Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) develops, maintains, promotes, and administers an accredited certification program for pharmacy technicians. PTCB provides programs and services that offer pharmacy technicians an opportunity to demonstrate that they have mastered knowledge and skills across practice settings. Through the PTCB certification program, pharmacy technicians are able to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer better patient care and service.
PTCB Certification
To gain certification with PTCB, pharmacy technicians must meet the eligibility requirements, which includes a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE). Once a pharmacy technician becomes certified, he or she may use the designation “CPhT.” To maintain PTCB certification, CPhTs must recertify every two years. Recertification requires CPhTs to obtain twenty hours of continuing education so that their knowledge of pharmacy practice remains current.
Test Authorization & Scheduling Information
Authorization to Test
You must apply for PTCB certification and receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter prior to scheduling your testing appointment. Your ATT letter will indicate the 90-day period during which you are authorized to schedule and take the PTCE. Information regarding eligibility requirements and other PTCB policies can be found at www.ptcb.org.
Scheduling the PTCE
Once you have successfully applied for certification and received your ATT letter, you may schedule your test using the following options—
Special Accommodations
Candidates who requested special accommodations during the application process will not receive an ATT letter and cannot schedule an appointment until PTCB has approved the requested accommodations. Candidates will be notified by mail if the accommodations are not approved or if additional information is needed. Candidates with approved special accommodations must call Pearson VUE’s Accommodations Hotline to schedule an appointment, at (800) 466-0450.
Test Preparation
PTCB has developed practice exams to familiarize candidates with PTCE test question formats and provide an indication of preparedness for the PTCE. To learn more about the Official PTCB Practice Exam™, the Official PTCB Practice Calculations Exam™, and the Official PTCB Medication Usage and Administration Practice Exam™, visit PTCB's website.