Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Online exam delivery is offered for all PTCB credentials. In-person testing is available on a limited basis at some test centers. Learn more.
Pharmacy technicians who want to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer better patient care and service take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE®) to earn the national PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Certification.
PTCB’s CPhT Program is nationally accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
PTCB CPhTs support pharmacists in delivering patient care in a variety of settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and other facilities. Although CPhTs typically support the medication dispensing process, the legal scope of practice for CPhTs is defined by individual State Boards of Pharmacy.
PTCB credentials are designed for use exclusively in the United States of America and its territories (US). Therefore, PTCB exams are generally only administered in the US. Active members of the US military and their spouses are eligible to test anywhere in the world. Other applicants who wish to take a PTCB exam outside of the US are only eligible to do so if they meet specific criteria. Learn more.
To be eligible to apply for PTCB CPhT Certification, an applicant must complete one of the following requirements:
Pathway 1: A PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program (or completion within 60 days)*
Pathway 2: Equivalent work experience as a pharmacy technician (min. 500 hours). This alternative path will serve experienced pharmacy technicians who were not in a position to attend a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program. Learn more.
*A Pharmacy degree is acceptable in lieu of a recognized pharmacy technician training/education program. Learn more.
In addition to completing a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program or equivalent work experience, applicants must also satisfy the following:
PTCB has made two essential resources available to assist candidates in preparing for the PTCE:
The Official PTCB Practice Exam®
Official PTCB Calculations Practice Questions App