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: $129

Exam Format

The CPhT is a ​​computer-based exam consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (80 scored, 20 unscored) covering areas such as medication order entry and fill process, pharmacy law and regulations, medication safety, quality assurance, and pharmacy inventory management.

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 requires renewal every 2 years.

Renewal Fees

• $185 every 2 years

• $60 for each additional NHA certification an applicant holds

Renewal requires completion of 10 continuing education credits within each 2-year certification cycle. NHA offers CE courses to current CPhT certificate holders. Renewal applicants holding multiple NHA certifications only need to complete 10 CE credits total to renew all certifications.

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

• Candidate Handbook

• Test Plan

• Study Guide ($69)

• Practice Tests ($49)

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 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)