Licensed vs. Certified Pharmacy Tech: What's the Difference?

Pharmacy technician students learning prescription entry and workflow using pharmacy software

Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists to ensure patients receive the correct medications. As the profession evolves to include more clinical and patient-focused responsibilities, it's essential to understand the differences between licensed and certified pharmacy technicians. Licensing is often required by law in certain states, while certification is recognized nationwide.

These two roles have different requirements and implications for a potential pharmacy technician's career. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of pharmacy technician licensing versus certification opportunities, including the difference between registered and certified pharmacy technician roles, requirements, and renewal processes, to help prospective technicians decide what's best for them.

What Is a Licensed Pharmacy Technician?

Student in a pharmacy lab learning medication organization and labeling as part of training.

A licensed pharmacy technician is a pharmacy professional who has met state-specific requirements to work in a pharmacy role. This usually includes completing an approved training program or passing a state exam. A licensed pharmacy technician can work legally as a pharmacy technician in that state.

What Is a Certified Pharmacy Technician?

A certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) is a pharmacy professional who has passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or National Healthcareer Association exam. They have the knowledge and skills required for the role. Employers often prefer candidates who have certification, and having this credential may improve a candidate's job prospects and career advancement opportunities.

Key Differences Between Licensed and Certified Pharmacy Technicians

Here are the key differences between a pharmacy technician certification versus license:

Aspect	Licensed Pharmacy Technician	Certified Pharmacy Technician
Issuing Authority	State boards or regulatory agencies	National certifying bodies (PTCB, NHA)
Purpose	Can legally work as a pharmacy technician in a specific state	Can work anywhere in the U.S.
Requirements	Varies by state; typically includes a high school diploma, a background check, and a fee	Pass national exam (PTCE or ExCPT), but may require training/work experience
Geographic Scope	State-specific	Recognized nationwide
Renewal Process	State-specific	20 hours of continuing education every two years (PTCB/NHA)

Education and Training Requirements for Licensed Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy tech license versus certification requirements vary from state to state, but generally involve the following prerequisites:

Having a high school diploma or GED.
Passing a background check.
Paying a licensing fee ranging from $15 to $90.
Passing a drug screening test (in certain states).

Some states allow for hands-on training for a licensed pharmacy technician versus a certified one, where technicians learn under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. States with stricter regulations may require completing a board-approved pharmacy technician training program.

Education and Training Requirements For Certified Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy technician sorting pills on a tray as part of daily duties in a pharmacy setting.

To pursue a career as a certified pharmacy technician, candidates need to meet specific eligibility criteria set by the two main certifying bodies, PTCB and NHA. To become PTCB-certified, candidates must meet the following core requirements:

Hold U.S. residency.
Complete a PTCB-recognized education/training program.
Have 500 hours of work experience.
Pass a background check.
Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

The NHA offers the ExCPT certification, which requires the following:

A high school diploma.
Completing an approved pharmacy technician training program.
1,200 hours of supervised pharmacy work within the last three years.

Training programs range from four months to two years, depending on the depth and format. 黑料社 cost around $400 to $40,000, depending on the institution. Once certified, pharmacy technicians need to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their credentials.

Certification Exams

Certification exams include the PTCB exam and the NHA exam:

PTCE Exam

The PTCE exam, provided by the PTCB, is the most recognized certification exam for pharmacy technicians in the United States. Key details include the following:

Cost: $129.
Format: 90 multiple-choice questions (with 80 scored and 10 unscored questions).
Duration: Approximately two hours.
Passing rate: Approximately 71%.
Recertification: Required every two years with 20 hours of continuing education (one hour in pharmacy law and one hour in patient safety).

The PTCE covers several important topics, which include the following:

Medications (40%): This includes understanding drug classifications, side effects, and medication storage.
Federal requirements (12.5%): Focuses on regulations regarding controlled substances and hazardous materials.
Patient safety and quality assurance (26.25%): Encompasses error prevention and safety protocols.
Order entry and processing (21.25%): Involves prescription processing and medication dispensing procedures.

NHA Exam

The ExCPT exam, offered by the NHA, is similar to the PTCE. It assesses the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level practice in pharmacy settings. Key details include the following:

Cost: $125.
Format: 100 multiple-choice questions.
Duration: Approximately two hours and 10 minutes.
Topics covered: Overview and laws (25%), drugs and drug therapy (15%), dispensing process (45%), and medication safety and quality assurance (15%).
Passing rate: Approximately 64%.
Recertification: Required every two years, along with 20 hours of continuing education and a $55 renewal fee.

The ExCPT exam covers several important topics, which include the following:

Overview and laws (25% of the exam): Involves the role, scope of practice, and general duties of a pharmacy technician, including federal and state laws and the scheduling, handling, and documentation of controlled substances.
Drugs and drug therapy (15% of the exam): Covers the different classes of medications and their uses and frequently prescribed medications, including brand and generic names.
Dispensing Process (45% of the exam): Covers processing, preparing, and dispensing prescriptions, calculations, sterile and nonsterile products, compounding, dosage, and repackaging.
Medication safety and quality assurance (15% of the exam): Covers strategies to prevent medication errors and ensure quality in dispensing practices.

State-by-State Requirements

The requirements for a licensed versus certified pharmacy technician vary by state:

Requires both certification and licensure: Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Requires licensure: Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, and New Jersey.
Requires certification: Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, and Puerto Rico.
No formal requirements: Delaware, Hawaii, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Allows hands-on training: Delaware, New Hampshire, Montana, Nebraska, and Oregon.

Career Implications

Over 90% of employers require or strongly prefer certification for pharmacy technicians. Certification is recognized nationally, which means certified technicians can work in different states without additional qualifications. Certified technicians often have access to better job prospects and higher earning potential. They may also unlock opportunities for advanced roles, such as compounding, inventory management, or specialized areas such as chemotherapy preparation.

Job Opportunities

While certification improves job prospects and career advancement opportunities, licensure is necessary to be legally employed in many states. Pursuing both can offer the most comprehensive benefits. With pharmacy technician roles projected to grow by 7%, faster than average, from 2023 to 2033, licensure or certification can also provide opportunities for supervisory roles or positions in hospitals and clinics.

Which Path Should You Choose?

Pharmacy technician preparing IV medication in a sterile compounding environment.

Deciding between a pharmacy technician license versus certification (or both) depends on your career goals, state requirements, and long-term plans. For those living in a state that requires a license, becoming a registered pharmacy technician versus a certified pharmacy technician is a non-negotiable step. However, adding certification may improve a candidate's job prospects and open doors for career advancement.

Certification is key for those aiming for positions, such as lead pharmacy technician or pharmacy manager. While certification exams aren't free, the investment can pay off in increased job opportunities and higher earning potential. Candidates should consider their time, budget, and career goals before making a decision.

Take the Next Step

Having a license or certification can open opportunities for aspiring pharmacy technicians. Stay updated on changes in your state's regulations and consider how both licensure and certification can enhance your professional prospects. Looking to start your journey into healthcare? Concorde Career College offers a Pharmacy Technician Program that can be completed in as little as seven months. Get started today by contacting an admissions representative.

FAQs

Can I work as a pharmacy technician without being licensed or certified?

It depends. Some states don't regulate pharmacy technicians. Others require either licensure or certification. Check with your state board of pharmacy for the most accurate requirements.

How often do I need to renew my pharmacy technician license or certification?

Certification generally requires renewal every two years with 20 hours of continuing education. Licensing renewal varies by state, so check local requirements to ensure compliance.

Is it better to be licensed or certified as a pharmacy technician?

Both have advantages. Employers prefer certification, but licensing is necessary in many states to work legally. Pursuing both may unlock more career benefits.

Can I transfer my pharmacy technician license or certification to another state?

Certification is recognized nationally, while licensure is state-specific. Check with the new state's board of pharmacy for transfer options, as some states may require additional training or exams.

Goldenshteyn, F., Dopheide, J., & Lou, M. (2020). Do pharmacist employers prefer or require board certification? Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 60(1), 66-71.e1.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019, April 12). Pharmacy Technicians : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bls.gov.

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