Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a nationally certification program recognized in all 50 states. Even though state programs and training requirements vary, PTCB is recognized as an acceptable certification testing center. Before registering online with PTCB, pharmacy technician training classes or an undergraduate pharmaceutical degree needs to be completed per your state requirements through accredited schools. Accredited schools and class programs can be found at community colleges, technical schools and through your states health department website.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Qualifications

To qualify for certification, candidates need to be a high school graduate or obtained a general education degree, foreign degree or equivalent and be 18 years of age. Criminal background check and policy compliance is required. Disqualification from obtaining certification can occur with criminal conduct, action taken by any state registration or licensing departments and/or violation of any PTCB code of conduct and certification policy.

Disqualification can also occur after certification. Once certified, Pharmacy Technicians are required to disclose any felony convictions, drug or pharmacy related violations and any actions taken by state registration and licensing departments. Disqualification decisions are made on a case by case basis

Certification Exam

The examination consists of 90 questions; 80 are scored and 10 are unidentified and not scored. Participants are given 2 hours to complete the entire exam with 1 hour and 50 minutes for the 90 questions and 10 minutes for a tutorial and survey. A passing score is currently 1400 but could possibly be in the 1000 to 1600 range depending on the test given. Test results are mailed in 1 to 3 weeks and will include certificates for those who passed. Tests can be retaken up to 3 additional times for those who have failed. The first two retakes must be taken 60 days after the last failed attempt. The third retake must be taken 6 months after the last failed attempt. Additional chances to retake the test can be granted at the discretion of PTCB.

Re-certification and Continuing Education

Renewal of certification occurs every 2 years. Part of re-certification includes 20 continued education units (CEUs). Continuing education is important to maintaining competency and improving skills. Although most Pharmacy Technicians will receive on the job training, unless CEUs are received, they will not count as acceptable training for re-certification. Employers may have specific classes and programs they recommend or require. In some cases, the technicians will have to seek classes and programs on their own through community colleges or technical schools. The Pharmacy Technician must show documentation of CEUs earned in order for them to count towards the required amount for re-certification.

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