If you’ve ever considered becoming a pharmacist but aren’t sure if it’s the right career for you, working as a pharmacy technician is one of the best ways to find out. It allows you to experience the profession firsthand while developing valuable skills that will benefit you throughout your pharmacy career. For me, it all started with an undergraduate elective in pharmacy toxicology. I originally enrolled because a friend encouraged me to take the class with her. At the time, pharmacy wasn’t even on my radar as a career, but by the end of the semester I had developed a genuine interest in the profession. The only problem was I had no idea where to begin.
There are a surprising number of options when it comes to becoming a certified pharmacy technician. Different learning paths, different exams, different certifications. So how do you know what path is best for you? In this guide, I’ll walk you through the differences between the two certification exams, explain how to become eligible to take them, and help you decide which path may be the best fit for you.
PTCE Vs. ExCPT
When it comes to taking the certification exam, there are 2 main options:
- PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam)
- ExCPT (Exams for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians)
The PTCE exam consists of 90 questions, all multiple choice, covering topics from brand to generic drugs, pharmacy law, pharmacy calculations, etc. There are 80 questions that go towards your score while the other 10 questions are pre-test questions. These questions are unscored and used to evaluate potential questions for future versions of the exam. From the 80 scored questions, you must score a 1400/1600 to pass. The PTCE certification is the preferred exam, so if your interests in pharmacy goes beyond retail, this option is for you.
The ExCPT exam consists of 120 questions, all multiple choice, ranging in the same content as the PTCE with additional content in sterile and non-sterile compounding. This certification is valid and accepted at most retail and community pharmacies, but hospital and specialty pharmacies do prefer technicians to have the PTCE certification. This exam is scored on 100 questions, with 20 pre-test questions. For this exam, you will need to score a 390/500 to pass. Some people say this test is easier, but it can limit your options in the field, especially if you want to go into hospital or specialty pharmacy. It is still a valid license that is accepted at a lot of places, but if you do choose to take this exam, know that there are places that will prefer the other certification over this one.
Training Programs vs On-the-Job Training
Now let’s talk about how to go about getting ready to take these exams. There are 2 ways you could become eligible to take the certification exam:
- Get hired by a retail store (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, etc.)
- Attend an accredited program
When applying for jobs in retail pharmacy and you are not certified yet, you should be looking for jobs with “apprentice” or “trainee” in the title or job description. This means that you are not certified yet, and they will train you on the job to become certified. When working as a trainee, you will need to accrue 500 hours with your trainee license before you are eligible to take the exam. If you are working full-time, this is about 3 months, and about 6 months if you are part-time. If you are hired in this position, the company typically pays for you to take the certification exam once you feel ready. Even though you can become eligible to take the exam pretty early upon hire, some companies require you to work for longer before they are willing to pay for the exam. Trainee licenses are also valid for up to 3 years so if you want to take the process a little slower allowing more time to study, you are able to do that.
Attending an accredited pharmacy technician training program is often one of the fastest paths to becoming certified. These programs are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, healthcare organizations, and private training institutions. Program length and tuition costs vary widely, allowing prospective students to choose an option that best fits their schedule, learning preferences, and budget. Whether you prefer a short, accelerated program or a more comprehensive course, there are a variety of accredited options available to meet your needs.
Final Thoughts
I hope this post has helped you feel a little more confident about the process of becoming a certified pharmacy technician. With multiple certification pathways, exam options, and training programs available, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. I remember feeling the same way when I was first introduced to all of these choices.
No matter which path you choose, remember that every certified pharmacy technician started exactly where you are now. Take the time to research your options, choose the route that best fits your goals, and trust yourself throughout the process. I hope this guide has provided you with the information and confidence to take that first step toward a rewarding career in pharmacy. Just remember, you’ve got this!
If you found this post helpful, I’d love for you to follow along! In my next post, I’ll break down exactly what you should be studying to prepare for your pharmacy technician certification exam. I’m excited to share my journey with you, and I hope to see you back here soon!
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