Educational Requirements
High School Diploma or GED
The first step to becoming a pharmacy technician is obtaining a high school diploma or GED, which is a basic requirement for most pharmacy technician programs and employers.
Pharmacy Technician Programs
After completing high school, aspiring pharmacy technicians can choose from several educational paths:
- Certificate or Diploma Programs: Most common option, taking 3 months to 1 year
- Online Programs: Can be completed in 4-12 months for accelerated programs or 18-24 months for comprehensive programs
- Associate Degree Programs: Takes about 2 years to complete, offering more in-depth education and general education courses
Certification Process
PTCB Certification
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification requires:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a PTCB-recognized education/training program
- Passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Criminal background check
ExCPT Certification
The Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) is an alternative certification that takes:
- 2-3 months of preparation
- 2 hours for the actual exam
Exam Preparation
Preparing for certification exams typically involves:
- Study Time: Several weeks to a few months
- Practice Tests: Familiarization with exam format and questions
On-the-Job Training
New pharmacy technicians undergo training lasting from a few weeks to several months, learning:
- Pharmacy Software: Understanding specific pharmacy systems
- Medication Handling: Proper techniques for counting, labeling, and storing medications
- Customer Service: Developing patient interaction skills
State Requirements
Requirements vary by state and may include:
- State Licensure: Including background checks and additional exams
- Continuing Education: Usually 20 hours every 2 years
- Registration with state board
For specific requirements, visit the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy website.
Cost Considerations
| Expense Category | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Education Program | $500-$5,000 |
| Certification Exam | $129-$149 |
| State Registration | $25-$200 |
| Study Materials | $50-$300 |
Career Advancement
After certification, pharmacy technicians can pursue:
- Specialized certifications (3-6 months additional)
- Advanced roles (1-2 years experience)
- Management positions (3-5 years experience)
Timeline Summary
Fastest Route
Minimum time: 4-6 months
- Complete accelerated training program (3-4 months)
- Study for certification exam (2-4 weeks)
- Take and pass exam (2-3 weeks for results)
- Complete state registration (1-2 weeks)
Traditional Route
Average time: 9-12 months
- Complete formal education program (6-9 months)
- Gain hands-on experience through internship (2-3 months)
- Prepare for and pass certification exam (1-2 months)
- Complete state requirements (2-4 weeks)
For more information about pharmacy technician careers and requirements, visit the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists website.