CPhT (NHA) - Certified Pharmacy Technician

The Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification is a professional credential for individuals who assist pharmacists in pharmacy settings. This certification, offered by organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and National Healthcareer Association (NHA), demonstrates a technician's knowledge and skills in pharmacy practice, including medication dispensing, pharmacy operations, and patient care.

Completion Time: 2 hours

Cost: Application fee: $125

Exam Format

The CPhT is a ​​computer-based exam consisting of 90 multiple-choice questions (80 scored, 10 unscored) covering areas such as medication order entry and fill process, pharmacy law and regulations, medication safety, quality assurance, and pharmacy inventory management.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exams are conducted at Pearson VUE test centers throughout the United States.

After completing the exam, your unofficial result will be displayed on the screen, and you can request a printed copy of the unofficial result at the test site. However, the official exam result will be posted to your PTCB account within two to three weeks.

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent.

• Completion of a pharmacy technician training program or equivalent work experience.

• Passing the certification examination offered by a recognized certifying organization like PTCB or NHA.

Certification Process

Submit an application to a certifying body, such as PTCB or NHA.

Pass the CPhT certification examination.

CPhT certification usually requires renewal every 2 years.

Renewal typically involves completing a set number of continuing education (CE) credits in pharmacy-related topics and paying a recertification fee.

Continuing education for CPhTs may cover topics such as new medications, pharmacy law updates, compounding techniques, and advances in pharmacy technology.

For specific information regarding Certified Pharmacy Technician certification, including eligibility criteria, examination details, approved educational programs, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with recognized certifying organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). These organizations provide comprehensive resources and standards for pharmacy technicians seeking certification.

Career Opportunities

Certified Pharmacy Technicians work in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities and pharmaceutical companies.

Duties may include assisting with medication dispensing, managing inventory, processing insurance claims, and providing customer service.

The NHA also offers the following certifications:

• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

• Certified EKG Technician (CET)

• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

• Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT-A)

• Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)

• Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) 

• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Other related certifications include:

• PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

• PTCB Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv)