The CphT is a national exam I believe... but depending on where you work now you might be able to transfer to a store up there without the certification at all.
I was hired at Publix, and just took my drug test and got my orientation info yesterday. If I'm accepted to Mercer I'm probably going to try and transfer to a Publix in Atlanta (I was so shocked to find out they have a BUNCH up there... I always thought it was a Florida store since it was founded in Lakeland).
Anyway... hope that helps!