What’s The Difference Between PTCB and CPhT?

If you are considering a career as a pharmacy technician, you have come across two essential terms: PTCB and CPhT. Both terms sound confusing to the amateur ear, but they are both critical in the pharmacy language. Learn what PTCB and CPhT mean, how they differ from each other, and why they are significant for an aspiring pharmacy technician.

What is PTCB?

PTCB is an abbreviation for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. This organization developed and maintains a certification process for pharmacy technicians to ensure proper training and job performance.

The PTCB is the governing body of the PTCE. So, this is one of the major avenues through which pharmacy technicians get certified. This test will prove that you know the important things a pharmacy technician needs to know, including handling medicines and helping out pharmacists, among other things concerning safety.

What does CPhT stand for?

CPhT is an abbreviation for Certified Pharmacy Technician, a title that is entitled to you after passing the certification exam, much like the PTCE. This means you have acquired all the necessary knowledge and skills to practice as a pharmacy technician.

A person who claims to be a CPhT has taken the exam and met all the other requirements to be certified. A CPhT will be qualified in drugstores, hospitals, or clinics to assist employers and pharmacists with tasks such as pill counting, bottle labeling, and discussing issues with patients.

Main Differences Between PTCB and CPhT

While PTCB and CPhT are interrelated, they aren’t the same. A fundamental way to consider the differentiation between them is as follows:

• PTCB is the certifying organization.
• CPhT  is the title used after passing the certification exam.

Consider it this way: PTCB is the organization providing the standards and operating the test; CPhT is a certification that you have passed the test and are qualified to work as a pharmacy technician.

How to Become a CPhT

To become a CPhT, you must first take and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, PTCE. It is a multiple-choice test covering key areas that include:

• Pharmacy law and regulations
• Medication Safety
• Pharmacy calculations
• Classification of Drugs

You must attend pharmacy tech training before you can take the test. Such a program teaches you everything you need to know for the PTCE test and to be a pharmacy technician.

Why Certification is Important?

That is where certification as a pharmacy technician comes in, as it assures employers that you are at least adequately trained. Also, this professional training will give you an edge over other job candidates who need certification. Most employers would want to hire certified technicians because they understand that such workers understand basic medicine handling and adherence to vital rules about safety.

Having your CPhT certification can also result in higher pay. Some employers will pay certified pharmacy technicians more because they have additional training and knowledge.

Enroll Now at Northwest Career College

The certification process is the main difference between PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) and CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician). PTCB is the organization that administers the exam and grants certification, while CPhT is the title you earn after passing the exam. 

Earning your CPhT through PTCB shows you have the skills and knowledge needed to be a competent pharmacy technician. Understanding the distinction between these terms is vital for anyone pursuing a career in pharmacy.
For more guidance and training in the field, enroll at Northwest Career College today to start your journey toward becoming a certified pharmacy technician!