National certification and state licensure both play crucial roles in the pharmacy profession, but they serve distinct purposes. Pharmacy professionals often pursue both national certification and state licensure to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and fulfill legal obligations in their practice jurisdictions.
Certification (PTCB)
Pharmacy technician certification, such as the PTCB CPhT Certification, establishes a standardized national benchmark for competence, promoting professional recognition and portability across state lines.
PTCB Certification is accepted in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, US territories , the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Bahamas. PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) work across the US in a wide range of pharmacy practice settings.
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Standardized Knowledge Assessment:
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE®) assesses a broad range of knowledge domains and areas for candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to medication safety and effective patient care across pharmacy settings. -
Professional Recognition:
Holding a national certification is a mark of professionalism and dedication to the pharmacy profession. It can enhance career opportunities and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high standards of practice. -
Renewal and Continuing Education:
Maintaining PTCB Certification requires meeting renewal requirements, including the completion of continuing education (CE) activities.
State License or Registration
State licensure and/or registration, granted by individual state boards of pharmacy, is a legal requirement that ensures compliance with state-specific regulations within that state.
Regulations and requirements for licensure, registration, and renewal vary by state and change on an undefined schedule. Some states have no requirement for technicians to register with the state board of pharmacy, while other states have rigorous requirements related to formal education/training, practical experience, and national certification.
Technicians should be sure to contact the state board of pharmacy in the state where they are seeking employment, or before they relocate to a new state to learn about that state’s current pharmacy regulations.
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Legal Authorization:
State licensure is a legal mandate that allows pharmacy professionals to practice within a particular state. It is granted by the state board of pharmacy, which is responsible for regulating pharmacy practice. -
State-specific Regulations:
Each state has its own set of regulations governing pharmacy practice. State licensure ensures that professionals are familiar with and adhere to these regulations, which include scope of practice limitations. -
State-specific Exams:
State boards may require candidates to pass state-specific exams in addition to, or instead of a national certification exam. These exams may focus on state laws, regulations, and unique aspects of pharmacy practice within that state.
Renewal and Continuing Education (CE):
Maintaining state licensure typically involves meeting state-specific renewal requirements, which may include completing CE activities.
Note: Renewal dates and CE requirements may not align between national certification and the state license. It's important to keep track of both to ensure compliance with all necessary standards