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Patient care technicians (PCTs) provide hands-on support in settings like hospitals, dialysis centers, and long-term care facilities. Their work often includes helping patients with daily activities like eating, bathing, and dressing, and supporting clinical teams during routine care.
But how do you get certified as a patient care technician? Is it required?
Certification is not always required by law, but because PCTs work closely with patients, many employers prefer or require certification. In fact, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) found that 96% of employers require or encourage certification for PCTs.
The CPCT/A credential from the NHA is one of the most widely recognized options (and the one our PCT program prepares you for), though there are several other certifications available, such as PCTC and NCPCT.
This guide breaks down the different patient care technician certification options, including eligibility requirements, exam details, and renewal rules.
We’ll share how to decide which certification is best for you, how to pick the training program that will help you get it, and answer the most common certification questions.
Patient Care Technician Certification Options
There are several PCT certification options that can help you get hired and be ready for the job.
Here’s a quick overview of the most common PCT certifications:
Let’s go over each certification in more detail.
Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
The CPCT/A is one of the most respected patient care technician certifications in the U.S. It is offered by the National Healthcareer Association and is recognized by hospitals, outpatient centers, and dialysis providers.
This certification focuses on both clinical skills and professional standards. That’s because NHA’s research with employers has shown that they value professionalism and critical thinking as well as specific clinical skills.
Because NHA developed its PCT certification to align with employer expectations, it is one of the credentials most frequently listed in PCT job postings as preferred or required.
Our PCT training program here at Stepful is designed specifically to prepare students for the CPCT/A exam in just 8 weeks. We help you learn the necessary skills, prep for the exam, and offer career support.
Here’s a look at the details for this certification:
- Eligibility. Have a high school diploma or GED and have completed a PCT training program within the last 5 years, or have qualifying work experience.
- Cost of exam. $165.
- Number of questions. 100 questions.
- Renewal period. Every 2 years.
- Renewal requirements. 10 continuing education credits and a recertification fee ($192).
Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) from the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
The PCTC certification offered by the American Medical Certification Association is also a nationally recognized credential. The exam covers topics like anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, safety and infection control, patient care skills, and medical terminology.
This certification is less often specified in hospital job listings, but that may be because it appeals to candidates who are already working in healthcare and are seeking a general credential.
- Eligibility. Be at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma/GED or be working toward one, and have completed a PCT training program within the last year, or have qualifying work experience.
- Cost of exam. $119.
- Number of questions. 144.
- Renewal period. Every 2 years.
- Renewal requirements. 10 continuing education credits and renewal fee ($158).
Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
The NCPCT credential is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing. This credential is nationally recognized, but employer preference varies.
Many hospitals and large healthcare systems more commonly request PCT certifications from organizations such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which means the NCPCT may be accepted in some settings but not preferred for all hospital-based roles.
This certification has a shorter renewal cycle, which may require more frequent upkeep.
- Eligibility. Have completed an approved training program through a high school, post-secondary school, or military trainer, or have qualifying work experience.
- Cost of exam. $119.
- Number of questions. 125 scored questions and 25 unscored questions.
- Renewal period. Every year.
- Renewal requirements. 12 continuing education hours and annual renewal fee ($89).
Patient Care Technician (CPCT) from American Allied Health (AAH)
The CPCT credential from American Allied Health is a national certification, but it is less commonly listed in patient care technician job postings than some other credentials.
As a result, acceptance may be more limited in hospital and dialysis settings that rely on standardized certification requirements.
- Eligibility. Have completed a training program, military training, or have qualifying work experience.
- Cost of exam. $110.
- Number of questions. 150.
- Renewal period. Every year.
- Renewal requirements. 5 continuing education credits each year and a renewal fee ($32).
What Is the Best PCT Certification?
There is no single “best” patient care technician certification. The right choice often depends on the type of role you’re pursuing and where you want to work.
The CPCT/A from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is one of the most frequently requested patient care technician certifications. It is commonly listed in patient care technician job postings because it aligns with the standardized competency requirements used by many hospitals and large healthcare systems.
The other certifications covered are also nationally recognized, high-quality certifications, and all of them can help you stand out when applying for jobs.
For many aspiring PCTs, choosing a certification that is broadly recognized can help keep career options open and make it easier to apply across different healthcare settings.
How to Choose Which Patient Care Technician Certification Is Right for You
Choosing the right patient care technician certification depends on your training background, career goals, and the type of healthcare setting you want to work in. To help narrow down your options, we recommend looking at the following factors.
1) Which certifications the programs you’re interested in prepare you for
Many patient care technician training programs are designed to prepare students for a specific certification exam. Some programs even include exam preparation or cover the cost of the certification exam.
If you’re considering one or more training programs, check which PCT certification they prepare you for and whether employers commonly accept that certification.
2) Which certifications you’re eligible for
If you’ve already completed a training program or have experience working in patient care, review the eligibility requirements for each certification.
Some certifications require completion of an approved program, while others allow you to qualify through work experience.
Eligibility rules can vary by certifying organization, so it’s important to confirm that you meet the requirements before applying.
3) Where you want to work
Different healthcare settings may prefer different certifications.
Hospitals and dialysis centers often look for certifications that emphasize standardized clinical competencies, while long-term care facilities may be more flexible.
Looking at job postings in your area can give you a clearer sense of which certifications employers actually prefer.
4) What type of patient care role you’re interested in
Patient care technician roles can vary depending on the setting. Some positions focus heavily on bedside care and clinical tasks, while others include a broader mix of responsibilities.
Choosing a certification that aligns with your interests can help ensure you’re prepared for the kind of work you want to do day to day.
Taking the time to compare certifications using these factors can help you choose a path that fits both your current situation and your long-term career goals.
How to Choose a Patient Care Technician Training Program to Help You Get Certified
A strong patient care technician training program should prepare you for certification and real-world patient care. Programs vary, so comparing options carefully can help you avoid surprises later.
Things to look for include:
- Accreditation or alignment with recognized certifying bodies
- Preparation for a national certification exam
- Total program cost
- Program length and time commitment
- Online versus in-person format
Let’s take a look at each:
1) Accreditation & certification exam
Accreditation or alignment with recognized certifying bodies helps ensure the program covers the skills employers expect and meets industry standards.
Programs that are aligned with national certifications are more likely to prepare you for the exam and for real workplace responsibilities.
It’s also important to confirm that the program prepares you for a specific national certification exam. A program that teaches exam-relevant skills and concepts can make certification easier and reduce the risk of having to pay for additional test prep later.
2) Length & cost of program
You should also consider the length of the program. This will affect how quickly you can enter the workforce and how much you’ll invest upfront.
Just remember, shorter isn’t always better. If a program doesn’t successfully prepare you for the exam or to start working, the shorter timeframe doesn’t mean much.
Shorter programs may help you start working sooner, while longer programs may offer more hands-on practice or more different certifications.
You should also work to understand the costs of PCT programs, including fees and materials. This helps you plan financially and make sure it’s affordable.
3) Class format & location
Finally, consider whether an online or in-person format works best for your schedule and learning style. Online programs often offer more flexibility, while in-person programs may provide more structured hands-on experience.
The best choice is one that fits your life while still preparing you to succeed as a patient care technician.
Some online programs are self-paced, while others have more structured timelines.
Stepful’s PCT training program is 100% online but uses live, instructor-led classes that meet twice a week. This keeps students moving through the material at a good pace and allows them to ask questions and get support from peers.
Programs like Stepful’s are designed to prepare students for certification while keeping training flexible and affordable.
Is It Possible to Get a PCT Job With No Experience or Certification?
It is possible to get hired as a PCT without experience or certification, but it means that the employer becomes responsible for training you on the job.
This training often takes several weeks and typically focuses on basic daily care tasks such as assisting with mobility, hygiene, meals, and vital signs.
More advanced clinical skills are often learned gradually over time or may not be included at all. That is why many employers prefer candidates who arrive already trained and certified.
Completing a PCT program and earning certification shows that you understand patient safety, infection control, and core clinical skills before starting the job. This can reduce the amount of on-the-job training an employer needs to provide and help you feel more confident in your role from day one.
Certification can also expand job options. Hospitals and dialysis centers are more likely to prefer certified PCTs, which can make it easier to qualify for roles with more responsibility and long-term growth potential.
PCT Certification FAQs
What certifications are needed to become a PCT?
Certification as a PCT is not required by most states. However, employers prefer to hire trained and certified PCTs. The CPCT/A certification from NHA is widely recognized by hospitals, dialysis centers, and other healthcare facilities. A widely recognized certification like this can help keep job options open.
How long does it take to become a PCT?
How long it takes to become a PCT varies by program, but many patient care technician programs can be completed in a few weeks to several months. Online programs may offer faster completion, while programs provided by community colleges, for example, can take up to 2 years.
How much does it cost to become a PCT?
How much it costs to become a PCT depends on the training program you choose and the certification exam fee. The longer the program takes, the more it is likely to cost. Check on fees for materials, labs, exam prep, and the certification exam itself. Some programs bundle exam preparation with training or include the cost of certification in the program cost.
Is the PCT certification exam hard?
The exam covers topics like patient care, safety, infection control, and basic clinical skills. Most students find it manageable when they complete a structured training program and review exam-style questions ahead of time.
Is PCT certification worth it?
Certification can improve job prospects and make you more competitive when applying for patient care technician roles. Many employers view certification as proof that you are prepared for hands-on patient care and professional responsibilities.
Is PCT higher than CNA?
Neither role is considered higher than the other, as both are entry-level healthcare positions. However, PCTs often perform a broader range of clinical tasks, while CNAs typically focus more on basic daily care.
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