State requirements

Alabama Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Find out how to become a pharmacy technician in Alabama.
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Becoming a  Pharmacy Technician in
Alabama

Alabama requires that all individuals practicing as a pharmacy technician must be licensed with the state board of pharmacy.
  • The Alabama pharmacy technician application can be found on the State Board of Pharmacy's website: Here
  • There are several fees associated with applying for a pharmacy technician license in Alabama: $60 application fee; $40 background check fee; $4 processing fee.  All fees are non-refundable.
  • Pharmacy technician licenses are issued for a two-year term.  They expire on December 31st of odd-numbered years and must be renewed before then.
  • For existing pharmacy technicians, Alabama requires a minimum of 6 continuing education hours per each renewal period. Two of those hours must be "live" presentations.
  • For newly registered technicians, Alabama requires the completion for a Board of Pharmacy approved training program or a PTCB certification. See below.

Alabama Pharmacy Technician Training Rule

In August of 2020, the Alabama Board of Pharmacy enacted new pharmacy technician education requirements. All pharmacy technicians must become PTCB certified OR complete an Alabama Board of Pharmacy approved training program within 6 months of registration. 

Option 1: PTCB Certification

Completing the 1st Pass CPhT Course and passing the PTCB certification exam satisfies the Alabama pharmacy technician education requirement. After getting passing your certification, you will obtain a certificate from PTCB. This is your proof of training. You will have to upload it to the Alabama Board of Pharmacy web portal. You will also have to share a copy of it with your employer. Both the technician and the pharmacy have to maintain proof of PTCB certification for at least two years.

Option 2: Completion of Alabama Board of Pharmacy Approved Training

If you choose this pathway, you must ensure that the program you complete is board-approved. The Alabama Board of Pharmacy publishes a list of programs on their website. The documentation requirements for this pathway are the same. After completing the training program you will receive a proof-of-training document. You will have to upload it to the Alabama Board of Pharmacy portal, share it with your pharmacy, and maintain a copy of it for at least two years.
Full description of the Alabama Board of Pharmacy technician training rule can be found on the Alabama Board of Pharmacy website.

Which option should I choose?

Both options are similar in that they involve taking a training a program in pharmacy. And both options will allow you to practice as a pharmacy technician in the state of Alabama. For most individuals, option 1 is the better choice because while meeting Board requirements, you will also be awarded with the industry-recognized CPhT designation. Since PTCB certified pharmacy technicians (CPhT) are typically paid significantly more than non-certified technicians, option 1 is often the most attractive choice.

PTCB Certification Requirements

To become a certified pharmacy technician you must meet the following criteria
Click here for a full set of guidelines from the PTCB.

Residency

Reside in the United States of America or its territories.

Certification program or equivalent work experience

Complete an approved training program (like the 1st Pass CPhT Course) or have 500 hours of equivalent work experience. See below.

Compliance

You must comply with all PTCB policies and disclose all criminal and state Board of Pharmacy license actions.

Pass the PTCE

Obtain a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

Certification Exam
Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify to sit for the PTCB certification exam, you must complete one of the following:

Pathway 1:

Complete a PTCB Approved Pharmacy Technician Course (such as 1st Pass CPhT).
This is the preferred method.

Pathway 2:

Complete 500 hours work experience as a pharmacy technician.
PTCB classifies this as an alternative method for individuals not in a position to attend a course.

The Preferred Method:
A PTCB Approved Training Program

There are several reasons why Pathway 1 is the preferred method
  • Work experience alone will not teach you enough to pass the PTCB certification exam. You will still have to study. 
  • Certified technicians are offered significantly higher starting wages. Working 500+ hours without being certified can cost you thousands of dollars.
  • Pharmacies that offer better work environments are more selective in their hiring. Being certified gives you access to more desirable jobs.
  • Certified technicians are given priority when scheduling shifts. 
  • As a CPhT, you will get more respect from your peers and patients.
Overview

Benefits of our training program

There are many advantages to our 1st Pass CPhT training program.  Here are just a few. Visit the course page to learn more.

Expertly designed curriculum

Our curriculum was designed by board certified clinical pharmacists and pharmacy managers. Pass the PTCE and learn the skills employers are seeking. See the 1st Pass CPhT Course Page to find out more about the 1st Pass Advantage.

Accelerated learning experience

Accelerated but self-paced. Motivated students who have time to devote to studying can finish the course in as little as three weeks. You can be on your way to a new career in less than a month.

Affordably priced

Technology and determination allowed us to make this course accessible to everyone looking to start a new healthcare career.

Our Course