Pharmacy Technician Certification

PTCB Technician Certification

Pharmacy Technicians have a chance to bolster their credentials through national certification. The North Dakota Pharmacists Association and North Dakota Society of Health-System Pharmacists are marketing partners with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) to make the pharmacy technician certification process available to technicians in the state. Technician certification is not related to the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy program to register pharmacy technicians working in North Dakota pharmacies. PTCB certification is not required to practice as a technician in North Dakota. The voluntary program is an additional step that technicians can take to achieve national certification

With the launch of the PTCB in 1995, pharmacy technicians joined the pharmacy health care team through a new nationwide voluntary certification program. Certification of pharmacy technicians will help pharmacists in their efforts to implement pharmaceutical care. The PTCB, which oversees the certification program, was incorporated as a fully autonomous, nonprofit entity, independent of any association or society. Forty-nine states are represented as PTCB marketing partners independently promoting the PTCB certification process. State partners market the exam and offer review courses, training programs, and continuing education programs.

One of the distinct advantages of the examination administered by PTCB is that it applies to all practice settings. The process of certification will encourage technicians to study and broaden their knowledge and skills. The educational requirements for re-certification - 20 hours of continuing education over two years - will encourage Certified Pharmacy Technicians to maintain a broad set of skills. Employers should find that hiring technicians who are certified is advantageous. Certification shows potential employers that the applicant has mastered a core of relevant knowledge. It also provides a work-related, objective benchmark for comparing prospective employees.

Today's savvy American public looks for professional credentials. They want to know that qualified people are handling their needs -- a certified dental hygienist cleans their teeth, a certified auto mechanic fixes their car, even their floor cleaner carries the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Certification is the very important step you can take in your career development. PTCB Certification shows you are committed to your work and to quality care. Earning your PTCB certification shows your pharmacist, fellow technicians, and the public you are dedicated to your work and to meeting a set of standards. PTCB certification sets you apart as a leader in your field.

For a PTCB Candidate Handbook and Exam Application contact NDPhA