Demistifying the PTCB: The Pharmacy Tech Certification Board 411

Established in January 1995, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PCTB) is the NCCA-accredited national certification program for pharmacy technicians. If you've graduated from high school or you're considering a mid-career change, here's what PCTB certification can do for your career prospects.

What is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PCTB)?
According to the PCTB web site, the goal of the organization is to provide high standards for the certification of pharmacy technicians as well as to improve overall patient carein the pharmacy setting. The primary benefit of certification with the PCTB for you is to demonstrate your mastery of knowledge and skills across practice settings. While some employers will hire you initially without certification, most require it within two years of your hire date.

What is Required for Pharmacy Tech Certification?
Potential pharmacy techs can earn certification from two primary organizations: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. While neither is preferred, the PCTB represents the largest certification organization, governed by the American Pharmacists Association; the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists; the Michigan Pharmacists Association; and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals the following requirements you must meet before pursuing certification with the PCTB:

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED
Candidates must have no felony convictions of any kind within 5 years of applying
Candidates must have no drug or pharmacy related felony convictions at any point