Registered Pharmacy Technician vs. Certified: What’s the Difference?

So you’re thinking about becoming a pharmacy technician—or maybe you already are—and you keep seeing two titles pop up: registered pharmacy technician and certified pharmacy technician.

At first glance, they sound the same.

But they’re not. And knowing the difference could be the key to landing the job you want—or figuring out why your application isn’t moving forward.

Let’s break it all down in clear, real-world terms. Whether you’re in school, new to the field or simply exploring your options, this guide will help you understand how these credentials work and why both matter.

What does a pharmacy technician do?

That's a great question. Pharmacy technicians are the essential support behind any pharmacy, whether in a retail store, hospital or specialty clinic. They take on certain tasks that help keep operations running smoothly and safely. Some may call this role a registered technician or pharm tech as a shorthand.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Preparing and labeling medications
• Processing prescriptions
• Managing inventory and ordering supplies
• Coordinating with insurance companies
• Assisting patients at the counter or by phone
• Supporting pharmacists so they can focus on clinical care

In hospital settings, pharmacy technicians may also mix IV medications, assist with chemotherapy preparation or help manage patient medication histories.

These are hands-on, skills-related duties that require focus, accuracy and strong communication. Without pharmacy techs, daily operations would quickly fall apart.

What is a registered pharmacy technician?

Being a registered pharmacy technician means you’ve been approved by your state board to work in a pharmacy. It’s essentially your official permission to take on pharmacy tech responsibilities.

The registration process varies by state, but it often includes:

• Applying through your state board of pharmacy
• Paying a registration fee
• Passing a criminal background check
• Submitting fingerprints (in some states)
• Providing required documentation, such as a high school diploma or proof of training

Once you’re registered, you’re legally allowed to work as a pharmacy technician—at least within that specific state. But it’s important to note that registration does not transfer across states. Some states require formal registration, while others may allow employers to train you directly.

Always check your state’s requirements before applying for pharmacy technician jobs.

What is a certified pharmacy technician?

A certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) is someone who has passed a national certification exam that shows they have the knowledge and skills to do the job safely and accurately. It’s more than permission to work; it’s proof that you’re trained and prepared.

There are two exams that can certify you this way. One is the ExCPT, and one is the PTCB certification called the PTCE. Either certification test (once passed) will qualify you to be a certified pharmacy technician.

The primary difference between the two exams is who manages them.

• PTCE – Offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board^® ( PTCB^®)
• ExCPT – Offered by the National Healthcareer Association^® ( NHA)

Both tests cover topics such as...

• Pharmacy law and ethics
• Drug classifications and drug interactions
• Calculations and safety procedures
• Pharmacy operations and technician duties

Once you pass, you earn the title of certified pharmacy technician (CPhT). You can add this to your resume, job applications or even your email signature. It’s a credential recognized across the country—and one that shows employers you’re ready to work with confidence.

Some employers may also require certification for their pharmacy technicians.

Rasmussen University’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate program is a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) recognized education/training program for technicians seeking to earn the PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Other requirements apply; graduation from this program does not guarantee qualification for the CPhT credential.

Registered vs. certified: Key differences

Now that you know what each title means, here’s how registration and certification stack up side by side. While they may sound similar, they involve different requirements, processes and outcomes.

In short...

• Registration gives you permission to work in a specific state.
• Certification shows you’ve passed a national exam and have verified skills.

Having both gives you more flexibility and credibility, especially if you're looking to transfer your license to another state or move up in your career.

Do you need both registration and pharmacy technician certification?

In most cases? Yes, but it depends on where you live and work. These standards are state-specific.

Some states require both registration and certification just to get started. For example, in Florida, you must be both registered and certified to work as a pharmacy technician.

Other states, like Kansas, require you to be registered but leave certification up to the employer. Even there, most states and employers still prefer certified candidates, especially in hospital or specialty settings.

In California, you can’t apply for a pharmacy technician license unless you’ve already passed a certification exam or completed a formal training program.

Requirements can vary widely from one home state to another. That’s why it’s important to check the latest rules with your state’s board of pharmacy before applying for jobs or registering for exams.

Being both certified and registered gives you more options and makes it easier to move across state lines without starting from scratch.

Each state determines its own requirements for licensure or certification as a pharmacy technician. Please check with the board of pharmacy or equivalent agency in your state for further details as requirements may change at any time.

Do pharmacy technicians need to renew and complete continuing education (CE)?

Yes, whether you're registered or certified, you’ll need to keep your credentials current through renewal and ongoing education.

If you’re registered:

• Each state has different renewal rules (usually every 1–2 years)
• You may need to submit updated documents or pass another criminal background check
• Some states require continuing education (CE) hours

If you’re certified (CPhT):¹

• You need to renew your certification every 2 years
• Complete 20 CE hours, including:
  • 1 hour in pharmacy law
  • 1 hour in patient safety

You can earn CE credits through your workplace, professional organizations or online education platforms. These learning hours not only meet renewal requirements, they also help you stay sharp and up to date in a fast-changing field.

Why pharmacy technician certification still matters

Sure, some states don’t require a certification exam, but earning your pharmacy technician certification can open doors.

Here’s why it’s worth pursuing…

• Employers prefer certified applicants and many insist on it.
• Certification gives you access to specialty roles in areas like IV compounding, oncology or informatics.
• It’s often required for leadership positions such as lead tech or trainer.
• Certified techs stand out as top candidates when applying in competitive job markets.
• Certification is portable, making it easier to move between states without starting over.

Plus, passing your certification exam is a major confidence boost. You’ll walk into interviews knowing you have the skills and knowledge to succeed in any pharmacy setting.

How to become a certified and registered pharmacy technician

If you’re trying to figure out where to start, here’s a simple roadmap:

1. Enroll in a pharmacy technician training program
   (Hi, Rasmussen students, you’re already doing great!)
   
2. Register with your state’s Board of Pharmacy
   Check your local rules because they all vary.

3. Prepare for your certification exam
   Choose either the PTCE or ExCPT. Study hard, take practice tests, and go in confident.

4. Get certified and celebrate!
   You’re officially a CPhT. Go ahead and update that LinkedIn profile.

5. Keep learning and stay current
   Take your continuing education seriously. The pharmacy world changes fast.

6. Explore specialty certifications
   Want to level up even more? Look into sterile compounding, hazardous drugs or billing and reimbursement certifications.

Be prepared for every opportunity as a pharm tech

Here’s the bottom line for pharmacy technicians...

• Registration allows you to work legally as a pharmacy technician in your state
• Certification shows the world you know what you’re doing.

Having both gives you a stronger foundation for your career. Whether you’re applying for your first job or moving into a specialty area of pharmacy practice, these credentials show you’re serious about your work.

If you’re unsure about your state’s rules or what to do next, talk to your instructor, advisor or state board of pharmacy. They can help you navigate the process and connect you with the support you need.

And remember, your patients and your future team are counting on you. Stay focused, keep learning and take pride in becoming the best pharmacy technician you can be.

It starts with getting the training you need. Check out 5 Reasons a Pharmacy Technician Certification is Worth It.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board^® is a registered trademark of Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, Inc.
National Healthcareer Association^® is a registered trademark of Assessment Technologies Institute.

¹Renewal Requirements, PTCB, (accessed 5/28/2025), https://www.ptcb.org/renew-credentials/renewal-requirements