a pharmacy technician is fairly easy.

All you need is a high school diploma or GED and some on-the-job training provided by the employer.

In some states, you may also need a certification.

It is not always mandatory, but it can be beneficial for employment.

One of the primary pharmacy tech certifications is PTCB certification.

Why Get PTCB Certification?

While certification isn’t always necessary to work as a pharmacy tech, you still may want to consider it.

Some states and employers require you to be certified.

Even if it’s not a requirement, it’s a good idea to consider obtaining it because it may provide you with better employment opportunities and a higher salary.

About PTCB Certification

PTCB certification is issued by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board to help candidates gain credentials to advance or start as a pharmacy tech.

In 2019, to obtain this certification, you only needed to meet the eligibility requirements and pass an examination.

In 2020, this is changing, and you will have to complete a PTCB-recognized training program.

Alternatively, you can demonstrate the equivalent in work experience, if you have any, and pass the examination.

By passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), you can demonstrate that you have the required knowledge to practice as a pharmacy tech.

The exam is taken on a computer at a Pearson VUE test center.

These centers are located throughout the country, so you can easily find one in your area.

The exam consists of multiple-choice 90 questions and lasts for 50 minutes.

After that, you should take part in a post-exam survey and tutorial, lasting for 10 minutes.

To prepare for the exam, you can use the official practice tools and tutorials of the Pearson VUE.

In 2020, the content of the exam is changing as well.

It will reflect a new Job Analysis study.

The new exam will include up-to-date information and remove content that is included in a pharmacy tech training program.

PTCB Certification Eligibility and Application Requirements

Before pursuing certification, ensure that you meet the requirements for eligibility.

They include a high school diploma or GED, either valid or to be acquired within 60 days.

Starting in 2020, you will also need pharmacy tech training.

You will need a full criminal and State Board of Pharmacy registration disclosure or licensing actions.

You also have to follow the policies of PTCB certification.

If there’s a problem with this, you may be disqualified from the exam and certification.

While taking the PTCE, you need to obtain a passing score to acquire your certification.

You need to apply online and schedule an appointment to take the examination.

To apply, you will have to pay $129 and take the exam.

Alternative Certification

To get started as a pharmacy technician, PTCB is only one option.

You can also go for a different pharmacy technician certification – the Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) issued by the National Healthcareer Association.

For this certification, you need a high school diploma or equivalent and a completed pharmacy tech training program or have one year of work experience.

You can also choose the ExCPT exam, which costs $117.

Acquiring the certifications as a pharmacy tech is a great move for your career.

It can bring you more opportunities and is also required by some states and employers.

You can also get the job over someone who doesn’t have a certification, in the first place.

Besides, it can be helpful for career advancement.

Some employers may assist you in acquiring certification.

With the certification, you can expand your opportunities and move forward in your career or advance to another profession in health care.