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Earning your CPhT credentials will help you:
Fulfill employer requirements
90% of employers require or encourage certification for pharmacy technicians.
Access better career opportunities
40% of employers report that pharmacy technicians have more responsibility in 2020, compared to 2019.
Maximize earning potential
Pharmacy technician's salary ranges from $22,740–$48,010, according to the BLS in 2019.
Enhance knowledge<br>and skills
Professionalism and critical thinking are the most important soft skills employers are looking for, when hiring pharmacy technicians.
Certified pharmacy technicians are in high demand
The pharmacy industry is evolving. Many clinical duties have been extended to the pharmacy, which expands the role of both pharmacist and pharmacy technician. According to NHA's 2020 Industry Outlook, 40% of employers said pharmacy technicians have more responsibilities this year than last! Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in providing safe and effective patient care, with duties including:
- Managing inventory
- Receiving prescription requests from patients and doctors' offices
- Accurately measuring medication amounts
- Establishing and maintaining patient records
- Accepting payment for prescriptions and processing insurance claims
NHA partners with educators and employers across the United States to educate, train and certify pharmacy technicians. Find an open job near you to start your journey toward this rewarding and in-demand career.
Visit Our Job Board
98% of employers require or encourage certification for pharmacy technicians. (Source: 2025 Industry Outlook)
ExCPT exam eligibility
Possess a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency; or are scheduled to earn a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency in the next 60 days*
*Click here for more details on the certification pathway for high school health science students.
Completed a pharmacy technician training
or education program within the last 5 years
OR
Possess a high school diploma
or GED/high school equivalency
1 year of work experience with at least 1,200 hours of
supervised pharmacy-related work within the last 3 years
See Candidate Handbook for more information about Eligibility Requirements.
I have chosen to become and remain NHA certified because it has opened so many new doors. The opportunities in the field as a CPhT have become limitless, and the pay increase is pretty nice as well!
Jennifer Torres, CPhT
5 steps to pharmacy technician certification
Apply for your exam
Create a free NHA account online, anytime, and submit your ExCPT exam application through your account portal.
Set a date
Select the date and location–online or in-person–for your exam. (An ExCPT exam fee payment is required during this step.)
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Time to study! We're here to support you. We have study materials available, including an interactive study guide and ExCPT practice test.*
Take the exam
You'll take the 100-question ExCPT exam at a PSI testing center near you, or through live remote proctoring at the location of your choice.
Get your results
For online exams, NHA will officially post your certification results to your account page within two days of scoring your test.
Is your school or employer sponsoring your exam?
When you create your NHA account, be sure to select your organization type, school or training center, or employer in order to:
- Access any pre-purchased materials or exams available to you
- Take advantage of possible discounts
- Share your exam results with your school or employer
Ready to get your certification?
Prepare for your certification exam
Access ExCPT exam preparation materials that are designed to help you succeed.*
*The purchase of NHA exam preparation materials is not required to sit for any NCCA-accredited certification exam and use does not guarantee a passing score on an exam. All NHA exams are NCCA-accredited.
NHA Mobile —
Empowering learner success with study-on-the-go flashcards aligned to your enrolled NHA course.
Are you an educator or employer? Talk to a certification specialist to learn more about our robust digital learning resources designed to supplement your training or education program.
Renew your certification
Need to renew your certification?