Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT/ChPT)?

Dear all,

Does anyone know the difference in recognition between a "certification" like the "Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT)" from a DETC-accredited school (see:
http://www.columbiasouthern.com/distance_learning/Certifications/cpt.html) and the one from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB/CPhT)?

I mean, is the one from Columbia Southern not very much recognized even in local US drug stores?

Thank you.

Ray

 

The difference can be found rather quickly by just checking the PTCB site, http://www.ptcb.org

In short, the only official certification is from the PTCB, there are none from just completing programs from any particular school. I briefly looked at the Columbia Southern link you provided though, and it's understandable there would be some confusion. The Columbia Southern site claims to provide "certification" but in truth it would only certify completion of their educational program, which is not the same thing as PTCB certification. PTCB certification requires meeting eligibility requiremnets and successful completion of PTCB's certification exam, regardless of what school was attended. For more information check this link from the PTCB site:

http://www.ptcb.org/Exam/information.aspx

Also, the PTCB has a list of recommended educational programs, interesting to note that Columbia Southern is NOT on their recommendation list. Click the link below, then the spin box for recommended educational programs:

http://www.ptcb.org/About/links.aspx


Kit

 

Thank you very much Kit!

Have a nice day!

Ray

 

...

National Healthcareer Association in New Jersey states they offer a ChPT. Tthey state they are members of
National Organization of Competency Assurance, (NOCA) Washington, D.C

http://www.nha2000.com/

From my understanding NOCA is a big player in medical credentialing.

 

Dear Delta,

Yes, thanks for the update. This is why I as confused. I know there are a number of different schools and organizations offering this similar "certification" and this is why I want to see if anyone knows the difference. Thanks again.

Regards,
Ray

 

The best thing to do is check your state licensing criteria. I know that the State of Utah allows on the job training but you still have to pass the national pharmacy technician exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician certification Board. Check requirements for the state you live in!