Prior to September 1, 2017, students who had successfully completed a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program were given the choice to take either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE), the Examination for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), or the Virginia Pharmacy Technician Examination. But board members elected on March 21, 2017, to discontinue the administration of the Virginia Pharmacy Technician Examination as of September 1, 2017. Meaning beginning September 1, 2017, students who have successfully completed a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program must choose to take either the PTCE or ExCPT examination.
So, what does that mean for Virginia Pharmacy Certified Technicians?
Well, without administration for the certification, Pharmacy Technicians will have to apply for the PTCE or ExCPT. The Virginia Pharmacy Certification annual renewal required 5 hours of course study, whereas the PTCE and ExCPT require 20 hours bi-annually to be recertified. This requires most Pharmacy Technicians to retake Certified Pharmacy Technician Courses like Building Blocks Services Learning Center Pharmacy Technician Course.
Building Blocks Services Learning Center will offer a National Certification course for Virginia Certified Pharmacy Technicians. The course will require 20 hours of instruction to prepare for the PTCE and/or ExCPT. Please see www.BuildingBlocksServices.com for more information.
Information regarding the PTCE examination may be accessed on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board website at www.ptcb.org. Information on the ExCPT examination may be found on the National Healthcareer Association website at www.nhanow .com. Information regarding the current registration process may also be accessed on the Board’s website, under the Frequently Asked Questions section related to Pharmacy Technician Registration, available at www.dhp.virginia.gov/pharmacy/pharmacy_ faq.htm.
