State by State Pharmacy Technicians Requirements

We have put together a list of the basic requirements for registration as a pharmacy technician in each state. They are in alphabetical order for your convenience. Please keep in mind that although we try to keep this list updated, you should always double-check your state’s board of pharmacy website before committing to a plan of action.

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Alabama – You must complete a Board-approved training program within the first six months after your initial registration and submit evidence of completion to the board within 10 days of completion. Upload a completed Training Completion Affirmation Form and the technician training to the Board’s website. You and your pharmacy employer must keep a record of the training for two years from the completion date.

Alaska A license is required before beginning employment as a technician in Alaska. Licensure requires a high school diploma or GED and a cleared criminal records check. National certification is not required for licensure.

Arizona PTCB or ExCPT certification is required for registration from the Arizona Board of Pharmacy. If you have not yet passed the PTCB or ExCPT examination and have never held a technician or technician trainee license with the Board, you may apply for a technician trainee license. To qualify for licensure as a technician trainee, you must be of good moral character, be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and show lawful presence in the United States. Applications for technician and technician trainee licenses must be accompanied by a copy of a valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Arkansas The State of Arkansas does not require certification or formal training for pharmacy technicians. However, you must complete registration with the Board of Pharmacy to practice as a pharmacy technician. Registration requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a satisfactory state and federal background check.

California A license is required to practice as a pharmacy technician in California. Your application for licensure must include the application fee of $195, a completed application, a US social security number, a passport-style photo, proof of completing high school or equivalent, a sealed self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank, livescan fingerprints, and pharmacy technician documents. Pharmacy technician documents must include one of the following:

  • Affidavit of completed coursework or graduation for Pharmacy Technician. Course options include an Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technology, a course that provides at least 240 hours of instruction, a training course accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, OR graduation from a school of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. The program director, school registrar, or pharmacist must complete and sign the affidavit
  • PTCB certified – copy of PTCB certificate required
  • ExCPT certified – copy of ExCPT certificate. ExCPT certifications prior to January 1, 2017 will not be accepted
  • Military training – copy of DD214 documenting evidence of pharmacy technician training provided by a branch of the federal armed services

Colorado Pharmacy technicians practicing in Colorado must have certification or provisional certification from the State Board of Pharmacy. You must pass a criminal history record check and provide proof of certification by a board-approved, nationally-recognized organization, such as the PTCB, to obtain certification. The Board of Pharmacy will grant a one-time provisional certification of up to 18 months for applicants to satisfy the requirements for certification. The provisional certification may be extended due to hardships. You must meet the continuing education requirements before renewing your certificate.

Connecticut Pharmacy technician registration is required for practice in a pharmacy performing routine pharmacy functions in the dispensing of drugs. You must have a position in a pharmacy within the State of Connecticut and have a Pharmacist Manager attest to your employment and training on the application for registration.

Delaware The State Board of Pharmacy does issue a license for pharmacy technicians.

Florida The Florida State Board of Pharmacy issues a Registered Pharmacy Technician license to applicants 17 years or older who have completed a board-approved training program. A board-approved program includes a pharmacy technician program accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency, a program within the public school system of Florida that comply with the Florida Department of Education Curriculum Framework for Pharmacy Technician, a program provided by a branch of the federal armed services, a program accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, a program at institutions accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools, a program accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and a program approved by the Florida Commission for Independent Education. Many employer-based and non-employer based programs are also Board approved. PTCB certification cannot be used in lieu of the completion of a Board-approved program.

Georgia  The Georgia Board of Pharmacy requires that pharmacy technicians register with the Board. You must submit your application online and submit a completed Pharmacy Technician Application Supplement. Other requirements include a criminal history background check through Cogent/GAPS, the license number of the pharmacy where you are employed (if employed), and copy of PTCB certificate (if certified). Certification is not required but the Board only recognizes PTCB or ExCPT certifications.

Hawaii The Hawaii Board of Pharmacy does not regulate pharmacy technicians or require licensure.

Idaho The Idaho State Board of Pharmacy issues a Pharmacy Technician and Certified Technician Registration and a Student Pharmacy Technician license. Pharmacy technician and certified pharmacy technician requirements include a current government issued ID, proof of high school graduation, and submission of completed fingerprint card. Certified pharmacy technicians must also submit a valid PTCB or ExCPT certificate. The student pharmacy technician registration requires verification of current enrollment in a supervised program using the Supervised Program Information Form. Applicants for the student pharmacy technician registration is exempt from the fingerprint-based criminal history check if under the age of 18 years.

Illinois  Pharmacy technician licenses issued by the Illinois Board of Pharmacy are designated as Student or Certified. For a Student designation, you must provide a letter from a school official on school letterhead that indicates your name and status as a student in an ACPE school of pharmacy or a copy of your letter from the IDFPR approving your outline of a 1200-hour course of clinical instruction. The Certified designation requires proof of passing an approved pharmacy technician exam (PTCB or ExCPT) and proof of education. Proof of education includes a copy of your pharmacy technician program certificate or a statement from the pharmacist in charge of the pharmacy where you are currently employed.

Indiana The Board of Pharmacy will issue a license if you have completed a board-approved training and education program or passed an approved examination (PTCB or ExCPT). If you have not completed training or passed an exam, you may apply for a technician in training license. A criminal background check and completed application are other requirements for registration.

Iowa You must obtain and maintain a current registration as a certified pharmacy technician to work in Iowa. Before working in the secured pharmacy areas, you must be registered as a certified pharmacy technician. CPhT registration is available after you complete national PTCB certification.

Kansas You must pass a technician certification exam before the first renewal or, if previously registered, at the time of application.  All pharmacy technicians registered on or after July 1, 2017, will be required to pass a national pharmacy technician certification examination. The Board has approved the PTCB or ExCPT for national certification.

Kentucky All pharmacy technicians must be registered with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. National certification is not required for registration.

Louisiana There are two eligibility options for pharmacy technician candidate registration in Louisiana. The first is to provide proof of enrollment in a nationally-accredited and board-approved training program comprising of at least 600 hours of practical experience. The other is to provide proof of successful completion of a board-approved pharmacy technician certification (PTCB or ExCPT) and proof of successful completion of a high school or GED approved by a state department of education. Other requirements a completed application for registration and completion of a criminal background check. You must submit your fingerprints for analysis by the Louisiana State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Maine You must register with the Board of Pharmacy to practice as a pharmacy technician in Maine. Employment in a Maine pharmacy is required to obtain licensure. The pharmacist in charge must sign your application to the Board. A criminal background check will be conducted as part of the application process. The cost is included in the fee. National certification is not required for licensure.

Maryland Registration is required to practice as a pharmacy technician in Maine. You must complete a board-approved pharmacy technician training program that includes 160 hours of work experience and evidence of having passed a board-approved certification exam or submit evidence of current certification by a national pharmacy technician certification program to qualify for registration. Other requirements include a criminal history record report and proof of completing high school or equivalent.

Massachusetts All pharmacy technician working in Massachusetts must register with the state. To register as a pharmacy technician, you must have a good moral character and complete a board-approved training program or have a minimum of 500 hours of employment as a pharmacy technician trainee and pass a board-approved technician assessment exam administered by the employer or a board-approved pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCB or ExCPT). If you have not completed a board-approved program, you may apply for a pharmacy technician in training application to complete the 500 hours of employment.

Michigan A pharmacy technician license is required for practice as a pharmacy technician in Michigan. You can obtain a license by exam, endorsement, or re-licensure. Requirements for licensure include a criminal background check, answers to the Good Moral Character Questions, training in the identification of human trafficking victims, a social security number, a NABP E-Profile Identification Number, and English language proficiency. You must request your PTCB or ExCPT exam scores to be submitted directly to the office and complete an approved employer-based training program for licensure by exam and endorsement.

Minnesota You must have an active registration with the Board of Pharmacy to perform the duties of a pharmacy technician. Registration requires proof of high school graduation. Pharmacy technician training must be completed within 12 months from the date of issue of the registration number. Acceptable training programs include a program offered by a Board-approved, accredited vocational institute or college, a program accredited by a Board-approved, national organization that accredits pharmacy technician training programs, a program provided by a branch of the United States armed forces or Public Health Service, or an employer-based program that includes a minimum of 240 hours in a one-year period. ASHP accredited programs are automatically approved.

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Mississippi You must obtain a Mississippi Board of Pharmacy – Pharmacy Technician Registration to work as a pharmacy technician in the state of Mississippi. Registration requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a criminal background check, and a completed Pharmacy Technician Registration Application submitted online. The Board of Pharmacy no longer requires pharmacy technicians to be PTCB certified.

Missouri All pharmacy technicians must have a current and active Missouri pharmacy technician registration. Registration is also required if you will have independent access to prescription drugs on a routine basis. Registration requires submissions of a completed application and a criminal background check via fingerprinting. National certification is not required for technician registration. However, it is required if you will administer medication by prescription order as delegated by a pharmacist, administer vaccines, and assist at a Class R Remote Dispensing Site.

Montana You must be registered as a Certified Pharmacy Technician or a Technician-in-Training to practice as a pharmacy technician in Montana. The technician-in-training license is only issued once and is valid for 18 months. You must complete all the certified pharmacy technician requirements within the 18 months to continue practice. Requirements for registration as a Certified Pharmacy Technician include a high school diploma or equivalent, PTCB or ExCPT certification, and a good moral character.

Nebraska You must register with the DHHS as a pharmacy technician to practice in the State of Nebraska. A high school diploma, good moral character, and a completed application are required for registration.

Nevada You must register as a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician in training to practice in Nevada. Registration as a pharmacy technician requires successful completion of one of the following:

  • An ASHP-approved PT school or training program
  • Registration as a PT in another state if the requirements for registration are equivalent to Nevada’s requirements and successful completion of at least 240 hours of employment as a PT
  • At least 1,500 hours of experience in a pharmacy in a state where registration, licensure, or certification as a PT is not offered
  • At least 1,500 hours of training and experience as a registered PTT employed in Nevada licensed pharmacies – verified by a managing pharmacist
  • A pharmaceutical technician training program conducted by a branch of the US Armed Forces, the Indian Health Service of United States Department of Health and Human Services or the US Department of Veteran Affairs
  • Certification by the PTCB or NHA as a PT and completion of at least 500 hours of training and experience as a registered PTT employed in Nevada licensed pharmacies

New Jersey You must register with the Board of Pharmacy to practice as a pharmacy technician. PTCB certification is not required.

New Mexico You must submit a registration application and necessary documents to the Board of Pharmacy before performing pharmacy technician duties. If you are still completing training, you must submit a registration application and the name of the pharmacist or training sponsor responsible for your ongoing training and education to register as a non-certified technician. As a non-certified pharmacy technician, you’ll have one year to complete the necessary training and examination to become certified. Submit documentation of passing the certification exam (PTCB or ExCPT), a written record of completed pharmacy technician training and education, and a registration application and fee to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician with the Board of Pharmacy.

New York You must obtain a license to obtain the Registered Pharmacy Technician credential in New York. Registration requires a good moral character, a high school diploma or equivalent, and certification from a nationally accredited pharmacy technician certification program (PTCB or ExCPT).

North Carolina Pharmacy technicians in North Carolina must register within 30 days of employment. Registration requires a high school diploma or equivalent, employment by a licensed pharmacy, and completion of a training program approved by the supervising pharmacist-manager or a current pharmacy technician certification issued by the PTCB or ExCPT.

North Dakota You must complete an ASHP accredited pharmacy technician program and hold PTCB or ExCPT certification to register as a pharmacy technician in North Dakota.

Ohio There are three types of pharmacy technician registration in Ohio. The Certified Pharmacy Technician registration requires completion of a national PTCB or ExCPT certification. The Registered Pharmacy Technician registration requires completion of an approved pharmacy technician program. You may register as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee if you have not yet completed an approved program and certification. A one-time 6-month extension is available for pharmacy technician trainees.

Oklahoma Pharmacy technicians in Oklahoma must apply for a permit and have it signed by a licensed Oklahoma pharmacist to be valid. You must be currently employed in a licensed Oklahoma pharmacy and under the immediate supervision of a licensed Oklahoma pharmacist.

Oregon Oregon registers Pharmacy Technicians and Certified Pharmacy Technicians. You must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma to register. You may apply for the Certified Oregon Pharmacy Technician license if you hold a national certification through either the PTCB or NHA.

Pennsylvania Pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania will be registered by the PA Board of Pharmacy. A criminal background check and completion of a SBOP approved pharmacy technician training program are required for registration. You may apply to become a pharmacy technician trainee if you have not completed a pharmacy technician program.

Rhode Island There are two registration options for pharmacy technicians in Rhode Island. The TECH 1 license is available if you are currently employed in a licensed pharmacy. The pharmacist in charge must completed part of the application. The TECH 2 license requires completion of the PTCB or ExCPT national certification exam or a regionally accredited program, or a program offered by the US Armed Service or US Public Health Service, and an ASHP accredited program.

South Carolina You must have an active SC Pharmacy Technician registration or SC State-Certified Pharmacy Technician registration to work in a pharmacy in South Carolina. State  Certified Pharmacy Technician registration requires current SC Pharmacy Technician registration, a high school diploma or GED, passage of the national PTCB or ExCPT exam, completion of a pharmacy technician training program accredited by the ASHP, and 1,000 hours of practice in a pharmacy under a licensed pharmacist.

South Dakota  A pharmacy technician must register with the board by submitting an application for registration within 30 days of accepting employment as a pharmacy technician in a South Dakota pharmacy. If you are enrolled in a college-based technician program, you must apply for a pharmacy technician registration before the commencement of the on-site practical experience. National certification is not required for registration.

Tennessee Pharmacy technicians must register with the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy to practice. The Board does not require national certification of pharmacy technicians.

Texas Pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees must register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy before performing the duties of a pharmacy technician. You must apply for the pharmacy technician trainee registration to participate in a pharmacy technician training program and work towards certification from an approved national organization. The trainee license is valid for two years and is not renewable. You may apply for the registered pharmacy technician credential after you have completed certification from a board-approved certification exam such as the PTCE or ExCPT. Completion of a fingerprint session is required for registration.

Utah A pharmacy technician license is required for practice in Utah. You are eligible for licensure after completing on-the-job training at a licensed pharmacy – Affidavit of Supervising Pharmacist required – or a formal training program – Affidavit of the Official Representative of the program required. You must submit a copy of your national certification from PTCB or ExCPT. If you hold a pharmacy technician license from another state, you may apply for licensure if you have worked more than 1,000 hours as a pharmacy technician.

Vermont The Vermont Board of Pharmacy requires registration from all pharmacy technicians. You must submit an online application and the registration fee and a copy of the certificate of pharmacy technician training if available. Formal training and national certification are not required for registration.

Virginia Registration with the Board of Pharmacy is required for practice as a pharmacy technician in Virginia. It requires the completion of an approved pharmacy technician program and current certification from a national certification exam administered by PTCB or NHA. Board-approved programs include those that are:

  • Jointly accredited by the ASHP and the ACPE
  • Accredited and operated through the Department of Education’s (DOE) Career and Technical Education program
  • Operated through a federal agency or branch of the military
  • Accredited by an accreditation body approved by the board

Washington The Washington State Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to register before practice. Registration requirements include graduation from a Pharmacy Commission-approved training program that includes at least eight hours of pharmacy law study, truthful answers to the personal data questions, at least four hours of HIV/AIDS training, documentation of passing a National Certification Exam.

West Virginia Registration is required to perform the duties of a pharmacy technician in West Virginia. You must complete approved pharmacy technician training and obtain national certification from the PTCB or ExCPT to be eligible for registration. You may apply for a pharmacy technician trainee license if you have not completed the requirements for registration as a pharmacy technician.

Wisconsin Pharmacy technicians are not regulated by the Wisconsin Board of Pharmacy.

Wyoming Registration as a pharmacy technician in Wyoming requires certification from the PTCB or ExCPT and a satisfactory criminal background check. If you are not currently certified and working towards national certification, you may apply for a technician-in-training permit t work in a pharmacy under the direction of a Pharmacist-in-Charge. A criminal background check is required for the permit. It is valid for two years and is not renewable.

Washington D.C. Registration is required for practice as a pharmacy technician in DC. Pharmacy technician registration requires a criminal background check, completion of a board-approved pharmacy technician program, and current national certification from the PTCB or NHA. You can register as a pharmacy technician trainee if you are employed as a pharmacy technician trainee or enrolled in a board-approved technician training program and have not completed a national certification exam. Registration by reciprocity is available if you are registered in good standing in another state.

 

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Get information on Pharmacy Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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