When To Apply

CPhTs can apply for recertification 100 days prior to their certification expiration date. Applications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the certification expiration date (the 'renew by date') to ensure adequate time for processing. PTCB will accept recertification applications up until the expiration date, but cannot guarantee that applications submitted after the renew by date will be processed before the expiration date.

How To Apply

• Complete a total of 20 hours of pharmacy-related continuing education  (CE) within the two-year period (SEE BELOW). At least one of those hours must be in the area of pharmacy law.
• Login to your PTCB Account and enter your completed CE information.
• Apply for recertification from within your PTCB Account.

Continuing Education Requirement to Recertify

Recertificants must complete a minimum of twenty (20) hours of continuing education (CE) during each two (2) year recertification cycle. For recertification candidates:

• one (1) hour of the twenty (20) hours must be in the subject of pharmacy law
• one (1) hour must be in the subject of patient safety

A maximum of fifteen (15) hours of the twenty (20) hours may be earned by completing a relevant college course with a grade of "C" or better. A maximum of five (5) hours may be earned by completing in-service projects.

CPhTs must complete all CE hours within the two (2) year recertification cycle (on or before the expiration date). CPhTs must satisfy CE requirements in pharmacy technician-specific subject matter. In order to qualify as pharmacy technician-specific, any CE program offered by ACPE-accredited providers with the target audience designation "T" satisfy the requirement of pertaining to pharmacy technician-specific subject matter. CPhTs must maintain their own records of CE hours earned during each recertification period, and are responsible for maintaining these records for at least one (1) year after the recertification cycle ends. Acceptable documentation of participation in a college course may be either a transcript or a grade report. For in-service projects or other CEs for which a certificate of participation is not available, the supervising pharmacist or instructor must complete the Universal Continuing Education Form.

Failure To Recertify

CPhTs who fail to recertify by midnight Eastern Standard Time on the certification expiration date are no longer considered certified by PTCB. A CPhT whose certification has expired may apply for reinstatement within one year.

Official Certificates

After you renew your certification, you may access your updated certificate by logging into your account and clicking on 'Print Certificate' under 'Certification Management'. Certificates available within your account are free of charge, are official certificates, and should be considered as such for proof of certification purposes.                                                                           

Optional fine paper certificates with wallet-sized card can be ordered from within your account, but are not included in the application for recertification fee. The current cost for a fine paper certificate with wallet-sized card is $25. For a list of current fees, please refer to the Current Fees page.

If you elect to order a fine paper certificate with wallet-sized card, please log into your account, and click on Certificates on the top menu. Then click Search under Product Search, followed by Certificate Reprint and follow the ordering process. Certificates typically arrive within 4 to 6 weeks.