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How long does it take to get pharmacy tech certification? The answer may surprise you!
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Introduction
In order to become a pharmacy technician you must complete an accredited pharmacy technician program and pass a national certification exam. The length of time it takes to complete an accredited pharmacy technician program depends on the type of program you choose. There are two types of programs: certificate and diploma.
Certificate programs can be completed in as little as six months, while diploma programs may take up to two years to complete. Once you have completed an accredited pharmacy technician program, you will be eligible to take the national certification exam. The time it takes to pass the exam varies from person to person, but most people are able to do so within a few months.
Certification requirements
There are several requirements that individuals must meet in order to become certified pharmacy technicians The first is to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may also require completion of a formal pharmacy technician training program, which can last anywhere from several weeks to several months. Individuals must also pass a national certification exam, as well as any state-mandated exams or licensure requirements.
Exam prep and study tips
You can become a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) by passing the pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE). The PTCE is a computer-based exam administered by Pearson VUE. To be eligible to take the PTCE, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a pharmacy technician training program, or have at least 1 year of work experience as a pharmacy technician.
Exam prep and study tips
If you’re new to the field of pharmacy technology, you may be wondering how to best prepare for the PTCE. There are a number of resources available to help you study, including review courses, books, and practice tests.
1. Review courses: A review course is an excellent way to prepare for the PTCE. Review courses offer an overview of the material covered on the exam and often include practice questions to help you gauge your understanding of the material. Be sure to choose a review course that is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
2. Books: Several good books are available to help you prepare for the PTCE. The ASHP Study Guide for the Exam is an excellent resource that covers all aspects of pharmacy technician practice. Other helpful books include Mosby’s Review for the PTCE and Tech Success!
3. Practice tests: Practice tests are a great way to identify areas where you need further study. The PTCB offers sample questions on their website, and many review courses also include practice tests. Practice tests can also be found in many of thePreparing for Your Certification helps individuals assess their readiness for ASHP certification examinations.”
The certification process
The pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE) is a computer-based exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The PTCB has certified over 550,000 pharmacy technicians since 1995. To become certified, candidates must pass the PTCE and meet experience and educational requirements.
The PTCE is a two-hour, multi-part exam that covers nine knowledge domains:
-Pharmacology for Technicians
-Patient Safety
-Medication Order Entry and Dispensing
-Medication Order Review
-Pharmacy Inventory Management
-Computation and Pharmaceutical Calculations
-Communication and Customer Service
-Professionalism and Ethics
Renewing your certification
Renewing your certification is an important part of being a pharmacy technician. Depending on your state’s requirements, you may need to renew your certification every one to two years.
The process for renewing your certification will vary depending on the organization that you are certified through, but it will typically involve completing continuing education courses and passing an exam. Some organizations may also require you to retake the original certification exam.
It is important to start the renewal process early so that you do not let your certification lapse. In some states, letting your certification lapse can result in losing your license to practice as a pharmacy technician.
Conclusion
Earning your pharmacy technician certification can take as little as eight weeks, but the average time to complete a pharmacy technician program is about three months. Once you have completed your training and passed the certification exam, you will be able to start working as a pharmacy technician.
