Alternately, there are online programs for pharmacy technician.
Pharmacy tech state board test full#
Further, when you can show an employer a certificate or full diploma to go along with national certification or state licensure, they are bound to take note.įor that reason, it is recommended that you find a pharmacy tech program in your local area. Without it, your independent studying will not have the necessary focus and you are likely to have a very difficult time indeed. That knowledge is best gained through formal education.
Regardless of which agency you decide to sit with to take your qualifying examination for certification, you will need a vast body of knowledge under your belt so that you can pass the test. If you have decided to embark on a career in pharmacy, it will benefit you to begin your career path with a strong education. Many national and regional retail chains may have a corporate policy that requires some credentials, even if they are not required by the applicable pharmacy board. In states that do not require either certification or licensure, holding a national certification will help you stand out among the other applicants. If that describes your status, you might be called in to interview with pharmacies, but they may require full licensure as a condition of employment. If your state does not regulate who can or cannot work as a pharmacy technician, you can be nationally certified, but not licensed.
If your state offers a choice, the PTCB may be preferred, as it is most likely to be acknowledged by other state pharmacy boards who will want to see a national certification prior to licensure. When making your choice between exams, you may want to consider the possibility that you might move in the future. However, it is vital that you check with your pharmacy board prior to sitting for an exam. In states that require licensure, there is often a preference of one agency over another, but the majority will recognize the PTCB credential, which is the older of the two. That is, when you pass the NHA exam, you will have a nationally-recognized credential that will open the doors to fantastic job opportunities. Therefore, if your state does not regulate pharmacy techs, this might be the best option for you. The NHA does not require that you apply for state licensure. While an AA with a Pharmacy Tech diploma will be of great help in the job market, you can sit for the exam with a valid certificate of completion.
You also need a high school diploma or a GED. The NHA, on the other hand, requires that you complete a pharmacy tech training program prior to applying to sit for the exam. The knowledge you gain in a pharmacy tech program will be vital to attaining any national certification. While there is no requirement for a formal secondary education, you will likely need to have the knowledge and experience that a formal education can offer. That means that you will need to have already submitted your fingerprints, background check and be current with any applicable fees. To sit for the PTCB exam, you will need to have a valid application with your state's pharmacy board. Once you pass the exam, often your state will need you to be fingerprinted, submit to a background check and pay any associated fees. To be a certified pharmacy technician, you simply need to pass a qualifying exam given by either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). There can be confusion as to the difference between being certified and licensed.
Pharmacy tech state board test professional#
Attaining professional credentials in the field often depends on your state's pharmacy board as well as state legislation regarding the field.įor that reason, there is no universal pathway to the profession. do not have regulations over who can and cannot work as a pharmacy tech. In fact, only seven states and Washington D.C. In order to work as a pharmacy technician in most states, you will need to either be licensed or have a certificate.