Are Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Certifications Worth It?

What Is a Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)?

If you’re wondering, ‘Are pharmacy technician certifications worth it?”, read on. Here, we’ll discuss their cost and benefits and, thus, determine their value. Of course, whether it has value or not in your case depends on your unique circumstances.

What are certified pharmacy technicians (CPhTs) in the first place? They are healthcare professionals who have:

• Earned their certification by passing a nationally recognized exam. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is the foremost certification organization. Many also get certified via the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
• Gained the knowledge and skills to perform the roles and responsibilities of CPhTs.

Formal certification as a pharmacy technician isn’t required nationwide. Every state has its rules and regulations about pharmacy technician certification. 

States that require national certification include Arizona, Oregon, and Texas. States that don’t require it include Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Many states fall between these categories, too. Florida, Illinois, and New York are prime examples. In these states, there are no compulsory national certification requirements. But there are partial or conditional requirements like:

• Registration with the state board
• Completion of approved training programs
• Compliance with provisional license requirements

Check with your state board for more information. You may or may not secure certification depending on its specific rules.

But keep in mind that certification is a competitive advantage. Even in states without compulsory certification, employers seek or prefer CPhTs. Certification also improves your job prospects, professional credibility, and earning potential.

CPhTs are a vital part of a healthcare team. Their daily roles and responsibilities include: 

• Collect relevant information to fill a prescription
• Measure medication amounts based on doctors’ prescriptions
• Package and label prescriptions

CPhTs work under the direct supervision of pharmacists. Their common workplaces include:

• Hospitals and specialty clinics
• Pharmacies and drug retailers
• Ambulatory healthcare services

Being a CPhT has its challenges, too. You may have to work weekends or nights depending on your workplace. High workload and stress can result in burnout, too.

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Do You Need a CPhT Certification?

Again, whether or not you need the CPhT certification depends on your state. So, it’s best to ask your state board before deciding on the matter.

Keep in mind, nonetheless, that employers are a different matter. Many employers require certification as part of the job requirements and description. Most prefer certification because it signals readiness for complex tasks and professionalism.

Who should consider earning the CPhT credential? If you fall under one of these categories, you may want to consider it.

• Newbie pharmacy technicians who want to go above and beyond the minimum requirements. 
• Pharmacy technicians in states with compulsory certification requirements. Wyoming, Idaho, and Virginia also have them.
• Experienced pharmacy technicians seeking specialty or supervisory roles or hospital jobs.

If you’re wondering how to become a pharmacy technician, here’s a basic guide.

• Earn a high school diploma or its equivalent (e.g., GED).
• Enroll in one of the accredited pharmacy technician training programs. Look for a valid ASHP and ACPE accreditation.
• Apply for and pass a national certification exam. The PTCB certification is the gold standard. But the NHA credential is also nationally recognized.
• If you pass, apply for either state certification or registration.

Both the PTCB and NHA certifications are valid for two years. Continuing education and renewal fees are common requirements to maintain certification.

How Much Does Pharmacy Technician Certification Cost?

The total pharmacy technician certification cost is a crucial aspect of your decision. First, it will influence your decision to pursue it or not, depending on your finances. Second, it will determine your return on investment.

The more affordable it is, the more likely you’ll pursue certification. Your return on investment will also be higher. So, finding affordable programs is the first order of the day.

With that said, here’s a typical cost breakdown to become a CPhT.

Training program cost

PTCB-recognized programs charge $250-$3,000 or more in tuition and fees. The program length, learning platform, and externship influence the cost.

Certification exam cost

The PTCB’s PTCE costs $129, while it’s $117 for the NHA exam.

Study materials cost

Formal study isn’t mandatory to take either of these certification exams. But the PTCB and NHA strongly recommend intensive preparation. Online courses and official study guides are recommended for this purpose.

You can avail yourself of free and low-cost prep tools, too. But if you want, there are paid prep tools, too.

The renewal cost varies, too, but it’s between $40 and $60. Be sure to account for the cost of earning CEUs, too.

You can keep your costs as low as possible. Start by considering affordable pharmacy technician programs online and on campus.

• Purdue University
• Louisiana State University – Eunice
• San Diego State University – Global Campus
• San Francisco State University
• Columbia State Community College (Tennessee)
• Penn Foster Career School
• City College of New York
• Ashworth College
• Pharmacy Tech Academy
• Phlebotomy Career Training

Then, keep these cost-saving tips in mind, too.

• Compare the cost between accredited programs.
• Apply for financial aid.
• Ask about the availability of PTCE vouchers.
• If possible, choose an externship-included program.
• Buy used textbooks, borrow from the library, and use OERs.
• Use free or low-cost prep tools.
• Check for student discounts, military benefits, and employer assistance.

Cost shouldn’t be a hindrance to your CPhT aspiration.

Can You Get Financial Aid for Pharmacy Technician Programs?

Yes, there are many opportunities for financial aid for pharmacy technician certification. But availability depends on the type of school and training program. So, always check for financial aid options before deciding on a program.

Here are the best financial aid options for aspiring CPhTs.

• Federal aid (FAFSA) (e.g., Pell Grants, subsidized student loans, and work-study)
• State grants (e.g., tuition assistance for technical and vocational training)
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The US Department of Labor, via its Employment and Training Administration, administers it. Federal funding is available via state workforce agencies and Local Workforce Development Boards. Check with American Job Centers, too. 
• Colleges and professional organizations award scholarships and grants. Check with the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA).
• Military and veteran education benefits
• Employer reimbursement

In case you still have out-of-pocket tuition to pay, consider installment plans. These involve making interest-free monthly payments. But be on the lookout for hidden fees, such as late payment fees.

If you’re a first-time or low-income student, consider these resources, too.

• State-funded job training programs that offer free and low-cost training.
• Public health departments as part of their workforce development programs.
• Nonprofit training organizations that offer free and low-cost healthcare career-focused training. The YMCA, Goodwill, and Job Corps are good places to start.
• First-generation student programs offered by colleges are excellent options, too.

Use online scholarship tools, too. CareerOneStop’s scholarship finder, Scholarships.com, and Fastweb are great tools.

How Much Can You Make as a Certified Pharmacy Technician?

Many factors influence the certified pharmacy technician salary, including:

• Type of education. Aspiring CPhTs can earn a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree. On-the-job training and military training are also acceptable.
• Geographical location. CPhTs in urban areas tend to earn more than CPhTs in rural areas. But consider the higher cost of living in urban areas, too.
• Type of industry and employer. Larger organizations tend to pay more than smaller ones. Lahey Hospital & Medical Center and GHR Healthcare pay higher-than-average salaries. Their CPhTs can earn as much as $69,000/year.  

In general, pharmacy technicians earn $43,460 in median annual wages (BLS, May 2024). The lowest earners took in less than $35,100/year. The highest earners raked in over $59,450/year.

Does certification make a difference in the salary? Yes, it does. CPhTs can earn between 10% and 20% more than their non-certified colleagues.

The pharmacy technician job outlook favors the bold, too. The projected job growth is 7% (BLS, 2023-2033) or about 47,400 openings/year, on average. The strong demand is due to many factors, including:

• Increase in demand for pharmacy services due to an aging population
• Rising occurrence of chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension and diabetes) 
• Expansion of responsibilities for pharmacy technicians

Indeed, now is the best time to pursue pharmacy technician education and training.

What Are the Benefits of Being a Certified Pharmacy Technician?

There will be challenges in your studies. Think about funding issues, balancing work and study, and understanding the technical content.

But keeping your eyes on the prize will increase your motivation to stay on the path. The prize: Enjoying the benefits of becoming a certified pharmacy technician.

Increased employability

You’re more competitive for pharmacy technician jobs. Again, employers require or prefer certified professionals over non-certified ones. Hospitals, mail-order pharmacies, and chain pharmacies are prime examples.

Higher starting pay

CPhTs can earn $1-$3 more per hour than their non-certified colleagues. While the salary difference seems small, it adds up over time.

Greater job security

CPhTs are seen as more knowledgeable, skilled, and reliable, too. While there’s no 100% guarantee, it reduces the risk of being replaced during downsizing.

Preferred for career growth opportunities

Being a certified professional means a better shot at promotions and leadership positions. You can, for example, apply for a shift manager, inventory supervisor, or lead tech.

Better access to specialized roles

Certification opens opportunities that wouldn’t be available otherwise. Think specialty pharmacy positions, such as a nuclear pharmacy technician. Consider being a sterile compounding technician or oncology pharmacy technician, too.

Nationwide acceptance

Being certified increases access to jobs across states, too. You’ll also be able to choose from diverse workplaces. Think cancer centers and research facilities.

Smoother career transition

The CPhT credential is a stepping stone, if you want it to be. You can move into more advanced healthcare careers, particularly being a pharmacist. Consider nursing, physician assistant, and healthcare administration, too.

Are Pharmacy Technician Certifications Worth It?

The short answer: Yes, they are worth it. But it isn’t for everybody because of the cost and other challenges. You must understand its pros and cons before you decide.

Pros:

• Boost in professional credibility
• Improved job opportunities
• Higher earning potential
• Better access to specialized roles
• Competitive edge for leadership positions
• Stepping stone for more advanced healthcare careers
• Portability of the credential

Cons:

• High upfront cost for the formal education and initial certification. But there are financial aid opportunities available.
• Different rules and regulations for certification exist among states. Being familiar with them makes it less overwhelming. 
• Cost and effort to maintain certification. No biggie because certifications usually require renewal anyway. 
• Limited pay ceiling unless more advanced training is undertaken. No problem either, since advanced training leads to better-paying jobs.
• Physical demands and other job stressors. Self-care strategies can address these issues.

So, should you get certified? Yes, if you’re committed to a pharmacy career over the long-term period. No, if you’re unsure about it or your state doesn’t require it.

Don’t make a hasty decision either. Write your interests and goals, and consider the pros and cons. Sit on it, too, instead of deciding within the day.

You’ll be putting in the hours and dollars into the certification, so be deliberate about it.

Final Takeaway: Should You Get Certified?

Becoming a CPhT is a fast and affordable – if challenging – way to become a healthcare professional. There’s a real potential for job security and upward mobility in it, too.

The return on investment is impressive, too. Let’s say that the net gain (average salary without and with certification) is $8,692/year. This is computed as a median salary at $43,460/year and a 20% salary increase ($52,152/year). Let’s assume a total cost of $3,500 for education and certification.

The ROI is 248.34%. For every dollar you spend, you’ll gain about $2.50 in return.

So, what to do next?

• Compare accredited programs first.
• Check your state’s specific certification rules and requirements.
• Enroll in your preferred school.
• Apply for financial aid.
• Complete the program.