Title: Module 4: National Certification Preparation
Course: PTN 0086 Pharmacy Technician III > Section: Module 4: National Certification Preparation

Introduction

Obtaining certification is a valuable career step for pharmacy technicians. Requirements for certification include passing a national standardized exam such as the following: Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) given by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Technicians may also pass another exam approved by their state board. To pass a certification exam, technicians must demonstrate knowledge and competency in basic pharmacy functions and activity areas (American Pharmacists Association, 2013).

In this module, students will prepare for certification testing by taking practice exams. They will also determine which standardized test will be better suited for them to attempt,the content of each exam, and the scoring required for them to pass the test successfully. Finally, students will learn what is required of them to maintain certification once it has been earned, including continuing education and renewal guidelines.

Reference

American Pharmacists Association. (2013). The Pharmacy Technician (5th ed.). Englewood CO: Morton Publishing.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
- Choose a standardized certification test.
- Identify ongoing certification and continuing education requirements.

Learning Outcomes

This module addresses all course outcomes and the following:

Attain National Pharmacy Technician Certification.

Readings and Resources

American Pharmacists Association. (2013). The pharmacy technician (5th ed.). Englewood CO: Morton Publishing.
Chapter 2

Module 4 Reading Overview