How to get Pharmacy technician certification?

Pharmacy Technician Requirements?

• I'm a college student looking to pursue a career in pharmacy. I'm interested in becoming a pharmacy technician for experience and to make myself a more competitive applicant for pharmacy school, but I'm unsure of exactly what the requirements are. From some people I'm hearing that I need to pass the certification test and apply for a license. Others are telling me that I don't need to get certified and just need the license. Then others are saying that I don't need either and can get a job as a pharmacy tech by simply going to the manager and asking if there are any jobs available. No training, no experience. I'm looking to get a job as a tech in Alabama, if anyone can clear up what I do and do not need to do to get this job, I would greatly appreciate it.

• Answer:

  You can look up each state's pharmacy technician requirements at http://pharmtechtraining.net/state-requirements.html Alabama requirements are: Hold a job in a pharmacy and register with the State Board. So there is no formal training required but I would recommend looking at job openings in your area and see what employers are requesting/preferring. Some may prefer to hire people who have gone through a certificate training course or possibly PTCB certification. But legally you are not required to do so. Good luck!