More than 55,000 candidates sought PTCB certification in 2010

WASHINGTON — More than 55,000 candidates sat for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam in 2010, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board said Tuesday.

The PTCB said it has certified more than 400,000 pharmacy technicians since 1995.

“Certification through PTCB represents an excellent pathway to employment for pharmacy technicians practicing in the United States,” PTCB executive director and CEO Melissa Murer Corrigan said in a statement. “It also enables pharmacy technicians to meet the growing demands of a changing pharmacy landscape.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technician employment is expected to increase by more than 31% by 2018, and pharmacy techs with formal education or training, previous work experience and certification will be specifically sought after to meet the demand.