March 24, 2020

Together with PTCB’s Board of Governors and staff, I want to thank and commend the more than 288,000 PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) for their energy and dedication as they face an unprecedented event. Pharmacy technicians are on the front lines in the national effort to battle the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Many are bearing a heavier load and carrying increased responsibilities to support essential care services and serve patients during this time. 

Our thoughts are with those whose families and communities have been directly affected by the pandemic, and particularly with pharmacy technicians across practice settings working tirelessly to manage evolving demands. The COVID-19 situation is changing by the hour and continues to challenge our nation’s pharmacy teams. 

We are committed to serving CPhTs, as well as employers, educators, and the pharmacy community during this challenging period so they can continue to advance patient care. Below are some of the actions we are taking.

For those who have applied and/or have scheduled to test:

• Pearson VUE has suspended test delivery at its company-owned US and Canada-based testing centers until at least April 16 or whenever conditions are safe to reopen. Technicians who have scheduled test appointments will be able to reschedule their exam appointments in the future through Pearson VUE.

• For those who are preparing to become CPhTs, we have extended our practice test sale for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) through May 31.

For recertification candidates:

• We have extended recertification deadlines for 60 days for CPhTs and Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technicians (CSPTs) who have March 31, April 30, and May 31 expiration dates to allow them extra time for completing CE and submitting applications.

• We just launched a listing of free continuing education programs so pharmacy technicians have easier access to the resources they need.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we will do our best to keep you informed. Please visit our COVID-19 webpage frequently at ptcb.org/covid19 for PTCB updates.

We continue to work to keep our mission to advance medication safety and patient care as our top priority.

Sincerely,

Bill Schimmel