Quick answer: What counts as an accredited pharmacy technician training program?
In the U.S., ASHP/ACPE-accredited pharmacy technician programs are the profession’s formal, program-level accreditation standard. PTCB‑recognized education/training programs meet PTCB’s requirements so that completers are eligible for PTCB credentials (including the CPhT exam) via the education pathway. These are different but complementary. Many learners succeed through either route, depending on state rules and employer expectations.
Where Pharmacy Tech Scholar fits: Pharmacy Tech Scholar is PTCB-recognized. While the Pharmacy Tech Scholar curriculum follows the ASHP framework for didactic education, it is not ASHP-accredited. It’s designed to prepare learners with the knowledge required of a certified technician and to qualify students for the PTCE via the education pathway. In the vast majority of states, completing the Pharmacy Tech Scholar program and passing the PTCE will meet training and credentialing requirements for pharmacy technician registration.
Tip: Start with PTCB’s Recognized Education/Training Program Directory and the State Regulations & Map. For accreditation details, see ASHP/ACPE Technician Program Accreditation.
Table of Contents
- ASHP accreditation vs PTCB recognition
- Side-by-side comparison
- Do you need an ASHP-accredited program?
- How long do accredited programs take?
- Cost vs value
- Program formats
- What employers look for
- How to choose the right program (step‑by‑step)
- Career pathways after your first credential
- About the author & editorial standards
- FAQ
- References
ASHP accreditation vs PTCB recognition
ASHP/ACPE accreditation: Requires independent, profession-wide quality review of a program’s curriculum, faculty, minimum hours, simulation, and experiential education; it’s the gold‑standard program accreditation for technician education.
PTCB recognition: a program meets PTCB’s education/training requirements so completers are eligible for PTCB credentials (e.g., CPhT) via the education pathway. PTCB automatically recognizes ASHP/ACPE programs; some non-accredited programs are recognized via PTCB’s process if programs meet curriculum standards requirements.
Neither designation: the program may still teach skills, but a professional pharmacy organization has not validated it. These programs are not recommended. Graduates might not be exam-eligible via the education pathway and could need the work‑experience route (≥500 hours) to sit for the PTCE. Employer and state acceptance may be limited.
Side-by-side comparison (hours, externships, exam eligibility, employer signal)
| Feature | ASHP/ACPE-accredited program | PTCB‑recognized program | Program with neither |
| Minimum total hours | Entry‑level: ≥400 hours (didactic, simulation, experiential + flexible hours). Advanced: ≥600 hours. | No fixed hour minimum set by PTCB; programs attest alignment to PTCB’s knowledge requirements. | Varies; no standard. |
| Experiential education | Required: at least one experiential rotation (entry‑level); additional rotation (advanced). | Varies by provider; not mandated by PTCB. | Varies; may be none. |
| PTCE eligibility | Yes | Yes | No (education pathway); may use ≥500 hours work‑experience route. |
| Employer signal | Strongest, especially hospital/health‑system roles. | Strong for entry-level when paired with certification. | Mixed; some employers may not accept. |
| State acceptance | Widely accepted; check state board rules. | Accepted in most states; verify locally. | Risky; verify carefully. |
Why this matters: Accreditation and recognition affect exam eligibility, externship access, and how quickly you can contribute on day one.
Do you need an ASHP/ACPE-accredited program to become a pharmacy technician?
Short answer: Not in most states. Many states allow registration by completing a PTCB-recognized program and passing the PTCE. Some states require ASHP/ACPE-accredited education or a state-approved equivalent. Example states include Washington and Florida. Always confirm your state’s rules and employer preferences.
How to check state rules fast
- Fill out our request for information form for up-to-date guidance on your state’s requirements.
- Search for your State’s Board of Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements (make sure you locate the official state board of pharmacy website).
- Note whether you must register or be licensed, complete ASHP/ACPE training, hold a national CPhT certification, and/or complete an externship.
- Click through the board of pharmacy website for the exact language, fees, and deadlines.
How long do accredited programs take?
ASHP/ACPE benchmarks (standards):
- Entry-level programs require ≥400 total hours across didactic, simulation, and ≥130 experiential hours, plus flexible hours.
- Advanced-level programs require ≥600 total hours with added simulation and experiential components.
- Entry-level programs include at least one experiential rotation; advanced‑programs add another rotation.
Source: ASHP/ACPE Technician Program Accreditation Standards (2018). See: ASHP/ACPE standards.
Cost vs value: tuition ranges, exam fees, and hidden costs
Exam fees (fixed):
- PTCE (CPhT) application + exam: $129.
- Pre‑PTCE (official practice exam): $29 (optional).
Source: PTCB CPhT.
Program tuition (typical ranges):
These ranges reflect common U.S. pricing bands; confirm locally.
| Program type | Typical tuition range | What’s usually included | Verify |
| Community/technical college certificate (often ASHP/ACPE) | $3,000–$8,000 | Courses, labs; externship; campus fees extra | College catalog |
| Private online diploma/certificate (some ASHP/ACPE, many PTCB‑recognized) | $1,200–$5,000 | Online modules; ASHP/ACPE-accredited programs include externship coordination. | School tuition page |
| Employer apprenticeships | Often low/no tuition | Paid training may require work commitment | Employer HR page |
| Self-paced PTCB-recognized online course (e.g., Pharmacy Tech Scholar) | $300–$1,000 | Exam-focused curriculum; externship is not always included | Course page |
Hidden costs to plan for: background checks, drug screens, immunizations, TB testing, uniforms, textbooks/workbooks, parking, and graduation/exam application fees.
Program formats: online, hybrid, campus, apprenticeship
- ASHP/ACPE-accredited programs blend classroom/online didactic, simulation, and experiential rotations aligned to the standards.
- PTCB-recognized online programs vary in pacing and format; recognition focuses on knowledge alignment and exam eligibility, not a fixed hour minimum.
- Apprenticeships/employer training can offset tuition and build experience that may qualify you for the work‑experience PTCE pathway (≥500 hours) if your education is not recognized.
What employers look for (and why it varies by setting)
- Certification (CPhT) is widely required or strongly preferred across community, specialty, and health‑system settings.
- Accredited or recognized education signals readiness and can speed onboarding. Hospitals and health systems often prioritize ASHP/ACPE programs for their standardized simulation/experiential training. However, recent shortages have led most employers to accept any training that qualifies individuals for licensure. Many health systems, community pharmacies, and other industry employers accept PTCB-recognized training plus certification.
- Career outlook and pay depend on geography and setting. See the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for current wage and growth data: BLS Pharmacy Technicians.
How to choose the right program: step‑by‑step
- Confirm your state’s requirements. Search for your state’s Board of Pharmacy and read through the requirements for pharmacy technician registration. Alternatively, you can contact us and we will provide you with up-to-date information.
- Decide if you need ASHP/ACPE accreditation (mandated or preferred for your goals) or if a PTCB-recognized program meets your state/employer needs.
- Compare time and learning model. ASHP/ACPE benchmarks (400–600 hours with defined simulation/experiential) vs flexible online pacing. Our course, for example, can be completed in 120 hours on your own schedule.
- Check exam eligibility. Ensure the program is PTCB‑recognized for CPhT or plan for the ≥ 500-hour experience pathway.
- Scrutinize externship details: hours, placement guarantees, and site types (community vs hospital).
- Total the real cost. Tuition + exam fees + background checks/immunizations + books/supplies.
- Ask about outcomes. Pass rates, employer partners, alumni roles, and support after graduation.
Internal resource: When your state allows a PTCB-recognized program or national certification to satisfy training requirements, compare our curriculum and support: Pharmacy Tech Scholar Course.
Career pathways after your first credential
After earning CPhT, you can stack advanced skills and credentials to increase scope and pay:
- PTCB certificate programs (e.g., Billing & Reimbursement, Technician Product Verification, Medication History, Hazardous Drug Management).
- CPhT‑Adv (advanced) typically requires 3 years of experience and multiple certificates (or CSPT). These can position you for roles in sterile compounding, oncology, buyer/inventory, medication history, and lead technician positions.
See: PTCB Advanced Credentials & Certificates.
FAQ
Is PTCB recognition the same as ASHP accreditation?
No. ASHP/ACPE is a programmatic accreditation standard. PTCB recognition relates to eligibility for PTCB credentials (e.g., CPhT) via the education pathway. ASHP/ACPE programs are automatically PTCB‑recognized; some non-accredited programs are recognized via PTCB’s attestation process.
Which states require an ASHP-accredited program?
Requirements vary and change. As of the time that this article was written, states that specifically require an ASHP/ACPE-accredited program or state-approved equivalent include Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, North Dakota, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia.
How many hours are in an accredited program?
ASHP/ACPE standards specify ≥400 hours at the entry‑level and ≥600 hours at the advanced level, with defined didactic, simulation, and experiential components.
Can I sit for the PTCE without completing a recognized program?
Yes, via the work‑experience pathway: at least 500 hours as a pharmacy technician (plus meeting other PTCB policies). See eligibility details on the PTCB CPhT page.
How much does the PTCE cost?
The CPhT application + PTCE total $129. The official Pre-PTCE practice exam is $29 (optional). See the PTCB CPhT page for the current fee schedule.
Do employers accept PTCB-recognized online programs?
When paired with national certification, employers will generally accept the credential as long as it meets the state’s licensing requirements. Hospitals and health‑systems may prefer ASHP/ACPE-accredited education due to standardized experiential training, but this is generally not required unless the state requires it. Verify with local employers.
Does Pharmacy Tech Scholar meet ASHP accreditation?
No. Pharmacy Tech Scholar is not ASHP-accredited; it is PTCB-recognized and qualifies learners for PTCE eligibility. Completing the Pharmacy Tech Scholar program and earning national certification through the PTCB satisfies training and credentialing requirements for pharmacy technician registration in most states. Always check your state’s rules first.
Pharmacy Tech Scholar’s curriculum aligns with the didactic education standards set by ASHP. Employers or educators interested in establishing an ASHP/ACPE-accredited training program can contact us to discuss using our curriculum.
References
- PTCB Recognized Education/Training Program Directory: https://ptcb.org/ptcb-recognized-education-training-program-directory/
- PTCB – CPhT eligibility, PTCE fee, and work‑experience pathway: https://ptcb.org/credentials/certification/certified-pharmacy-technician/
- PTCB – State Regulations & Map: https://ptcb.org/resources/state-regulations-and-map/
- ASHP/ACPE Technician Program Accreditation (overview): https://www.ashp.org/professional-development/technician-program-accreditation
- ASHP/ACPE Standards (2018) — hour & experiential requirements (PDF): (linked from the page above)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Pharmacy Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm
Compliance & disclaimers
Regulations vary by state and change without notice. This article is educational and not legal advice. Always verify current requirements with your state board of pharmacy and the official sources linked above.
