A pharmacy technician certification is a credential that can help you start your career as a pharmacy technician.  Job demand by employers is very good for this field.  In fact, those with previous work history or a certification will be held in the highest regard.  Also, the job outlook for the future is bright as these jobs are growing faster than the average many they will remain in high demand.  For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted these jobs will grow by 25% from 2008 to 2018 for pharmacy techs and aides.   All this shows is that getting certified is definitely a good idea.  Here, we take a look at how the certification process.

Before you can get your pharmacy technician certification, you will need to first get some training at a pharmacy technician school to prepare for the exam.  These schools offer training options where you can either take classes online or in person in a classroom setting in your area.  The latter has the benefit of allowing you to stronger class discussions and the ability to ask follow-up questions more easily.  It also is more consistent what most are used to for a learning environment due to a regular school education.  Of course, online courses offer the benefits of being able to take the classes at anytime and can be done in the comfort of your own home.

At the end of the training, you will be able to take pharmacy technician certification exam.  There are two groups that administer national certification exams: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT).  Some States or employers will require their techs be certified.  The requirements to become certified include:

1.       High school diploma or equivalent.

2.       No felonies on criminal record.

3.       No drug convictions or pharmacy related convictions.

The test itself will consist of 90 multiple choice questions. These questions will focus on a number of topics including how techs can assist pharmacists, how to oversee inventory control systems for medications, and the overall process of pharmacology practice.  You can take this exam at many times throughout the year.  There is a small registration fee for the exam.  However, employers will often repay the cost of these pharmacy technician certification exams.  After one passes the exam and becomes certified, they can use the title as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.

Of course, like any quality certification, it will have to be kept current and up-to-date.  Those who get certified will be required to keep it current by completing 20 hours of refresher training every 2 years.  This training can be earned from many of the same places that offered the pharmacy tech training like colleges, pharmacy associations, etc.

By keeping these different things in mind, you should have a better understanding of how the pharmacy technician certification process works.  This knowledge should allow to get started with the full confidence of knowing what is before you.  You could not pick a better time to get started on this training.