The role of a pharmacy technician is one of the fastest-growing careers across the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 7% over the next decade, nearly double the rate of all other professions.
If you’re thinking about entering this rewarding career path, you should be fully informed about pharmacy tech certification costs. With an accurate expectation of possible expenses, you’ll be much better prepared to complete your professional path.
Certification Costs
More than a dozen states require that pharmacy technicians be nationally certified through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
To earn a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential, both organizations require you to obtain a high school diploma and attend an approved training program or gain substantial work experience. You must also pass a certification exam.
Cost of Taking the PTCE
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is a two-hour, 90-question, multiple-choice exam administered by computer. Sitting for the initial test and applying for CPhT certification after you pass requires a $129 fee.
However, you must factor certification renewal into your pharmacy tech certification costs. You must renew your certification every two years at a cost of $55. You will pay an additional fee of $25 if you are late in renewing your certification and $95 if it must be reinstated after it has lapsed.
Cost of Taking the ExCPT
Alternatively, you may take the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) administered by the NHA. This 100-question computer-based test lasts two hours and 10 minutes.
Like the PTCE, the fee to take the ExCPT is also $129. You must renew your certification every two years for $55. If you have allowed your certification to expire for more than 12 months, you will have to retake the ExCPT and pay the initial exam fee to reinstate your certification.
So, the cost of becoming a certified pharmacy technician is $129 if you pass your exam on the first try.
Additional Costs
Your certification examination fees only cover a portion of your pharmacy tech certification costs. It may be a good idea to purchase and use study materials to ensure that you pass the test the first time and don’t incur additional expenses from having to retake the exam.
Both the PTCB and the NHA offer free information online about what each test covers. However, they also offer a few study materials you have to pay for. For example, you can purchase the PTCE Practice Bank with 300+ study questions for $65. NHA also offers a paid study guide and practice test.
It’s also important to factor in the cost of continuing education courses. You must take 20 hours of CE courses every two years to maintain your certification. Sometimes, different states will require specific courses to maintain your license. The course fees will be different based on where or how you take them.
Additionally, if you plan to join professional organizations to enhance your career and engage in networking opportunities, you will likely need to pay membership fees. For example, a one-year membership to the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians is $25 for new techs, while a two-year membership costs $90.
Salary and Return on Investment
Though you will incur several pharmacy tech certification costs, you can expect a significant return on your investment.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians earned a median salary of $40,300 per year ($19.37 per hour) in 2023. Those working in hospitals, ambulatory healthcare services, and general healthcare retail pharmacies earned a median salary slightly above this figure.
Many states require a CPhT credential for you to practice within their jurisdiction. However, certification can be highly valuable even when it is not required. Earning this credential validates your knowledge and skills and demonstrates your commitment to the profession. This, in turn, can enhance your job prospects, as many employers seek highly competent pharmacy technicians in this competitive landscape.
Additionally, national certification can lead to higher earning potential. Employers often place a high value on expertise and may be willing to pay higher salaries for it. Certification may also open doors to leadership and management roles within the pharmacy setting, which often come with a higher salary.
Maximizing Your Investment With Continuing Education From RxCe
Continuing education is not only required to maintain your certification after passing the PTCE or ExCPT; you must also take CE before renewing your license in some states. There is good reason for this requirement, as continuing education keeps your skills sharp and ensures you stay up to date with industry changes and recent regulations.
RxCe offers a wide range of continuing education courses tailored to different pharmacy career interests and state requirements. We offer single courses as well as a convenient membership option that grants you access to all CE courses and live webinars for just $39 per year.
We strive to keep pharmacy tech certification costs affordable. All courses are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), ensuring high quality.
Our CE options can help you maintain your expertise and ensure longevity in your career. Enroll in an RxCe course or program today and start building your skills as a certified pharmacy technician.
