One of the fastest rising careers in the US is Pharmacy Technician, and it is ranked 60th overall in the US for providing opportunities for employment. Pharmacy Technician Certification is a requirement in many US States. In areas where the certification is not a requirement, it can be used as an indication that you are dedicated as well as capable of being a pharmacy technician.
Requirements
There are a number of requirements that have to be met before you can apply for the training. The first one is that you need to be 18 years old. You also need a high school diploma or the General Education Development. You also need to have a license to practice pharmacy from a State Board of Pharmacy. A person who has been convicted of any drug or pharmacy related charges cannot apply for the Pharmacy Technician Certification. Felony conviction will also bar someone from applying for the same. There is also an application fee that comes to $129.
How to set up a test
The Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians ICPT) as well as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) will be able to help you to set up an electronic test so that you can find out the certification process. You will be able to use links on the ICPT and PTCB website for this purpose. You will be able to find a testing center as well as a testing date that is most convenient for you.
The PTCB utilizes Pearson Vue to administer the test, and you can find over 5,000 testing centers located in 165 countries. You can be able to get more information about the test if you visit the PTCB website.
Preparation for taking the test
The test will have ninety multiple choice questions covering these topics.
- Assistance for pharmacists to serve patient
- How to maintain medication as well as controlling the inventory
- Pharmacy practice administration and management
This elite certification is available throughout the year and payment of a registration fee is a pre-requisite for you to be allowed to take the test. You will have your official score sent to you through postal mail in around three weeks. If at first you do not pass the test, you are allowed to retake it as many times as you need in order to pass. When you pass the test, you will get certification called Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
