11 Best Pharmacy Tech Certifications for Upskilling in 2025
Pharmacy tech certifications are valuable credentials for individuals seeking to enter or advance in pharmacy. These certifications validate skills, improve career prospects, and potentially increase earning potential.
I've summarized the best pharmacy tech certifications with some notes about who and what each one is best for so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.
Best Pharmacy Tech Certifications Shortlist
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) - Best for national certification
- Pharmacy Technician Certificate - Best for foundational skills
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Course - Best for comprehensive training
- Pharmacy Technician Certificate - Best for career readiness
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Program - Best for hands-on experience
- Nebraska Pharmacy Technician Certificate - Best for state-specific certification
- Pharmacy Technician - Best for community college education
- Online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program - Best for online learning
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Training - Best for flexible scheduling
- Pharmacy Tech Specialist Certificate Online - Best for specialization
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Preparation - Best for exam preparation
Overview of the Best Pharmacy Tech Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best pharmacy tech certifications on my shortlist.
1. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) - Best for national certification
The Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) is a nationally recognized credential that enhances employment opportunities and offers the potential for higher salaries. The program is divided into key domains, such as brand and generic names, classifications and storage requirements, handling, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous substances. It focuses on high-alert medications and error-prevention strategies.
Issued by: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Focus:
- Medication safety
- Patient care
- Pharmacy operations
Prerequisites:
- Education and Work Experience: Completion of a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program or equivalent work experience
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required:
- Compliance with all applicable PTCB Certification policies
- Passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE®)
- Others:
- Resident of the United States of America or its territories
- Must disclose all criminal and State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions
Renewability: Yes, it requires renewal every 2 years.
Who It’s For: For pharmacy technicians who want to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to pharmacy practice, enhancing their employment opportunities and career advancement.
2. Pharmacy Technician Certificate - Best for foundational skills
The University of Providence offers a 24-week Pharmacy Technician Certificate program for those who meet the eligibility requirements and wish to enroll. This program combines online coursework with in-person skill labs and an eight-week internship, providing comprehensive training in the technical and administrative aspects of pharmacy practice. The curriculum covers essential topics for pharmacy technicians, including medical terminology, anatomy, dosing calculations, patient confidentiality, sterile and non-sterile compounding, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacy inventory management.
Issued by: University of Providence
Focus:
- Pharmaceutical calculations
- Medication preparation
- Pharmacy operations
- Customer service in a pharmacy setting
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least a high school diploma with a GPA of 2.75
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: Successful completion of a PTCB-recognized education or training certificate/program
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price:
- General Tuition Rate: $1,100
- Healthcare Professionals Tuition Rate: $640
Who It’s For: For individuals seeking to quickly enter the pharmacy field with the skills needed to perform effectively from the start.
3. Pharmacy Technician Certification Course - Best for comprehensive training
The University of Providence offers a 24-week Pharmacy Technician Certificate program that combines online coursework with in-person skill labs and an eight-week internship, providing comprehensive training in pharmacy practice’s technical and administrative aspects. The curriculum covers mathematical skills for preparing and dispensing medications, state, and federal regulations, and understanding various drug classes, uses, potential side effects, and drug interactions.
Issued by: University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC)
Focus:
- Pharmaceutical calculations
- Pharmacy law
- Pharmacology
Prerequisites:
- Education: At least a high school diploma
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Price: $1,200 (excluding textbooks)
Who It’s For: For individuals seeking to enter the pharmacy field, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge for a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician.
4. Pharmacy Technician Certificate - Best for career readiness
The Pharmacy Technician Certificate combines theoretical instruction with practical experiences, including a pharmacy tour, to understand a pharmacy technician’s role. The curriculum covers dosage forms and classifications, pharmacy laws and regulations, prescription processing, and drug information references and addresses HIPAA security and privacy. Additionally, it emphasizes medication safety, error prevention, and relevant mathematics.
Issued by: Kennesaw State University (KSU) Center
Focus:
- Medication preparation
- Pharmacy laws
- Prescription processing
- Drug classifications
- Medication safety
- HIPAA regulations
- Inventory control
- Trade and generic names of drugs
- Drug manufacturing, packaging, and labeling
Prerequisites:
- Other Certifications Required: None
- Others: Working knowledge and access to computers with Internet
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: $1,999
Who It’s For: For individuals seeking to establish a career as pharmacy technicians, providing them with foundational knowledge and skills to succeed in various pharmacy environments.
5. Pharmacy Technician Certification Program - Best for hands-on experience
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Program is designed to support registered pharmacists in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, and community pharmacies. It emphasizes hands-on training and industry-focused instruction for learners to gain practical experience. The curriculum covers medical terminology specific to pharmaceuticals, dosage calculations, IV flow rates, drug compounding, and the retrieval and preparation of medications.
Issued by: Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Focus:
- Drug packaging and labeling
- Outpatient dispensing
- Hospital dispensing procedures
- Controlled substance procedures
- Inventory control
- Non-sterile compounding
Prerequisites:
- Education: A GED or high school diploma
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: This certification does not require renewal.
Price: $1,199
Who It’s For: For individuals seeking practical experience and foundational skills necessary to embark on a career as a pharmacy technician, particularly those looking to work in hands-on environments such as hospitals and retail pharmacies.
6. Nebraska Pharmacy Technician Certificate - Best for state-specific certification
The Nebraska Pharmacy Technician Certificate offers personalized instruction from UNMC faculty experts and guest lecturers and one-on-one support through Zoom sessions and phone calls. The program's structure emphasizes practical application over formal testing, utilizing mini checkpoints to reinforce learning. It includes five core modules and over 11 elective modules for specific interests, such as sterile compounding, long-term care, and veterinary pharmacy
Issued by: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Focus:
- Pharmacy law
- Patient interactions
- Basic pharmacy principles
- Pharmacy practice workflow
- Calculations
Prerequisites:
- Exam: No exam, but assessment based on elective modules is required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes, it requires renewal with 20 hours of accredited CPE, including 1 hour of pharmacy law, patient safety, and healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse.
Price: $600 (excluding other fees)
Who It’s For: For those looking to work as pharmacy technicians in Nebraska, signifying their readiness and qualification to meet state requirements.
7. Pharmacy Technician - Best for community college education
The Pharmacy Technician offered by the College of DuPage is a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring learners are well-equipped to assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations. Key topics covered in the program include pharmacy abbreviations and pharmaceutical calculations, as well as hands-on experience in compounding medications.
Issued by: College of DuPage
Focus:
- Pharmacy calculations
- Drug classifications
- Basic physiology
- Disease states
- Prescription processing
Prerequisites:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience: Required
- Other Certifications Required: State licensure is required
Price: Approximately $3,039 (including tuition, fees, and materials)
Who It’s For: For individuals looking to enter the pharmacy field quickly and efficiently, providing them with the foundational skills to work in various pharmacy settings.
8. Online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program - Best for online learning
The U.S. Career Institute's Online Pharmacy Technician Program offers knowledge and skills to assist licensed pharmacists in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes. The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications, ensuring students are well-equipped to receive prescriptions, prepare medications, verify insurance information, and manage inventory. The program covers medical and pharmaceutical terminology, basic human anatomy and physiology, dosage calculations, and pharmacy operations.
Issued by: U.S. Career Institute
Focus:
- Medical terminology
- Pharmacy operations
- Dosage calculations
- Drug interactions
Prerequisites:
- Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: None
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No, it does not expire.
Price: Starts at $1,079 with payment options available
Who It’s For: Ideal for individuals seeking a flexible, online learning path to prepare for certification as a pharmacy technician and gain the skills needed for entry-level positions in the pharmacy field.
9. Pharmacy Technician Certification Training - Best for flexible scheduling
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Training is designed to prepare learners for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The curriculum includes various topics, including pharmacy law and ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, communication skills, insurance and inventory procedures, and practical lab modules. The program also offers an opportunity for a 100+ hour externship with a leading pharmacy chain.
Issued by: Florida A&M University (FAMU)
Focus:
- Pharmacy law
- Pharmacology
- Communication skills
Prerequisites:
- Education: High school diploma
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Who It’s For: For individuals who wish to become pharmacy technicians, allowing them to assist licensed pharmacists in managing medication inventory and preparing medications while adhering to pharmacy law and improving patient communication.
10. Pharmacy Tech Specialist Certificate Online - Best for specialization
Franklin University, in partnership with MedCerts, offers an online Pharmacy Tech Specialist Certificate program, a beginner-level program focused on essential skills such as receiving and processing prescription requests and managing insurance claims and inventory. It offers interactive learning through simulations and gamification. Upon completion, students are prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s (PTCB) exam to earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential
Issued by: MedCerts
Focus:
- Professionalism in allied health
- Human anatomy and medical terminology
- Pharmacy technician principles and practices
- Prescription processing
- Drug activity and dosage calculations
- Pharmacy business practices, including HIPAA regulations and inventory management
Prerequisites:
- Other Certifications Required: None
Price: $3,000 with flexible payment options
Who It’s For: For individuals seeking to enter the pharmacy field with foundational skills in pharmacy operations, preparing them for certification and potential employment in a high-demand area.
11. Pharmacy Technician Certification Preparation - Best for exam preparation
LaGuardia Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Preparation program is a comprehensive program that prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), equipping them to assist licensed pharmacists. The program includes specialized instruction on compounding medications, calculating IV flow rates, and managing billing and reimbursement processes. Learners also develop professional skills like communication, teamwork, and time management, ensuring they are well-rounded candidates in the job market.
Issued by: LaGuardia Community College
Focus:
- Pharmacy law
- Medical terminology
- Dosage calculations
- Effective communication
Prerequisites:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Must pass an online screening test and English proficiency exam
- Other Certifications Required: None
- Others:
- Must be able to legally work in the U.S
- No prior drug conviction
Renewability: No, it does not require renewal.
Who It’s For: For individuals aiming to secure a position as a pharmacy technician, providing them with the credentials and skills to work effectively under a registered pharmacist and succeed in the PTCB exam.
FAQs About Pharmacy Tech Certifications
What is a pharmacy tech certification?
A pharmacy tech certification is a credential that demonstrates a pharmacy technician's knowledge and skills in the field. It is often required by employers to ensure that technicians are qualified to assist pharmacists in dispensing medication and managing pharmacy operations.
How can I become a certified pharmacy technician?
To become a certified pharmacy technician, you need to pass a certification exam such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Eligibility may require a high school diploma or equivalent, and sometimes completion of a pharmacy technician training program.
Why is certification important for pharmacy technicians?
Certification is important for pharmacy technicians because it validates their expertise and competence in the pharmacy field. It can improve job prospects, increase earning potential, and may be required by some states and employers for practice.
Are there continuing education requirements for certified pharmacy technicians?
Yes, certified pharmacy technicians are required to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their certification. For example, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires 20 hours of CE every two years to recertify.
What are the costs associated with obtaining pharmacy tech certification?
The costs to obtain pharmacy tech certification include exam fees, study materials, and potential costs for preparatory courses. The PTCE, for instance, has an examination fee, and additional costs may vary depending on the resources you choose to use for preparation.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- The best pharmacy management systems
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