Passed the Pharm Tech test, what's next?
by Tuan
(Woodstock, Ga)
Today (December 30th), I successfully passed the Pharm Tech Exam on my first attempt . Yeah!. Now they said they are going to mail me my certificate between 1-3 weeks. So I wonder what's next? After I get my certificate, I can apply places like CVS, Wal-mart, Walgreens and Rite-aid? right?
Reply (by Keith)
Congrat's for passing the exam. I've no idea how it works in Georgia, so I'll use the state I live (Oregon) in as an example. After you pass the PTCB or ExCPT here and receive your certificate, you must mail a copy of it to the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. You also have to send them a passport size photo and submit a background check. All of that along with the (I think it's currently) $50 fee. They process everything and then send a state issued license. And that's when you can accept work as a Pharmacy technician here. On pharm applications they even ask for your state issued license number. So, the answer is that it depends on your state. Some states are more strict than Oregon. Yet, others are more lax and don't even require National Certification thru the PTCB or ICPT. In fact, some states only require you to be 18 years old. Seems ridiculous, right?
So, I recommend checking with the state you plan on working in to see their specific requirements.
Best of luck in your search
Keith